ON THE TRIP

A few things to note about money while on this trip: 

• Turkish lira is the preferred form of currency. You can exchange US dollars into Turkish lira at any bank or exchange bureau. 

• You can find up-to-date information and current exchange rates online, for example at Oanda.

• Use fresh, new-style bills, as overly worn or outdated bills are often not accepted.

• ATMs are readily available in Istanbul and Canakkale. The hotel concierge can direct you to the nearest ones.

• Major credit cards (VISA, MasterCard and American Express) are accepted in virtually all hotels, most restaurants and large shops.

You should only need to bring money for personal expenses, additional beverages, snacks, and individual purchases. See below for a full list of what is and is not included. 

Included

• Educational program with Stanford faculty leader, local guest speakers, and pre-departure materials, including preparatory reading 

• International economy-class airfare between SFO and Istanbul on designated group flights

• 9 nights of accommodations at group hotels

• All meals during the program except during flights (unless provided by the airline)

• All excursions, entry fees, transportation and group activities

• Visa processing (if applicable, a stipend will be issued by KHS to cover the cost)

• Professional English-speaking guide for all activities and tours

• Professional Stanford tour manager to manage all logistics during the tour

• Airport transfers to/from Denning House and SFO for scholars flying on designated group flights

• Gratuities to guides, drivers, and wait staff

• Minimal medical, accident, and evacuation insurance during program dates

Excluded

• Deviations from the group flight itinerary, fare class, or trip dates

• Activities, accommodations, meals, and beverages outside of those arranged for the group 

• Immunizations or medical costs incurred outside the program dates

• Excess-baggage charges 

• Passport expenses

• Personal items such as souvenirs, telephone calls, and laundry

• Insurance for flight changes, lost/delayed luggage, and pre- or post-trip travel

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the trip and can be accessed at both hotels on our itinerary. 

Contact your cell phone provider to find out how you can use your cell phone abroad. Charges will vary depending on the destination and your existing plan. Please note that many U.S. cell phone plans do not include international roaming, and charges can be quite high.

General Guidelines
The following information is only a guideline. Consult your doctor for medical advice on this program.

Medical care and facilities are readily available in Istanbul and Canakkale, but accessibility and standards of medical services may vary. 

You are responsible for bringing an adequate supply of your personal medications as well as medicines for common ailments. Trip staff are not legally allowed to supply these for you. 

Note that some medicines that are over-the-counter or prescription in the U.S. may be prohibited in some countries. Check with the foreign embassies and consulates in the U.S. for the country or countries you will be traveling to to find out what medications are prohibited, and speak with your doctor regarding alternate medications to bring, if necessary.

While we are committed to working with scholars with physical limitations, we also ask that prospective scholars be realistic in thinking about what will be required of them and use their best judgement when evaluating their health, physical ability, and the appropriateness of this program for them. If there are concerns, we suggest contacting your personal physician for further counsel on the advisability of taking this trip.  

Vaccinations
At the present time, no vaccinations are required for travel on this program. 

You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.

Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on your personal medical history, where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control suggests you consider the following:

• • Hepatitis A

  • Hepatitis B

  • Measles

  • Rabies

  • Typhoid

See your doctor before your trip to allow time for vaccines to take effect, ideally at least four to six weeks before departure.

Digestive Health
Traveler’s diarrhea is the most common health-related travel concern. It is not unusual for travelers to experience one or two days of mild intestinal discomfort at some point during the tour. You can find more information about preventive measures and suggested treatment for traveler’s diarrhea at the CDC website. 

Stanford University provides all travelers who are actively enrolled students with medical, accident, and evacuation coverage. A summary of the medical and emergency insurance coverage can be found at this link. 

Please note this medical/emergency coverage only applies to the dates of the program. Coverage for any independent pre- or post-trip arrangements will be the responsibility of the traveler. 

The insurance is primarily for medical and emergency situations and has very limited coverage for trip delays. It does not cover flight changes; lost, delayed, or stolen luggage; or other personal property.