What Counts as Passport Damage?

According to the Passport Office, your passport will be considered damaged if:

1. Your personal details are unreadable.

2. Pages are ripped, cut, or missing.

3. The cover has holes, cuts, or rips.

4. The cover is detaching.

5. Pages are stained (e.g., ink or water damage).

If your passport falls under any of these categories, you’ll need a replacement.

Replacement Costs

Online application: £88.50

Paper application: £100

For damaged, lost, or stolen passports, applicants will need to verify their identity and may require someone to sign their application.

Applying for a New Passport

Online: Upload a digital photo and pay by debit or credit card.

Paper application: Obtain a form from the Post Office or Passport Adviceline. You’ll need two identical printed photos and a signature from someone who can verify your identity.

Processing Times

Typically, a new passport arrives within three weeks. Delays may occur if further checks or interviews are required.

Urgent Applications

For faster processing, two urgent options are available:

1. One Day Premium Service

Appointment available two days after application.

Passport ready for collection four hours post-appointment.

Cost: £207.50 (£219.50 for a 54-page passport).

2. One Week Fast Track Service

Appointment available the next day.

Passport delivered via courier one week later.

Cost: £166.50 for adults (£178.50 for a 54-page passport) and £135.50 for children (£147.50 for a 54-page passport).

Please note that passport fees are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, refer to the official UK government website.

Travellers are advised to check their passports well in advance of planned trips to avoid disruption.

Source: Bristol Live/GOV.UK

The post Passport Warning: Five Issues That Could Halt Your Travel Plans appeared first on Fethiye Times.

This ancient marketplace, with its narrow streets and rich history, showcases some of the finest examples of Ottoman architecture, including mosques, inns, baths, and fountains.

Known as the “Old Skopje Bazaar,” the area is famed for its traditional crafts like jewelry making and carpet weaving. Visitors are also drawn to the local cuisine, where Turkish tourists often remark that they feel “right at home.”

Hasan Arslan, a visitor from Türkiye, shared his excitement about the city: “Skopje excited us. It’s a beautiful and historic city, and seeing the traces of the Ottoman Empire made us especially happy.” He encouraged those interested in Ottoman heritage to spend more than a day exploring the capital.

The Turkish Bazaar, which gained prominence in the 16th and 17th centuries, is home to iconic Ottoman landmarks like the Sultan Murad Mosque, Kurshumli An Inn, and the Davut Pasha Bathhouse. Turkish tourists are especially fond of the local eateries, where traditional North Macedonian dishes like meatballs and baked beans are top of the list.

One of Skopje’s most famous Ottoman structures is the Stone Bridge, also known as the “Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge.” This 12-arch, 220-meter-long bridge, which connects the banks of the Vardar River, has withstood wars and earthquakes and remains a testament to the city’s rich Ottoman heritage.

Source: Daily Sabah

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Whilst we enjoy the feeling of warmth and light that the sun brings, a widespread awareness of the fact that too much exposure to UV radiation from the sun can cause skin cancer and premature ageing has prompted people to be cautious about spending time in the sun.

Many people think that this is something that they only need to concern themselves with when they go on holiday. However, this could not be further from the truth. Even when the weather is cold outside, the sun is still shining, even if you cannot feel it on your skin, and so it can always cause damage. This is why it is vital to help your skin by wearing sunscreen as part of your daily routine. 

Here in Türkiye, the temperatures can soar to the mid-forties and higher in the summer. Hot enough to fry that proverbial egg! Imagine what that heat can do to your skin!

All too often in the summer, we see visitors looking like boiled lobsters!

Mythbusters!

To encourage you to adopt safe sunscreen practices, here are some of the most common myths about sunscreen that people believe today. 

• Myth 1 – I don’t need to wear sunscreen if it is cold or cloudy. If the sun is in the sky, you need to wear sunscreen, and the sun is always in the sky!
• Myth 2 – My sunscreen is SPF 50 so I don’t need to wear it as much. It does not matter what SPF is associated with your sunscreen, it is only going to last for around two hours, so you still need to re-apply.
• Myth 3 – I don’t need to reapply my sunscreen after swimming because it is waterproof. In fact, there is no such thing as waterproof sunscreen. Water-resistant, yes, but waterproof, no! 
• Myth 4 – I don’t need sunscreen because I have dark skin. It may be more difficult to see sun damage on dark skin. However, people with dark skin are just as susceptible to sunburn, so you still need to make sure you wear sunscreen.

