Planning a Trip to Istanbul. Is It Safe? Have You Ever Gone Somewhere Where Terrorists Target?

Ltmg316 on 21/03/2016 - 17:40

Hi Ozbarginers,

I've got a trip to Turkey planned next month. It's all paid for and sorted (I have insurance too so I can back out). I'm excited to be going. But after another suicide attack yesterday in Istanbul I am reconsidering travel. Its no longer government facilities targeted anymore either but western interests including tourism (I believe it was ISIS this time around).

Has anyone traveled to a place targeted by terrorists before? How careful do you need to be? Are there any hints for safe traveling in places like Turkey?

And, has anyone been in Istanbul recently? What are your thoughts about the recent terrorist activity?

Travel

Comments

  • stratbargain on 21/03/2016 - 17:52
    +1

    You might want to double check with your insurance that they will allow you to back out. I'd be surprised if they would to be honest.

    • noyesmaybeok on 21/03/2016 - 18:23
      +1

      Change of mind certainly isn't a reason.

      Last year we were in Europe. AK47 on the train in Brussels, Budapest & Munich refugee's everywhere, Paris terrorist attack. Pretty crazy.

      The way I look at it:
      - Unlikely
      - Would be a quick death anyway, hopefully
      - Going to die of something. Better a tragedy than something lame like heart attack/cancer/car crash. Everyone dies of those. But foreigner on holiday of a lifetime mowed down by ISIS? Front page baby!

      I'd never recommend going into say, a known ghetto area with high crime - that's just stupid. But everyday activities in a normal city… the odds are slim to none. Let's say 200 people died in big cities this past year. Out of how many hundreds of million residents & tourists? The odds are extremely low. Way more people would get murdered, mugged, rapped etc - terrorism is way down on the "bad thing that'll happen" list.

      • retiredfeline on 21/03/2016 - 18:24

        rapped

        Made to listen to rap music?

        • noyesmaybeok on 21/03/2016 - 18:56
          +3

          Arguably the worst way to die.

        • Forfiet on 22/03/2016 - 05:36

          @rochow: It happened to me on a train on Sunday, I think I was wishing for a quick end…. I couldn't even make out the words it was that awful….. up and down the carriage….. up and down……arghhhhh!!!!

  • [Deactivated] on 21/03/2016 - 17:53
    -1

    I have a brilliant idea that should hopefully put your fears to rest.

    Don't go.

    • tmg316 on 21/03/2016 - 18:03

      That would put my fears to rest you are right. But the thing is I'd really love to go. So what I want to know is how dangerous is it in real terms, and are there things you can do to mitigate the danger. i.e. avoid public places, government facilities, avoid certain areas, etc.

      • SydStrand on 21/03/2016 - 21:53
        +1

        In all seriousness, the odds of a terrorist attack are less than getting hit by a bus, robbed, and every other tragedy that befalls tourists daily. Don't visit active warzones, or known hotpots like The Ivory Coast, and register with Smart Traveler.

  • mskeggs on 21/03/2016 - 18:13
    +4

    I've been to Bali, London, New York, Paris and most recently, Martin Place.
    You would be astonishingly unlucky to be involved in a terrorist incident, and it is likely the security forces will be on alert so the chances of further incidents in coming weeks are potentially reduced.
    I don't want to be that guy, but if you spend your life jumping at shadows you risk living a safe yet unfulfilled life.

    • Sweetnsour on 22/03/2016 - 13:34

      I would check this as often as possible. Even while on your trip. If Aus govt says to evacuate, then ur insurance should cover costs.

  • retiredfeline on 21/03/2016 - 18:23

    You'd have be extraordinarily unlucky, as mskeggs says. Your risk of getting killed in a car accident is higher. That said, it's not pleasant to be in the news, especially for those who survive you. But you can reduce the risk considerably by avoiding crowds since terrorists want to kill or maim large numbers. Istiklal Street is a pedestrian mall lined with mostly modern shops. You probably won't miss not having seen it, Istanbul has lots more to offer.

  • rhangman on 21/03/2016 - 19:01

    Been to Syria and Libya. Was back when they were run by dictators tough, so no problems. Closest I've ever come to being blown up was when I got kicked off of a bus in London back in 2005. Can get blown up anywhere.

  • RobMel on 21/03/2016 - 19:03
    +1

    Been a week after the Mumbai attack to India and a few weeks after Lindt to Sydney.
    At the end of the day terrorist win if they make you react out of plain fear.
    I am not saying ignore fear, but also use your head.
    Go to smart traveler website, register travel plans and and subscribe to notifications for the countries.
    simple precautions, have smart phone with GPS and OFFLINE Maps, like HERE or similar.
    In case of emergency you might have to find you way around without internet.
    Car passport with you and also pic of passport and travel documents as pic on mobile.
    Put a bit of thought into it but most of all enjoy your trip, that way the idiots dont win :)

  • Spondoolies84 on 21/03/2016 - 19:46

    Istanbul is fantastic and i absolutely loved it. Would go back in a heartbeat.

    Your chances of being involved in a terrorist incident are incredibly slim. You're more likely to be murdered in Australia.

    Go and enjoy yourself. Live life. Take any travel/holiday opportunity when it comes. Memories are priceless.

  • SydStrand on 21/03/2016 - 21:49

    If you're Liam Neeson, you'll be fine

  • Sweet3st on 22/03/2016 - 16:06

    I'm heading off to Belgium and France in May, also 'exercise a high degree of caution'. Also catching the Eurostar Brussels to London. Hoping enhanced local security measures will help mitigate risks. Still going though…

    • Sweet3st on 22/03/2016 - 19:59

      Just heard the news about suicide bombings at Brussels airport and metro…

    • ahly92 on 22/03/2016 - 20:01

      well…should consider this trip too…looks like Europe is a no go zone for a while now :(

  • spacemansam on 23/03/2016 - 00:26

    I'm heading to Istanbul in 2 days so will be able to let you know what its like

    I am a bit nervous too but like a few other people have said the chances of it happening are quite slim. Not only that, the chances of it happening and me being in the exact place that its happening are even slimmer (at least thats what I'm telling myself!)

  • Donaldhump on 24/03/2016 - 18:13

    Have. You been to Sydney? Terrorist attacks could be anywhere,

    Just don't sit near single men, with backpacks…

  • spacemansam on 29/03/2016 - 04:48

    I just got back from Istanbul and it was absolutely fabulous. Istanbul is a huge city full with so much to offer in terms of history, culture, delicious food and friendly people.

    It was a lot quieter on the streets than usual, and according to our tour guide 30% of his clients cancelled their boookings after the recent bombings.

    We made sure to avoid large crowds but otherwise felt completely safe. I think it helped that we took a tour so I would recommend one if you are still a bit nervous.

    I think you will have a great time :) Also head to Capadoccia if you get a chance

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