Turkey, Greece or somewhere else?

[RoseGlass7]

I'm a single parent and dds aged 14 and 11 would like to go on a beach holiday. Budget is around £4-5k for ten days in August. They'd like a nice pool and beach and sun loungers to read, but not kids/teens clubs.

I've looked at Greek Islands or Turkey. I know both will be very hot! Turkey seems better value, Hilton Dalaman or Liberty Likia looked quite good and good value. Any thoughts or ideas? It's been a long time since I did a beach holiday.

I’d go for Hilton Dalaman. The choice of dining is phenomenal (and larger than you’d find in a lot of equivalent priced Greek hotels), the beach is sandy (unlike Liberty Lykia and a lot of Greek resorts) and it’s a really short airport transfer.

Hi @Forgottenmyphone thanks very much. I'm not a big drinker do would probably only have one/two drinks a day on the rest of the time soft drinks. The Hilton doesn't look too boozy/rowdy though? I think the hotel can organise a day out to enjoy the scenery, anywhere you'd particularly recommend from there?

The short airport transfer really appeals!

We went in May half term and it wasn’t too busy or noisy. I’m not sure how it would be in August.
I’d definitely recommend a trip to Iztuzu Beach, known as the turtle beach, and a river cruise to see the Lycian rock.

@Forgottenmyphone thanks!

Temperature near Dalaman this Friday is going to 46c. I’ve heard really good things about the Hilton.

You will need proper beach shoes or trainers for the sand. I tried flips flop in June (hotel 2 down) and my goodness my feet hurt.

We had a perfect holiday at Barut B Suites in Turkey. Couldn't fault it at all

Dalaman is not that pretty but you can go from there to Dalyan which is lovely. A jeep safari is a good way to see the area and is fun. I would choose Fethiye over Dalaman or go to Dalyan. Definitely do a boat trip as the water is beautiful. It will be very hot!

Thanks for all the helpful thoughts!

What is the tipping culture like in Turkish AI? Is there an expectation I'll sign off or handover a tip after each meal/drink in the hotel? Or just leave a tip at the end?

Also, will I receive any less preferential treatment by staff for being a lone female? I saw a TA comment about women waiting longer for bar service but not sure how true that is generally.

If you leave your resort in Turkey you're likely to be hassled by merchants. Ive never seen it in Greece

Tip at the beginning but that's all you need to do. We tipped a very helpful waitress at the bar & she brought drinks to our table after that!

Try Lanzarote. The breezes keep it from feeling too hot. Plenty of nice places to go and quite interesting even for teens if you get out of the resort and explore.

I am going on two holidays in August - a week in the Greek island of Zante and also we've booked a week to Icmeler in Turkey. We've never stayed in Turkey, only visited Bodrum, whilst on a day trip from the Greek island of Kos last year. I personally love Greece, it probably one of my most favourite countries.