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Travelling to Turkey with kids

From home to holiday: Turkey Travel susermarket Travelling to Turkey with kids Want a family holiday that'll offer guaranteed sunshine, happy splashing around the pool and beaches galore? Turkey could be the place for you and your family this summer. In Turkey you can: • Haggle in traditional markets • Explore fascinating ancient ruins Visit a waterpark Sail a pirate ship looking for dolphins Go lizard spotting in the wild • See snake charmers Ride camels Family-friendly places to visit Istanbul Bodrum Turkey Dalaman Altinkum Marmaris Antalya Average Temperature 2 3 Average Peak Temperature 11 17 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC "These are country average temperatures There are seven different regions in Turkey, all with their own unique weather. Stick to the coast for warm summers and mild winters, or venture into the mountains for cooler weather Temperatures in July and August can reach a whopping 36 degrees, and summer Turkey can be very hot and humid • Early June or September are ideal times to visit if you're travelling with young children as temperatures are still warm, but not unbearable Beat the heat • If travelling in the summer months, check your accommodation has air-conditioning for some much-needed relief from the hot temperatures • Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Stick to bottled water as the high levels of calcium in the water might not agree with you or your family's stomachs • Avoid sightseeing between 12noon and 3pm when the sun is at its hottest - many of the ancient ruins have limited shade • Keep re-applying the sunscreen. You'll need a bottle per person for a week's holiday if you're spending time in the sun Getting around Dolmuses, a shared taxi or minibus running a pre-determined route, are a great way to get around the city - price is Flight time from UK - four hours to Istanbul arranged in advance and you can usually fit the whole family in one. Buses are also a popular and comfortable form of transport. You'll need a visa to enter Turkey, but you can buy this on Child car seats are required in private cars. They are not arrival at the airport. It costs £10 per person, including provided in taxis or dolmuses, so remember to take your own children, and it's best to have a separate £10 note for each family member as no change is given. You can also pay in if you need one. Hiring a car means you have the freedom to explore the euros (€15) and US dollars ($20). country but there are a few things you must know: Arrange your transfer from the airport to your hotel in • Children under 12 can't sit in the front seat advance to save yourself a costly taxi trip The speed limit is 50km/h in built up areas, 90km/h on open roads and 120km/h on motorways • The drink driving limit is zero ...... .. • Turkey has one of the world's highest road accident rates so drive carefully and avoid driving at night - roads can be uneven and obstacles aren't always well lit 3 Dining tricks You'll be spoilt for choice dining out in Turkey, from the basic fare at a Lokanta, a local restaurant, to the sweet delight of the tatlıcı, a specialist dessert place. In many restaurants it's common to order one or two small dishes to start and order more as you go along. You'll often be plied with extras, whether that's a selection of mezze or an endless supply of fresh fruit. If you're worried about the cost, just ask 'bedava mi? (is it free?). Why not try? Kofte Turkish delight (Lokum) A common Turkish fast food much like Kids will love these scented sweets, meatballs - ideal for a quick snack invented in Istanbul in the 1700s Pide Baklava A Turkish pizza with a variety of tasty Indulge your sweet tooth with these rich pastries filled with chopped nuts toppings and syrup 4 Sightseeing • Take advantage of Turkey's many free attractions. Istanbul's Blue Mosque is breath-taking, while a visit to the ancient ruins of Ephesus is a fun and cheap day out • Try bargaining for a lower price at local attractions and visit at either opening or closing time to avoid the crowds • Book tickets in city centre shops for a cheaper price than your travel rep will offer • Kids will love the chance to climb on model trains and planes at The Rhami M Koc Museum and will have a blast exploring Bodrum's Castle To see many of Turkey's famous sights all in one afternoon, visit Miniaturk - a miniature amusement park with models of Turkish buildings On the beach The beaches in Turkey are popular with tourists and locals alike and are pretty typical for the Mediterranean with sandy shores and blue seas warm enough to swim in during the summer months • Many beaches in Turkey do not have lifeguards so be careful when swimming in deep water • Beaches in tourist resorts can become crowded at peak times, but there are plenty of places off the beaten track if you want a more peaceful experience • Head to the beach with older kids and entertain them with jet skis and water sports • Jellyfish do live in the waters around the Mediterranean but most are harmless and stings are rare • Beaches in Turkey are usually clean, but look out for Blue Flag beaches if you have any concerns Like a local Turkey is a very child-friendly country and you'll find a warm welcome wherever you go with kids in tow, but don't be surprised to have strangers pinch your babies' cheeks and say "Maşallah" (God bless you). The Turks are known for their hospitality. The official currency of Turkey is the Turkish Lira. ATMS are available in many major cities and resorts, but if you plan on travelling to rural areas, withdraw cash before you go. Euros are also accepted in many places. It's polite to tip in Turkey. Offer tips for great service, from the airport to the hotel and everywhere in between. Leave a few coins at cheap restaurants and aim to leave 10-15% of the bill elsewhere. Rules to shop by: 1. Never pay full price 2. Start low and haggle 3. Get the kids involved in counting money Although Turkey is a secular state, the vast majority of the population are Muslim. It is respectful to dress accordingly when not in resorts or on the beach and to cover up when visiting mosques and other religious sites. Top family tips • Baby products can be found in supermarkets like Carrefour, Metro and Migros Türk, although imported products can be costly so think about packing the essentials. It may also be difficult to find some products off the beaten track. • Turkey is a Muslim country and in many areas there is a call to prayer five times a day, starting around 5am. Earplugs will help you avoid a disrupted night's sleep or you could ask the hotel for a quiet room. • Most public toilets are not free, so keep some small change with you. Tissues and wet wipes are a handbag must-have. • Bodrum and Istanbul are both fascinating cities which kids will love to explore, but do play host to stag and hen dos during the summer months. Pick accommodation away from the main nightlife areas and this shouldn't be too much of a problem. • There are many stray cats and dogs in Turkey and while they are generally well-fed and cared for by local people, they may be dirty and children should avoid stroking them. Emergency phone numbers Fire 110 Ambulance 112 Police 155 6 Phrases you should know Many Turkish people in the touristy areas speak English, French and German, as well as Turkish. But, if you really want to impress the locals, you could learn a few words. Hello Thank you Merhaba! teşekkürler pronounced pronounced MARE-HA-BA TESH-EK-KER-LER Please Lütfen pronounced LEWT-FEN #hometoholiday Produced by TravelSupermarket in collaboration with: Cheryl Pasquier www.madhousefamilyreviews.blogspot.co.uk V@cherylp59 and Meg Nesterov www.knockedupabroadtravels.com Y@knockedupabroad

Travelling to Turkey with kids

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We've teamed up with some expert Turkey family bloggers to bring you top tips and tricks for travelling in Turkey with children. Turkey is a great destination for your family holiday, with plenty of ...

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