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Useful Information & Helpful Hints
At Holidays 4U we understand how important it is for your holiday to be perfect in every way, so to help you get the best from your holiday we would urge you to take a little time to read this section.
Please note that clicking on the links on this page will take you to external websites which are not within the control of Holidays 4U.
Before you travel
Family contacts - Holiday details for relatives
It is always a good idea to let a friend or relative have details of how long you will be away for, the name of your accommodation and the contact details for Holidays 4U. Tell them which airline you are flying on, your flight number and your expected UK arrival time if they are planning on collecting you from the airport. As flights can be delayed we recommend they check with the airport before leaving home.
Home Security
It is sensible to take the following precautions:
• Cancel milk and newspapers and any other known deliveries.
• Ask a neighbour to push letters through the letterbox.
• Partially draw curtains and blinds, but not fully.
• If possible install an automatic timer to switch a light on and off.
• Lock all doors and windows including garage and sheds. Then leave the keys with a trustworthy neighbour.
Money & travellers cheques
It is recommended that you take a mix of Sterling cash, traveller’s cheques and a small amount of Turkish Lira, (the exchange rate is better in Turkey). If you are taking travellers cheques remember to make a list of serial numbers and keep this separate from the travellers cheques together with contact telephone numbers for the provider of the cheques. It is a good idea to also have to hand the telephone numbers for your credit card providers, in case these are lost at any time during your holiday. Scottish notes are not accepted in Turkey.
What to take
Travel light is the most sensible advice. Dress is casual on these holidays; you won’t need different clothes for every evening. Good swim wear, effective sun tan lotion, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a light jacket or sweater and a pair of light trousers for the evening and a sun hat. If you are travelling as a couple or a family don’t pack one bag for each family member, mix the clothes up. In the unlikely event that a bag is lost by the airline you won’t be completely without clothes for one member of the family. Don’t forget to pack (in hand luggage) such things as essential medicines, spare spectacles or contact lenses and fluid, and if you are planning to hire a car your driving license.
Stress free holidays with children
Having travelled for years with our own children, we know how important it is to plan ahead and make sure you have an enjoyable time - going home feeling like it you need another holiday to get over it is no fun for anyone. We recommend;
• Leave plenty of time for your journey to the airport.
• Take things to keep the children entertained at the airport and on the flight. Books, paper, pens, travel games, packs of cards - anything that will keep them occupied. If possible take an old favourite and something new as a surprise.
• Take some favourite snacks in your hand luggage in case the in flight meal isn’t to their taste.
• Choose your accommodation and resort carefully to provide the facilities that you need. Have a good look at the ‘Children’s Facilities’ in each of our hotel descriptions.
• Remember lots of high-factor sunscreen all through the day, especially when swimming and try to find some shade particularly around the middle of the day.
• Drinks lots bottled water throughout the day as well as your usual favourite drink.
• Try to give adults some ‘time out’ every day - let Mum have time to sunbathe in peace and quiet or let Dad have a quiet drink on his own or with new friends. Remember, for most families this is the most time you will spend in each others company over a whole year and the experience can be a bit overwhelming!
Passports & Visas
It is your responsibility to make sure that you comply with immigration requirements for your holiday and that your passport is valid for the whole of your stay. A full 10-year passport is required for all travel abroad and your passport should be valid until 6 months after your date of travel. If you need a new passport, call the Passport Office on 020 7279 3434 and apply at least 12 weeks before departure. For UK citizens, it is not necessary to obtain visas before departure on pre-booked inclusive holidays. The visa will be stamped in your passport on arrival.
If you hold a Commonwealth or any other passport, ask the relevant consulate or embassy if you require a visa. Regulations do change, so for up-to-date information contact your travel agent or check with our office. It is your responsibility to be in possession of a valid passport and any visa that may be necessary.
Be certain to apply in time. In the absence of valid documentation, you will not be allowed to travel. It is essential that the name and initial on the confirmation match those on the passport, otherwise the passenger may not be permitted to travel and any applicable insurance will be ineffective. If you are on your honeymoon and there has not been enough time to amend the passport before departure, then take your marriage certificate with you.
