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10 things to avoid as a tourist in Turkey

10 things to avoid as a tourist in Turkey

A popular idiom goes as such: When in Rome, do as the Romans Do. This means it is advisable to follow the local customs and traditions of the place you are visiting. Doing so allows you to enjoy the country and show the local populace that you respect their culture. If you’re planning a trip to Turkey anytime soon, here are some of the things that you must avoid doing:

Wear shoes in places of worship
There are many popular places of worship in Turkey. For example, if you are visiting Turkey for the first time and plan to stop by any of the mosques, you may want to take off your shoes when outside when entering.

Block a person’s view when they’re praying
Many individuals in Turkey will pray five times a day per their faith. Do not obscure an individual’s view when they are praying. According to customs, the person’s prayers are believed to become void, and they would have to start all over again.

Visit restaurants around the popular locations
Tourist spots may have many restaurants offering various local and international dishes. But, try to steer clear of these places since they might have increased rates due to the location.

Boarding a car with no taxi logo
Another thing to avoid is one of the local cabs and taxis. This is because the local drivers may take you via the longer route or even mess with their meters to charge an exorbitant fee. Instead, opt for a cab from a reputed company.

Travel during the peak hours of the day
Traveling across the city during peak hours could mean that you would have to spend a chunk of your time stuck in traffic. Plan your trip better and try to avoid office-goers and school rushes.

Dress casually when visiting a place of worship
When visiting places of worship and even while exploring the city, it is vital to stick to more conservative clothing. You can ask your guide about what might be too revealing or unacceptable beforehand.

Visit only the tourist locales
Visiting only the popular locations does not allow you to truly enjoy the country. You might have to travel to less-frequented parts of popular cities to truly learn about its food, its culture, and more. So ensure you have a knowledgeable guide with you when you do so.

Shop at malls
When it Turkey, you may also want to steer clear of the malls. There’s no fun in visiting all the stores and outlets you could visit back home. Instead, visit the local markets and check out and explore the artisanal wares to make the most of your trip.

Shop for items without haggling
If you’re shopping at the local market, take note that the prices that are quoted at the beginning are never fixed prices. A little haggling can go a long way in  helping you stay within budget.

Disrespect religious or cultural views
Certain times of the year are very important and religiously significant for Turkish people. Fasting is one of the common ways to express devotion on religious days, and they are several other traditions and customs that may seem new to you. It is important not to be dismissive of these or react to them poorly.

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5 amazing hacks to book flights for cheap

Airfare is generally the most expensive part of a trip. If you’ve tried booking a flight before, you realize how frustrating it is to see the fare rise every time you search for the same flight. Airlines are trying their best to pull money out of our pockets, so we’ve to become smarter too. Here’s how you can find the cheapest flight possible:Go incognitoHave you noticed a fare hike after searching for the same flight a few times? This is not exactly happening because your flight is in demand. While the exact technical details about how this happens are uncertain, experts say that your browser cookies are to blame. So, it’s always recommended to search for and book a flight in your browser’s incognito mode. The incognito window resets your cookies each time you open it and can help you find a flight at a lower price. Having said that, it is still best to avoid searching for the same flight multiple times.The search engine mattersUsing the right search engine is very important to find the cheapest flight to your destination. Although there’s no single flight search engine that can help you get great deals, Skyscanner, Momondo, and Google Flights are the three favorite search engines among travelers right now. That being said, there’s never a guarantee that they are showing you the lowest prices, so you should check out a couple of other websites before booking.Pick the cheapest day to flyYou might have heard people saying that you can save money by flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday, but it’s not a consistent truth, and there is no “cheapest day of the week” to fly out. Instead, if you want to get an idea of which day(s) can be the least expensive to fly, you must get a quick visual of prices for a whole month. Flight search engines like Skyscanner, Kiwi.com, and Google Flights offer tools that can help you identify the cheapest days or months to fly to a particular destination.Choose a budget airlineFlying via budget airlines is a great way to get a really cheap flight. Budget airlines mostly offer significantly lower rates than bigger airlines, but this comes with compromises like less legroom and no free food or drinks and movies. If you’re ready to lose these luxuries to get a cheap flight, budget airlines are an ideal option for you. A word of caution: always read the fine print before booking, and check the location of the airport where the flight lands, as some budget airline flights land on airports further out of town.Subscribes to airlines’ newsletterSometimes, you can find the best deals directly on the airlines' websites. You can access these deals by subscribing to their newsletter and receive promo codes and special offers that help you book a flight for cheap. If you sign up for the newsletters of multiple airlines, you can create a separate email ID or use filters that automatically move emails to a specific folder so that you find them easily.

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10 things to avoid in the Mediterranean as a tourist

Exploring the world is always exciting! Whether it's new cuisines you are looking forward to, visiting new places, or just lounging around at the beach. One way of making your trip abroad more enjoyable is by being prepared, right from choosing the correct time to travel or carrying extra cash. If you are planning a vacation to the gorgeous countries in the Mediterranean, here are ten things you should avoid: Relying on your credit card Credit cards offer convenience to users, but it is easier to get around with cash in the Mediterranean. For example, payments at hotels and big restaurants can easily be made using a credit card. Still, it is essential to carry some money when you visit smaller markets and local vendors. Forgetting to pack layers The weather can be a little unpredictable if you're traveling in October. Ensure you carry light and warm sweaters to prepare you for everything nature has in store for you. Visiting during the high season Save money on your trip by planning your vacation during March, April, May, October, and November. Avoid traveling to the Mediterranean in July and August if you want to skip the crowds. Not checking for labor strikes Strikes are quite common in Mediterranean Europe. They can affect your travel if you don't plan ahead. Ask your hotel about any labor or farmer strikes that may affect your trip so you are well prepared. Taking photos of military installations In some areas of the Mediterranean, like the Aegean islands in Greece, it is forbidden by law to take pictures of military facilities. Not checking local shop hours Many local shops in the Mediterranean are shut during the afternoons. Be aware of local shop hours, so you don't run into any hassles during your market visits. Throwing paper in the toilet Many places in the Mediterranean are serviced by outdated sewage facilities, so to avoid clogging the drains, refrain from throwing paper towels and other items into the toilet. Eating at fast food chains There is a rich food history in the Mediterranean, and you can find a delicacy for every taste bud! Avoid eating at fast food restaurants and chains and opt for local cuisines. Not following the dress code at church The Mediterranean has numerous churches and monasteries with strict dress codes. These include long shorts or trousers for men, long skirts for women, and no swimming suits. Adhere to these dress codes to be respectful of local beliefs. Touching artifacts in the museum Unless mentioned otherwise, do not touch any artifacts at museums or historic sites. Most of these items will be stored behind glass cages with specific rules like no touching and no flash photography. Conclusion The Mediterranean is famous for its weather, cuisine, and culture. With an astounding amount of history recorded in the area, it is the perfect vacation spot. Therefore, avoid the above ten things when visiting the Mediterranean, and turn it into the holiday of your dreams.

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