For many travellers Turkey brings to mind images of beaches, mosques, Turkish coffee and Turkish delight.Turkey is becoming much more than this though with it’s increasing popularity as a tourist destination for people all of over the world. For backpackers, Turkey will have plenty to offer and best of all it is quite affordable. It will allow you the opportunity to escape from your everyday life and experience something unlike what you have ever experienced before. It does not matter what the reason is that you chose to visit the country, it’s just important to take the time to plan out your vacation in such a way that you’d get the best out of the days, or if you’re lucky weeks, that you spend there.

Spring is without a doubt the prime time to visit Turkey largely due to the milder weather, longer days, and the reduced number of tourists. If spring is not possible, Fall is the second best choice as the weather is still quite mild but the days are a tad bit shorter and rainhas a higher possibility. Summer is when the most people visit Turkey, especially if they are concerned more with being on a beachside resort. However, it can be quite a bit more pricy in the summer and the weather can be unbearably hot! Winter is cold and rainy in Turkey so try to avoid booking your stay during this time of year. However if you don’t mind the cold, you can find real steals to visit during their off peak tourism time and will not have to deal with as many other tourists so this may be a good option.

If you are looking to find a cheap hotel in the city of Istanbul, you don’t really need to worry much about the time of the year. There are a lot of affordable places to stay all throughout the city but if you come during peak travel season you will need to book wel in advance as they tend to fill up quickly! Stretching out onto both sides of the Bosphorus, Istanbul actually touches Asia and Europe and is influenced by both continents culturally as well. Having been the capital of several empires, Istanbul is full of many significant religious and historic places to visit. Most of them are located in the Old City, including Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. While visiting Istabul, you will also want to experience some of the city’s more guilty pleasures such as shopping in the bazaar , visiting a hamam (Turkish bath), and smoking the narghile.

After visiting the sites, perhaps a trip down to unwind on the coast. Try the beautiful Anatolian coast which is lovely all year round – my favorite is to hole up in a Kas Hotel for a week or so to unwind.

Turkey is also a prime vacation destination for those who enjoy going on adventure tours. Turkey adventure tours range from going out and exploring national parks and mountains, 10 hour safaris in Antalya, or even several days out exploring the cultural heritage of the country. Tours are typically available year round although the best weather is from spring to autumn. There are a wide range of tours and sightseeing options available and there is sure to be one that is just right for you.

Dining out in Turkey is quite different than what you may be accustomed to, but there are some very tasty cuisine options available. Many of the Turkish restaurants do have menus available in both Turkish and English so translating them should not be a problem!

Main entrees are often times meat or fish kebabs but these kebabs are much different than what people from the West may be used to. The way in which they are cooked, the spices used to flavor the meats as well as the types of meat and fish used in the kebabs differs greatly depending on what region of the country you are in. One of the most popular varieties is called the doner kebab which is made from meat that is placed on a vertical skewer and then sliced off from the outside in. A sis kebab is another type and it is made from cubes of meat that have been grilled on a skewer. Urfa kebabs are made with a lot of black pepper and onions. Iskender kebabs are served with tomato sauce and yogurt and finally there are adana kebabs which are spicy and hot. Turks also include other meat and vegetable dishes too including sac kavurma which is meat that has been stir fried in a flat bottomed pan, guvec which is made from meat stewed with vegetables in a clay pot and kofte is minced meat that is rolled into meat balls and grilled.

There is also seafood available in Turkey and it is quite a delicacy. Seafood in Turkey is of excellent quality. It can be quite pricy if it is not in season, but it is certainly worth splurging on during your vacation. During the months of March and June, the fish that are in season are turbot (kalkan), mackerel (uskumru) and anchovies (hamsi). From July to the middle of August fish is scarce because fishing for many types of fish is not allowed. If you are interested in finding seafood during this time you can keep your eye out for bluefish (cinakop for small or lufer for medium), goatfish (tekir) or red mullet (barbunya). Also look out for the traditional Turkish favorite of balik ekmet, or fish and bread. This is often referred to as the as the fish and chips of Turkey,and is just made with any type of fish that is available at the time. This entrée is grilled and put on small rolls with onions. It is typically washed down with pickle water which is the juice from various pickles . Although it sounds rather strange, it is actually quite good and pairs well together.

