**Collaborative post**
Turkey has long been a popular holiday destination and the country attracts around 35 million visitors per year. Many of these visitors are families who arrive for a week or two to enjoy all that this diverse country has to offer. It was one of my top counties to visit when I was doing a little research for our big family holiday this year. With Paul and I both turning 40 this year (Paul’s was back in April and mine is this December), I knew I wanted to treat us all to a proper family holiday abroad – the kids first time.
There’s no doubt that the year-round sunshine and beautiful beaches are major reasons for the country’s continual holiday destination popularity. Resorts such as Marmaris, Olu Deniz and Lara Beach draw visitors back every year due to the sheer beauty of the beaches and the Mediterranean climate in which to enjoy them. For families, there’s something new to do and see every day, whether it’s having fun in the warm sea waters, enjoying the water parks or exploring the ancient ruins.
More for your money
One of the major plus points of a holiday to Turkey is that your finances will stretch further. Many families choose all-inclusive holidays, meaning accommodation, meals and drinks are included in the booking price.
If you combine all-inclusive deals with the many last minute holidays to Turkey deals then you can make significant savings. Once you’re actually in Turkey you’ll find that the prices for shopping, restaurants and activities are extremely low compared to other European destinations. This was actually one of the deciding factors for me – I was able to book an all-inclusive 7 night holiday for the 4 of us, including flights and also with most of it being in the kids’ half-term (I am taking them both out for 3 days) just before half term for almost half the price it would have cost in many other destinations.
Don’t forget your Visa
Don’t forget if you are planning on visiting Turkey, you will require a Turkey Visa for your trip.
A Turkish Visa must be obtained for anyone (unless are a member of a visa-exempt country) planning on travelling to Turkey for tourist or business-related travel, and meet certain requirements, which include:
- Your trip has a tourist or business-related purpose.
- You are travelling with a valid passport or ID card
- Travelling with a passport? Then it has to be valid for at least 150 more days after your arrival in Turkey.
- You cannot enter into employment with a Turkish employer during your stay.
- You cannot study at a Turkish educational institution during your stay
- Children also require a visa for their entry into the country
Turkey a lovely holiday destination for the family.
It’s an overwhelming yes to the question of whether Turkey is a good holiday destination for families. The country is a favourite with British holidaymakers, especially resorts such as Marmaris, which is geared towards families and offers beaches, water parks and a diversity of restaurants.
The Antalya region is another family favourite with 400 miles of white sand beaches as well as being an excellent location for those who wish to explore Turkey’s historical side, this is where we have booked to stay, as although I plan to do as little as possible on this holiday I do like to integrate local history with all of our trips/holidays as I believe it is so beneficial for the children – what better way of learning about the origin and history of a place than to actually visit it yourselves.
Bodrum on the southern coast offers many buzzing resorts but also a number of more secluded beaches with shallow waters; perfect for a relaxing family day at the beach.
There are loads of day trips and activities which can be booked in advance so as to make the most of your time here.
Exploring cultural Turkey
There is a huge amount of historical sites in Turkey that make for an ideal day out with a difference. No matter where you are located, you’re not too far from a castle, museum, temple or ruined Roman theatre.
If you’re holidaying in Bodrum, you can explore the 15th-century castle, the amazing Museum of Underwater Archaeology and the Antique Theatre. Head to Derinkuyu to the underground city, which dates back to 300AD or step back further in time to 100AD by exploring the beautifully preserved Aspendos Roman theatre in Antalya.
Many of these could also be done as day trips from nearby countries if you wanted to combine holidays but make sure you have sorted your e visa Turkey before you travel.
Water-based adventures
Watersports are part of the holiday fun in Turkey thanks to the year-round warmth, with the temperature usually creeping towards 30C from the end
of April.
Most of the resorts will have a range of water sports available including jet-skiing, wakeboarding, canoeing and parasailing. Scuba diving makes for a great day out and there are plenty of diving schools in resorts such as Marmaris. Learners can be trained at the many secluded bays until they are confident enough to proceed to dive excursions accompanied by qualified instructors.
I am hoping the kids will at least try the kids club at our hotel, they haven’t done this before but with so much on offer I am sure they would love it – and it would give us some adult time to relax.
If you’re still considering your next family holiday then Turkey should definitely be on your potential destinations list. The weather is guaranteed not to let you down from April through to October and the diversity of this country means you will never be at a loss for new, daily activities and sightseeing options. We can’t wait for our October holiday, and the weather should be around a lovely 25C – any hotter and I would certainly melt, which is another reason we’ve left it until October instead of heading there in the Summer holidays.
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