Staying safe in the sun

Follow these sun safety tips to make sure you don’t put your health at risk.

Choosing a sunscreen

Making sure you choose the right sunscreen can be a minefield with SPF numbers, stars and letters all relating to protection levels. Before you head off to buy your sunscreen, make sure you know what you are looking for. All too often, people just buy the one that is on special offer! 

Using a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher every day is crucial. For extended outdoor activity, use a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

SPF numbers start at 2 and have just recently reached 70. To figure out how long you can stay in the sun with a given SPF, use this equation:

Minutes to burn without sunscreen x SPF number = maximum sun exposure time

For example, if you burn after 10 minutes of sun exposure, an SPF of 30 will allow you to be in the sun for up to 300 minutes without burning (as long as you follow the directions for application in the link further down this article).

Here are links to a couple of informative articles that will help you to choose the right sunscreen.

Click here to read ‘Sunscreen …What does it all mean?’ by qualified medical professional and aesthetician Tracy Welsh, owner of R.J.Rose Aesthetics in Essex.

Click here to read the Which article on SPF, UVA, UVB: sun creams explained

Reapply sunscreen every two hours – more often if you swim, shower or sweat and rub your skin dry. Waterproof or water-resistant sunscreens will resist removal more than other sunscreens but still need reapplication to maintain their optimum SPF value.

Click here to read the NHS guidelines on how to apply sunscreen.

Don’t forget your lips

Lips usually tend to get forgotten when one thinks of applying sunscreen. However, not many know that skin on the lips is much thinner and more delicate compared to the skin on the face. 

So, using a lip balm on a sunny day becomes imperative. Not only does it protect you from painful sunburn, but also helps your lips keep looking young and healthy.

Here’s a link to a buying guide by Specialist Registrar in Dermatology Felipe Partarrieu that explains exactly what you need: 10 Best Lip Balms With SPF 2022 | UK Dermatologist Reviewed

Make every day a hat day

Make sure everyone in your family wears a hat. 

The best sun hats should provide good protection from the sun for your face, scalp, head, neck and ears and have a high UV protection factor. You’ll find that sun protection hats come in all shapes and styles, offering varying degrees of protection.

Click here to check out the popular collection of Wallaroo Hat Company’s classic hats with UPF50+ protection! 

Protect your eyes

Research suggests that the harmful UVA and UVB rays contained in sunlight may also be a factor in a number of eye diseases.

Many people wear sunglasses as a practicality to reduce the glare of the sun or even to look cool, but there is a more serious reason for wearing them, protecting your eyes from UV exposure.

Click on this link to read an article on how UV can affect your eyes and what to consider when buying sunglasses.

Enjoy some time in the shade

Stay in the shade when the sun is at its hottest – between 11:am and 3:00pm.

If you must be out when the sun is at its hottest, wear a long-sleeved top or shirt. Cover up!

Stay alert to ensure you do not burn

Don’t fall asleep in the full sun. You may wake up burnt to a crisp.

Çalış Beach breeze

Çalış Beach is popular for the cooling breeze that blows from the sea in the afternoon. BEWARE!  You won’t feel yourself burning so make sure you reapply your sunscreen regularly.

Dehydration

Dehydration means your body loses more fluids than you take in. If it’s not treated, it can get worse and become a serious problem.

In the hot sun, you can experience some level of dehydration after about 10 mins.

Babies, children and older adults are more at risk of dehydration.

Symptoms of dehydration in adults and children include:

• feeling thirsty
• dark yellow, strong-smelling pee
• peeing less often than usual
• feeling dizzy or lightheaded
• feeling tired
• a dry mouth, lips and tongue
• sunken eyes

Signs of dehydration in a baby may include:

• a sunken soft spot (fontanelle) on top of their head
• sunken eyes
• few or no tears when they cry
• not having many wet nappies
• being drowsy or irritable

Things you can do to treat dehydration

You should drink fluids if you have symptoms of dehydration. Drink 500ml of water for every half hour you spend sunbathing.

