I am on the Istanbul city trip beginning at the end of March. Very excited- a real bucket-list destination! The nightly news has gotten scarry with war in Ukraine and Israel too close to Turkey. I know It's a NATO country and that's comforting and there are no travel advisories unless getting close to the Syrian border. How does RS monitor for safety and when may they make a change or cancel a trip based on safety issues? Anyone know? Should I be concerned????
Posted by
Bend, OR
1316 posts
This is probably something you should ask directly to the Rick Steves office in order to reassure yourself versus getting various opinions on a forum.
Posted by
CA
2177 posts
Several years ago he suspended his Turkey tours because of issues. I don’t think you have anything to be concerned about at this time with the wars in Israel and Ukraine. Terrorist activity can happen anywhere at anytime, NYC, London, Paris, Spain... If you stay home, the terrorists win.
Posted by
424 posts
I wouldn't worry. The Turkish government wants people to visit - tourism is a huge source of revenue. Every time I've been to Turkey the people I've met have been warm and friendly.
Plus, crime rates are lower in Turkey than they are in the US, and you will be in touristy areas anyway. All will be well
Posted by
Salem, Oregon, USA
2988 posts
RS is not going to knowingly lead a group into unsafe territory. They also can't predict the future and so a decision to cancel is unlikely to be made today for a tour at the end of March. You should monitor the US State Department travel warnings and sign up for their STEP notifications so you can be informed and make decisions about about travel based on your own personal risk level. Make note of the tour cancelation policy as it applies to you in case you decide to change your plans based on that assessment.
FWIW, in the event RS needs to cancel a tour, the tour conditions clearly lay out the process for what happens:
If we cancel a tour you have reserved, the entire amount you have paid
to RSE for the applicable tour will be refunded to you within 14 days
after the tour's cancellation, as required under Washington State law.
Or, you may choose to transfer within two weeks to another tour with
seats available (see "Transferring to another tour," above). Once this
occurs, RSE and its representatives have no other obligations to tour
members on cancelled trips including any additional costs or fees
related to the issuance and/or cancellation of airline tickets or
other travel reservations not made by RSE.
Posted by
Noblesville, Indiana, USA
1412 posts
For what it's worth we just returned from a 10-day trip to Turkey earlier this week. Felt safe the entire trip. We visited Istanbul, Selcuk and Kilyos.
Posted by
3 posts
I am currently in Istanbul and have been here 9 days. Also went to Cappadocia. Have felt safe the entire trip. Just like being in the states.
Posted by
Minnesota
601 posts
Just for some perspective: Istanbul is more than 1,000 miles away from both Tel Aviv and Kiev. It’s 1,200 miles between Minneapolis and New York City, about 800 miles between Chicago and NYC.
Posted by
Atlanta, GA
831 posts
Right now, I wouldn't worry too much. Of course, a lot can change in four months. Register with STEP and make sure you have good travel insurance.
Posted by
5 posts
We are in Istanbul for the past three days. We also had concerns in reference to the situations in this part of the world, but trusted that when needed this company would keep us safe and well informed.
Istanbul is such a beautiful city. Its residents are super friendly and very helpful. As someone mentioned tourism is very important to the economy here.
Ultimately it will be your personal choice, but to put your mind at ease, we feel safe and comfortable here during the present time.