Travelling to Turkey?

[Myotherusernameisaferrari]

DH and I are looking to plan a holiday and wanted some experiences from people who have travelled to Turkey (specifically Dalaman area). We are going in September as a last minute break and wanted an all inclusive that was reasonable but where we could go out and have meals out / do trips without breaking the bank.

DH is worried about Turkey which seems to fit all the criteria - hot, reasonably priced, all inclusive resorts. His perception is it is a country with a lot of conflict due to the borders.

Has anyone travelled recently and has any advice please (or suggestions of where else we can go!) Also any travel tips for Turkey generally

Been to Turkey a few times and was there this year too. I think so long as you are not near the border with Syria you're pretty safe - look at that government website and it gives advice specifically about this.

We go because it fulfils our criteria which are the same as yours. Haven't been to dalaman specifically but have been to some lovely areas (couldn't remember them all now!). It was very hot when we were there this year.

Most places took euros as well as lira so it was a bit easier to work out the exchange rates for that.

It's a vast country.
Western side is chockablock with British and European holidaymakers having a great time. Eastern side is not somewhere you'd want to visit for a safe and risk free holiday.

I can not comment on the all inclusive aspect as I have never done it, but the area around Dalaman is not near any borders and feels very safe. Turkey's economy relies a lot on turism so they make sure that turistic areas are kept as safe as possible. We just came from there a week ago. Any resort around Fethiye, Dalyan, Göcek, Sarigerme has a good night life and plenty of restaurants (Sarigerme is the quietest of the resorts I would say). September is a good time to go, still hot but not unbearably so. It is a beautiful part of the country, very green and there is plenty to see and to do depending on what you like. Turkish people are very friendly and helpful, a lot around that area can manage English and their food is delicious. Alcohol is expensive by Turkish standards but widely available in most places although some restaurants won't sell it.
On the other side do not discuss politics or religion with Turkish people and do not criticise Atatürk (the founder of modern Turkey) or their country. Turks might argue between themselves but do not take criticism of their country well 😏

I was in the Dalaman region in June and am returning in September.

Apart from the 'forbidden years' I have been twice most years since 2005. I am a single female and travel alone (mostly, daughter is coming with me in September)

Although part of me wants to explore other areas o the world, I keep returning to that area of Turkey because I feel so safe and am made so welcome.

It's about 1600 km to the Syrian border so that aspect has never been a concern. The only downside is that 'some' Turkish people are extremely pushy and those that are, are very adept at recognising 'newbies'. I rarely get hassled these days but when I do it's a smiled 'No Thankyou' and any persistence is met with a sharp 'I said NO'. It really is very few who are like that now as they have learned that social media spreads the word and they are not welcome.

I don't do all inclusive but there are many popular AI places in Olu Deniz. Personally, with a half reasonable budget, would be the Ocean Blue in Hisaronu. Fabulous place, loads of fab restaurants close by and easy access by bus (less than £1 or taxi £5(ish) to Olu, which is on the sea front but much more expensive.

If you are on FB, can I recommend joining 'I love Olu Deniz' and 'Hisaronu evreything you need to know' sic (the group is knowingly spelled that that way.

Anymore info required - just ask. Hisaronu/Olu Deniz/Ovacik is my happy place

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I also recommend Olu Deniz area, I’ve been about 10 times. Liberty Hotels Lykia is brilliant, fantastic for children and feels very safe. Also Club Letoonia in Fethiye. These are both lovely all inclusive hotels.

All FO advice about non essential travel to some areas ofTurkey has been lifted this week. It's considered to be as safe as anywhere. I'd go.

We went all inclusive to near kusadasi a few years ago and it was lovely.

Dalyan is lovely. Lots of interesting places to explore. The beach is a short boat ride away down the river. The turtle sanctuary is on the beach. Mud baths. Markets. Boat trips. Rock tombs. Roman ruins. Lots of good restaurants. Still quite Turkish feeling even though it is a tourist resort. And best of all only 30 mins from the airport.

Belcekiz Beach Hotel comes highly recommended as an all inclusive in Olu Deniz