If you are actually able to save room for desert after all of this, the Turks tend to go all out on their desserts. Fresh fruits that are in season are the most common dessert. In addition to a wonderful variety of fruits there are plenty of traditional Turkish deserts including the world famous Turkish delight, sutlac which is a type of rice pudding, baklava, kadayif, halfa and ausre.

If you are planning a trip to visit Turkey, you may not be sure about what to pack. You are probably wondering what you will want to wear .While it does depend on what area you are staying in and the time of year, for the most part it has summer like weather so light, cotton summer wear is your safest bet. Although most Turks do practice the Muslim faith and will be dressed in traditional Muslim garb, you will not be looked down upon for dressing in shorts and tank tops because it is a fairly modernized society. You should be fine dressing as you would at other beach destination areas.

Since it does get quite hot in the morning, you will want to pack plenty of loose and flowing garments that will allow you to breathe. Do be prepared for the night time to cool down substantially. It would be a wise idea to bring some long pants and a light sweater or cardigan to wear after the sun goes down.

There are many historical and archaeological sites that you will likely want to visit so it would be a good idea to bring some comfortable walking shoes. Sandals will do for days by the beach but on days where you may choose to do some hiking or climbing you will need to be prepared with proper footwear.

Cobbled Streets need sensible shoes!

If you do plan on visiting one of the historic mosques in Turkey, you will need to dress modestly so pack for this in case you do decide to go. You will need to be completely covered, that means no shorts or short sleeves will be allowed. If you are a woman, you should bring a head scarf to cover your hair. This is out of basic respect for the religious beliefs of the Muslim faith. It is actually rare to even have Mosques open to tourists so it is really not too much to ask!

Depending on your own plans for the trip you will want to adjust your wardrobe accordingly. For instance if you plan on doing a lot of hiking or plan on spending some time in the mountains, you will want to bring more causal and warm clothing with you. If you are planning on staying at a posh beachside villa, you will likely need more dress clothes. You should overall be packing clothing items that you know will be comfortable! The best option is if in doubt, bring it anyways. It is better to be prepared than unprepared!

Although the city of Kas is still relatively new as a tourist destination, it is quickly becoming more and more travelled to. Many are finding out about this hidden gem that allows you to have an action packed vacation full of days on the beach, mountain climbing, visiting ancient historical landmarks, or scuba diving deep into the sea. Kas is truly a paradise city where you can experience many things all within the same trip. One of the most amazing experiences you can have while visiting Kas is taking a trip scuba diving in the ocean.

Kas has quickly and easily become one of the best places for scuba diving in all of Turkey. It is even possibly the best site in all of the Mediterranean Sea. Divers from all over the world in all countries have been coming to Kas for a unique and breathtaking experience underwater. Divers are sure to encounter a stunning assortment of fish and other sea creatures such as octopus and dolphins, and possibly even the wreckage of some ancient ships that once sailed in the area. They are able to capture some of this amazing beauty through the use of underwater cameras so the memories can stay with them for a lifetime.

Kas offers more than 25 different dive sites where you can see anything from amazing shipwrecks, sharp dropoffs, underwater caves, underwater canyons, strange and unique underwater ocean landscapes, ancient amphoras and plenty more. The higher than average variety of different species of ocean life, the clear & warm water ( it has a visibility of up to 40 meters at 130 feet, and has water temperatures all the way up to 28 degrees celsius ) as well as the professional diving logistics placed the diving area of Kas on the “TOP 100″ of the world’s best diving destinations.

