Chat Plus
Beating the Crowds in Istanbul

Sunday, October 5, 2008

During our online chat (most Mondays at 2 p.m.), you ask and we answer your travel questions -- mostly. Here's one we couldn't get to last week.

I am planning a trip to Istanbul and would like to go in either late April or mid-May. Would you recommend these times? I would prefer to beat the tourist rush.

Aim for May, since April can be a bit rainy. Spring is the best time to visit Istanbul -- not only to beat the crowds, but because of the mild weather and long days. Second-best time to visit: early fall. Tom Brosnahan's Turkey Travel Planner ( http://www.turkeytravelplanner.com) has great advice on what to wear and pack by season and itinerary.

-- K.C.S.