Practical Travel Tips

YEIA SAS, RAZORBACKS!

We are very excited to be traveling with you. This is going to be a great trip.

The following addresses a number of “practical” type questions that many first-time travelers to Greece and Turkey inevitably have. Please note that much of what follows supplements the material you will find in your UA Summer Study Abroad Handbook.

NEW INFORMATION:

1. Please note the following, which we use from Matt Barrett's most helpful website:, about the ATHENS METRO and guarding against pick-pockets.

"Note on Metro Safety: Pickpockets work the metro and the train to and from the airport and I have even received an e-mail from someone pick-pocketed in the airport while looking at the flight board. Keep your wallet and passport in your front pocket with your hand in it on crowded trains and buses. Ladies carry your handbags zipped if possible and close to your chest. People with backpacks are an easy target. If you think you are safe with cargo pants with zipped side pockets, forget it. These guys are so adept that they can cut through any pocket and you won't even know until you put your hand in and find everything gone. They also use confusion as a weapon, for example stumbling into a crowded car or bumping into you.

If you want to be safe make photo copies of your passport and your driver's license and leave the originals and all but one credit card in your safe in your hotel room when you plan to use the metro or buses or really, anytime you go out in Athens because you never know when you may be in a crowd and that is where these guys work. Hold your money and credit card in your hand in your pocket. If you get pick-pocketed don't expect much help from the police. You will just end up wasting your time. Go straight to your hotel and cancel your credit cards that were stolen. (That's why you should only carry one with you). Then send me an e-mail and tell me how they did it so I can warn others. You can also read my [Matt Barrett] article Defeating the Pickpockets: http://www.greecetravel.com/matt-blog/2010-4-30.htm" The previous quote is from Matt Barrett: http://www.greecetravel.com/.

2. Please note that in addition to the warning about the "bar scam" which we have given below, that we advise against drinking with anyone you have just met, as sometimes when tourists leave their drinks unattended that unscrupulous people have been known to put in a drug that can make you lose consciousness and thereby become an easy victim of theft.

Money:

In Greece, the currency is the Euro. In Turkey, the Turkish Lira (also known as YTL). ATMs are widely available in both countries. Do not bring travelers checks. Be aware that Euros are a "convertible" currency, meaning that you can readily exchange them for Dollars in most places. The Turkish Lira, on the other hand, is not as easily converted into another currency.

If you end up with extra cash (Lira or Euros), you will be able to convert them back into dollars at the airport, or you can sell them to others who plan to stay longer.

Luggage:

The most important thing to remember here is that you should not bring a piece of luggage that is too large for you to handle. Whether that piece of luggage is strap-on backpack or a suitcase with wheels is up to you. We will bring, as usual, a suitcase with wheels. Please keep in mind that it is unlikely that we will ever be carrying our luggage for long distances. Sometimes we will have to carry our luggage from our bus to our hotel because our hotel is located on a narrow street where buses cannot go. We will also have to carry our luggage onto and off of the ferryboats we will be taking. In the past, this has meant walking a few blocks at most. Please keep in mind that if you choose to bring a strap-on backpack, you must secure the straps before checking it at the airport. Loose straps can get caught in the automatic baggage sorting machines. Finally, please keep in mind that most suitcases look alike. Please add something personal, like a ribbon or sticker, so you can easily identify your suitcase at the Athens airport.

Packing Liquids:

If you plan on bringing any liquids/semi-liquids such as shampoo, toothpaste, sunscreen, etc., it is important that they be packed in such a way that they do not break and leak all over the inside of your suitcase. One good way to help reduce the possibility of a messy surprise inside of your suitcase is to pack these items inside of several zip-lock bags. This way, if something does break, the mess will likely be contained.

Day Pack:

You will need some kind of day pack in which to carry your notebook, handouts, swimsuit, bottle of water, etc., This does not have to be a giant book bag. Please keep in mind that some Greek museums are now requiring that you check BACKpacks, but not other packs, such as satchels and purses.

