To cancel holiday due to the state of the world.

[Ladybythebeach]

I'm just not sure if I'm being overly anxious (not unusual) or rightly cautious.

We have a holiday booked to Turkey at the end of May (husband and two children). The more news I watch, the more I doubt whether going on holiday, particularly nearer any conflict, is the right to thing to do. I'm worrying about something happening whilst we're there and not being able to get home.

Would Spain etc be a more sensible option?

Would appreciate any level headed, sensible input. I just don't know if I'm being ridiculous.

Thank you @Amba1998

All excellent points!

We loved Turkey. Wouldn't hesitate to go again x

I go to Turkey regularly and have been doing since 1995.

It's well over 1000 from Antalya (and even further from the Marmaris and Bodrum areas to the Iran border. Not the slightest hint that there is an issue.

I go on my own and I have learned that the Turkish in general and men in particular are more direct BUT they also appreciate the same in return and haven't in my experience ever been predatory. They seem to take 'no' for an answer far more easily than British men (that I have met) who get all offended and often offensive when turned down. Obviously there are exeptions on both sides.

I love Turkey and on the whole Turkish people are the friendliest and most helpful I've ever met.

Hi OP, I’m currently living in Turkey (South West) It is a beautiful country.

If you are staying in the tourist areas, you will be fine.

Turkey is an incredible country, and Istanbul is one of the best cities in the world. It is beautiful and fascinating, with something amazing around every corner. I absolutely loved it. Oh, and the cats everywhere! (I love cats). One of my favourite memories is watching some children take care of some tiny kittens in the grounds outside their mosque. It was wonderful!

I’ve also had some resort-y type holidays across Turkey too, and they were all great. I’ve never felt unsafe, although as always when travelling in an unfamiliar country it is necessary to take precautions to protect yourself. When I travel I take care to dress conservatively (it can be useful to carry a scarf in your bag to cover your hair if you want to enter a mosque for example), to respect local culture and generally try not be a stereotypical ‘Brit abroad’ type. But I do that anywhere I go! 😂

My daughter lives in Istanbul and has not seen any impact from the recent troubles in the Middle East. She is married to a Palestinian and while there is a lot of racism towards Arabs, there is more towards her as a British woman, but there has been no change over the last few months.

It harbours hamas leaders.. no thank you

Borders them, yes.

But these countries are huge.

Tourist resorts in Turkey aren't a key issue in middle-east conflicts.

Hundreds of thousands of people will go to Turkey, and it'll be fine.

The Turks won't be dragged into the middle-eastern conflict, I promise you.
Their economy rests on tourism and stability too much.

Chill out and enjoy the holiday.

You'll be absolutely fine.

Just monitor foreign office advice. But as others have said providing that's ok then go and have fun. You could stay in the UK and something could happen.

Turkey is not a small country. Antalya is a very long way (500 miles-ish) away from any conflict.

So I think if you don't feel comfortable don't go. It won't make for a relaxing holiday.

I have been to some obscure places over the years, but I wouldn't go to Egypt for example.

We have done Greece for many years and adore the country, but the fires last year and searing heat of 32 degrees (constantly, even at night) have put us off rebooking.

I don't give a hoot what anyone on mum's net thinks, or anywhere come to that. Holidays are meant to be relaxing and that's hard enough with two kids as it's!

I went to turkey last year and going again this year. We had a fantastic time.

Thanks everyone - appreciate all your thoughts.
It's certainly made me think I'm being slightly irrational.

I was really worried about my DH going to Hungary in a stag so just a few weeks after the conflict began in Ukraine, with it being a bordering country.

I tied myself in knots over it, and you know what? It was fine.

im a naturally very anxious person and if I let it take over I would never leave the house.

go, and enjoy!

Oh good lord, just go. My first experience of being on holiday in a "dodgy" area was when I went to India with my parents at the same time as general zia was Killin Pakistan. Since then I've been to Belfast, Derry, Sarajevo, Rio and Johannesburg. These are all risky places but fortunately I've been ok. If you restrict your life because of threats....only you lose.

I wouldn't go to Israel right now, but I'd certainly go to Turkey. Have a wonderful time!!!

No need to be rude.

Turkey is a huge country. Antalya is 1000 miles away from the Syrian Border and a lot further to Iran so you really have nothing to worry about.

We have a house in Turkey and we will be going over there this year.

Don't worry and have a wonderful holiday.

Just come back from Istanbul (with teen DD) - it was our first time in Turkey
I felt v safe - there are lots of police about - it is very v clean too (loads of street dogs and cats but no mess / no barking at all!!)
Yes the shop / restaurant workers are cheesey - "are you from Paradise?" etc but nothing worse than that!
I would definitely visit again.

YABU for your Sun-esque title. Turkey is not 'the world' and it's been iffy on and off for as long as I can remember.

Turkey is a huge country. Antalya is 1000 miles away from the Syrian Border and a lot further to Iran so you really have nothing to worry about.

Exactly what I was about to type.

I wouldn't even hesitate. You'll have a great time. Seriously, just put that thought out of your mind. You'll be fine. It's a great country.

(I can't help but laugh at some of the incredibly ignorant opinions on this thread... Not yours obviously, but the 'reasons ' that others have for not going there!)