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Turkey is ever-popular for cultural family holidays, as a country filled to the brim with historic sites, characterful beaches and some of the most flavoursome cuisine in the world. Visiting the country where the continents of Asia and Europe meet is an experience that will not be quickly forgotten.
The kids might be a little anxious about travelling to such a culturally different location. The key is planning and using your resources, this way ensuring a stress-free and relaxing East Mediterranean break.
If you’re looking for cheap holidays to Turkey in 2013, here is some advice on what you need to know before you go…
Where to Go
If your kids are all at fairly different stages, then one ideal activity to keep everyone satisfied is a trip to the beach. One of the best beaches in Turkey is Patara, which consists of almost 20km of unspoilt and undiscovered beauty. The town is small with small restaurants and simple bars, and that makes it ideal for a holiday with children who want to spend all their time on in the sun and on the beach. To add some excitement to the experience, the historic ruins of Xanthos and the resort of Kalkan are both very close by.
Another small town worth spending time is Gökçeovacık, which is focused on nature and adventure. There are many hiking routes in the area, as well as horse-riding and white water rafting for the thrill-seekers. Only 20 minutes away from the town of Göcek, the resort allows for a tranquil family getaway.
Essential Considerations
It’s important to secure the right travel insurance before you leave. In terms of medical aid, check with your chosen provider as to whether they pay out in the event of a health issue or reimburse you later. You may be required to pay a Turkish doctor in cash, so it’s vital to be prepared in this respect. You might also want to find out if your plan covers emergency trips to hospital facilities, in or out of the country.
If you’re travelling with slightly older children, make sure that they know the phone number of the hotel you’re staying at, as well as any local emergency numbers. There is a special number for tourist information throughout the country which is 170, while the number to call for the Tourism Police is (0212) 5274503. The national emergency numbers for Turkey are:
Ambulance/Fire: 110
Police: 155
General Emergency: 112
What to Pack
Finally, make sure you have all the necessary items in the family suitcase before travelling to Turkey. With a hot, dry climate for much of the year, suncream and sun hats are essential, particularly for younger ones. In general, Western dress such as shorts and t-shirts is fine, but be aware that you will need to cover up if you’re visiting mosques or other religious buildings. However, beach etiquette is fairly similar to most Mediterranean resorts.
*Image by Peanut99, used under Creative Comms license*
