As a seasoned travel agent with over 20 visits to Turkey under her belt, Margaret Dalton, a Travel Consultant at Barrhead Travel in Beverly, has gathered her insider secrets for making the most of a trip to this beloved destination.
Why Turkey is a Firm Favourite Among British Holidaymakers
Turkey consistently ranks among Manchester Airport’s top ten most frequented destinations, with Antalya and Dalaman being two of the most popular regions. These areas boast stunning beaches, captivating culture, and wallet-friendly prices, making Turkey a firm favourite among British holidaymakers.
- Antalya saw 107,000 passengers in August, while Dalaman attracted 101,000 from the northern airport.
- Palma de Mallorca drew in 130,000 travellers from Manchester, making it the most popular destination.
The nation’s spectacular beach resorts, such as Oludeniz and Marmaris, are renowned for their beauty and tranquility. Oludeniz, home to the breathtaking Blue Lagoon, is a must-visit destination for any beach lover.
Money-Saving Tips from Margaret Dalton
As a travel agent, Margaret advises that the favourable exchange rate (approximately 51 Turkish Lira to the pound) makes Turkey an attractive destination for budget-savvy travellers. To make the most of this, she recommends:
- Not exchanging money at the airport, but pre-purchasing currency before departure.
- Travelling during off-peak seasons for more affordable rates and visiting cost-effective attractions.
- Haggling in markets – it’s expected and can result in better prices.
- Sorting out transport ahead of time to avoid higher fares.
Margaret also suggests that Brits take advantage of the Turkish Lira’s high value against the pound, and that they should not shy away from haggling in markets. She recommends tipping as part of the experience and pre-booking airport transfers to avoid higher fares.
What Brits Should Steer Clear Of
As Turkey is largely a Muslim nation, it’s essential to be mindful of local customs and dressing appropriately. Margaret warns that:
“If you’re away from the coastal tourist destinations, make sure you dress appropriately. Bikinis are for the beach, so don’t wear swimwear when walking around the streets. People sometimes forget that the main religion in Turkey is Islam, so dress respectfully. Do not wander into the grounds of a Mosque or go inside unless you are familiar with the etiquette. The larger Mosques will have guided tours by the Imam, especially in tourist areas, so always ask first.”
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Margaret also advises that Brits should be aware of the scorching heat during peak season and plan activities in the shade during the day, especially with young children.
Discover Turkey’s ‘Hidden Gem’ Resorts
As Turkey’s popularity soars, travellers can still uncover ‘hidden gem’ resorts scattered across the nation. Margaret shared one of her top picks:
Side is a coastal town in Antalya Province with ancient ruins, sandy beaches, and nightlife options, which is a must-visit destination.
Side West beach is closer to the hotels, and most accessible. When there, Margaret recommends visiting the ancient city ruins, which were built around 150 A.D. These ruins are one of the most captivating places to visit.
Brits’ ‘Must Do’ Experiences in Turkey
Turkey offers far more than just poolside relaxation for its visitors. Margaret advises that:
- Brits should do a boat trip to experience the amazing scenery and included food and drink.
- They should take a trip into the mountains on a jeep safari to see beautiful scenery.
- They should not miss out on a trip to the Turkish baths – it’s an absolute must.
Margaret’s insider tips and advice make Turkey a must-visit destination for any British traveller.
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