For those not experienced with scuba diving, there are many places right in the town that provide lessons on scuba diving and will rent all of the necessary equipment out for the day. If you are not sure you are ready to go out and scuba dive, another great option is to go snorkeling. This will give you the security of being closer to the surface but will still allow you to view an amazing assortment of fish and scenic ocean life. There are lessons available for both scuba diving and snorkeling all over the city. There are lessons that range from beginner all the way to advanced courses. If you are heading out to dive for the first time, you will want to make sure it’s easy, safe, and fun so taking lessons is a very good idea if you are a first timer.

In addition to all of the beauty that can be found on land in Kas, there is some of the most breathtaking diving spots in the world located there as well. Taking a trip to Kas will be one that you and your family will likely never forget! You can reach Kas on many package deals now, although don’t be afraid to do it yourself. The nearest airport is Dalaman from where you can get a bus or arrange a transfer quite easily. There are lots of wonderful Kas Hotels to choose from and you can usually get a great deal most of the year.

Chances are, you have never heard of the small fishing and yachting town of Kas, Turkey. It is one of the hidden gems of Turkey that is not very well known yet to tourists. This means that most of the original culture, beauty, and ambiance of the town have been preserved over the years. If you are interested in coming to a small town where you can get a real experience of what Turkey is all about, then Kas is the perfect vacation spot for you.

Kas is located on the Teke peninsula and although this area has been occupied since the Stone Age, Kas was believed to have been founded officially by the Lycians. In the ancient historical times of Lycia, Kas was originally called Habesos and was later renamed as Antiphellos. It was given this name by the ancient Greeks because it was the harbor in front of the city of Phellos. During the era of the Roman period, the city of Antiphéllos was famous for exporting sponges and timber. Eventually the town became part of the Eastern Roman Empire. Largely due to the difficulty of land communications and the lack of suitable arable land around this small fishing town never grew to be a major city in Turkey.The city eventually suffered because of Arab incursions, and was soon annexed (under the name of Andifli) to the Anatolian Sultanate of Rum, led by the Seljuks. Upon the downfall of the Seljuks, it came underrule of the Ottomans.

In 1923, due to the switching over of populations between Greece and Turkey after the Greco-Turkish War, a large number of the population, which descended originally from Greece, left the town to return to their native land of Greece. It was not until the early 1990’s that the tourism industry really started booming in Kas. Most of the vacationers were mainly from the UK and Germany. This growth in tourism led to more development of apartments and hotels to accommodate visitors which began to threaten the beauty and charm of the ladscape and overall charm of the city.

Presently Kas remains a quiet and peaceful town with scenic views of the crystal blue sea and the sweet scent of jasmine filling the air as you walk down the street. There are a wide variety of amenities available for guests including little guest houses along the beach, quiet cafes serving traditional home cooked meals, or even small bars to relax in and enjoy the night life after a long day out in the sun. There is also a wide variety of accommodation to choose between from simple pensions to some smart Kas Hotels. There is also no doubt that Kas is one of the top rated cities in turkey for diving. There is a diving school right in town and many places with equipment available to rent. Those who choose to go diving while in Kas are sure to see a stunning assortment of fish and other sea creatures such as octopus and dolphins, and possibly even the wreckage of some ancient ships that once sailed in the area. Kas is a great spot to check out in Turkey!

Spanning all the way across Europe and Asia, Turkey has very diverse scenery. With its rolling plains, magnificent mountains, vast desert, white sandy beaches and towering sea cliffs there is sure to be something to please everyone in Turkey! If you are planning a trip to Turkey in the near future, there are many sights that you just will not want to miss! Here are some great historical places to check out!