Lost or Stolen Passports: Please note your passport number before you travel and keep it separate from your passport. We also advise keeping a copy of your passport in a separate place. This will help the local British Consulate to supply a temporary passport at short notice if you lose the original. Report the loss or theft of your passport immediately to the local police, the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Consulate, Embassy or High Commission. You can find the details of your local FCO by calling 0870 606 0290 prior to departure, or by visiting www.fco.gov.uk.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The Turkish Government levies a £10 per person charge (including Infants) for a visa to all British nationals arriving in Turkey. The amount is payable in sterling cash at the airport prior to passport control. Scottish notes are not accepted.
Insurance
It is a necessary condition of the booking that you have adequate travel insurance particularly to cover you for medical requirements. Carry the insurance documents with you in your hand luggage. It is also a good idea to review the policy prior to travelling to ensure that it is suitable for your holiday, note the extent of cover provided and the exclusion clauses. Be familiar with the procedures and contact details for getting help from your insurance company when you are overseas. If you have not yet arranged your insurance we recommend you look at the excellent prices offered to our customers by OIS.
Wheelchair Assistance & Vegetarian Meals
Persons requiring wheelchair assistance or vegetarian meals need to contact Holidays 4U at least fourteen days prior to departure to make these arrangements.
Health requirements
If you take prescribed medicine make sure that you take enough for your stay in Turkey; if possible take a copy of the prescription and carry some or all with you in your hand luggage. Make up a small travellers first aid kit containing small quantities of proprietary upset stomach remedies, travel sickness pills, aspirin or similar, plasters, a dressing, antiseptic cream, insect repellent and burn cream. Check with your GP regarding inoculation requirements, or you can gain advice from the Medical Advisory Service for Travels Abroad (MASTA) available at www.masta.org
Pregnancy
Normally airlines require a Medical certificate of fitness to fly if you are more than 28 weeks pregnant on your return journey. You will not be permitted to fly after 32 weeks on pregnancy. If you are pregnant we suggest carrying a letter from your doctor confirming your expected date of delivery in case the airline needs to check this information. Also be particularly careful that your travel insurance gives you cover for pregnancy related conditions.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office - Know Before You Go
The FCO is the first place to check about any official travel advice and their website provides lots of useful information for travellers as well as the latest government advisories. www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo
Check in and departure from your UK airport
Before travelling to the airport plan your journey well to allow enough time for possible delays on the roads, car parking or using public transport. You must check-in at least two hours prior to the departure time shown on your flight ticket. The timings shown on the flight ticket are the latest confirmed times and flight codes, these may differ from those printed on earlier holiday confirmations or in our brochure.
On arrival at the airport you should look on the departure screens for your flight number and check in at the desk shown. In the event of any problems at the airport contact our representatives at the airport – see details under Section 6 Airport Information. Aircraft seats are allocated on a first come first served basis so arrive early to ensure that you are seated with friends and family.
We cannot accept responsibility for any additional expenses or the cost of re-arranged flights for passengers who miss their confirmed flights. It is therefore vital that your check-in early with the correct documentation.
Baggage & Security
The luggage allowance weight is printed on your flight ticket and is usually limited to 20kgs per person. No single item of luggage should weigh more than 32kgs. Please ensure that your luggage is labelled using a Holidays 4U luggage label and is clearly marked with the owners name, destination, and resort/hotel name. One item of hand luggage per person, limited to 5kgs and small enough to fit into the overhead lockers is also permitted. Infants under 2 years of age on the day of return do not have any luggage allowance.
Dangerous Goods
The Dangerous goods law applies to all luggage carried on aircraft, both hand and hold luggage. You are advised to keep the amount of hand luggage to a minimum to permit easy scrutiny of it’s contents. If you are in doubt about whether you are permitted to carry a particular item on an aircraft you should contact the airline direct. Items subject to scrutiny include:
• No blades are permitted to be carried in hand luggage. This includes; scissors, tweezers, knifes and needles.
• Combustibles, such as lighter fuel, refills and lighters containing unabsorbed fuels are all forbidden. A single suitable lighter or box of matches must be carried on the person.