Other items to consider for a day pack: a Swiss army knife for picnics, a good flashlight or head-mounted lamp for use in dark spaces like caves and the adyta of temples, a sturdy notebook, pens (and pencils because they write in the rain), a good camera (if you like to take pictures), and lots and lots of water. Perhaps a bandana, a small first aid kit, a whistle, and for women especially, small packets of tissues to use as toilet paper. Think about what you might take with you on an all-day hike and that is what you will need.

Shoes:

We will be doing a lot of walking so good footwear is essential. Please keep in mind that in addition to the many archaeological sites that we will be visiting (where the ground is often uneven and a bit rough) we will be taking a number of hikes. Comfortable, sturdy, closed-toe shoes are what we recommend here. A good pair of sturdy tennis shoes is fine. Whatever you choose for you feet, be sure they are broken in. Blisters happen! You will also want to bring a good pair of sandals. Many of the participants on previous study tours have worn Chacos or Tevas or similar sandals. These have the advantage of doubling as water shoes (We suggest either bringing a pair of dual-use sandals or a pair of light weight water shoes, to guard against sharp rocks, hot sand, and prickly sea urchins).

Clothing:

It is a good idea to bring comfortable, light-weight clothing that is easy to wash and dry. Clothing made out of synthetic fabrics (the kind available at Uncle Sam's, Pack Rat, Lewis & Clark) that can be easily washed in the sink and that dry in very little time is a very good idea. And shorts are just fine, most of the time. It's OK if you look like a tourist.

What you want to avoid is clothing that is not appropriate. REALLY short shorts and tank tops that reveal way more than they cover are not a good idea, especially in Turkey. And it isn't just the unwanted attention you may receive if you dress this way. Inappropriate dress may make it awkward to visit a church. At monasteries, visitors in shorts are usually not allowed to enter the site (at some monasteries, women may still be required to wear skirts). The same holds true for mosques--visitors are not allowed to enter if they are wearing shorts (a good solution to the problem of whether or not to wear shorts is to bring a pair of convertible “zip-off” type pants). And because female visitors to mosques are required to cover their heads, women should plan on bringing a lightweight scarf. We will always do our best to inform you in advance when the day’s itinerary requires special attire.

You should definitely plan to bring a swimsuit and a small towel (hotel owners usually don’t want their towels taken to the beach). We will have a number of opportunities to take a dip in the wine dark sea, and we will do our best to let you know in advance if we will be taking a swim.

You should also plan on bringing some kind of sweater. The temperature in Greece and Turkey for May and June is usually mild but can occasionally turn quite chilly. For this reason we recommend taking a lightweight fleecy. A lightweight windbreaker, preferably one that doubles as a raincoat, is a good idea as well.

The temperature in Greece and Turkey this time of year can also be quite hot. Sites without any trees or cover in the midday sun can make you sweat a gallon of water an hour. For this reason we STRONGLY recommend that you bring a hat to keep the sun off your head and WEAR it (this is one the very best pieces of advice that we will ever give you).

Finally, please note that t-shirts or any other type of clothing with political or religious messages of any kind are completely inappropriate. Keep in mind that you are a member of a group. It is not only unwise, but also unfair to bring unnecessary and unwelcome attention to the other members of the group who may not share your views or beliefs

Laundry:

While some hotels have laundry facilities, this may not always be a good option, especially since laundry service takes at least a day and can get rather pricey. If you ask us, we will be more than happy to let you know about the possibility of laundry service when we arrive at a new hotel as well as the possibility of finding a convenient drop-off laundromat (while not always easy to find, we do know of a good, reasonably priced laundromat in Herakleion, Crete). Your best bet will often be to wash out your dirty things in your hotel room sink, so a light clothesline, some Woolite (preferably in powder form), and a few clothespins should come in handy. This is yet another good reason for bringing light-weight synthetic clothing—it’s easily washed and dries quickly.

