Hi Deb,<BR><BR>I'm a solo female traveler planning a trip to Turkey in September. From what I've heard/read, using good judgement etc. will be enough to ensure my safety. Having been to India and Central America alone, I know about and can deal with street harassment. Right now I'm more concerned about the political situation. I'd love your opinion.<BR><BR>Did you ever feel unsafe and if so, where and when was it? How bad is it in Sultanhamet in terms of harassment? Did you ever feel unsafe on public buses (assuming you took them)? What about cheaper (i.e. under $25) hotels? <BR><BR>Any insight you have, I'd appreciate. I desperately want to go and find this whole shaky government problem frsutrating.<BR><BR>Thanks,<BR>Carly

Carly, I cant emphasize enough that I never felt unsafe in Turkey. The harassment is not even of an unkind nature, it is someone that wants to talk with you, sell you something, get you into their restaurant, guide you through the blue mosque. It is thoroughly annoying after a while but never threatening. I am sure it is far worse in India. The only really negative experience I had was with a cab driver that insisted that the 10 million dollar notes were the 1 million dollar notes (very easy to confuse if you havent been there very long) and ended up grabbing some money out of my hand. Very unpleasant and cost me about $75. I really wish I would have handled it differently but just don't let people see if you are carrying what they would consider to be alot of money.<BR>Regarding inexpensive hotels, I would just check out websites or wait until you get there and find something. In Istanbul I had reservations ahead of time but in Marmaris and Cappadocia(Urgup) I just found a place when I got there and paid around $25 per night including breakfast. As I mentioned before, I would stay in Taxsim because of the more liberal attitude there and more to do at night but if you really want to do Sultanhamet then I am sure you can find something for $25/night.<BR><BR>There really is not a need to take public transportation because taxis are so cheap. I paid around $3.00 for a 20 minute ride. Everywhere else on my trip I took public transportation to save money and experience the city, but it just doesnt make sense in Turkey. My hotel paid for my taxi ride from the airport but I would think there is a bus that goes from the airport if you really don't want a taxi but you will need to ask at the airport when you arrive. <BR><BR>As far as the political situation,I found no anti-american sentiment and I cant imagine how it would hinder your trip. I had many people(who had never been there) tell me how it was a dangerous place and they could not imagine why I would I go there- Just not true. I would go back in a heartbeat.

Hi Deb. I, along with my husband and another couple, are thinking of going to Spain for our yearly trip. Last year was the island of Hydra in Greece, before that St. Barts and so on. We like to rent a villa instead of Hotels. We like to be close to the beach so our villa will have a great view. We love charming villages. We're not the museum types but we do like to see the sights and explore. What would you suggest for Spain? We've got about 8 to 10 days. Should we rent a car? Please help.<BR> <BR>Thanks in advance<BR>

CC, I am afraid I won't be much help on that one. I was in a number of cities in Spain but didn't really do the coastal villages. On past trips though I can tell you I loved Antibes in France and there are wonderful villages along the French Riviera or you may want to consider the Amalfi Coast in Italy which is beautiful. I would probably do a search under Spain or repost your question for others to respond. Good luck.

Thanks Deb. I did just that.