Turkey Holiday - Is it ATOL-protected?

Destinations that are not part of the Eurozone, such as Turkey, are still enjoying tremendous popularity with British holidaymakers. 

In these tough times people are always looking for ways to stretch their travel budget and get more for their hard-earned cash. 

There are plenty of package holidays available, and the good thing about a package holiday is that it comes (or should come) with ATOL-protection.  This provides protection in the event that your travel company or airline goes bust.  Basically, they will arrange to get you back home, or compensate you if your holiday has not yet begun.  Before booking, check to make sure that your holiday is ATOL-protected – click here for more information.

Well before your date of travel, get the family passports out and check that they have at least six months’s validity remaining at the time of entry to Turkey, and at least three months remaining from your departure date.

It all sounds great - and who doesn’t need some sun and relaxation in these stressful and difficult times.  However, before you put your feet up, it’s smart to do a bit of research on local laws and customs to avoid spoiling your getaway by inadvertently asking for trouble with the local police - or getting slapped with a fine!

According to the Foreign Office (FCO) the crime level in Turkey is generally low, but street crime is common - as it is in many popular tourist spots throughout the world.  Watch out for pickpockets, money-changers, or people offering free drinks or food (beware of spiking) .

Driving in Turkey is probably not a great idea, and an International Driving Permit from the UK is needed if you decide to take to the roads.  Drinking and driving is a no-no and can lead to on-the-spot fines and confiscation of your licence.

Smoking is banned on all types of public transportation (ferries, trains, taxis, etc) and in many public areas, such as cafes, bars, restaurants and stadiums.  Violators risk a fine.  Use of illegal drugs could also (obviously) incur a hefty fine or prison sentence.  Note that you are required by law to carry photographic ID in Turkey.  Be aware of the laws and customs and pay attention to your dress when visiting religious sites or mosques. 

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is not valid in Turkey so it is vitally important to take out travel insurance before you leave home.  Check to make sure that the policy will cover all your plannd activities, and has adequate medical cover - as well as cover for (very expensive) emergency medical repatriation. 

During very hot weather remember to take breaks from the sun, drink plenty of water and use sunscreen.  Care should be taken with what you eat and drink to avoid contracting a case of ‘travellers tummy’.   The FCO warns that visitors should avoid ‘illegal’ alcohol - as two German tourists died after consuming it.

This is just a taster of the travel advice available.  For more travel information vist our Travel Guide to Turkey and follow the link on the page for the FCO ‘Know Before You Go’ campaign for the latest, updated and important country advice.

Once you know it all,  you can sit back and relax with your Turkish coffee or raki (aniseed drink) and enjoy some mezes (appetizers)!

Flickr cc Image: ReneMT

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