I have considered Turkey for my vacation in 2001. But have been concerned about the constant news on this country. The earthquake remains to the fore in my mind as does the Kurds leader. The constant reports of human right abuses seem never ending.
And now the Chechens taking hostages. CNN have reported that this seige is now ended but security must be of major concern in the mind of all travelers. As a seasoned traveler I now put Turkey back, again, from my vacation plans. If Chechen rebels, fully armed, can stroll into a five star hotel without being detected what could they do if they put their minds to taking foreign tourists hostage? I don't expect this or any travel company to supply security against such unusual occurances, but is Turkey not becoming more and more newsworthy for negative issues?
Kim
Turkey (Security)
Re: Turkey (Security)
Hi Kim,
Client safety is the number one priority of The Imaginative Traveller and we would not dream of taking our travellers anywhere that their security was in question.
As with our trips to Israel and Yemen we do not hesitate to withdraw tours in destinations where safety is an issue.
Unfortunately eartquakes and hostage situations are something that no ammount of planning or precaution can prepare you for (If not Turkey then the events of the last 24 hours could've happened in any number of places throughout the world.). As a company we can only make sure that your safety is paramount and hope that you have every confidence in booking with us.
[b][email]chris@imtrav.co.uk[/email][/b]
Re: Turkey (Security)
Hi
I don't think Turkey is becoming more newsworthy for negative events. Unfortunately Turkey has always attracted more than it's fair share of adverse publicity.
For many years I have had a close involvement with Turkey and travelled to all corners of the country in all seasons. It is a truly wonderful destination for all the right reasons: spectacular and varied geography, remarkable natural and man-made sights, beautiful coastline, welcoming people, uncrowded and unnaffected, etc.
I am constantly surprised at the poor image it holds on the world stage.
The terrible earthquake was two years ago and the country has overcome this admirably. Earthquakes will always be a risk but they are in San Francisco, Tokyo, Sydney, Athens, and countless other places.
Allegations of human rights abuses are a serious concern for the modern Turkish state, but not really a feature of peoples' holiday planning. If they are then a number of other remarkable countries should also be boycotted including Israel, USA, UK, etc.
Terrorist activity is by it's very nature unpredictable and nowadays nowhere is "safe". Any group or individual could commit a vast array of attrocities if they put their mind to it.
If you don't feel comfortable to a destination, then don't go because you won't enjoy it. But, don't put off travel to Turkey for the reasons you mention. It's been on your list for a long time, so clearly you want to go. Honestly if you don't you are indeed missing out.
Good luck
John
Head of Operations
The Imaginative Traveller
[This message has been edited by John (edited April 23, 2001).]
Re: Turkey (Security)
Hi
I don't think Turkey is becoming more newsworthy for negative events. Unfortunately Turkey has always attracted more than it's fair share of adverse publicity.
For many years I have had a close involvement with Turkey and travelled to all corners of the country in all seasons. It is a truly wonderful destination for all the right reasons: spectacular and varied geography, remarkable natural and man-made sights, beautiful coastline, welcoming people, uncrowded and unnaffected, etc.
I am constantly surprised at the poor image it holds on the world stage.
The terrible earthquake was two years ago and the country has overcome this admirably. Earthquakes will always be a risk but they are in San Francisco, Tokyo, Sydney, Athens, and countless other places.
Allegations of human rights abuses are a serious concern for the modern Turkish state, but not really a feature of peoples' holiday planning. If they are then a number of other remarkable countries should also be boycotted including Israel, USA, UK, etc.
Terrorist activity is by it's very nature unpredictable and nowadays nowhere is "safe". Any group or individual could commit a vast array of attrocities if they put their mind to it.
If you don't feel comfortable to a destination, then don't go because you won't enjoy it. But, don't put off travel to Turkey for the reasons you mention. It's been on your list for a long time, so clearly you want to go. Honetly if you don't you are indeed missing out.
Good luck
John
Head of Operations
The Imaginative Traveller
[This message has been edited by John (edited April 23, 2001).]
Re: Turkey (Security)
Thank you Chris for the balanced response. I am thankful for this approach and safety I agree is paramount.
Mr. Burgess, I do not appreciate a condescending lecture on this subject. And especially having to read it twice! I had hoped for other travelers opinions and a possible discussion, not a put down by The Imaginative Traveler because of my concerns.
As I see it, The Imaginative Traveler in your words appears amused at people who consider Human Rights Abuses in customers vacation considerations.
Mr. Burgess said.
Re: Turkey (Security)
Hi Kim
I'm sorry you have interpreted my reply as a condescending lecture. I was merely trying to give my view on the points you highlighted.
