Travel insurance is a vital necessity when travelling abroad. If you fall sick, or become injured when travelling, medical costs can become unaffordable. In order to ensure that you are fully covered in the event of an emergency, you should purchase your travel insurance prior to travelling.
When selecting a policy, ensure that you read the small print, particularly the excess and limitations of the policy. Some polices require that you pay an excess, which is the first art of any claim. These can vary depending on insurance company, and have become quite high on some policies in recent years. Find out what your excess is, so that you are prepared before travelling, and some policies will even offer an excess waiver for an additional fee, so that you do not need to pay anything while in resort.
Some insurance companies are also restrictive as to which facilities you are allowed to receive treatment in during your holiday. Some will require that you use state hospitals with low quality services. You should avoid any restrictive policies like these in case of emergency, as you never know where an ambulance will take you,
Carry your insurance documents with you in your hand luggage. It is also a good idea to review the policy prior to travelling to ensure that it is suitable for your holiday, note the extent of cover provided and the exclusion clauses. Be familiar with the procedures and contact details for getting help from your insurance company when you are overseas.
Temperatures can rise to a high of 45°C in August, so high factor suntan lotion is essential. Build up your tan slowly. All at once will make you ill. Keeping hydrated with water only is a must!
Children should be well covered with hats and kept hydrated at all times.
Do not drink the tap water while in Turkey. You should instead drink mineral or filtered water and use the tap water for only washing purposes, and brushing your teeth.
The high mineral content of the tap water can cause stomach upsets, which you should always avoid, but particularly in the hot weather, as dehydration can make you very ill.
Check with bar staff that their ice cubes are not made with tap water to be especially careful.
A very common reaction while in Turkey is prickly heat, which is a very itchy and uncomfortable rash, which can cover your whole body. If you are unlucky enough to experience this during your holiday, we can help you, but you can also take steps to avoid it.
Use a high factor sun tan lotion when in the sun at all times
Avoid the direct sun during the hottest parts of the day (usually 11-4). You will still get a tan, we promise!
After sunbathing, take a shower and moisturise your skin with a non-perfumed lotion or cream. This will also help to prevent peeling.
Avoid tight fitting clothing, as it can rub and cause a reaction when combined with your sweat.
Another common reaction while in Turkey is mosquito bites. Mosquitos are most common in the evening, but can appear at all times of the day.
In order to avoid mosquito bites there are many products on the market. Some work better than others, and in our experience, those containing DEET in the ingredients have the best repellent properties. These should be used every evening in order to avoid bites.
Mosquitos are attracted to areas with still water, as they lay their eggs here. Keep bathroom doors in your accommodation closed, and if your hotel has a pool, or is surrounded by trees, try to keep the doors and windows closed at night. You can also buy plug-in adaptors for your rooms, which can help to keep the bugs away. They are available in any supermarket.
In the event that you are bitten by a mosquito, you can buy creams from the pharmacy to relieve the itching. However, you should monitor your bites for size and temperature, and they can become infected very easily. If the bite is surrounded by a red lump, which is hot to touch, you should contact us for advice.
While we all want to enjoy ourselves as much as possible while on holiday, certain activities and water sports may not be covered by your insurance. Always check before booking any of these activities that you will be covered by either your own insurance, or the company providing the experience. Ask to see documentation as proof.
