Health & Safety

Staying Healthy

There are no severe health risks in travel to Turkey, nor are vaccinations required. It's still a good idea to use common sense in traveling to less developed areas. Food poisoning and diarrhea are probably the most prevalent illnesses associated with travel to Turkey. Although water from the tap is chlorinated and generally safe to drink, even the locals drink bottled water. Resist the temptation to drink fresh running spring water, even if you see people lined up filling empty bottles. (Please take my word on this.) Avoid nonpasteurized dairy products and shellfish during the hot summer months, and maintain a healthy suspicion of street vendors. In the event that you become ill, drink plenty of (bottled) water and remember that diarrhea usually dissipates on its own. Pepto Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) can often prevent symptoms, but if the problem becomes truly inconvenient, pharmacists are generally sympathetic and bilingual, and will be able to provide an effective remedy. (Ercefuryl works wonders.)

Although the persistence and tenaciousness of Turkish mosquitoes might cause you to suffer, it is unlikely that malaria will. The high-risk areas are southeastern Anatolia and the Cukurova/Amikova areas, regions that because of political unrest are not covered in this book. Keep in mind that you're more likely to catch deadly mosquito-borne diseases in your own backyard than abroad. If you are experiencing symptoms, seek prompt medical attention while traveling as well as for up to 3 years after your return. Don't forget to pack a proven insect repellent (especially for those nights camped out on the deck of the gulet).

Rabies is unfortunately alive and well in parts of Turkey, but it's highly unlikely that this will affect visits to the popular tourist destinations. The population of stray dogs and cats shouldn't be too much of a concern because apart from their being grungy, the worst thing about them is that they're cute and irresistible. Carry a package of wet wipes for quick cleanups or, more-sound advice, stay away from the animals altogether. For outdoor adventure travelers going to rural destinations, consult your doctor for pre-exposure immunization.

What To Do If You Get Sick Away From Home -- Any local consulate can provide a list of area doctors who speak English. If you do get sick, you may want to ask the concierge at your hotel to recommend a local doctor; even his or her own. This will probably yield a better recommendation than any information number would. Local doctors advertise their services through discreet signs near their offices, and most speak English. If you can't find a doctor who can help you right away, try the emergency room of one of the private hospitals listed under "Fast Facts".

The Safe Traveler

Most first-time travelers to Turkey are somewhat apprehensive about safety issues. The Western media hasn't exactly painted a rosy picture of Turkey -- or of Muslims, for that matter. The first thing to realize is that Turkey is the model for democratic secularism in the Middle East, and although predominantly Muslim, is merely fanatic about maintaining a separation of church and state. So business goes on as usual, with Turks drinking alcohol (or not), going to mosque (or not), and living life pretty much the same as you and me. Furthermore, as Islam preaches tolerance and acceptance, you may be surprised to feel more comfortable being Jewish in Istanbul than in, say, Columbus, Ohio.

Terrorism is on everybody's mind when considering a trip abroad, but in Turkey, where Turks have 20 years of experience fighting terrorists, flare-ups are now the exception rather than the rule. The only time you will get a glimpse of the existence of anything out of the ordinary is in the metal detectors at the entries of some five-star hotels or when traveling by domestic airline. Before boarding, each passenger must single out and identify his or her baggage out of the lineup of luggage at the foot of the aircraft. (With any luck, no orphaned bags will be left over.)

Theft is a concern when staying home as much as when traveling. Just display as much caution in Istanbul's covered bazaar as you would on the Times Square subway platform in Manhattan. And don't be deceived by the relative, idyllic quiet of Istanbul's Sultanahmet neighborhood, as professional thievery is reaching new heights. Of course, it only takes one jerk to ruin your vacation. Typically, you're a target if you look like a tourist and carelessly fumble through your wallet in crowded areas like the train station or the ferry depot. Have your money ready beforehand and keep your handbag zipped up tight and your eyes open. Don't walk anywhere alone at night (this warning includes men). Beware of anyone who brushes up against you, even seemingly pious women in chadors (full-length veils) and adorable little kids straight out of Oliver Twist. Don't leave any valuables in your hotel room unless it's in the room safe. Hang onto your passport.