Dreaming of the future - people's views on Turkey?

[Funtcase95]

Just that really. Dreaming of holidays when it is safe to do so, be that months or years, and Turkey seems to have some amazing hotels for little ones (DD currently 6 months but obviously likely to be 1-2 by the time travel is unrestricted) with loads to do and a splash of luxury for the adults. I've been to Turkey as a kid and loved it, however DH is still skeptical due to ISIS proximity etc. I've told him he's daft, but he's standing his ground. So what are people's views on Turkey?

My OH and I (no kids though) went on a 2 week hol to Turkey 2 years ago. We travelled around central and western Turkey in a hire car and stayed in mostly rural areas exploring the stunning landscapes. It was without a doubt the best hol we've ever been on and we felt very safe the whole time, even away from typically touristy places. The west coast is where most of the hotel/resort places are (near Izmir airport) and that's where we finished. Beaches and towns were beautiful and loved every second there. Would highly recommend.

It's just advised to stay away from the Eastern areas which are the closer proximity. The country's massive though so it's easy to do so.

As above, it’s a massive country and by the time we can travel, it may be perfectly fine (or not). We were in Istanbul during the riots about 8 years ago which came out of the blue. It’s a beautiful country and while I’d like to go back, Erdogan definitely isn’t popular with all of the population. But as above, great country and you’d probably be absolutely fine. I’d be more worried about domestic unrest than acts of terrorism personally though.

We go every year and it’s amazing. The people are lovely, very clean hotels and treated like kings.

Very sad we won’t be going this year. Mine are 17 and 9 boy and girl and we go to a water park hotel, one of the best in Turkey.

Great responses. We have looked at the resorts with water parks etc on them and think it would be great for DD when she's a little older. It's definitely on the cards I think, we'll just have to wait and see when!

I love it, but we've been ill every time. A mix of icky stomachs and ear infections.
We are fairly hardy travellers, but Turkey just doesn't seem to agree with us! So we won't be going again.
It's just too much of a risk, when you spend the year saving for it and looking forward to it.

You absolutely get the best value for money (Europe) with all inclusive hotels in Turkey rather than say Spain. There are loads of very nice hotels with lots of facilities at a reasonable price.

However you have to search around to get decent flight times but it can be done. Also always check location if you don't mind being in middle of nowhere that's fine as lots of the hotels are, but we always like to stay somewhere where we can go for a walk in local area and eat some meals outside of the hotel too and hopefully see/do something too.

I love love love it.

I went first in 1995 and the last time I went was 2018. I will be going later this year if I can.

I would just advise to stay away from the biggest resorts Bodrum, Marmaris, Izmir. My favourite area is Olu Deniz. In Olu itself if you like being by the sea but Hisaronu and Ovacik are just a short, cheap bus ride up the mountain.

The people are (in general) friendly, helpful and honest. I dropped my purse walking out of a shop and they watched for me walking back past and ran out with it for me. There is a wonderfully helpful, english speaking doctor should you be unfortunate enough to need one. And anyone in resort will direct you to them. And they are very child friendly.

Just as an aside. I go to the optician and get my glasses there. Top of the range varifocals and photochromic lenses for £150, my friend paid over £500 for something similar in the UK.

@Khione Any specific reasons why you advised staying away from Marmaris?

Turkey is beautiful with really friendly people. I have been to Marmaris, Alanya, Hisaranou, Kusadasi and Gumbet. I loved Alanya the best I think - the beaches were gorgeous and the cable car ride was stunning though Russian people were in the majority and some were not polite. I have never been unwell there aside from 2 days of a slightly unsettled stomach in Hisaranou. I wouldn't hesitate to go again

Ps Don't go all inclusive. It's cheaper and nicer to eat in the local restaurants and it supports local business

[quote WhoWhatWheree]@Khione Any specific reasons why you advised staying away from Marmaris?[/quote]
Earmarks isn't a bad place but it is very busy and commercialised and, I think more suited to young party people. Families with young children may enjoy it but, when looking for a family holiday other places such as Olu, Hisaronu, Altinkum etc are much better.

Been going since 1991. Datça is amazing - more Turks than Brits with an incredible market. You can't go wrong if you steer clear of the huge destinations like Marmaris. So much to see and so much history and amazing food! Husband is hankering for a pad in Istanbul when the kids leave home!

HATE it!

Went with a friend, both blonde and we weren't left alone. Would never go again! Felt so unsafe!

Absolutely love Turkey, been myself with my two children and felt totally safe. Would agree avoiding marmaris and would highly recommend the holiday village or the Hilton (budget dependant) at sarigerme both are lovely if your looking for all inclusive with only very short (20 min) airport transfer. Olu Deniz is stunning to and heard good things about belek also although not been there myself yet. The people are so friendly and love children :)

I love Turkey. I first visited in 1990 and fell in love with it. I have been to a lot of the resorts and lived in Bodrum for a few years I am matti a Turkish man.
I think the reason for avoiding Marmaris is because it is so commercialise, it’s a bit like the Blackpool of Turkey :)
Turkey is very family friendly so great for kids.
It’s great value too and the people are incredibly welcoming and friendly.
Tell your husband not to worry about IS. They are. It in Turkey and the Syrian border is 1,000 miles away from the resorts, a 24 hour bus ride away.

I agree with Khione. Olu Deniz (and the whole turquoise coast is gorgeous). Make sure you go on the 12 island tour from Fetiye - lovely day out. Istanbul is awesome too.

I also agree to avoid Marmaris etc. It's the Benidorm of Turkey.