If you feel sick or have been sick, you may find it hard to drink, so start with small sips and then gradually drink more.

You can find out more about dehydration at the link below:

Dehydration – NHS

What about the children?

Young, sensitive skin is especially vulnerable, always protect your child from those harmful rays.

Sunscreen should not be used on children under the age of six months, as these young children can get very good sun protection with sun protective prams, hoods, clothes, blankets and umbrellas. Keep your little one in the shade where possible.

From the age of six months onwards, babies can be protected with sunscreens in addition to the above protective measures. Use sunscreens that are labelled as formulated for children.

Click here to read Sun Care 101: The Basics of Sun Safety for Kids

Finally…

If you’re in the sun and you feel like you’re burning …it’s because you are!

Stay safe in the sun and have a great summer!

Sources: daysoftheyear.com/Which/parents.com/R.J.Rose Aesthetics/metoffice.gov.uk/mybest/NHS

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This article was written for Fethiye Times by Mike Vickers

For most of us, moving house is a nightmare of stress and exasperation, so just imagine what it’s like moving an entire airport. That was the challenge facing Turkish Airlines when their new home was opened by President Erdoğan in October 2018.

As it turned out, the move from the old Atatürk Airport was a logistical masterpiece, involving thousands of journeys between the two airports. Fleets of trucks shuttled back and forth, ferrying 50,000 tons of equipment between them and covering 400,000 km in the process – all completed well within a tight 45-hour time window in early April. In addition, 146 Turkish Airlines aircraft also made the short transfer over from Atatürk, and after much arranging of furniture and plugging in of computers, all was ready and their maiden flight departed on the 6th April, destination Ankara.

Having little faith in the reliability of budget airlines, my wife and now fly to and from the UK with Turkish Airlines. Flying scheduled is great – it often turns out to be not all that more expensive and the meals are free! The only downside is that at the moment, the only way to reach Dalaman is via Istanbul, and earlier this year we had the unusual experience of flying into the old Atatürk Airport in March (spectacular views over the Bosphorus, Golden Horn, Hagia Sophia, the Walls of Constantinople – you know, the whole big, fabulous, wonderful chocolate-covered biscuit), but then leaving Türkiye in May via the new Istanbul Airport. The difference between the two is – well, significant.

The statistics are truly impressive. More than 660,000 trees were cut down and 1,850,000 moved to allow construction to begin. Four runways are currently in use, with four more planned for completion by 2027 (yes, a total of eight runways!), leading to an eventual capacity of 200 million passengers a year. The terminal building is 1.4 million square metres in size, the largest in the world under a single roof. To give you an idea, this building is already significantly bigger in area than the Vatican City, and once the airport is fully developed, the terminal building will have an eventual size of 3.2 million square metres, or about 1.5 times larger than the entire City State of Monaco. Make no mistake, this is an impressive place, a home fit for an airline with ambition. Turkish Airlines are now prioritizing routes into Africa, using Istanbul as the hub for the entire continent. Travellers wanting to fly on to Europe and the USA turn left at Istanbul, those wanting to go to China, Japan and the Far East turn right. This is a big game they’re playing and we found the airport full of people wearing bright and colourful national costumes from all over the continent.

So, what’s it like to navigate?

The first thing we noticed was the length of time it took to taxi to the vast terminal. Admittedly, we’d landed on the furthest of the four runways, but even so, it took a full 8 minutes to reach the terminal gate. That doesn’t sound particularly long, but a plane taxis at approximately 35 kph, so the distance covered was about 4 kilometres. This is a seriously big airport.

On reaching the terminal, the signage is clear and easy to follow. All signs are in both Turkish and English. Perfect! We headed to International Transfers, as should all who are flying back to the UK, passed through a spacious passport control hall with satisfyingly short queues and straight into the departure lounge.

Now I’ve been inside some big buildings in my time but without doubt this is the largest. It’s cavernous, with a light and airy cathedral-like vaulted ceiling high above stretching away into the distance. The only way I could estimate its length was by measuring the building using Google Earth, and came up with approximately 1000 metres, give or take. That’s an impressive building by any standards – oh, and by the way, the whole huge space is air-conditioned.

