Travelling in Turkey with kids
Turkey is a very popular holiday destination - and with very good reason! Turkey offers its holidaymakers a chance to experience a kaleidoscope of different terrains and activities. If you are looking for a holiday which will provide you with a warm welcome, a Mediterranean climate, good food, great company and is family oriented - then Turkey could be the holiday destination for you.
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One of Turkeys greatest attributes has to be its diverse geography. Choose to holiday on the Turquoise Coast, surrounded by clear Mediterranean waters and beautiful sunny beaches, or opt for the Black Sea region, if you prefer more secluded beaches and quaint fishing towns. If you are more interested in Turkeys rugged vast mountain ranges and exploring the historical remains of the many ancient civilisations, then you can immerse yourself in Eastern Turkey.
Whichever region you choose you will find fantastic food, a welcoming people and a family centred culture. Travelling anywhere with children always requires an element of forethought and planning. However, hotels will be able to accommodate you and can offer either family rooms; with extra cots, cribs (some even offer fold away beds) - or even family rooms which have one large double with an additional single bed. Alternatively, you may choose to book a family suite, which contains a kitchenette, adjoining bedrooms and bathrooms.
If you are travelling to Turkey with younger children then you undoubtedly require nappies! Turks call them `bebek bezi` and you should be able to find them in supermarkets or pharmacies - look out for `Prima` which is a household brand.
It is not recommended that you drink tap water in Turkey; opt for bottled water instead as this is readily available to buy from shops. You should of course use bottled water to boil and make up baby bottles. You should be able to find baby food in pharmacies and supermarkets and if requested your hotel will be happy to oblige with puréeing food for your child. Kids should love Turkish food - as it is all healthy, tasty and locally produced. Do not forget to tip waiters at least ten percent.
Toilet facilities may prove to be fun with children in Turkey! In towns you can find public toilets (western style) but you should expect to pay a surcharge for use of them. Baby changing facilities are rare, so some improvisation may be required! However the people are very accommodating and will usually go out of their way to help you. If you venture out of town, then you may encounter `squat toilets`. Squat toilets are essentially a hole in the ground and you are advised to bring your own toilet roll! Toilet roll should be discarded as advised – it should not go down the toilet as it may block the plumbing - warn your children in advance!
Given the Mediterranean climate it is advisable you and you children wear sun hats and sun cream. Remember though night times can get chilly, so be sure to have a cardigan or light jumper to cover up. May or October are good time to visit Turkey with kids, as it is not too hot. Recommended beaches include Icmeler and the Aegean coast in particular, as it has the most child friendly hotels and beaches and facilities. Keep kids entertained for hours exploring ancient ruins, enjoying water sports, taking in the sights and festivals, enjoying the markets and learning to haggle when shopping.
Look out for great deals on cheap holidays in Marmaris and take a money saving tip from us - the airports can be very expensive, expect to pay over the top prices, or consider paying for the CIP lounge, which will give you free food, drinks, internet access and TV - just the thing to keep kids entertained.
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