Istanbul, Turkey
Turkey is one of the world’s hottest destinations, with Skyfall, the latest Bond Film, as well as Liam Neeson’s Taken 2, both using beautiful Istanbul as their backdrop.
As well as Hollywood, the hipsters and fashionistas have put Turkey firmly on their travel itinerary. Rich in history and culture with stunning white beaches and awe-inspiring mountain landscapes, Turkey offers something for everyone.
This is a great non-Eurozone destination for an affordable winter sun getaway, but holidaymakers heading to Turkey, or anywhere abroad, need to count the real cost of travelling without insurance.
Lee Taylor, Chief Sales Officer for Allianz Global Assistance UK explains, “Our latest claims data analysis reveals that the average cost of a claim between January and November 2012 was £726.64, which few holidaymakers can afford to add to the cost of their trip.
"In addition, the average cost of repatriation was £4,300, whilst claims for travellers who received inpatient treatment at Turkish hospitals were around £1,150.
"It’s easy to think it won’t happen to you, but travellers who leave it to chance could face bills of hundreds or even thousands of pounds for something as simple as a broken bone or upset stomach.”
Turkey
City Chic and Culture
wiredtourist.com, Flickr
Istanbul is Turkey’s romantic capital, offering sun-drenched minarets, overlooking the beautiful Bosphorus, in a bustling city that holds the secrets of Ottoman sultans. Today its thriving club and café culture means travellers can dance the night away and then sip tea on the roof terrace of a chic bar or traditional tavern.
Visit the famous Blue Mosque and sit in quiet contemplation of its beautiful tile work and domed ceiling. Then head to the city’s Grand Bazaar to sample one of the world’s largest covered markets. With over 58 streets and 4,000 shops, this is the perfect place to do some shopping and pick up jewellery, leather goods, pottery, spices and carpets.
Mountains and Natural Wonders
eleephotography, Flickr
Away from the busy city life, Turkey offers glorious mountain ranges for the adventurous. The world famous hot springs of Pamukkale are white calcified pools, for an experience to remember. The Fairy Chimneys and Caves of Cappadocia provide a whimsical and surreal attraction, with hotels built into the rock, and offering visitors a chance to see underground cities and Byzantine churches.
Turkey is also littered with ancient temples and ruins, but Ephesus is the greatest of them all, as modern travellers now flock to wander through the ancient trading city’s columns and white stone streets.
Turquoise Coastline
When it comes to beaches, Turkey is spoilt for choice. Fethiye is nestled along the azure waters of the Aegean coast and remains one of its most popular destinations. A short bus ride from the resort town of Antaly lies Olympos beach on the Mediterranean coast. Famed for its tree house hostels, Olympos has long been part of the hippy trail and as with most things in Turkey; the path to the beach is lined by Roman ruins.Good Travel Cover
Lee added: “The most common conditions, according to our analysis, are ear infections and gastroenteritis, which cost an average of £350 and £570, respectively, to treat in Turkey. This could be more than the cost of the flight or even the entire holiday, making travelling without cover a false economy.
"Good travel insurance is vital for any traveller to avoid paying potentially very expensive medical bills, especially as the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is not valid in Turkey," he advises.
For more information, visit www.Allianz-Assistance.co.uk
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Tagged in Travel Istanbul travel tips Travel Advice Turkey