One of the reasons why it’s so big is to house the shops. The place is like an exclusive shopping mall and there are more than enough enticing stores to occupy your attention and worry your wallet as you wait for your flight, but don’t get too distracted – it can take some time to actually reach your departure gate.

Despite the temptation, we both tend not to shop at airports so left the departure lounge in search of our gate, stopping for a very reasonably-priced coffee on the way.

As it inevitably turned out, our gate was just about as far as could be from the departure lounge, but at least that gave us the chance to experience the enormity of the place as we drifted along the moving walkways.

Once at the gate, matters proceeded as they do in airports all over the globe and four hours later we landed at Heathrow. Frankly, it felt like a shed!

If a country really wishes to impress its international visitors, the most obvious way is through its primary international airport, and in this matter, the Turks have excelled.  This is world-class.

Things to think about

If catching a transfer flight, leave yourself plenty of time to get to your gate – it’s a huge place! Jan and I must have walked the thick end of two kilometres from our arrival gate to the Domestic Transfer Desk, then through the departure lounge and out to our departure gate. It’s Exhaaauuusting, Dahling!

Wear comfortable shoes!!!! See above.

Demand an appropriate refund from Turkish Airlines – they only carry you 99% of the distance to Dalaman. The other 1% you’ve already walked…

Welcome to Istanbul – welcome to Türkiye.

This article was first published on 6 August 2019 and updated on 21 February 2024

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If your native tongue isn’t Turkish then there’s every chance you’ll have already heard about Meis.

Also known as Kastellorizo, the tiny island with a complex history is currently Greek and that means – even though it’s only a mile off the Turkish coast – it counts as “abroad”.

Every year, hundreds visit – but not all just to admire the scenery and enjoy the seafood from the many restaurants around the pretty harbour.

Quite a few will hop on the ferries from Kaş simply to avoid a bit of Turkish legislation.

At the moment, if you’re a foreigner and you have been residing in Türkiye for six months or more, you are supposed to apply for a Turkish driving licence.

However, for those who prefer not to, a simple passport stamp to prove you have left the country – even for just a day – is usually enough to circumnavigate the regulations.

As a result, Meis has become something of a twice-yearly pilgrimage, particularly for those who would struggle to produce documentary evidence that they have completed secondary school education – a proviso the authorities insist upon before issuing a driving licence in Türkiye.

But, although many who book a ticket to Meis will have a few beers in the bars and then board the ferry back to Türkiye just as quickly as they can, there’s actually quite a bit to see and do – and all in a very condensed space.

Indeed, even if you only have a passing interest in learning a bit more about the island, there’s a good chance you’ll end up wanting to stay longer than a few hours.

For example, just how did such a small island just a mile off the Turkish coast end up being Greek territory?

The answer actually lies in relatively recent history; the island was captured by allied forces during the Second World War – a move welcomed by the inhabitants who feared the German forces may reach them first.

Formal cessation of the occupation came when the territory was handed to Greece as part of the Paris Peace Treaties in 1947 – a move few locals protested as many have Greek ancestry anyway.

But, before that, the island was also a part of the Byzantine Empire, a base for crusading knights from France, the property of an Egyptian sultan, an Italian territory, and part of the Ottoman Empire. It was then handed back to Italy at the end of the First World War – with periods of occupation by both Greeks and Turks since then.

As a result, the island wears its chequered history like layers of clothes; the castle on the rock which overlooks the harbour for example was once used as a prison for errant knights.

Below is an Ottoman mosque – now a museum – while there is a Byzantine church on the town square set behind the harbour.

Steep steps from the main town also lead to a monastery and an ancient acropolis while some of the grander houses along the quay can tell stories of their own.

But Meis isn’t just rich in cultural or architectural heritage. The limestone island also boasts some environmental riches – not least the stunning Blue Cave accessible only by boat but well worth the fee most of the captains charge.

St George’s Island and its diminutive Greek Orthodox church is also a delightful venue if you prefer lunch away from the crowds along the quayside – with drop-off and collection included as part of the Blue Cave tour if required.

The views of the harbour and across to Kaş and the Turkish coast are spectacular while visitors to the seafront bars include a couple of loggerhead turtles, who some will tell you have been visiting the harbour for decades.

