Turkey in July?
If you've just started to look for your family holiday this summer, it's likely you're confronted by high prices and low availability with the notable exception of Turkey.
At the beginning of this year the cost of a holiday to Turkey rose considerably due to high demand and local inflationary pressures creating the “perfect storm of spiralling costs", however, the earthquake in February, saw a drop-off in bookings, at a time when extra capacity was released in both flights and hotels, which is why there is still good availability for travel this summer.
The earthquake killed and injured tens of thousands in what has become one of the biggest natural disasters in recent memory, however, the drop-off in tourist revenue has further compounded the distress.
Holidaymakers may be surprised to hear that government advice was never to cancel your holiday: it’s just to avoid the immediate vicinity of the disaster with Istanbul, Antalya, Dalaman and Bodrum running as normal, unaffected by the earthquake.
However, not all hotels have bounced back, and some still have post-covid struggles with staffing and maintenance issues undermining the holiday experience, so it's important to make sure the resort you select will meet your expectations, and avoid those that may not.
The great news is that all covid travel restrictions have now been lifted but please remember that your passport needs to be valid for at least 150 days from the date you arrive and there should be a full blank page for the entry and exit stamps.
Great value holidays in Turkey for summer 2023
A good example of the great value holidays Turkey is offering this year is 7 nights in a good quality 4* hotel in Olu Deniz, departing 23rd July 2023 all inclusive for 2 adults and one child including flights (from East Midlands), luggage, transfers and ATOL protected at a total of £2499, it's hard to beat value like this. There are lots of other options with luxury 5* hotels also slashing their prices.
If you would like to discuss booking a family holiday to Turkey this summer please get in touch. You can book an appointment here!
Find out why we're recommending Turkey out-of-season...
Say hello to ‘the winter concept’…
Turkey has really been expanding its ultra-luxury all-inclusive offer; however, these hotels have eye-watering price tags during the peak season, but out-of-season they can be incredible value!
The peak season for visiting Turkey for a beach holiday is between June and August, however, with temperatures reaching the high 30’s it’s too hot for many, and hotel cost are at their highest.
Belek has a Mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and mild winters. If you’re a sunseeker the best time to visit is between June and September with temperates exceeding 35°C (95°F), however, if sunbathing isn’t your number one priority, then Belek during the winter could be a great option.
Many guests are put off going to Turkey out of season as hotels can feel empty and soulless with restaurants and facilities closed, and little to do if the weather isn’t great. However, many ultra-luxury all-inclusive hotels in Turkey are enticing guests with their strong ‘winter concepts’ which offer golf, indoor and outdoor heated pools, multiple restaurants and much more.
These winter concepts typically run from 1st November to 31st March, with the summer concept starting on the 1st April, when hotels will open up outside restaurants, bars and aqua parks.
The average weather in the Belek area in March is around 19°C, with around 7 hours of sunshine, and 5 days with some rain. Ideal for golf, beach strolls and for enjoying the heated indoor and outdoor pools. In November it can be warmer with averages around 22°C, and with the sea temperature over 20°C, its the perfect time to take a dip!
This week we’ve had a chat to the team at the 5 star Maxx Royal Belek...
The Maxx Royal Belek, is just one hotel that’s got an excellent ‘winter concept’. They were quick to remind us that:
“It is only the outside restaurants and bars that are closed. There are 2 heated pools, an outdoor seawater pool, an indoor pool and an indoor kids’ pool. There are activities during the day and live music in the evening. The kids club, gym, bowling alley and spa are all open. The Mini Amusement Park, Playground, Dino Land and Adventure Park are also open, but service hours may vary depending on the weather conditions.
The all-inclusive during winter, at the Maxx Royal, includes the patisserie, chocolatier, ice cream parlour and the main restaurant. The hotel does have some stunning speciality restaurants which are bookable with a supplement (but well worth it in our opinion!) including OTAKU, Bueno Steak House (and Gastro by Alfredo Russo.”
Price comparisons...
In Staffordshire our Easter holiday is a little earlier with schools breaking up on the 22nd March. If you departed on Tuesday 26 Mar 2024 for 7 night with flights from Birmingham (with great times i.e. departing 08.45 and returning 17.25), the cost for 2 adults and one child (aged 11 or under) is £3,726.00, Including private transfers, luggage and a suite with land view. Or upgrade to a two bedroom suite with land view for an additional £900.
Compare this to Whitsun Week departing 25th May, when prices increase to £5600 in the suite with land view, and £8430 with the upgraded two bedroom suite. Depart on the 4th August and the cost increases further to £7400 and £10,200 respectively.
Book an appointment to start planning your trip to Turkey.
Prices are correct at time of writing (06/02/2024).
