Travel to Turkey

[RRSS128]

I booked a package tour to Turkey in Nov 2022 and travelling mid April, 1 day after paying deposit, Istanbul was bombed. Then I found out they have elections around Jun 2023. Tried to find out from travel agent if I can cancel or change location.

The agent dilly dally for more than a mth before replying that my cancellation fee will be 3K. A lot of money to me, so I was considering, then they got earthquake. Although the quake area far away from the tourist areas, I am not comfortable at all.

The trip is about 4.4K for 2 pax and they say cancellation is 3K. Anyone got idea how I can pay less penalty? I ask if can change location but still got to pay the 3K.

With the elections in May and the recent quake, really not comfortable to go there now, any qdvise?

 

[therat]

Unless MFA issue travel advisory.
Any change on the book plan, will be highly follow Travel agent cancel policy.
read behind your invoice.

Turkey have 7.6 earthquake on 17 Aug 1999
Agent said my travel area is not affected. I proceed on my trip on Oct 1999.

Turkey very big you know

 

[qhong61]

I booked a package tour to Turkey in Nov 2022 and travelling mid April, 1 day after paying deposit, Istanbul was bombed. Then I found out they have elections around Jun 2023. Tried to find out from travel agent if I can cancel or change location.

The agent dilly dally for more than a mth before replying that my cancellation fee will be 3K. A lot of money to me, so I was considering, then they got earthquake. Although the quake area far away from the tourist areas, I am not comfortable at all.

The trip is about 4.4K for 2 pax and they say cancellation is 3K. Anyone got idea how I can pay less penalty? I ask if can change location but still got to pay the 3K.

With the elections in May and the recent quake, really not comfortable to go there now, any qdvise?

U didn't buy insurance?

 

[RRSS128]

Unless MFA issue travel advisory.
Any change on the book plan, will be highly follow Travel agent cancel policy.
read behind your invoice.

Turkey have 7.6 earthquake on 17 Aug 1999
Agent said my travel area is not affected. I proceed on my trip on Oct 1999.

Turkey very big you know

True, but elections coming and chances of terrorist attacks higher. Plus I dun feel good having fun in a country where ppl are still recovering from grief and lost.

 

[RRSS128]

U didn't buy insurance?

Have but they dun cover self cancellations.

 

[therat]

True, but elections coming and chances of terrorist attacks higher. Plus I dun feel good having fun in a country where ppl are still recovering from grief and lost.

How about you think other ways.

They need tourist to visit so that they can get income to rebuild their home.

Let me share my experience.
I visit Turkey 2 mth after their 7.6 earthquart.

When I was in one of the city , having my meal.
Happen the mayor was there, he come over and said Thanks you for visit Turkey.
Our tour guide translate and explain. she said alot of ppl cancel their tour plan. And those ppl in tourist line lost income. But this is the time, they need income to rebuild their home.

BTW, I didn't join package tour. I book Turkey land tour.
I fly over and join their tour. And only have 4 person.
Me n my friend + 2 Oz mother and dau.

 

[paul02]

How about you think other ways.

They need tourist to visit so that they can get income to rebuild their home.

Guess if they get into trouble, at least their lives meant something to the locals there.

 

[therat]

However is your decision.
If you dont feel good, you can cancel the trip and forfeited the deposit

 

[reddevil0728]

You need to ask yourself what’s 3k worth?

 

[sprouts]

I've booked a trip for my family end May to 12 June. Am wondering if it's safe to travel there during this period now too.

 

[RRSS128]

I've booked a trip for my family end May to 12 June. Am wondering if it's safe to travel there during this period now too.

Elections should be over by then. Its only the earthquake risk. Anyway I have cancelled the trip and now 3k poorer

 

[reddevil0728]

Elections should be over by then. Its only the earthquake risk. Anyway I have cancelled the trip and now 3k poorer

well at least you have decided that it is better to be 3k poorer than to go through whatever risk you weren't willing to take. you should be happy about it.

 

[therat]

Elections should be over by then. Its only the earthquake risk. Anyway I have cancelled the trip and now 3k poorer

at least you have a peace of mind

 

[sprouts]

Elections should be over by then. Its only the earthquake risk. Anyway I have cancelled the trip and now 3k poorer

Oh, that's good.

Why do you think there's further earthquake risk? Is it because the dates are close to the recent one?

 

[RRSS128]

Oh, that's good.

Why do you think there's further earthquake risk? Is it because the dates are close to the recent one?

There are too many aftershocks, who knows if this will stress the north Anatolian fault? Anyway, I kiasi... and this is personal opinion. My travel agents thinks its very safe even now.

 

[luckygal]

I booked a package tour to Turkey in Nov 2022 and travelling mid April, 1 day after paying deposit, Istanbul was bombed. Then I found out they have elections around Jun 2023. Tried to find out from travel agent if I can cancel or change location.

The agent dilly dally for more than a mth before replying that my cancellation fee will be 3K. A lot of money to me, so I was considering, then they got earthquake. Although the quake area far away from the tourist areas, I am not comfortable at all.

The trip is about 4.4K for 2 pax and they say cancellation is 3K. Anyone got idea how I can pay less penalty? I ask if can change location but still got to pay the 3K.

With the elections in May and the recent quake, really not comfortable to go there now, any qdvise?

Don’t be. The quake is far from the touristy areas. Pre election campaign not a big impact too. Just go.

 

[rrr2015]

Elections should be over by then. Its only the earthquake risk. Anyway I have cancelled the trip and now 3k poorer

maybe u should double check their cancellation policy to ensure they didn't overcharge. at least u gain some experience with travel agency.

 

[RRSS128]

Don’t be. The quake is far from the touristy areas. Pre election campaign not a big impact too. Just go.

I cancelled liao. The same region got earthquake again, I really don't want to spend energy worrying about whether the tourist areas will be affected.

 

[RRSS128]

maybe u should double check their cancellation policy to ensure they didn't overcharge. at least u gain some experience with travel agency.

Experience gained. Their cancellation policy can interprete anyway they like, haiz... painful lesson.

 

[luckygal]

Experience gained. Their cancellation policy can interprete anyway they like, haiz... painful lesson.

Is it a small or big agency?