So, although Meis may well be a convenient port of call for automotive purposes, it’s also much more than that.

It’s certainly small – small enough for some to find claustrophobic in the busier summer months.

But, if you make an effort to get a little off the beaten track or if you can winkle travelling companions out of the bars and restaurants for a few hours, it’s worth exploring in more detail and, believe it or not, you may find that hard to achieve in a few short hours.

This article was first published in 2019 and updated on 20 February 2024

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Many of the Turkish community pursue self-employment opportunities and there are clearly identifiable Turkish areas with streets lined with restaurants, kebab shops, cafes, food stores, barbers and various other trades.

Welcome to Green Lanes in North London

Mick and Trudie visited and spoke to Turks in Green Lanes, aka ‘Istanbul in North London’, one of the biggest Turkish communities in the UK. They had no idea that you can find everything here you would find in Türkiye as well as superb Turkish restaurants and cafe’s. Let’s take a look…

To see more videos by Mick and Trudie, subscribe to their YouTube channel: Mick and Trudie

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Have you booked your flight and accommodation? Now you need to think about getting from the airport to your destination…

In this article, we explain most of the ways you can get from Dalaman Airport to Ölüdeniz, Fethiye, Marmaris, Kalkan and beyond.

If you are going on holiday to Fethiye, Ölüdeniz, Marmaris, Dalyan, Kalkan, Kaş or any other popular southern Turkish resort you are likely to arrive at Dalaman International Airport.

Dalaman International Airport has no rail links. All transport to and from the airport is by road.

So if you are on a DIY holiday, have arrived by no-frills airline, package holiday or visiting friends and family under your own steam your options to get to and from the airport are as follows:

Dalaman Airport Car Hire

You can hire a car at the airport or pre-book from one of the many companies represented on the internet. Prices vary depending on the time of the year and the type of vehicle you want.

Car hire is convenient and one of the quickest ways to get to your holiday destination and is good value for four people travelling.

Many of the hire companies will pick you up from the airport and drop you at your accommodation if you ask in advance (Dalaman only) which saves stress if you are driving in Turkey for the first time, are tired after a long journey or have had a drink on the flight.

However, always check with the company that they are able to collect you at the airport as restrictions operate from time to time.

Most companies operate on an empty-to-empty fuel tank system. So when you pick up your vehicle the first task you will have will be to fill it up with fuel.

There is a fuel station a couple of km outside the airport on the exit road so that is the first and easiest place to fill up.

All fuel stations in Turkey are attended so just say the attendant ‘full’ and they will know what you want, most speak the essential English words.

Payment can be made by cash or international credit/debit card with chip and pin.

Travelling to Fethiye, Ölüdeniz, Çalış, Kalkan, Kaş or beyond

IMPORTANT – If you are travelling to Göcek, Fethiye, Ölüdeniz, Kalkan or other resorts to the south you will need to drive through the Göcek Tunnel. Make sure you have some Turkish Lira to pay the toll each way.

Dalaman Airport Taxi (or Taksi in Turkish)

Official Yellow taxis operate to and from the international terminal.

Fares do vary depending on the exact location of your resort so always ask and agree on a price upfront before departing.

Dalaman Airport Fly Transfer

The next option is the fly transfer.

Some airlines offer a transfer on one of their package tour coaches when you book a ‘flight only’. This option is a bit limited as the service only goes to the main resorts/hotels.

If your place is off the beaten track you might need to take a taxi to take you to your final destination.

Dalaman Airport Private Transfer

Many companies operate private transfers to and from the airport but these MUST be pre-booked.

Welcome Pickups

“We selected one of the best, most trustworthy and convenient 5-star airport taxi companies for your airport transfer based on user reviews across various platforms such as Google, Tripadvisor and Trustpilot. Welcome Pickups offers a great experience and safety to its travelers.

– Local English-speaking drivers

– Flat, pre-paid fee

– Flight monitoring for delays

– 24/7 Customer support “

Private Transfer Tips

It is very important to check that the transfer company you are booking with is a fully licenced operator. If the company you use doesn’t have the correct credentials they may be refused entry to the airport and you’ll be left stranded.

