BY TRAIN Trains rim directly to Istanbul from Athens and Bucharest. Some lines may be sus¬pended due to political crises in the Balkans. Eurail passes are not valid in Turkey, but InterRail passes are. The Under 26 InterRail Pass (from US$165) allows either 15 days or one month of unlimited travel within one, two, three,

COMMERCIAL AIRLINES The commercial airlines’ lowest regular offer is the APEX (Advance Purchase Excursion) fare, which provides confirmed reservations and allows “open-jaw” tickets. Generally, reservations must be made seven to 21 days ahead of departure, with seven- to 14-day minimum-stay and up to 90-day maximum-stay restrictions. These fares carry hefty cancellation and change penalties (fees

ACCOMMODATIONS HOSTELS Hostels are generally dorm-style accommodations, often in large single-sex rooms with bunk beds. Most in Turkey, however, are known for them welcoming atmosphere and offer private rooms for families and couples. They sometimes have kitchens and utensils, bike or moped rentals, storage areas, and laundry facilities. Hostels in Turkey generally do not have

INSURANCE Travel insurance generally covers four basic areas: medical/health problems, property loss, trip cancellation/interruption, and emergency evacuation. Although regular insurance policies may well extend to travel-related accidents, it is wise to consider purchasing travel insurance if the cost of potential trip cancellation/interruption or emergency medical evacuation is greater than you can absorb. Prices for separately-purchased

OTHER INFECTIOUS DISEASES Rabies Transmitted through the saliva of infected animals; fatal if untreated. By the time symptoms appear (thirst and muscle spasms), the disease is in its terminal stage. If you are bitten, wash the wound thoroughly, seek immediate medical care, and try to locate the animal. A rabies vaccine, which consists of 3

FOOD & WATER-BORNE DISEASES Prevention is the best cure: be sure that food is properly cooked and the drinking water is clean. In Turkey, where the risk of contracting traveler’s diarrhea or other diseases is high, you should never drink un-bottled water unless you have treated it. To do so, bring the water to a

INSECT-BORNE DISEASES Many diseases are transmitted by insects mainly mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, and lice. Beware of insects in wet or forested areas, especially while hiking and camping. Mosquitoes are most active from dusk to dawn. Wear long pants and long sleeves, tuck your pants into your socks, and buy a mosquito net. Ticks responsible for

MEDICAL ASSISTANCE ON THE ROAD If you are in need of medical care in Turkey, an embassy or consulate can provide you with a list of English-speaking doctors. Payment with cash or a credit card is expected at the time of treatment. Serious medical problems should be taken to the klinik or hospital (hastane). Private

DRUGS AND ALCOHOL Turkey plays a key role in European drug trafficking, and 75% of dings seized in Europe have passed through the country. The Turkish government has adopted a stringent policy (including fines and jail sentences) against those caught with drugs. If caught, a meek “I didn’t know it was illegal” will not suffice.