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Archive for the ‘Holiday’ Category

Why Turkey? That’s often the initial response from someone when they hear that you are going to Turkey on Holiday.

It’s a huge country littered with interesting artefacts and populated by some of the friendliest people on earth. Flowers seem to burst from every crevice, the sun shines endlessly, transport systems are efficient Scenery ranges from dull to mind-boggling, beaches are fair, prices are low and shopping is excellent, especially leatherware in Istanbul. Driving is suprisingly safe, apart from mad Istanbul taxi drivers and night driving.

Knocking at Europe’s door yet on the threshold of Asia, Turkey is truly a land of contrasts. Here you can scale the icy heights of remote Mount Ararat in search of Noah’s Ark, cross the historic Euphrates and Tigris rivers, follow in the footsteps of St Paul or simply relax on the golden Mediterranean sands of Patara beach.

Vibrant Istanbul, straddling the blue waters of the Bosphorus separating Europe from Asia, beckons with its skyline pierced by countless minarets, chaotic bazaars and a history redolent with harem intrigue and despotic Sultans. In Turkey, you can also cruise along more than 1000km (620 miles) of Mediterranean coastline, past secluded coves, rocky headlands and pretty fishing villages, or explore a hinterland rich in the wonderfully preserved remains of Graeco-Roman cities such as Ephesus.

Turkey Villas are abundent all along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts and many are luxurious, spacious and with pricate pools.  The combination of a rental care and a beautiful Turkey Villas makes for a great Turkey Holiday.

With the holiday spending season fast approaching, it’s crucial that you understand the dangers of identity theft.  Though many of the methods thieves use to steal identities are out of our control, there are many measures you can take to protect yourself from the threats identity thieves pose.

Protect Your Credit Card Number From Prying Eyes
When making purchases with your credit or debit card, make sure that only the last 4 digits of your card number are shown on the receipt.  The first 12 digits should be unknown, and are usually replaced by Xs.  If they aren’t, by law you are permitted to mark out the first 12 digits on the merchants copy with a pen.

It is especially important that you check your credit card receipt at restaurants.  Don’t leave the restaurant’s copy on the table after your meal if all 16 digits are shown.  It’s best to cross out the first 12 digits and personally hand the receipt to the wait staff.  Otherwise, you risk an identity thief walking away with your name, account number, and quite possibly your card’s expiration date.

Only Use Your Social Security Number When Absolutely Necessary.
Though it is necessary to use your social security number when applying for credit or opening a bank account, it isn’t always necessary that you use it in other circumstances.  Although not that common nowadays, some stores and organizations may want to use your SSN as an ID number within their system.  Though this practice is discouraged by law, you will still run across it from time to time.  In these situations it is best to use your judgment.  If for any reason you feel uncomfortable, there is usually an alternative available if you ask.

Your Trash is Treasure to an Identity Thief
The most important investment you can make in protecting your identity is a good paper shredder.  Identity thieves won’t think twice about going through your trash in order to find sensitive personal information that will help them obtain credit in your name.  Shred anything and everything that has personal information, such as credit card numbers, social security numbers, dates of birth, phone numbers, etc.  Do it at home. Do it at work.

The holiday season is a time for us to enjoy shopping for our friends and family.  With every swipe of our credit cards, however, it is imperative that we protect our financial futures from the dangerous threats identity thieves pose.