Fixed Price and Extras – Check too that the price is not a fixed one based on x persons sharing, has hidden extras or will only drop off in a central location rather than at your hotel or villa rental.

Reliability – There is nothing more stressful than waiting around for a transfer that is late or does not turn up especially on your homeward leg when you have a flight to catch. So,  search the internet for reliability reports for your transfer company.

Be Prepared – Get hold of a 24-hour contact so you can talk to someone if your transfer is late, and arrange a backup so you don’t miss your flight.

As with the taxi tips above always take detailed directions or a map with you to guide the driver.

Dalaman Airport Public Transport – The Muttaş

A bus runs between Dalaman Airport and Fethiye every day. 

The timetable varies depending on the season.

The liveried buses are easy to spot.

Dalaman Airport Other Bus Service – The Havaş

The official airport bus for passengers of Turkish Airlines (THY) and other domestic flights is run by Havaş.

Anyone can use their service. The bus departures are timed with the arrival of domestic flights. There are flights more or less throughout the day so it is pretty good coverage in the summer season. The service runs all year.

Be warned you may also have a long waiting time if you arrive outside normal times.

Click here for the Havaş bus timetable

The driver will drop you anywhere along the bus route but will not deviate from it.

So this option is fine if travelling into the towns but a further bus (dolmuş) or taxi would be required to get to out-lying resorts.

Dalaman Airport Taxi / Bus

Public buses do not operate from the airport. The nearest bus station (Otogar in Turkish) is on the main road outside of Dalaman town and is a 15-minute taxi ride away. From the bus station, you can catch one of the regular buses to Fethiye and other destinations.

Ask the taxi driver for the Otogar and then take a bus to Fethiye – a 60-minute journey or Marmaris around one and a half hours depending on the driver.

Make sure the taxi driver puts the meter on or negotiates the fee.

Dalaman bus station

At the Dalaman bus station, which is on the outer edge of town not in the centre, get a tea and wait for the next bus to Fethiye.

They come through 24 hours a day. There is nearly always tea and food available at the bus station but grab something en-route just to be safe.

The bus takes about 45 minutes to Fethiye bus station and the views en route are wonderful during the day.

If you are going out to the airport just reverse the journey. Buses leave Fethiye Otogar for Dalaman and beyond, 24 hours a day.

You can buy your ticket in advance and, once you get out at Dalaman Otogar, there will always be a taxi to take you to the airport. 

Have a safe trip!

This article was first published on 9 June 2017.

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If you live in Fethiye or visit regularly, Rhodes can be a distant shape low on the horizon on a clear day or even a line of faraway lights after sunset.

A European outpost just 50 miles long and 25 miles wide (give or take) it lies approximately 50 miles off the Turkish coast – twice the distance of the crossing between Dover and Calais.

But the surrounding Mediterranean has never really prevented the island from playing a crucial part in human history, with the first settlements recorded around 800 BC.

Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, crusaders from Europe, Ottomans and Italians have all forged their rich heritage since then. And – although it’s now once again very much a part of Greece – modern Rhodes still welcomes travellers from all over the world, who arrive both on board gargantuan cruise ships and at the international airport at Diagoras – the nation’s third-busiest destination for international passengers.

The crossing from Fethiye

Visitors from Turkey will mostly arrive by ferry, either from Marmaris or Fethiye, the journey from the former the shorter of the two. 

However, services from Fethiye include the hydrofoil link provided by the Dodecanese “Flying Dolphins” which cuts the journey time to just 90 minutes. 

Similarly equipped to an aircraft, the sensation of skimming over the water is exhilarating and a little reminiscent of an airliner. Be aware though that, if the sea is rough, the sleek craft will come off its planes and travel in a conventional manner and at a more sedate pace than its top cruising speed of 35 knots.

The seats are equipped with seatbelts, comfortable enough and can be reclined; passenger toilets are available and there is a snack bar on board if you feel sufficiently sure-footed to explore the three cabins.

There is even an open deck at the rear of the vessel with some limited seating although, if you decide to venture outside, be warned to keep a firm hold of cameras, hats, sunglasses and phones.

Boarding cards are issued on the day of your journey from the kiosk at the entrance to the jetty on production of the document issued to confirm your booking.

