Carolred

When I visited Turkey in 2001, many people thought it was outrageous after the gulf war.

But people that thought that do not know about Turkiye!!!! They love Americans!!!! The only place in Europe in my experience, a sentiment that I also hold!

The major tourist areas are far, far away from war zones.

Politicallym Turkey is secular. That means that Muslim religion is practised like Christian religion in North America... the fundamentalists are whack jobs, but most people are neutral faithful who abide by to universal standards: patience, ethics, respect, love for God, hard working, love of family, kindness, tolerance of other religions, caring about others, helping the poor, being honest, love for life, and on and on. Only bad people are truly bad, and we would agree on this.

sinan

Thanks for your nice words about TURKIYE
(Turkey)
Sinan Akdeniz

worldinabag

I will be visiting Turkey in 3 weeks for the first time. Can't wait! I've heard lots about what a lovely country it is and how the people are so welcoming.

Marko

I have only postive things to say about the Turks and their wonderful country ! I will return again some day we spent two weeks there and barely scratched the surface !

massagediva

worldinabag-You won't believe how wonderful the people are!Have a great time.

Femi

worldinabag: Wish I was going! Turkey is my all time favorite destination. Bon Voyage!

worldinabag

Thanks for the feedback. Now I'm even more excited.

Travel_Inspired

This is very inspiring as I am traveling to Turkey in Sept. Lonely Planet didn't give me the warm fuzzies about female traveling alone. Will it be pleasant. Plan on staying somewhat on the beaten path since only have about 20 days.

propertravel

Carol Red, thank you for the nice words...and sharing with us.
Travel Inspired; travelling alone in Turkey would not be problem. Choosing venues right will even make your travel most enjoyable.
Have fun,

Murat

tonx

People were wonderful! Got poisoned by the water though, watch opened water bottles and salads...Kebabs were lovely!

SusanInToronto

We've been to Turkey twice, and loved it - first time in 2000, second time last September. Husband has lived in Canada a long time, but has an American passport. I'm Canadian. No problems anywhere we went. I would go back anytime.

sardog10

We're living in Germany and my parents are coming for a visit late next month. We're considering running off to Turkey for a week but for some reason I'm having some trouble getting my head wrapped around the geography. There are lots of last minute packages to the main resorts along the coast, but are any of them close enough to Istanbul to be able to take a couple of day trips there? If we went with a package, we'd be booked into a resort hotel somewhere else, but would be willing to go spend a night or two in Istanbul. Or, we could just fly into Istanbul on our own and stay there for several nights and then move on to another place for a couple of nights. Any recommendations? We are the types that like to explore sites/churches/shops rather than just sit by a pool or beach. My parents are older and my Mom can't walk a lot of hills, so it limits us a little bit.

Thanks for any help. Normally I have no trouble with trip planning, but just can't seem to get a handle on this one. Our library doesn't have any Turkey travel guides, and neither does our one English book store. Once I get some basic ideas, I can run with them on the internet from there. Thank-you!

propertravel

Hi Sardog10;
You can find real good packages to Turkey especialy to south coast. You save from the flights. Than you can fly to Istanbul anytime. For example if you go Antalya region, there are more than 10 flights a day. 50-60 Euros one way would fly you to Istanbul. Germanwings, Lufthansa, Sun Express are the operators I remember names of who flies both cities.
Tell us what part you are having trouble to decide.
Also most of the guide books have online version like Fodors... check it out.
Where do you live in germany ? Germany should be easiest to find good connections and real cheap bargains for Turkey.

Good Luck,
Murat

sardog10

Hi Murat,

We are quite close to Frankfurt, so we could fly out of there or else Koln/Bonn if we needed to. I've looked at some of the packages, but it's almost overwhelming with all of the choices. When I look at the photos they all look wonderful, which is of course the whole intent. Bodrum, Antalya, Dalaman, Izmir and Ankara are all available. Seeing Istanbul is a must though.

I guess what I'm looking for is something that gives us a variety of things to "look at". As I said, my parents are older but we'll also have my seven year old son with us. He is used to traveling with adults, so we don't have to specifically find things for him. He tends to find enjoyment wherever we go. We don't go to clubs and are usually in our rooms by mid-evening. Just wandering through markets, churches, along waterfronts, etc. are what we usually enjoy most. Oh, and my parents are wine enthusiasts, so we are always up for a little wine tasting

I didn't realize that it was so easy to travel between Istanbul and the outlying areas. Do you know if you can get reservations that cheaply on just a few days notice, or should we book several weeks ahead?

Any suggestions from anyone will be gratefully received! Once I have a little more direction to go in then I'll be off and running with it.

propertravel

Hi Sardog10,
If you plan to travel end of september;
Decide if you wish to be at seaside;

Bodrum, Dalaman, Antalya are good options. If you fly to Ankara you can visit Cappadocia where you can enjoy wine tasting daily kids love Cappadocia, your parents can also enjoy but the program should be eliminated to avoid climbing, underground cities etc. From Cappadocia 6 hours drive will take you to Antalya or a direct flight to Izmir region.
Or Flying istanbul directly from Cappadocia.
Your holiday time is important.... The best would be two center flights; ie. flying to Antalya and return from Istanbul if possible.... You can always send me by e-mail your choosen hotels and I will give you feed back. I know photos does not always shows you the real picture !

Usually connection flights should be no problem if you are a bit flexable. However cost would be effected to a degree. ( most time by 20/30 euros per ticket )

You can also get a return fligt to Istanbul and arrange everything else by yourself.

Good Luck,
Murat

sardog10

Thanks again, Murat. I'm taking everything you've said and am starting my research from there. I have a much better idea now of where to begin. And just to throw a wrench into the works, my parents called tonight and suggested Rome and Positano. Aauugghhh! My vote would still be with Turkey though

propertravel

Well, go to where your parents wants if this will make them happy. But come to Turkey sometime yourself too
Happy travels where ever wind takes you,
Murat

tower

Carol. Murat et al:

While in Turkey, why is it no one ever mentions Pamukkale...? I first visited ten years back and have since recommended it to several people who were all stunned at the wondrous sight.
It's an easy drive from Kusadasi and a stop in Aphrodisia along the way is magnificent.

Stu T.

Femi

Tower: I visited Pammukale in 2002, and while it was interesting, I would not go out of my way to see it.

I think it may have been more impressive 10 years ago. Lots of areas were restricted and the water levels were rather low when I saw the cliffs.

tower

Femi: thank you for the response.