• Electric Wheelchairs - You are advised to contact the individual airline who can advise of the suitability of the battery for aircraft carriage.
Unruly behaviour
For the comfort and safety of both passengers and air crew the airlines used by Holidays 4U operate a strict policy regarding the disorderly behaviour of any passenger whilst embarking/disembarking or whilst onboard an aircraft. The airline is within its rights to refuse boarding to anyone they consider to be unruly or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Any costs which the passenger may incur as a result of being refused boarding or being off loaded are the responsibility of the individual concerned, and under no circumstances will refunds be given. In extreme cases, passengers could be liable to criminal prosecution.
During your flight
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
The risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis occurring while travelling by air is extremely low. It can be caused by prolonged periods of non movement resulting in a blood clot forming in the limbs, normally the lower leg. The danger is that the clot can then break off and travel to the lungs causing significant illness and on rare occasion’s death. However, there are a number of precautions that you can take to further reduce the risk:
• Periodic exercise of feet and legs.
• Walking around the aircraft where and when feasible.
• Wear recommended elastic stockings.
• Drink plenty of non-alcoholic liquids to prevent dehydration.
Those persons believed to be particularly prone to DVT should consult with a doctor prior to the journey. Further advice is available from the Department of Heath website www.doh.gov.uk
Smoking
All our aircraft have a no smoking policy.
In flight entertainment
In the interests of economy our flights do not have in flight entertainment so please remember to pack a book to read or some small games or toys to keep the children occupied.
On arrival in Turkey
Visa
Before you go through passport control you need to pay the local charge for your visa. The Turkish Government levies a £10 per person charge (incl. Infants) for a visa to all British nationals arriving in Turkey. The amount is payable in sterling cash at a special desk which is clearly marked. Please try to have the correct money available. Scottish notes are not accepted.
Collecting Baggage and meeting your representative
Unfortunately our representatives are not allowed to meet you in the baggage hall, for security reasons, so collect your baggage and proceed through customs to meet your Holidays 4U representative.
Lost baggage
Regrettably, from time to time, bags can go astray. If any item of baggage does not appear send one member of your party through customs to inform the representative and make sure that your coach does not go without you, and to ask for assistance if you need it. The loss of a bag needs to be reported to 'Celebi' who have an office inside the baggage hall, and everyone there speaks good English. They will help you complete a PIR form (Property Irregularity Form) and they will cross check the baggage receipts against the bags that you have collected, they will also need to see your passport. Keep a copy of the completed PIR form - you will need to exchange it for your luggage when it arrives. Celebi will deliver the luggage to you when it has been traced.
Transfer
On arrival you will directed to your coach which will take you to your resort. We do try to accompany every coach, but occasionally this is not possible - you will however have plenty of opportunities to meet with your Holidays 4U representative during your holiday. Our coaches all have a non smoking policy. If you have booked a private transfer in the UK see the Holidays 4 U representative in the arrivals area and they will direct you to your driver. If you have not booked a private transfer yet and would like to call Holidays 4 U in the UK and we will be happy to add this to your booking.
Welcome meeting
All our guests have the opportunity to attend a welcome meeting with the Holidays 4U representative which is a great way to get lots of useful information about your accommodation, the resort and the surrounding areas. You will be advised of the time and place for the meeting on your arrival in Turkey.
General hints and tips about Turkey
Travel & Getting About
Travel in Turkey is great value so get out and about and explore the resort and the surrounding area. Most people use the Dolmus services. These are cheap and convenient locally licensed minibuses which don’t have official stops, you just wave them down! Ordinary taxis are also easily available and they are not expensive compared to the UK. For longer journeys the buses and coaches are ideal they are usually modern, clean and good value. Ask your Holidays 4U representative for advice and details.
Money, Banks and Credit cards
Turkish banks open 09.00-12.00, 13.30-17.00 (closed on Sat and Sun), and cash dispensers are widely available in larger towns. Major credit cards are widely accepted. The national currency is the Turkish Lira and in the past the exchange rate was around £1 - 2,400,000 TL. However during 2005 the government took 6 0’s off the end to create the YTL (New Turkish Lira). Since 2004 currency restrictions have been introduced limiting the amount of undeclared currency brought in or taken out of Turkey to £4,000. We strongly recommend that travellers cheques and cash not required during the day are kept in a safety deposit box, which are available in all our properties.
