Thinking of going on a holiday to Turkey this year? You could have not possibly made a better choice. This country is fully in demand for the good value it offers on all inclusive holidays, package holidays as well as tailor made tours. Turkish seaside is full of sunshine for the best part of the year, no matter which coastline you choose to holiday; whether it's the Mediterranean or Aegean side. Except the golden stretch of beaches, turquoise blue lagoons and fantastic scenery of mountain backdrops, both of the coastlines offer unparalleled hospitality and friendliness of the locals.
A warm welcome is a common denominator of each part of Turkey. Turkish people pride themselves with their service to the visitors of their wonderful country. Whether you are in a hotel, street market, bazaar or a local pharmacy, they will go out of their way to help with your requests and make you feel at home. In the rural areas of Turkey, you are most likely to be invited to their homes or for lunch and a round of backgammon. Most of them will be interested to practice their English, however in many cases, your conversation will be limited to the Turkish language. Getting by in Turkey if you have a little knowledge of Turkish is a lot more pleasurable experience. First of all, it is always largely appreciated by the local people and secondly, it will make your everyday life a lot easier.
Knowing some Turkish, although very limited, surely pays when haggling in the bazaars and when ordering food or paying bills in the restaurants. A friendly 'Gunaydin' or 'Merhaba' goes very far and it is a good way of making contact with the locals. It is possible to take a course of 'survival Turkish' before you travel, however if you do not have enough time to learn the basics of this language in a classroom environment, it might be useful to invest into a CD or DVD and listen to it in your car or whilst doing your house duties. You will be delighted how quickly and easily you can master basic Turkish.
When in Turkey, it is always advisable to carry a pocket dictionary with you as it may come handy when dealing with airport officials, bank or medical staff. Buying a good quality guide book is a great idea, especially if it contains a section designated to useful phrases and basic survival language. These are divided by subjects and everyday situations for better orientation. And, should you find yourself in any emergency, it goes without saying, that you should have the numbers of the nearest British Embassy and your insurance company at hand as these can be crucial when dealing with your problem. Also, your tour company representative is likely to give you their emergency contact number which you can always rely on.
In everyday contact with the local people of Turkey, you may sometimes get 'lost in translation', however just ask any passers-by and you are bound to find someone who will happily assist with your language problem or translate the message. And you never know, you can even meet a few new friends this way!
Holidays in Turkey are culturally very different, mainly because of the traditions and customs of the country's many regions and its historical diversity, and of course, the language itself. However, they are always fun and offer numerous unforgettable experiences. No wonder many of us choose to return year after year.
'Iyi Yolculuklar!'
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