You will definitely want to check out Istanbul’s Old City which was once the capital of the Christian Byzantines and then became the Islamic Ottoman Empire. Some of the features of the city include the Topkapi Palace, Aya Sofya Museum and the city’s Archaeological Museum. However, The Sultan Ahmed Mosque (better known as the Blue Mosque because of its blue tiles) is without a doubt the most amazing sight to see in the city of Istanbul, and is one of the real highlights of a holiday to Turkey. It is located right in the center of the Turkish capital, and it is a breathtakingly beautiful building, filled with minarets and intricately decorated both inside and out. It is open to visitors which is unusual for most of the major mosques around the world. It is truly a unique chance to see the inside of an Islamic place of worship. After that go out and explore the northern suburbs of Istanbul on a ferry-boat, going across the Bosphorus to visit villages that reach all the way up to the mouth of the Black Sea.

The city of Troy is well known as the sight of the legendary ten year battle between the Trojans and the Greeks from Homer’s Iliad. Troy was actually believed to be not real; many thought it was a mythical place for many centuries, until the discovery of its ruins in the 19th century by Heinrich Scliemann. Today the ruins of Troy are a sight you will not want to miss while on holiday in Turkey.
Ephesus, which is an ancient city and is currently in the process of being restored, is a definite must see while visiting Turkey.  Dating all the way back to the seventh century BC Ephesus will show you an interesting view of  ancient life in Turkey because the city’s ruins illustrate how ancient cities worked and how the people played thousands of years ago.  Ephesus will be of particular interest to Christian tourists because it is believed that The Virgin Mary resided there during the final days of her life. The city holds a lot of historical significance!

The sites and cities mentioned are only a small fraction of what Turkey has to offer! The possibilities are endless and no two vacations to Turkey will be quite the same.
Think about using a Kas Hotel as a base, it’s near many ancient sites and is a relaxing place to escape after you’ve finished your visits. The nearby city of Xanthos is definitely worth a visit.

There are many guides and resources available that can give further suggestions about places to check out while in Turkey because it has been becoming increasingly popular as a tourist destination hotspot! Be sure to plan ahead so that you will not miss out on any of the beautiful sights to see

If your family is thinking about heading out a Holiday that will allow you to enjoy beautiful scenery and a rich historic culture, a trip to the peninsula of turkey might be just what you had in mind. Turkey is very family oriented so you won’t have to worry about their not being anything for the kids to do! Or if you are just starting out on your life together, Turkey also makes a beautiful honeymoon destination. Whether you are looking for a fun place to take the family; or a romantic and beautiful adults-only location, Turkey is sure to have something to please all!

Turkey offers pretty much any type of scenery you could possibly be looking for. Sun, sea, mountains, or lakes, Turkey has it all! It is the perfect getaway to escape the everyday stress of life and simply relax. The most ideal time to visit Turkey would be from April to October when the climate will be perfect for relaxing on the tranquil sandy beaches or spending the day climbing the mountains.

Turkey also has a very historic past and there are plenty of historic treasures that you will be able to visit. The civilizations of Turkey date back more than 10,000 years and you will be sure to see much of this great heritage still evident throughout the country. Whether you choose to visit one of the many museums, or magnificent landmarks, you will surely be able to take in a lot of the rich culture even if your stay is a short one!

While you will no doubt want to practice safety when visiting any foreign country, you can rest assured that Turkey is one of the safest countries in the world. It has received a ranking from Interpol as one of the safest holiday destinations in Europe. You will find that there are plenty of police patrolling and many speak different languages so should you need their assistance they will be eager and ready to help you out.

While Turkish is the official language of Turkey, English is the second most widely spoken language so if you do not know how to speak Turkish, you will likely not encounter any major problems with communication. There are plenty of English speakers especially in the major cities and on the resorts. Also many of the restaurant menus are translated in English so you will know exactly what you are eating!

Turkey has plenty to offer visitors and is growing increasingly popular as a tourism destination. The country is very diverse and will offer you the opportunity to experience a wide variety of unique experiences during your stay. Turkey is also very competitively priced so taking a trip there will not break the bank for you and your family. Visiting Turkey will be a wonderful experience and is likely one that you will want to repeat considering it will be next to impossible to take in all of the sights in just one trip!