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Travel Tips
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Traveling to Turkey
Editor’s note: Global business, and subsequently, global business travel, continues to expand rapidly. In response, CWT Traveler will provide to readers each month insights and tips on traveling from North America to other countries around the world. This month’s installment focuses on Turkey.
Good to know:
- The Republic of Turkey is a multiparty democracy.
- Turkey is a secular state, with no official religion, although 90 percent of the population is Sunni Muslim.
- Turkish is the official language; many businesspeople also speak English, German, or French.
- A passport and visa are required for travel to Turkey.
- Turkey is seven hours ahead of North America Eastern Standard Time (EST).
- Tobacco use is widespread. No-smoking zones are virtually non-existent.
- Tea is the national drink, and sugar may be added to it, but never milk. Turkish coffee is strong and is usually served as an after-dinner drink.
In business:
- Always be punctual. Be prepared for small talk before business. Negotiations may proceed very slowly.
- Although the Muslim holy day is Friday, offices are usually still open.
- Business attire is conservative, and suits are appropriate for men and women.
- Men shake hands when meeting. However, men should wait to see if a Turkish woman extends her hand, as observant Muslims avoid physical contact with the other gender in public.
Sources: travel.state.gov; “Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands: The Bestselling Guide to Doing Business in More Than 60 Countries”, by Terri Morrison and Wayne A. Conaway. Published by Adams Media of Avon, Massachusetts.
Tips for fighting motion sickness
Many travelers are affected by motion sickness, whether traveling by sea, car, or air. Typically, motion sickness occurs because the motion sensors in our inner ear perceive that something is out of sorts. In an effort to prevent occurrences, below are some tips to keep in mind.
Remain calm—The more you think about the potential for motion sickness to occur, the more violent the reaction can become. Being anxious can further complicate matters and cause one to faint or hyperventilate. Relax and breathe into a paper bag if necessary.
Get some fresh air—Stuffy spaces or potent smells can start off a reaction. Get as much fresh air and ventilation as possible.
Eat—Getting something mild, and low-fat, in your stomach (i.e. bread, crackers, water) can help to settle your stomach.
Skip the alcohol—Alcohol thins the fluid in your inner ear's semicircular canal and worsens the symptoms of motion sickness. Stick with water, soda or sparkling water instead.
Choose your “seat” wisely—If traveling by sea, industry experts suggest booking a cabin that's in the center of a ship and a couple of decks above the water line. By car and air, the front seats are best. They typically have less turbulence, which may help with motion sickness.
Consider possibly remedies—There are over-the-counter and prescription medications that may help combat motion sickness, but travelers should carefully research any potential side effects of such medications before taking them. Some people obtain relief by eating ginger or wearing pressure-point wristbands.
Remain as still as possible—Movement can worsen feelings of nausea. For those who are particularly vulnerable to motion sickness, experts recommend avoiding reading or watching television while traveling.
Sources: Washington Post; weather.com
