Check your Midnight Express stereotypes at the door - this is a rapidly modernizing country with one foot in Europe and one in the Middle East. It's not all oriental splendour, mystery, intrigue and whirling dervishes but it is a spicy maelstrom of history knocking up against a pacy present.
The Turkish people have an unrivalled reputation for hospitality, the cuisine is to die for, the coastline is a dream, and many Turkish cities are dotted with spectacular mosques and castles. And while costs are rising, Turkey remains one of the Mediterranean's bargain-basement destinations.
The Turkish landmass has been the stage upon which countless empires and kingdoms have flourished and declined, and its history lingers in famous ruins (Troy is only the beginning), mosques lavish with ornament, and that glittering distillation of Ottoman glory, the half-European, half-Asian Ýstanbul.
Here's everything you need to know before you go to Turkey from what weather to expect to how to apply for a visa. There's also a list of useful products and services such as traveler's insurance companies, our travel bookstore, and much more.
Make sure your passport has at least six months validity and carry additional copies of your passport photo with you in case you need a replacement passport while overseas.
Most travelers can purchase a visa in Turkey, at any port of entry, but you must have cash. They do not accept traveler's checks or Turkish lira. If you'd like to avoid the delay of purchasing a visa when you arrive, you can apply online.
Americans and U.K. residents need visas. Visas are good for three months and permit multiple entries. Australians and Canadians do not need visas and may stay for three months.
If you don't find your country, you can e-mail to the closest Turkish Embassy regarding visa requirements. Check to see if you require visas for the country or countries you are visiting or transiting. Be aware that a visa does not guarantee entry.
Absolutely, positively think about travel insurance. Turkish hospitals and physicians do not operate on the Hippocratic oath, unless you have cash, a charge card, or insurance! Take out appropriate travel insurance to cover hospital treatment, medical evacuation and any activities, including adventure sports, in which you plan to participate.
Independent travelers come in all sizes and shapes and so it is with this listing of places to stay. By city, you will find listings for hostels, pensions, guesthouses, and hotels. Istanbul is a large city so the district is also indicated. Prices do vary by time of year. In April or September you may have a lovely room for $15, but in the middle of summer the same room may be $30. In August and September we recommend you e-mail, phone ahead, or arrive at your destination by early afternoon.
Spring and autumn are the best times to visit, since the climate will be perfect in Istanbul and on the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts. If you are visiting Turkey in summer time you may need a sun hat and sun blocks to protect yourself against sun burning as turkey's weather is really warm, even hot at this period of time.