Guide Books:

The best one is the Blue Guide to Greece, although it does not include any of the Greek islands. Two other possibilities are the Rough Guide to Greece and the Lonely Planet Guide to Greece (the former includes a nice section on the Greek language while the latter features especially nice maps). The Dorling Kindersly (DK) Istanbulis good, as is National Geographic and the Michelin Green Guide. If you can get one of these guidebooks and read along when we go places, you will get much more out of our trip. Because our only stop in Turkey is Istanbul, you may want to consider a guide book that covers only Istanbul. The Blue Guide (written by John Freely) is excellent. Other guide books to Istanbul include The Rough Guide to Istanbul, The Lonely Planet Guide to Istanbul, and the National Geographic Guide to Istanbul and Western Turkey.

Personal Hygiene:

If you require specific prescription drugs, please be sure to pack an adequate amount for the entire trip, and, if possible, bring an extra prescription in the event that your medication is lost. And DO NOT pack your prescription medications in your suitcase (suitcases sometimes arrive late and you probably do not want to be without your medications). Rather, pack them in your carry-on bag. If you wear prescription glasses, it is a really good idea to pack a spare pair. You might even want to have a copy of your prescription. Greece and Turkey have perfectly good soaps, shampoos, toothpaste, etc., but if you have specific preferences, bring enough for four weeks. Vitamins in Athens are rare and expensive; if you take these, you should bring your own with you.

Sun Protection:

Two very common causes of discomfort and serious illness among first-time travelers to Greece and Turkey are sunburn and sunstroke. The quality of light and its reflection off of marble surfaces and the sea can burn and dehydrate you faster than you might think. The best protection is coverage: hats, long-sleeved cotton shirts, and staying in the shade. Sunscreen with a high SPF number is essential. You might want to bring some with you since not offer all brands are available and those that are can be quite expensive. You should plan on carrying at least 1.5 liters of water (the large water bottle size) with you at all times. Not carrying adequate water is not only dangerous for you, but for the whole group, since you will become a drain on someone else’s water supply. Good, dark sunglasses can alleviate eyestrain and avert possible injury.

Rooming on the road:

You can expect to be in a shared room at all times on our trip. Roommate assignments will be rotated so you will eventually room with everyone (of your gender) in the group. We will also do our best to try and make sure that the number of times you share a triple room is roughly the same as every other participant. Hotel rooms will vary greatly in terms of space, views, quality, and bathroom facilities. We will not be spending much time in the hotel, except to sleep, so location, cleanliness and a good breakfast are our top priorities

Toilets:

In Greece, and most of the time in Turkey, you will encounter western style toilets, just like at home. Unlike at home, however, you should NOT throw your toilet paper into the toilets. Instead, you will find a little covered receptacle next to the bowl and that is where you should put your used paper. Failure to follow this simple rule may cause your toilet to clog and overflow.

Please make it a habit to keep a little toilet paper with you, in case there is none in the facilities you use.

In Turkey, many of the public toilets require that you pay a small amount to use them. With that in mind, always keep a few coins with you to pay the attendant. There will be sign telling you the amount. The attendant might give you toilet paper and, upon exiting, may offer you some scented lemon water with which to watch your hands.

Food on the road:

Breakfast is provided by the hotel. They usually have tea, coffee, bread, rolls, cheese, jam, and butter. A more deluxe offering might include eggs, cold cuts, more cheeses, olives, fresh fruit, croissants, cereal, and delicious yogurt with honey. Please note that it is not proper to take hotel breakfast food out of the breakfast room. Although we will have some special group dinners on the trip, for the most part, you will be on your own in the evenings. For lunch you will also usually be on your own, but with some restrictions, due to our schedule. For example, you may have an hour or so to find a place to eat, or we may all have to eat at one place, if that is the only place around. Fortunately, it is not difficult to find good, reasonably priced food in Greece and Turkey. Tipping Advice: Tips are usually included, but most Greeks and Turks leave a little something extra if the service is good (approximately 5%).