Yours
john
Re: Turkey (Security)
Dear Kim2,
I agree with you that human rights should be a consideration when any visitor considers a journey. John may have over sold Turkey and got at you at the same time, but what John should have said is that Turkey is a country in transition.
On my visit last year with Imaginative Traveller I cannot put in words the beauty of this country.
I travelled just after two bombs exploded killing none but injuring many, no tourists. At no time did I feel there was a threat. My tour leader explained the situation, he did not attempt to gloss over it and I respected him and his company for that in more ways than I can explain.
Yes Turkey is in the news and only for negative issues, but that
Re: Turkey (Security)
Samantha that was a great read. Im with you all the way. Turkey is an place that we want to revisit and very soon.
Re: Turkey (Security)
Dear Kim2,
As being a Turkish citizen, I have spent most of my life in Turkey and enjoyed most of it and still enjoying it.
Recently I read an artical in one of the British newspaper about how the international news could mislead people in the far away places.
I still think that for having a good idea about a country you need to go and visit. Of course it is really hard to visit every country in the world to have idea about them but while Turkey was in your list for this summer,come and visit this country and give your own decision about it.
Security wise ,as you mentioned Turkey has been on the news for a long time but there hasn't been any foreigners effected.
Re: Turkey (Security)
Dear kim2
I have travelled in Turkey, once with Imaganative Traveller, many years ago and several times since, on my own.
On the occasion I travelled with a Imaganative Traveller, the care and attention afforded to health and security of the group was discrete, helpful and practical. You will be in good hands if you travel with them.
I have travelled to the Kurdish parts of Turkey and all I recieved was hospitality and kindness. Regretabley like most terrorist groups, they are few in number but cause a lot of problems. The Turks I have spoke to all regret the actions of the PKK. Do not be put off, Turkey is worth the visit.
Human rights? A very difficult question. I can offer no constructive advice. Perhaps if tourists where to stop visiting Turkey, then the human rights question may get worse, I do not know.
What else can I say, Turkey is one of my favorite places, yes it is beautiful, yes the food is good, yes it is historically fascinating. But all that pales against the people. Their hospitality and open handed friendship is a lesson for those of us in the more developed nations.
Regards,
Christopher
Re: Turkey (Security)
Dear Kim2
Below are some statistics I gleaned from http://travel.dk.com/wdr/US/mUS_Crim.htm
Most people in Turkey like those from other nations are just ordinary people, going about their daily lives. Plumbers, lawyers, managers, teachers etc. They are not bandits, waiting to pounce on the next available tourist. They are like the people of the USA or UK.; they are more concerned about paying the mortgage and keepng their jobs than ripping off visitors.
If you fear for your safety and imagine you will be held hostage or raped, you will not have a fun holiday. My advice, stay at home, perhaps a holiday in Turkey is not for you.
On the other hand, if you want meet interesting people and see sights which will stay with you for ever. Try Turkey, its safer than USA or the UK.
Turkey
Murder 3 per 100,000
Rape 1 per 100,000
Theft 191 per 100,000
Crime levels, especially Mafia and narcotics-related crime, increased in the 1990s. The routine torture of prisoners by the police and deaths in custody cause concern among human rights groups. Kurdish militants continue to attack pipelines and other targets
Canada
Murder 5 per 100,000
Rape 132 per 100,000
Theft 4857 per 100,000
Crime rates in Canada are much lower than in the USA. Canadians ascribe this to their far tighter gun control laws, which have been further tightened in the 1990s. Newfoundland police, the last force in North America to start carrying guns, began doing so routinely in mid-1998. There have been careful efforts to maintain the inner cities as crime-free zones. The ghetto problems of US inner cities have largely been avoided. However, Canada does have a rising narcotics problem and youth crime is also growing.
USA
Murder 7 per 100,000
Rape 36 per 100,000
Theft 1145 per 100,000
Violent crime - especially murder - is much more common than in other developed countries. This is the case even in relatively well-off parts of the country. However, the murder rate has fallen recently, to six deaths per 100,000 people in the first half of 1999, the lowest for over 30 years. Incidents of mass shootings have made guncontrol a major political issue, but a powerful lobby opposes restrictions, basing its arguments on the Constitution and the defense of individual liberties.
The rate of incarceration for narcotics crimes in the USA is much higher than in most Western countries - and the conditions worse. Capital punishment has made a strong comeback since the 1980s, especially in the south. Texas is the state that carries out most executions; most of the liberal "northern tier" states, by contrast, have abolished the death penalty.
Regards,
Christopher