Travel Tips for an Istanbul Holiday

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Traveling to the Turkish town of Istanbul holds many pleasant surprises for you. So why not plan your travel with these trips first?

Flight Bookings:

The first thing to be done is booking flight tickets to this European Capital of Culture called Istanbul. To get the best of flight fares and comfort, try getting Air Tran Airways Flight Reservations done.

Best time to visit Istanbul:

It is best to get your Air Tran Airways Reservations done in spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October). July and August scorch you out while winter chills you to the bone.

During the Formula 1 Grand Prix in June, the hotel rates go sky high. Ramzan is a time for fasting with odd business hours. Also during Kurban Bayrami, banks shut down.

From the Airport to the city:

Once you alight from your cheap flights to Istanbul, board the Havatas Bus Service to the city center. From the Ataturk airport, you may also take the Metro light rail to enter the city. Taxis and airport shuttles are also available.

Getting around Istanbul:

1:To travel around Istanbul, buy a metal token or an Akbil Transit Pass or an Istanbul kart.

2:Istanbul Kart is a pre-paid contact-less smart card to be used on Istanbul’s public transport system. Get one along with your cheap Tickets to Istanbul.

3:Use this Istanbul Kart card to travel by buses, metro, trams, local suburban trains, funicular, sea bus and ferries.
Private buses are blue-green while city-owned buses come in all colors.

4:On Mondays and Fridays, buses and streetcars are crowded .Beware of pickpockets.

5:To have a great view of the Bosporus, travel by Istanbul liners or Sea-bus or catamarans or private ferries.

6:Istanbul Taxis are cheap and metered. Some cab drivers may not put up the meter. In this case, fix the price beforehand.
The best thing in Istanbul taxis is there is no extra night fare.

7:Avoid the taxis near the bus-stop.

8:Board only standard yellow taxis.

9:The Dolmus or shared taxi is another option but it runs on fixed routes.

Packing for Istanbul visit:

Depending upon the season of your visit, pack the clothes accordingly for your flights to Istanbul. A pullover, jacket, umbrella are added options. Remember to travel light as you can purchase all your clothes and luggage for the cheapest rates at Istanbul.

Money matters:

Official currency is Turkish Lira. Exchange rates vary on a daily basis. So arrange for some Istanbul currency while booking your last minute flights.
18% VAT is added to most good as a hidden surplus.
Travelers check and International Debit Cards are accepted worldwide.

Istanbul Dress Code & Social Customs:

Istanbul respects the well-dressed. Be modest in dressing and avoid revealing clothes.
At mosques, all women are expected to cover their arms and legs and drape their heads in a scarf.
Women should wear long skirts and men , trousers while entering a mosque
Remember to remove your shoes when you enter a mosque or home in Istanbul.

Shopping Tips:

Bargain over goods to be bought at Istanbul. Textiles, carpets and Turkish perfume are the favorites to shop for.

Istanbul is a city bustling with events, festivals, congregations and attractions. So plan your trip well by booking your cheapest airline tickets with fareBuzz.com to enjoy your Istanbul holiday.