You will need to show your boarding card at passport control as well as any visa which permits travel from Turkey to Greece. Be aware that a passport with less than six months to run will exclude you from travelling.

Bags and any luggage will also be scanned before departure as well as on your return to Turkey.

Arrival in Rhodes

With ancient city walls visible all around the port it’s hard not to be impressed by Rhodes’ rich history even before you’ve set foot on the island.

There are no high-rise hotels, no beach umbrellas … just buttressed ramparts demanding to be explored.

But it may be a little while before you have the opportunity to gaze over the city from one of the ancient vantage points. Rhodes is a busy port but not equipped with too many passport control booths, which can mean a long(ish) wait in direct sunlight before it’s your turn to get your passport stamped.

Rhodes town

Once through the gates though, entering through ancient portals into Rhodes old town feels a little like those first steps into a theme park; if you ignore the tourist trinket shops, it’s like taking a step back in time.

Narrow alleys lead off cobbled streets lined with tavernas trying their best to be authentic while still meeting the demands of the modern-day traveller. Some manage, some don’t…

But, if you’re used to Turkey and you decide to try one, you may find it hard not to do a double-take at some of the prices. If you’re visiting for a day, what you paid for a glass of çay may be a story you take back with you.

But, if you’re staying longer, it’s probably best to just stop doing the currency conversions and try to focus on the experience instead – and Rhodes certainly offers plenty of opportunity.

The Palace of the Knights of The Grand Master, the Rhodes Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Modern Greek Art, Roman ruins and numerous old churches and mosques are crammed into the old town itself.

Venture a little further outside the walls and you will find a small aquarium, the requisite umbrellas and sunbeds on Elli Beach and all the modern shops you could want. 

There are numerous boat trips, city tours on open-topped buses as well as the land train.

A meal for two with drinks can cost anything between €60* to €80 although it’s worth exploring the side streets to find your own favourites off the beaten track.

Just like anywhere else, tavernas and restaurants in prime locations will charge top dollar. Look a little harder and you may find some hidden gems and pay a bit less.

One piece of advice based on personal experience, though; don’t bother with Rodini Park. It’s still touted on some websites as a delightful oasis in the middle of the city, with quaint wooden bridges over running water.

In reality, it’s sadly neglected, daubed with graffiti and with some of its paths barricaded; a small performance space and what once may have been a cafeteria or gift shop is now abandoned and overgrown.

A victim of Greece’s recent financial challenges? Perhaps. But it shouldn’t deter anyone from visiting the rest of the city or the island which both have so much more to offer – including the sort of warm welcome the nation has every right to boast about.

The island

If you’re staying for more than a day – and Rhodes is definitely worth it – there’s plenty to explore outside the city itself. 

The island is by no means over-populated; there are open swathes of countryside including pine forests, vineyards and olive groves. 

Other popular destinations include the resort towns of Lindos and Faliraki, which both contribute to the island’s claim to be the second-most visited location in Greece, behind Crete.

They can be reached easily by bus – as can the Valley of the Butterflies in the Petaloudes district, just 20kms south of Rhodes itself.

If you prefer to venture away from the tourist traps, the small harbour at Haraki and the old fort at Feraklos nearby are worth a detour, as are the beaches at Stegna and Agathi, which are less prone to being overcrowded.

Numerous offices in and around the old town offer car and motorcycle hire with more details available from most hotel lobbies if required.

Accommodation in Rhodes

Rhodes offers everything from Airbnb rooms, bed and breakfast accommodation, small pension and boutique hotels as well as grand, modern places on the seafront in the “new” town. 

Whether you prefer luxury accommodation, a taste of the authentic, a family-run premises or just somewhere to dump your bags, shower and sleep, you’ll be able to find something to suit your budget.

Hotels recently recommended on Facebook’s Fethiye Expat Forum include The Lydia Hotel, offering modern accommodation at reasonable rates just north of the old town; the Hotel Attiki in the old town close to the Palace of the Knights of the Grand Master; and the S Nikolis’ Boutique Hotel near the Aghious Athanasious Gate and the Tower of the Virgin Mary on the south side of the old town.

