Traveling from Ohio to Turkey for 2 week escorted tour (late Sept 2024) w a few days on my own to view the city. I've been trying to get here for the history but not sure how Americans are viewed. Yes I try to blend in but being a black female I tend to stick out on many trips. Never had a problem in the past but not sure the reaction due to the Israel/Hamas issue.
Thoughts? I running out of new mid East & European destnations.
No one cares and is going to know your nationality other than the hotel person checking you in; just avoid travel to the areas covered in the USA State Department warning :
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Turkey.html
Avoid hanging out in bars and night clubs solo late at night.
Which tour are you on? I’m on a Gate 1 tour starting Sept 29.
Insight (trafalgar) treasures of Turkey/15Sep
The Turkish people are some of the friendliest people I have ever encountered in my travels, so I doubt you will have any problems at all. Seriously, they are wonderful and Turkey is an incredible country. You will love it there!
When traveling alone I wear a whistle on a chain around my neck. REI or Amazon sells them. Enjoy your trip and let us know how it went! J
Thanks everyone for the responses! Unfortunately all the Insight tours to Turkey for Sep & after were canceled for the yr. Good news is I was able to get the Trafalgar 'best of Turkey' for essentially the same dates (~ 14 days). Same co but the Insight was w a smaller group. Again thanks for the replies. I know there are folks so afraid to travel, even Canada is too extreme. I've always enjoyed overseas travel. I'm sure this time will be just as enjoyable. My last trip was Dec'19 to Egypt and that was the most awesome! Only 9 travelers in the group, the weather was just perfect and very few tourists - which for me was fantastic! I got in just in time before the Covid shutdown.
I’m glad you were able to flex to a tour on the same dates. Did they give a reason for cancelling all those tours?
The only thing you might find bothersome in Istanbul are the (usually) guys on the street asking to take you to their carpet shop. Guaranteed they will tell you they have a cousin/friend/relative in Ohio. Give a firm "no thank you" and keep moving along. I spent 3 days in Istanbul ahead of a RS tour and felt as safe as in any big city in Europe, just take the usual precautions and enjoy your visit.
Yes, I experienced it in Morocco, Egypt, Mexico, and a few occassions in Greece. I really don't mind. I try to blend in so I don't stick out. If so, I just smile, say no and keep walking. Thanks.
So far I have met so nice people so far but of course like everywhere it is changeable