“Typical” cuisine in Greece and Turkey includes fresh vegetables usually cooked in olive oil, fresh bread, olives, cheese, yoghurt, salad (cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions, usually no lettuce), grilled meats (beef, lamb, and chicken, with pork only available in Greece), a variety of casserole-type baked dishes such as mousaka (eggplant, potatoes, ground beef topped with a béchamel sauce), the ubiquitous gyro/doner (pita bread stuffed with meat, fried potatoes, onions, tomatoes, slathered in yoghurt), seafood (fresh fish is usually very expensive while things like kalamari are much less so), dessert pastries such as baklava, fresh seasonal fruit (the cherries, melon, and watermelon are especially delicious), all washed down with a glass of ….

Alcoholic Beverages

The attitude toward drinking in Greece is different from that in the United States. Most Greeks will have a drink with their afternoon or evening meal and we usually have a drink when we have dinner. Indeed, whether it is ouzo, the anis-flavored national aperitif, retsina, the pine-flavored white wine of Attica, or Chikoudhya, the fire water of Crete (often offered complimentary as a token of Cretan hospitality), alcohol is an integral part of the Greek dining experience. The key, of course, is moderation. In Greece, the attitude toward alcohol is that it is meant to be enjoyed as part of a meal, but not abused. Drunkenness, especially in public, is frowned upon, and considered rude and uncouth. It is also no fun to sit on a bus the next day with a hangover. Take care of your bodies!

In Turkey, the attitude toward drinking is a bit more complex. On the one hand, the overwhelming majority of Turks are Muslims and as such are forbidden by their faith to drink alcohol. On the other hand, many Turks nevertheless drink. If you are in doubt as to whether it is acceptable to order a drink or not, keep the following rule in mind: if you see that the establishment does serve alcohol (is it on people's tables?), it is probably OK to order it. If there is no evidence of alcohol being served, do not order it, because doing so might offend the customers and the owners. Of course, the advice given above concerning drunkenness in Greece, especially PUBLIC drunkenness, applies to Turkey, as well.

To repeat: Drinking along with your meal is socially acceptable in Greece and in many places in Turkey. Alcoholic beverages are widely available, and, what’s more, there is, effectively, no drinking age. So, if you wish to have a drink with your evening meal, you are free to do so. Just remember the famous ancient Greek dictum: ΜΗΔΕΝ ΑΓΑΝ (Nothing in Excess).

A final word on drinking (water). It is perfectly safe to drink tap water in Greece, although some people prefer bottled water. When in Turkey, however, it is best to avoid tap water, and only drink bottled water.

Illegal Drugs:

Do not even think about doing drugs in either Greece or Turkey. If you end up in jail in Greece or Turkey, there is little or nothing that we can do to help you.

Words of Caution:

There are two scams you should be aware of.

Scam #1 concerns ATM machines, which are plentiful and widely used in both Greece and Turkey. Just remember that when you are punching in your pin number, make sure that you COVER UP with your hands the numbers so that no one—even someone with a pair of binoculars—can see what your pin is. You see, scam artists are able to insert a card into an ATM machine that will give an impression of your card. All they need is your pin, which they can’t get if you COVER it UP with your hands while punching it in.

Scam #2 concerns bars. It goes something like this. Someone will bump into you (you usually meaning a single obviously foreign male), ask you for the time, ask you if you speak English, ask you where you are from (“Arkansas! My uncle had a restaurant in Little Rock!”), and then invite you to have a drink at his bar or his friend’s bar. The next thing you know, you are sitting at a table with an open bottle of cheap champagne and two heavily made-up sleazy-looking women. Your “friend” has long since disappeared. Things don’t look right, and you make a run for it. Out of nowhere appears a huge bouncer who blocks your escape and presents you with a bill for hundreds of euros. So, do not go into a bar alone with someone you have just met, and whom you do not know.

