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Have a question for The Grannies?
We’d love to hear from you and answer questions that you may have about travel. Submit a question!
Question
I will be traveling solo to Istanbul, Turkey for a 10 day vacation. Have either of you visited Istanbul? If so, I would love to hear about your experience.
Thanks
Answer
We have been to Istanbul and loved every minute and experience. In fact, we completed a show on Istanbul that can be seen on most Comcast on Demand PBS stations throughout the country. Check out the PBS station in your area to see if you can access it.
There is so much history in Istanbul that just walking around the city you can feel it in every nook and cranny. Some of our favorite places:
The neighborhoods, tasting coffee, eating baked potatoes with lots of condiments all the while feeling safe, are some of the things we remember while there. Standing on the European side of the city and looking at the Asian side of the city across the Bosporus you realize that Turkey is part of both worlds and a recognition that Turkey was a major political power in the past and continues to be so even now. We higly recommend you visit this fascinating and wonderful city!
The Blue Mosque - inside was fantastic as the sun streamed through the windows made from pieces of blue glass creating a feeling of peace.It's larger than one thinks just by looking at it from the outside. Once inside you feel as if you were in a magical and spiritual place.
Hagia Sophia - a museum now that contains relics and iconography from at least three different religious beliefs - Pagan, Muslim and Christian. Walking up a gently slanting cobble stone ramp to get to the next level made you imagine that you could hear the feet from thousands of ohters in the past taking this very same route.
The Grand Bazaar - where you can get lost among stalls and shops filled with spices, rugs, leather goods, clothing jewelry and well...just about everything else. Buying 'Turkish Delight' and savoring the pistachio flavors - was all very nice.
The Roman Cisterns that are under the city of Istanbul - statley and ancient columns and waterways that the Romans built and used. Romantic, historic and spiritual all at the same time.
Question
Do you have any trips scheduled in the near future? I would love to join you on a traveling adventure! -Thx, KJ
Answer
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Question
You guys go to a lot of exotic places in the world, can you name any such places in the US? Scott S., Valparaiso, IN
Answer
A good question because there are a lot of exotic places in the US that one can visit. How about the Florida Everglades? Climb aboard an airboat and take a trip into a land filled with all types of wildlife and adventure. The Ivey House (http://www.iveyhouse.com/) and Butcher Swamp Cottage (http://clydebutcher.com) have comfortable accommodations. In fact, at the Butcher swamp Cottage don’t be surprised to see alligators in the front yard – be careful!
Question
I just got a new E-reader for Christmas as I love reading while traveling. Are there any restrictions on carrying it on board my airplane or getting it charged in other countries? Pat W., Madison, WI
Answer
Congratulations! Both of the Grannies have a Sony Pocket E-Reader and love them. The readers cannot be used during take-off and landing – it has the same restriction as other electronic devices but is fine during regular flight. Good news!
Question
My family is visiting friends in India and I was told that I should not wear shorts and tank tops. Is there a dress code for this country? Rachel M. Portland, OregonAnswer
Our advice is to take time to learn about the country you are visiting to ensure you are aware of the cultural differences—you can find lots on the web about this topic and by country! In some countries it is not appropriate for women to wear revealing clothes, and in other countries you might be uncomfortable or unsafe wearing what might be appropriate in our country. Our advice is to err on the conservative side, be comfortable—good shoes, and practical clothes.Question
The world has changed a lot since 9/11 and I am a little skeptical about traveling in the Middle East, parts of Asia and Africa. Should I consider going to places that have had major incidents? Cindy D., Rocheseter, NY
Answer
Dear Cindy: Yes, we live in difficult times and there are many parts of the world that have suffered from major trauma. However, most people in these countries are peaceful citizens who enjoy having tourists and travelers visit their country. Our advice would be to carry a smile on your face, be respectful of cultural differences that you may encounter and be open to different and new experiences. If you are going to a country that is on government alert lists, by all means register with the US Embassy or Consulate in the city you are staying.
Question
I would like to take my nine year old grandson with me on a trip to Europe, but his parents are concerned that he might be bored with the activities that are normally included on travel packages to Europe. How can I convince them that I can prepare an interesting trip for him? Raymond C., Chicago, IL
Answer
I am sure you will find interesting as well as educational activities for your grandson in Europe. After all, Europe is full of children and their parents aren’t taking them to museums and churches all the time. First of all, check out city websites for your destinations and look up programs for kids during the time of your trip. Check out restaurants that cater to children, and I don’t necessarily mean McDonalds. If you are going during the summer, see if there are amusements parks near where you are staying. A visit to one of them will usually please any child. If your grandchild has a particularly hobby or interest, see if there is an outlet for this interest on your itinerary. And lastly, ask your grandson to do some research on his own before the trip so that he can have some familiarity with the location. Also engage him in the trip by providing him with a camera and maybe a video cam to document his experience.
Question
I am planning a trip to West Africa summer 2010, which will be my first trip to this continent. I am aware that malaria is a problem in most countries in the region, but I am a little skeptical about taking medication that I understand has some pretty harsh side affects. Is it absolutely necessary for me to take such medication? Marie B., Orlando, FloridaAnswer
Dear Marie: Make no mistake about it, malaria is a serious disease and you definitely don’t want to contract a case of it while on vacation. There are presently several drugs on the market that you can take as a prophylactic for malaria. Please check with your primary care doctor or a local immunization/travel clinic for latest updates on prescriptions. Also there are over the counter mosquito sprays you can with you but be sure they contain “Deet” as an additional precautionary measure.Question
During a resent visit to Mexico City I had been warned about taking certain cabs but had not been informed that taxi drivers sometimes take you way out of the way to your destination. Well, it happened to me and my fare was twice what I thought it would be. Bob B., MemphisAnswer
Sorry about that. You should be prepared (before you get into a taxi almost anywhere) to know the approximate mileage to your destination. You can ask your hotel concierge, a friend or call the place you are traveling to get directions. This could save you "mucho dineros".Question
My camera was stolen while I was traveling in Spain and I lost the wonderful pictures I had taken during my trip. Is there any way I can avoid losing my precious memories on future trips? Cathy M., MiamiAnswer
Our simple advice is to keep you memory card away from your camera. It’s a way to protect your photos if your camera is lost or stolen.Question
I have a voucher from an airline that I received when I volunteered to take a later flight and am confused about how to redeem it. Randy B., BostonAnswer
Make sure you read the copy on the voucher carefully for instructions on redemption. For one airline, we know you have to go to the airport to redeem the voucher. The good thing is that these vouchers are usually transferable, but check on the advance purchase requirements; it can be as much as 14 days in advance of your desired departure.
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