Travel to Turkey now?

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Message Submitted by Konak on Sun, 09/01/2013 - 08:01
<p>Thought I&#39;d pose a query to ITN&#39;s wide range of experienced travelers.</p><p>My husband and I, active seniors in our 60s, have been planning an independent trip to Turkey for October 2013. &nbsp;All plans are in place, but we are fortunate that if we choose we can cancel everything with very little monetary loss.&nbsp;This has been a &quot;bucket&quot; destination for me for almost 15 years. We&#39;re&nbsp;very concerned about going to that part of the world given what is now going on with Syria and possible airstrikes by our U.S. government.&nbsp;We will be going to the usual tourist areas: &nbsp;Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus, western Mediterranean, and not to eastern Turkey or near the Syrian border.</p><p>I want to go but don&#39;t want to be foolish. There are certainly many other wonderful destinations in the world.&nbsp;I&#39;m wondering whether we should go ahead or just postpone until who knows when.&nbsp;</p><p>FYI: Our international travels have been limited to the usual European countries (but many, many trips) and New Zealand.</p><p>I&#39;d appreciate any input. Thank you!</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Reply Submitted by Konak on Wed, 09/04/2013 - 12:18

Thank you for your response, Skunkman. I have read many positive descriptions such as yours. My concern is that the situation in the region is now different than when you were there in April. I guess we'll just wait and see as long as we can before either committing or canceling. 

Reply Submitted by Karyn on Wed, 09/18/2013 - 09:05

Although of course nothing is guaranteed and circumstances can change, in answer to your query I just wanted to let you know that I just returned home from Istanbul and encountered no problems there. When asked, the hotel staff told me that even going to Taksim Square would be OK. There are many tourists from the US and other countries in Turkey now.

Reply Submitted by blacktip on Tue, 09/24/2013 - 19:45

My husband and I just returned on September 22 from a two week tour of western Turkey. There was a rocket attack on a police barracks when we were in Ankara and the Turks downed a Syrian helicopter which encroached on Turkish territory. We never felt in danger and had a wonderful time. The day before we left we visited Taksim Square. Go!