Going on Holiday to Turkey – What Do I Need To Know?

History, culture, cuisine, and scenery; when it comes to providing unbeatable holidays, Turkey certainly knows how to please its guests. There is plenty to entice holidaymakers to this glorious country – but what do you need to know before you depart?

1. Where to go?

Turkey is a vibrant country, offering everything from secluded beaches to bustling cities. Whether you’re searching for water sports, historical artifacts, mezze platters, crowded bazaars, or bustling metropolises, there’s a huge variety of holiday styles to experience here.

Look for a cheap holiday to Turkey in iconic cities such as Istanbul. The stunning Topkapî Palace, Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar are all found here so you’ll have plenty to keep you occupied. Alternatively, Izrum is a great option for summer travelers with secluded coves the perfect setting for families looking to spend a few days relaxing in the country’s clear waters.

Consider a cruise around the coastline to take in the beautiful scenery. Fethiye to Gumbet is popular routes. These can be booked as a week-long standalone holiday or as an excursion.

2. How much to spend?

Turkey has become one of the most popular destinations for package holidays for UK tourists – and this means you shouldn’t have to spend much. The best time to book these breaks is for late spring or early autumn. You’re more likely to find a better deal, but also you’ll find that the heat is more bearable than during the peak summer period.

Consider how much money you’ll need for food and souvenirs as well as looking at the cost of the holiday itself. Turkey has often been perceived as a cheap destination, and evidence of this can be found in its inclusion on the Post Office’s Worldwide Holiday Costs Barometer 2012, where it featured in the top 20.

3. What do I need to know before I leave?

On arrival:

When you arrive at your destination airport in Turkey, you’ll be asked to pay £10 (in GBP) at customs before entering the country. Make sure you have this to hand to avoid any delays.

Language:

Turkey isn’t the easiest country to navigate, and foreign language and currency could prove overwhelming for inexperienced travelers. Try to learn a few vital phrases if you plan on going to any traditional Turkish markets where bartering is customary. At the more ‘touristy’ beach resorts, most of the locals will speak relatively good English, so you should be ok when ordering a meal in the evening, and remember with a package holiday Reps in resort can assist you.

Currency:

The Lira is currently stable after years of fluctuation; however, you should keep an eye out for Yeni Turk Lirasi (New Turkish Lira). This currency was implemented to try and beat inflation but made illegal in 2003. Despite this, they remain in circulation and may be used to short change travelers, so be aware of this.

Tipping:

It’s customary to leave around 10-15% in change on top of the bill. Some restaurants will calculate this 10-15% for you and automatically add to your bill as a service charge, so check your receipt before leaving any cash on the table.

Weather:

Turkey’s beautiful and lush coastline enjoys moderate winter temperatures and hot, humid summers, while the shoulder seasons of May and September are balmy and pleasant.

So, Why are you waiting for? Go on a holiday to Turkey!