Top Travel Tips: If You’re Headed To… Turkey

Tips for Turkey

1. Bring sun cream! Summer weather means temperatures of up to 35 degrees.
2. The new Turkish Lira is the official currency in Turkey. There are 100 New Kurus (Ykr) in one New Turkish Lira. Notes come in denominations of YTL100, 50, 20, 10, five and one. Coins come in denominations of YTL1, as well as Ykr50, 25, 10, five and one.
3. Lira can’t be got before you go, but can be got in your hotel. Careful though, on the beachfront can offer a better rate.
4. Book early as Turkey is one of the most popular destinations for Irish holiday makers.

Tips on Bodrum

(Resorts: Kusdasi, Bitez, Gumbet, Torba & Yalikavak)

1. Bring your dancing shoes. Often described as the nightlife capital of Turkey they even have a street called Cumhuriyet (Bar street – I know loads of thinking went into that one!) to keep you going until late in to the early morning.
2. These destinations offer sun and shopping in one place but do be prepared to haggle.
3. If you like shopping, make sure to visit the weekly Bodrum markets
4. Go All-Inclusive – there is 5* Hotels available from as little as €615pp when you go All-Inclusive.  

Tips on Izmir

(Resorts: Kusadasi & Ozdere)

1. Make sure you visit the Roman city of Ephesus.
2. Get down to Ladies Beach, it’s a very popular hotspot where you can get massages on the beach and drinks brought to your sun lounger.

Tips on Antalya

(Resorts: Alanya, Belek, Lara Beach & Side) 

1. Coastal Delights: The main beach in Antalya is called Konyaalti, and caters for both sunbathers and those looking to enjoy a wide range of water sports.
2. Retail Heaven: Shopping in Antalya is an exciting experience, with traditional products sold in stalls along the narrow streets of the old town. There are also several large modern shopping malls around the old town, one of the biggest being Migros.
3. Exotic Cuisine: On an Antalya holiday you should sample the local Turkish food served in atmospheric restaurants in the old town of Kaleici. From lamb shish kebabs to spicy seafood dishes there is something for everyone, even a delicious fusion of Western and Eastern styles.
4. Thrilling Entertainment: On an Antalya holiday you can experience some of the liveliest nightlife on the Turkish coast. As well as a host of bars and clubs, many of the hotels put on belly-dancing shows. Those looking to relax can settle in one of the many quiet waterfront bars or dance the night away in one of Antalya’s many discos.

Antalya is a place where sea, sun, history and nature combine in perfect harmony and with one of the most attractive coasts the in Mediterranean, it is a wonderful destination to spend your Turkey holiday.

Thomas Cook Ireland offer 4 weekly direct flights from Ireland to Turkey; Dublin to Bodrum and Izmir every Saturday throughout the summer and Antalya every Sunday, as well as Cork to Bodrum every Saturday. Return flights cost from as little as €319pp, which includes all taxes and charges and up to 20kg luggage allowances

To book your holiday to Turkey with Thomas Cook click here.