What's turkey like for a holiday?

[lil328]

Me, husband and two daughters are hoping to go on holiday in May, because of half term it's fairly expensive, we have found some in turkey cheaper, what's it like?

Went last year and I didn't really like it. Think it could have just been our hotel but we much prefer Greece

I much prefer Greece too.

I love sitting on a terrace cafe and watch the world go by.

In Turkey the only terrace cafes were only full of men, felt intimidated by that.

What was it like, please? We stayed in Barut Hemera twice and love it such a chilled vibe.

I've read that with the Barut suites though somethings are not included like ice creams et cetera. I just like an all inclusive easy run of it. Also, how long does it take you to walk to the sea?

Thank you for the advice

A bit dry without gravy

Love Turkey - been 3 times in the last few years. Good value, nice hotels. If you’ve got kids and just want a relaxing break then the 4/5 star all inclusives are good as they keep children entertained. Last time we went to olu deniz half board and I preferred that as otherwise you can find yourself drinking for the sake of it. Didn’t experience any leery men at all in the hotels we stayed in.

We went early June last year OP, so literally a few days after half term. I love sunshine and expected it to be high 20s, possibly early 30s. It ended up being 44/45 ... unbearable. This was Kalkan.

It’s just a cheaper/less wealthy country. GDP per capita is about $13,000 compared to $23,000 for Greece and $33,000 for Spain. So labour, food, construction etc just cost less.

We went last year to a resort near Kusadasi and we loved it. We spent a few hours in Kusadasi shopping and we had no issues with men leering and I was going in and out of shops by myself. Beautiful country, I would definitely go back.

I went alone and always felt safe. Turkey is lovely. Amazing nature and fascinating history. It’s a great place to go on holiday.

DH & I have been twice & loved it, especially Olu Deniz which was our first destination. We found the people very friendly but we weren’t pestered. Would definitely go back if it’s safe to do so.

We’re off to Kusadasi in June. Glad to hear it’s ok

Where to ? Turkey is huge.

Istanbull is great lots of history and things to do.

Mamaris is a shithole like a lot of cheap beach resort towns. The Turkish equivalent of Blackpool.

I love Turkey, been going since the early 90's when it was as cheap as chips. Always go 5 star, Kusadasi and Side are lovely. I'd avoid Marmaris tbh.

We've been to Kas a few times and loved it. Very laid back and my daughter and friends (in their 20's) had no problems with leering.

Have been but would never go back. Got groped 3 times in Istanbul, fuck that.

I've not been since ive had children but me and my partner went to marmaris about 6 years ago and loved it. We stayed bed and breakfast and are out every night but I know prices have significantly increased since then. We we paying about £40 for 3 courses and multiple drinks each. I would go back once my children are a bit older all inclusive, just the flight and transfer times are too long for the ages they are at currently (1 and 5) plus the flight times are rubbish at our nearest 2 airports

It was fantastic. 10 mins walk to the beach. I don't remember much not being included, some cocktails & there were definitely some ice creams that you could buy. I'd go back if it wasn't such a long flight ( I prefer under 4 hours)

Was harassed every minute of the day as a 16 year old blonde teenager, and had to go back 4 times because my mum loved the place.
I don't mean looking, actually grabbing and touching.

I love Turkey and have been 6 times! 3 before kids and 3 with kids. Weather is always gorgeous, the locals are lovely and there are some fab day trips! Great for scuba diving as well.

I went to Olu Deniz twice in my early 20s. Loved it, was never leered at or made to feel uncomfortable. Everyone we met was super friendly, excellent with the children in the group.

We went to Bodrum for a friend's wedding 2 years ago and visited Belek last October both times with children and have never felt uneasy or uncomfortable.

We're returning in October again as we all had a great time and loved it

We're returning to Maxx Royal Belek

We loved Istanbul when we went about 6 years ago.

In Marmaris at the moment and it’s lovely. Personally we prefer to stay in a 5 star all inclusive with its own beach and haven’t experienced any issues with letchy men. If you go outside into town there are a lot of men who will try and get you into their shops but you just say no thanks and keep walking. There always seem to be a lot of Turkish men and very few women out and about, don’t know why but you do notice it.
It definitely feels like everything is more expensive in Turkey this year too but shopping isn’t something we come here for so not a problem for us.
The weather will be great in May and not too hot. @lil328 just make sure you book the best hotel you can, budget in Turkey is really budget.

I went last year and really liked it—stayed in Dalyan and the mix of relaxing beaches, nice food, and friendly people made it a great break. I was a bit nervous about booking at first, but Turkey vacations on Memphis Tours made the whole thing easier, especially with transfers and flights all sorted. Felt safe the whole time and everything was really affordable compared to other places we looked at.

Haven't had a beach holiday there for several years but was in Istanbul last summer. It is a lot more expensive than it used to be but then I remember the days when we used to go out for lunch between classes / drinks after work with a £5 and come back with change.
For me the political/economic situation has changed things so much but if you've never been before you won't notice this.