Istanbul

hi everyone... interested in getting some opinions from people. we currently have a trip planned to Greece for august and were planning (and have already made the arrangements) to spend the last 3 days in Istanbul. although DH and I consider ourselves good travelers and not easily put off from seeing many parts of the world, I am a little nervous about the current situation in Istanbul. part of me feels like of course it will blow over before august so just leave the plans as is (plus I would still visit if there are peaceful protests but the violence is what had me concerned). but another part of me is worried that it could continue to escalate and then it will be a hassle to change our flights with less lead time. we could change the flights (coming from Santorini so its a semi complicated trip with numerous stops) so that we're flying back to NYC from another city (would love to do Paris but its a super expensive to change so probably would have to be Athens). what would you do? (if you had already booked this trip, etc - no need to respond if you wouldn't consider going to Istanbul in the first place). thanks!!

Re: Istanbul

I would wait to see how things go this month. If things don't improve or escalate, I'd strongly consider not going...and Istanbul is a place I definitely want to see one day.

Istanbul

Since the trip is not until August, I would wait a bit before making a decision. Istanbul is a beautiful city and well worth a visit. The unrest is not yet a week old. If it escalates in the next week or so, then I would look into making a change. There is however a chance it will calm down. If it gets out of hand the US government will issue warnings for citizens to refrain from travel.

Re: Istanbul

Thanks for your responses, and I agree with both of you. I exchanged emails yesterday with a friend of a friend who lives in Istanbul, and they seem to think this is going to blow over within the next 2 weeks. Going to wait it out another few weeks before rushing to make any decisions. I hope it calms down because I really want to go. Thanks!

Re: Istanbul

Hope things calm down soon...We went to Istanbul this past summer and it is by far one of my most favorite places in the world. We went for 3 days before going to Greece, and it was just sooo amazing. Hope it all works out for you!

Re: Istanbul

Re: Istanbul

I would give it some time and watch what's going on. Usually these kinds of things dissolve within a few weeks.

I hope you get to go! I was there in December and it's a gorgeous city!

Re: Istanbul

Re: Istanbul

I would pick another city over Istanbul with the current situation. Plus I am not a fan of Istanbul (or Athens). The first time I went to Istanbul, I thought I didn't like it because I was rushed. We only had a quick stopover and rushed through the major sights. The second time we went, I leisurely walked around the city and was completely underwhelmed.

Paris is lovely! Go there if you can. Paris doesn't have to be expensive. The first time I went there, I was a broke college student. If you don't go shopping, it can be very cheap. LOVE LOVE LOVE Paris!!