Prices can range from under €100 a night to over €300 depending on your preferences. Most are inclusive of breakfast but don’t necessarily include dinner; it would be wise to check before booking.

Passport trips

The tiny island of Meis just a 40-minute boat ride off the Turkish coast near Kaş is a popular choice for ex-pats looking for a stamp in their passport which allows them to hang onto driving licences issued in their home countries for another six months.

However, Rhodes is also an option and offers much more to do on the other side.

The drawbacks are that it can take quite a bit longer to get there and, as it’s a larger port, getting through passport control can eat into what free time there is available.

But, if all you really want is that stamp, a meal somewhere nice, a bit of duty-free shopping and a fridge magnet to remember the trip, Rhodes ticks all the boxes.

Be warned though; if you haven’t been before, it’s highly likely you’ll want to come back – albeit with a fatter wallet and more free time to explore.

*Prices were all accurate at the time of publication but may be subject to change.

The post All Rhodes leads to roam … a guide to the Greek island appeared first on Fethiye Times.

Unknown to many, Saudi Arabia also has incredible unspoiled natural beauty. Consider misty
mountains covered in winter snow, the Rub Al Khali with its endless desert and sand dunes of
every colour, or blue and beautiful beaches with some of the most incredible coral reefs in the
world. The capital of the nation is a massive city called Riyadh. Currently undergoing the
transition from a quiet conservative desert capital to a lively, modern, and well-governed
metropolis, it is a stunning city that is still under construction. It aims to establish itself as a
metro with top-notch amenities.

Riyadh is situated on the eastern side of the mountainous Najd plateau at an altitude of around 600 metres, right in the middle of the Arabian Peninsula. The Tuwaiq Escarpment, an abrupt and striking rocky slope that forms the backbone of the plateau for nearly 800 miles, is dotted with a number of valleys known as wadis where communities have sprung up, including the nation’s capital Riyadh. The word Riyadh is an Arabic word that means “gardens,” and it refers to the lush oases that dot the plateau. So make reservations for a Saudi flight and embark on a journey to explore this mesmerising destination, If you’re thinking of visiting, you should be aware of the following:

Using local guides is the ideal way to see Riyadh

It’s usually a smart idea to collaborate with a native tour operator, even if we respect your decision and audacious attitude to explore the globe alone. Although Riyadh is generally a secure and friendly location, it is advised against going for a solo walk after dark in certain areas. So, rather than travelling alone during such times, it is preferable to be joined by a reliable local guide. Additionally, they may provide you with some insightful information on the lengthy history of Saudi Arabia.

Locate a secure hotel

When travelling alone, it’s recommended to think about staying at hotels with security screening at all entries and that is considered to be usually secure. In reality, there are a ton of three-star hotels around the nation that are cosy, family-run, and secure. After getting to know you, the employees at these establishments will not only be kind and friendly, but they will also watch out for you. They may end up becoming your second home.

Dress and behave like a native

When you’re a woman travelling alone, it’s important to blend in. Wearing the proper attire is the simplest approach to doing this. Don’t overdo it with bright or tight clothing; keep it modest and subtle.

Verify Your Travel Documents and Make Copies

It might be quite difficult to secure replacements for crucial travel papers, particularly your passport, or even to proceed with your trip. It might be quite helpful to have copies of the papers stored on your laptop or phone, or even just a screenshot of them.

Ensure your phone has emergency numbers

A pay-as-you-go Mobile network with an inexpensive unlocked phone might be quite useful even if having an international mobile contract while you are travelling is not absolutely necessary. Store the local emergency contact on your cell phone so that if you do need the services of the authorities or an ambulance, you can contact them as soon as possible.

Be a Sensible Traveller and research your locations

It is usually advisable for women travelling alone in Saudi Arabia to thoroughly investigate the locations they would be going to and have a sense of what it would be like to do so alone. Although the internet is unquestionably the finest starting point for your study, set aside some time to visit official websites, blog posts, and online forums to discover more about the relevant locations.

These safety recommendations for solo travellers call for applying rational thinking. Your chances of having a safe, enjoyable, and memorable journey increase if you are aware, knowledgeable, and well-prepared.

The post 6 Travel Tips For Females Visiting Riyadh, Saudi Arabia appeared first on Fethiye Times.