ESCAPE

GO FOR REAL TURKISH, REAL LOCAL

It isn't just the same, totally and far away from the experience and essence of the cultural reality of the Turkish way of doing things.

This relates to anything the tourist knows and has been offered during their holidays. Let me give you some examples here; Turkish Baths at the Hotels are nothing more than usual spas that one can experience anywhere globally.

Turkish Barbers and hairdressers dotted in the touristic resorts serve their clients nowhere near in an authentic traditional way like the proper Turkish barbers, and Hair Saloons do. I can keep adding, like the Jewellery Shops, Carpet and Kilim shops, Restaurants.

The difference is enormous in all aspects of the business. While one is focused on immediate cash sucking, the other concentrates more on the business's traditional ways, such as respect, acknowledging the customers' rights to politeness and remembering their needs and expectations. The serving method only has one achievement: your continuous lifelong visit to the business.

There is no need to mention that price plays a vital role. You will no doubt pay double the amount if not three times and more than the regular price on those touristic enterprises.

If you do not know any difference, you have nothing to compare with, and you won't see the quality of the local business's service. Please do not get mixed with the two.

What angers me is that touristic business advocates shout out loud at every opportunity from all social media platforms. They do that deliberately simply because they have gained some free service or money; the worst is they make others believe, well, you get the picture.

I strongly advise my customers to come to such places to enjoy and experience the essence of a Traditional local life. This way, you will save money; well, it may be not much, but every little bit saves, and you will get to know how the locals do things, get to know genuine people, and, most importantly, have joyful, exciting memories.

Get out of your hotel complex, get into a shuttle bus, go to the nearest town or village, be a traveller, be an Explorer, ad some joy and essence to your memories.

ADVICE FOR VISITORS TO TURKEY

Planning what to put in your suitcase well before your departure date can save you a lot of time and stress before and during your Holiday.

Don't forget to pack those little things if you don't know exactly where they are sold, such as mobile phone charger, memory card, battery for your camera, ladies toiletries, travel plug.

Remember that you are going to a foreign soil where the culture, local customs and language are different therefore it is advisable to leave your bad habits if you have got any at home and be considerate to a different culture.

No matter what the situation is, do not get involved in national politics and under no circumstance belittle the Turkish flag or any historical figure as this may place you in the heart of the trouble.

Certain gestures can have different meanings than the one you know and also take extra precaution when you are out and about, especially at nights, keep in mind that a smiling face does not always mean safety.

Never say, it won't happen to me. A little extra money can cover your health insurance whilst you are travelling and help you through bad times.

If you do have any allergy or any conditions you may require specific medical care, please note this in clear, plain English, if possible translate it in to Turkish and carry it at all times with you.

Use where possible services, recognized and recommended by fellow travellers, trustworthy publications, to avoid everyday disappointments, which can be anything from Taxi ranks to Local Travel Agencies and places to go.

You must let close friends and family know where you are going, if possible the exact place, and nowadays it is a lot easy compared to what it was before, thanks to the latest technology. Use google maps to share your location whilst on Holiday. This way, your friends and family will know where you are.

Oh, by the way, do not gather information via Facebook or similar. Please use official websites such as government sites to find out about the latest up to date travel information and advice.

DESTINATIONS

ACCOMMODATION

SERVICES

HEALTH SERVICES

INFORMATION

CULTURE

DONT BUY HOUSE