Theft:

While the crime rate, especially for violent crime, is far lower in Greece and Turkey than it is in the US, petty crime such as purse snatching and pocket picking is on the increase. Be smart. Keep you wallet in a safe place. Be careful where you set your purse. Pay attention when you are in a crowded place or when using public transportation such as the Metro or Tram, or getting off of a Ferryboat.

Greece in the News:

You may have seen in the news lately that in Athens there have been demonstrations and confrontations between Greeks and the police. These confrontations usually are non violent, and mostly take place in a small confined area. We usually will know ahead of time when and where they will take place, and we will avoid them. If you are in the area of one of these demonstrations, please keep a safe distance, and do not attempt to approach them. Experience has shown that the anger of the protesters is directed at the government, not foreign visitors.

Turkey: Words to the Wise

Ataturk: A quick word about the founder of the Turkish Republic, Kemal Ataturk.

He is the symbol of the country and his image is EVERYWHERE in Turkey. It is important to keep in mind that it is against the law to insult Ataturk. Unwitting foreign visitors who have audibly mocked Ataturk, or defaced his image, have been arrested and prosecuted. So, when it comes to Ataturk, ALWAYS be respectful. If you end up in jail in Greece or Turkey, there is little or nothing that we can do to help you.

The Turkish Flag: Along with Ataturk, the Turkish flag symbolizes the country. It is against the law to insult or desecrate the Turkish flag in any way. Again, always be respectful.

Islam and Proselytizing: It is very important to remember that even though Turkey is officially a secular country, the vast majority of its citizens are Muslims, and while not technically illegal, proselytizing in any form is deeply resented by most Turks, conservative and secular alike. Also note that in Turkey it is illegal to "insult an established religion," and that this law has been and continues to be broadly interpreted. To even give the impression that you are witnessing your faith to influence a Muslim to convert can lead to arrest, prosecution, and occasionally far worse. If you end up in jail in Greece or Turkey, there is little or nothing that we can do to help you.

Islam and the Call to Prayer: Since Turkey is an overwhelmingly Muslim country, you may hear the call to prayer as often as five times a day. You must not mock this or imitate it in any way. Always be respectful when it comes to religion. This is not a recommendation; you must be prudent.

Islam and Women: Western women who are dressed inappropriately may receive unwanted attention. Please dress modestly. Conservative Muslims are offended by women who dress scantily, and some may assume that women who are dressed in skimpy garb are prostitutes -- or that they are looking for sex. Please dress conservatively.

Turkey and Politics: While Turks are warm and hospitable towards foreign guests, including Americans, most are very critical of current American foreign policy, and are sensitive to the fact that the United States is fighting wars in two Muslim countries. Please try to avoid discussions and arguments about politics. Furthermore, please be aware of two other "hot-button" issues in Turkey. These concern the Armenians and the Kurds. Many Turks are very sensitive about issues surrounding these peoples.

To repeat: When it comes to traditional values, politics, national symbols and especially religion, you must be prudent.

Final Words of Advice

Our program will keep us on the move for nearly four weeks -- be ready to live from your suitcase! Please leave valuables at home, as we cannot accept responsibility for lost jewelry and other such items. It will be good to bring an alarm clock and a reliable watch, so you never miss a meeting time or bus departure. Not only will we have a tight schedule, but also it is inconsiderate to keep the other members of the group waiting. Since we have a relatively large group, it is even more important to be responsible.

If you have not been doing a lot of walking lately, start now. Your legs will thank you for preparing them for the many hours you will use them every day. And one last piece of advice: Be flexible, because sometimes things like museum hours and ferryboat schedules can change without warning. There is also the possibility that strikes could force us to make alternative plans. Please be ready to adapt.

Please ask if you have ANY questions. We love to hear from you!

Daskaloi: Daniel Levine, George Paulson dlevine@uark.edu; gpaulso@uark.edu