Lost something?
If you lose anything, or have anything stolen it must be reported to the police within 24 hours and a report or a report number obtained. This will be essential if you wish to make a claim on your travel insurance policy. Whilst our representatives will be happy to provide you with confirmation that you have reported a loss this is often not sufficient for an insurance claim.
Drinking Water
It is strongly recommended that only bottled water is drunk. Check that the seal has not been broken on the bottle top and discard the bottle if it is only partially drunk and left for a period of time. Do not drink the tap water as it is not of the same standard as provided in the UK.
Religion
Turkey is a secular state that guarantees complete freedom of worship to all religions. The society is very tolerant and welcomes visitors to the spectacular Moslem mosques. As a mark of respect though, all visitors to mosques should remove their shoes, women should cover their heads and arms and not wear mini skirts or shorts and men should not wear shorts.
Water Supply
The hot water provided in many accommodations is heated by solar panels which limit the amount of hot water available, particularly at times of peak usage. It is not uncommon for short periods to be without water.
Electricity
Voltage is 220V and you will need a continental 2 pin plug adapter.
Illness, Doctors & Chemists
Your Holidays 4U representative or hotel/apartment reception will have details of how to find the local doctor or chemist. If you wish a doctor to visit you at your accommodation, the hotel management can normally arrange this for you. If visiting a hospital or clinic remember to take your passport, insurance documents, and some local money. Remember to obtain receipts for any treatment or medicine so that you can claim on your travel insurance. Should you require hospitalisation or repatriation during your holiday, the insured person must contact their insurers Medical Assistance Service before any action is taken. You should also contact your local Holidays 4U representative as soon as possible so that we can assist you.
Airport information
Gatwick
Enquiries: 0870 000 2468
Getting there: Gatwick Express and Network Southeast run regular services from London Victoria station every 15 minutes (30 mins at night) Our flights use the South Terminal.
Representative: Ace Handling (UK) who have a help desk situated in the South Terminal.
Manchester
Enquiries: 090 101 01000
Getting there: A number of train services run from Manchester Piccadilly station. Also an Airbus service operates from central Manchester and other regional centres. Most of our flights depart from Terminal 2 but you must check your tickets carefully.
Representative: Ace Handling (UK) who have a help desk situated in Terminal 2.
Liverpool
Enquiries: 0870 129 8484
Getting there: By Bus: Service from Liverpool Lime Street Station. By Rail there are frequent services to Hunts Cross Station where there is a regular airport buslink (81a Arriva). The airport is easily accessible by car and lies close to the M57, M62 and M56 motorways.
Representative: Airport Agencies who have a help desk situated in the main concourse.
Newcastle
Enquiries: 0191 286 0966
Getting there: Tyne & Wear Metro Service operates a frequent service from all points on their network, and there are several coach connections available, call airport enquiries for details.
Representative: Ace Handling (UK) who have a help desk situated in the main concourse.
Durham Tees Valley
Enquiries: 01325 332811
Getting there: Darlington train station is located 6 miles from the airport. Taxis and a dedicated airport bus service is available for passengers. By car the airport is located south of Durham on the A67, and is easily accessible from A1(M), A19 and A66.
Representative: Ace Handling (UK) who have a help desk situated in the main concourse.
Nottingham East Midlands
Enquiries: 0871 919 9000
Getting there: An Air-line shuttle bus runs between Loughborough and Lough Eaton railway stations and the airport. A number of bus services run from Nottingham, Loughborough, Derby and Leicester.
Representative: Our representative will be found at the check in desk.
Glasgow
Enquiries: 0870 040 0008
Getting there: Trains run to Paisley’s Gilmour Street station (about 2 miles away), from here taxis or bus services can take you to the airport. A number of buses go directly to the airport from Glasgow.
Representative: Ace Handling (UK) who have a help desk situated in Terminal 1.
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