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Help - Istanbul for 4 days, never been abroad before, no clue!

6 replies

trinitybleu · 25/09/2013 19:21

So ... going at end of October and I have no idea what to wear, how hand luggage / hold luggage works, do I need plug adaptors, how best to stay in touch with home ... everything!

Can anyone help with info, tips, ideas and general hand holding please?? Grin

OP posts:
MummyofIsla · 25/09/2013 19:33

Oh you must be so excited, Istanbul is absolutely fabulous. In the hotel etc. its fine to wear shorts and tshirts etc. (though Istanbul can actually be quite chilly that time of year.) But if out and about in the city try to dress conservatively, it is a Muslim country and you might find yourself getting some unwanted attention if you show too much leg/arm etc.

I would recommend visiting the Blue Mosque, its the most beautiful building I've ever been in. You will be expected to cover your head if you do however. Its also well worth going for a wander through the markets, the sights and smells are fabulous.

It depends on who you are flying with as to what your luggage allowance will be. The hold luggage is your big bag that generally has your clothes etc. and your hand luggage is for on the plane with you. Hand luggage must be small enough to put under the sweat in front of you.

Buying things in places like Turkey is very different to doing so in Britain. Take any price that they quote as a starting point, to be wittled down. You can usually haggle to at least half the price. If getting in a taxi make sure to agree the price before you get in to avoid a hefty fee.

If there is a safe in your hotel make sure to put your passport and some money in it, just in case of emergencies. If taking money out with you I would recommend getting a bum pack to put under your clothes (this avoids unwanted pick pocketing which can be a real problem.) And I always keep a note or two in my sock just in case (fingers crossed never had any problems and I travel a lot.)

I would recommend getting some guidebooks (Lonely Planet and the Rough Guide are fab ones and will be able to give you an insight into what to expect as well as good places to visit etc.

If possible (I know it can be daunting first time) try to arrange trips on your own terms. If you book your day trips with your tour operator its likely to cost you a great deal of money.

Finally try not to feel intimidated, the Turkish people are lovely but the men can be a little overbearing at times (e.g. sexual suggestions.) Usually a firm no will do the trick and if you are alone make sure to tell them about a husband (real or imaginary) that you are going to meet. It tends to cool them off a bit.

But most of all have fun! Turkey is one of my favourite places in the world.

trinitybleu · 25/09/2013 20:43

Thanks for that!

Am going with Turkish Airlines and it's all organised by them (all expenses paid) so hoping we'll get to visit the best places. Going with colleagues who've promised to look after me on the flight so sure they'll keep unwanted attention at bay too!

Exciting! Am really looking forward to it Smile

OP posts:
MummyofIsla · 26/09/2013 08:11

I really hope you have a great time. I found the hassle a little intimidating the first few times but you soon learn how to deal with it. Glad you have friends to help out. Make sure to go for dinner at some little Turkish restaurants if you can, not just the tourist places. You'll find that the food and service is a million times better.

I hate flying (had a couple of really bad ones) so like to have someone to hold my hand during take off and landing haha, and of course through any turbulence!

trinitybleu · 26/09/2013 15:58

Have had a read through the Turkish Airlines site. Is the cabin baggage allowance plus a handbag?

More questions will come to mind, no doubt! Smile

OP posts:
MummyofIsla · 26/09/2013 17:03

Your hand luggage is only 1 item. So either a handbag or a rucksack ect. Some airlines are really anal and you have to wear all of your jackets or they count as an extra bag.

Bunbaker · 26/09/2013 17:12

You will need a travel adapter if you want to charge up your electrical gadgets/use a hairdryer.

You will also need to ensure that you have roaming enabled on your phone - contact your service provider.

Istanbul is an absolutely fascinating city - The Topkapi Palace is worth a visit as is the Hagia Sophia mosque, as well as the Blue Mosque mentioned upthread.

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