First time to Turkey some advice really appreciated

by **tobeloy** on Sun Jul 27, 2008 9:28 pm

We are 5 adults and one child going to Turkey in mid september, we are going to hire a villa between us.

We could really do with some advice on which area to maybe stay in, we have also had some conflicting info from a few people and thought this forum may be able to help us decide.

We chose Turkey as the euro is so bad at present, but a few people have told us that food and alcohol is expensive in turkey too while others have said its very cheap??? we will be self catering for some nights but venturing out on others, we hope to rent a villthat is not too central so are open to all suggestions.

We are looking for somewhere that is not too party central but also not dead as the adults want some nightlife and we also would like a water park for the youngster nearby.

Some sightseeing would be nice and we dont intend to hire a car this trip however if its successful we will make a regular return to the country, we have been told we can get around by dolmus.

Upon looking the resorts of bodrum, gumbet seem quite lively but if you know otherwise please tell us, alternatively people suggested side as a first timer here and also turgetreis but any info is greatly appreciated, we were told to stay away from marmaris as someone said it was too touristy, any advice is appreciated.

We have been told that to change our money in turkey as the exchange rate is better is this right?, also people have suggested that a lot of traders accept sterling and euro and some prefer it ???

As you can see we have many questions but all advice is greatly appreciated and we have 2 weeks to travel around in.

Thankyou for any help offered

by **lyndseeey01** on Tue Jul 29, 2008 10:37 am

If I was you i would go to Didim Club Tarhan its a really nice place and the waiters are so friendly because we liked it so much we are going again Thank You.

by **happyred** on Tue Jul 29, 2008 3:31 pm

I've been to Turkey (Side and Belek) three times over the last couple of years and my experiences have always been that they prefer pretty much any currency apart from Turkish Lira. We took Euros and Sterling and a very small amount of Turkish Lira! Be prepared to haggle for everything and, if you've got pretty girls with you, be wary of Turkish men's hands!!! Don't forget your crisp £10 note for each person to hand over at Turkey airport control for your visa! Try and speak Turkish too. It will be very much appreciated! I love Turkey - enjoy!

by **Kedi Yavrusu** on Wed Jul 30, 2008 8:29 pm

Bodrum is a beautiful town, lots to see and it is very easy to explore the peninsular by dolmus. Yes, Turgutreis is a way on the dolmus from Bodrum but I think that is half the fun, getting on a bus and seeing what is around. There are loads of small resorts to visit too; Torba, Gumusluk, Turkbuku, Ortakent, Yalikavak and others, and the drives are lovely, lots of beautiful scenery.

Gumbet is a lively resort, not big but plenty of bars and restaurants of all types from Traditional Turkish to Chinese, Italian, Indian etc. The beach is nice, a bit shingly but still pleasant and there are lots of little shops, supermarkets etc. selling all kinds. It is still touristy obviously but being smaller I think it is a lot nicer than the big resorts like Marmaris. Bitez is very close by and is smaller and quieter but still very nice. Turgutreis is nice too although I have never spent much time there apart from the odd day trip.

I lived near to Gumbet for a few years so if there is anything else you want to know about the area please just ask.

It is best to change money when you get there or as others have suggested open a Nationwide account and you can get money out without charge from the cash machines. Traders do accept Sterling and sometimes you do get a better deal that way but I wouldn't bother with Euros.

Wherever you choose you will find Turkey a beautiful country, the food is amazing, (I just love turkish food), the weather gorgeous and the people are very warm and friendly.

Kedi

by **ParkerBurns** on Wed Jul 30, 2008 11:11 pm

Quote - but a few people have told us that food and alcohol is expensive in turkey
Really ive never had that problem.

Ive been to the Antalya region (belek and side) for the last 3 years and ive had a fab time, the holiday is what you make it.

J

by **CarolG** on Thu Jul 31, 2008 9:12 am

Icmeler is also nice. Close to Marmaris but completely different!

Plenty villas for rent, excellent for touring, lively in the centre but plenty rural setting areas to visit also (old village).

Take sterling with you as yes you will get a better rate in Turkey. Shops will accept sterling and euros.

Prices are okay still in Turkey. The reason you are seeing posts saying it is expensive and some saying it is cheap is that some are newcomers to Turkey and have noticed the rise in prices in europe and they think its cheap and the others are old timers to Turkey and they can also see that prices are rising.

General speaking, it is reasonable in turkey for food and drinks, depending where you decide to eat and drink!

Hope this helps.

by **Charliierobertson** on Thu Jul 31, 2008 11:33 am

I agree...If you dont want to be in the middle of things Ichmeler is a lovely place you have still got the bars but you can catch a dolmus to marmaris or a nice walk which is the main partying scene.
The only reason people say turkey is expensive is because the difference in prices have gone up but it is still cheap compared to most countries!

If you go to Ichmeler i would advise you to go on lazy day boat trips, or a boat trip to turtle beach + mud baths =)