Sue McPherson Tours and Travel: Sue McPherson - Remembering Our Soldiers - Anzac Day at Gallipoli 2023

Straddling western Asia and eastern Europe, Turkey’s rich cultural and historical legacy, combined with its sparkling coastline and warm, vivacious locals make it a stellar travel destination. Its seaside draw cards include the vibrant port city of Bodrum, the effortlessly elegant town of Kas, and the stunning beaches at the Fethiye, while its interior highlights include the hot mineral springs of Pamukkale, the bizarre rock formations of Cappadocia, and the ancient cliff temples of Dalyan. Istanbul presents a cosmopolitan, first-world city. From trendy restaurants and clubs to contemporary art galleries and five-star hotels and spas, the city offers a world of entertainment and leisure, which bustles between ancient monuments like the iconic, glorious Hagia Sophia. Famous for its hospitality, Turkey welcomes guests to explore its old-world charms while enjoying the best modern comforts.

Currency: 
Local currency: Turkish Lira (TRY) 
Symbol: ₺ 
ISO code: TRY 
Subunit: Kuruş (1/100 of a Lira) 
Banknotes: ₺5, ₺10, ₺20, ₺50, ₺100, ₺200 
Coins: 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 kuruş; ₺1 

Banking: 
Card Transactions: Widely accepted 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Yes 
Diner’s Club: Yes 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM 
Weekends: Closed 
Public Holidays: No 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 
Main airlines: Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines 
International Airports: Istanbul Airport, Ankara Esenboğa Airport 
Domestic Airports: Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport, Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport, Dalaman Airport, Gazipaşa Airport, Trabzon Airport, Bodrum Milas Airport 

Road: 
Driving on the: Right 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Yes 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes 

Bus: 
Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 
Railway system: Yes 
Subway System: Yes 

Water: 
Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: No 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

Food and water safety: Caution advised 
Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Yes 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local Cuisine: Turkish cuisine is a rich amalgam of influences from the Ottoman era, featuring dishes that are both flavorful and diverse. Highlights include kebabs, meze (a variety of small dishes served as appetizers), and sweets like baklava and Turkish delight. Don't miss trying traditional beverages such as Turkish tea and coffee, ayran (a yogurt-based drink), and raki (an anise-flavored spirit). 

Drinks: Turkish tea, Turkish coffee, Ayran, Raki 

Tipping: 5-10% 

Annual rainfall: Variable across regions 
Average temperature: Variable across regions 

Summer: 
Average in highs: 30°C 
Average in lows: 20°C 

Winter: 
Average in highs: 10°C 
Average in lows: 0°C 

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Turkey is during spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) when temperatures are pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. These seasons offer the perfect climate for sightseeing in cities, hiking in national parks, and visiting the coastal regions. 

Spring and Summer: 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn: 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes 

General: 
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses, and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Plug Type: Type C, Type F 
Voltage (V): 220 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50 

*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances. 

France has long been the world’s favourite tourist destination, and it doesn’t take a much imagination to understand why. It has some of the highest mountains, the most dynamic cities, the best beaches and a treasure trove of the some of the world’s most famous artistic, cultural and historical artifacts. The wide open spaces and impressive mountain ranges of the French countryside allow for a vast scope of outdoor activities to thrill even the most adventurous traveller. Those seeking more of an urban adventure won’t be disappointed by the vast range of clubs, shops, fashion and music provided by France’s cities in abundance. Combine all of these riches with the most sumptuous culinary scene in the world, and you may be planning your next trip to France before you even head back home.

Currency 

Local currency: Euro 
Symbol: € 
ISO code: EUR 
Subunit: Cent 
Banknotes: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, €500 
Coins: 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, €1, €2 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Yes 
Diner’s club: Yes 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM 
Weekends: Closed 
Public Holidays: Yes 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 

Main airlines: Air France 
International Airports: Charles de Gaulle Airport (Paris), Nice Côte d'Azur Airport 
Domestic Airports: Orly Airport (Paris), Lyon–Saint-Exupéry Airport 

Road: 

Driving on the: Right 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: No 
Valid International Driver's License needed: No 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes 

Bus: 

Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 

Railway system: Yes 
Subway System: Yes 

Water: 

Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

Food and water safety: 

Can you drink the tap water: Yes 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Yes 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: French cuisine is celebrated worldwide for its sophistication and diversity. From classic dishes like coq au vin and boeuf bourguignon to delicate pastries like croissants and macarons, French culinary traditions offer a rich tapestry of flavors and textures. Notable local drinks include wine, champagne, and pastis. 

Tipping: 10-15% 

Annual rainfall: Varies by region 
Average temperature: 12°C 

Summer: 

Average highs: 25°C 
Average lows: 15°C 

Winter: 

Average highs: 7°C 
Average lows: 2°C 

Best time to visit: 

The best time to visit France is during the spring (April to June) or fall (September to November) when the weather is mild and tourist crowds are thinner. 

Spring and Summer 

Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 

Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes 

General 

Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Plug Type: Type C, Type E 
Voltage (V): 230V 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50Hz 

*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances. 

Sandwiched between France, Germany and the Netherlands, the vastly underrated country of Belgium is known throughout the world for little more than its ridiculous variety of beer, scrumptious waffles, the Smurfs. However, despite its modest reputation, Belgium has plenty to offer. Its magnificent historic cities offer countless architectural and artistic wonders bearing witness to this tiny country’s massive contribution to European history. From the incredible Art Nouveau buildings in Brussels to the towering spires in Ghent; the picturesque old town in Antwerp to the canals in Bruges - every Belgian town reveals a beguiling treasure trove of historical delights. Throw in some unexpectedly diverse landscapes, a flourishing fashion and contemporary art scene and some wonderfully warm and welcoming locals and you have more than enough to start thinking of extending your stay.

Currency 

Local currency: Euro 
Symbol: € 
ISO code: EUR 
Subunit: Cent 
Banknotes: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, €500 
Coins: 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, €1, €2 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Yes 
Diner’s club: Yes 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM 
Weekends: Closed 
Public Holidays: Yes 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 

Main airlines: Brussels Airlines 
International Airports: Brussels Airport 
Domestic Airports: Antwerp International Airport, Charleroi Airport 

Road: 

Driving on the: Right 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: No 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes 

Bus: 

Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 

Railway system: Yes 
Subway System: Yes 

Water: 

Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

Food and water safety: 

Can you drink the tap water: Yes 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Yes 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: 

Belgian cuisine is known for its chocolates, waffles, fries, and beer. Other highlights include mussels, Brussels sprouts, stoofvlees (beef stew), and carbonnade flamande (beef stewed in beer). Notable local drinks include Belgian beer, jenever (gin), and speculoos liqueur. 
Tipping: 10-15% 

Annual rainfall: 700 - 900 mm 
Average temperature: 11°C 

Summer: 

Average highs: 22°C 
Average lows: 12°C 

Winter: 

Average highs: 6°C 
Average lows: 0°C 

Best time to visit: 

The best time to visit Belgium is from April to October when the weather is milder and more suitable for outdoor activities. 

Spring and Summer 

Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 

Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes 

General 

Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Plug Type: Type C, Type E 
Voltage (V): 230V 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50Hz 

*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.