Tag Archives: cheap holidays to turkey

Holiday Mate Guide to Ramadan in Turkey

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Today’s blog is a quick fire read made up of questions and answers that give you the basic (and interesting) facts about the holy month of Ramadan which is currently being observed by Muslims across Turkey.

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and a time when Muslims across the world will fast during daylight hours. This years Ramadan ends on the evening of August 18 here in Turkey.

Will Ramadan affect my holiday?

Rest assured that Ramadan will not affect your holiday to Turkey, if you were not aware of it. You probably would not even notice that individuals and families are observing the holy month.

However, whilst holidaying here in Turkey, it’s useful and polite to be aware of local customs. The majority of Turkish people belong to the Muslim faith. So, it’s helpful to know that from from now until 18 August individuals such as staff in hotels, shops, cafes and restaurants who belong to the Muslim faith are fasting.

Ramadan and change

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Bag a bargain Bodrum Turkey holiday with Holiday Mate

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The bustling resort of Bodrum offers a mix of turquoise waters, a wide choice of accommodation, beaches and a selection of bars, restaurants and nightlife.

If you’re watching the pennies, you may want to book into one of the many cheaper hotels in Bodrum which are located in the popular purpose built resort of Gumbet.

Families can opt to stay in self catering apartments which are extremely popular if you need to stick to a budget.

If you’re a foodie who likes to get out and sample the restaurants, you might want to  choose to stay one of the many bed & breakfast hotels in Bodrum.

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Exclusive all inclusive deal from only £427pp

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Reduced price includes flights + accommodation + bags + transfers

Why not kick start your summer with a sun drenched holiday at the recently renovated all inclusive Manas Park Oludeniz Hotel in Turkey.

 

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Book a bargain all inclusive holiday with Holiday Mate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This gem of a hotel is nestled in the heart of the breathtakingly beautiful popular resort of Oludeniz which is home to one of the most beautiful beaches in Turkey.

The Manas Park Oludeniz Hotel offers excellent value for money and is a recommended choice for any holidaymaker. Continue reading →

VIP sunbathing at Oludeniz Beach

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Why not kick off your holiday to Turkey with a trip to Oludeniz  beach to relax in the new VIP sunbathing area.

The newly built VIP area consists of a raised boarded platform which is decked out with wooden sun loungers that overlook the sea.

The name ‘Olu Deniz’ translates to ‘Dead Sea’, referring to the calm, clear azure waters around the beach that are very safe for children to play in.

A picture of the beach

Relax on the beach

Refreshments are also close at hand, so there is no need to stroll away from the beach as the VIP area has its own little kiosk that sells beer, soft drinks and snacks. Continue reading →

Kayakoy – a Turkish trip back in time

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Kayaköy (stone village) is a fascinating and eerie ghost town that lies in the hills between Oludeniz and Fethiye.

The village was hastily abandoned when its Greek population deserted the village in 1923 after the Greco -Turkish war.

Since then the town has been left bare to the elements and hundreds of intact but roofless houses sit empty staring across the valley.

You can wander around the houses, shops, schools, windmills, tavernas and churches of this beautiful and serene place.

When entering the houses many visitors have described a feeling of being somewhere they shouldn’t be. As if someone had left the front door open for you.

Getting there
It is easy to find a day trip to Kayakoy from Oludeniz, Fethiye or Hisaronu. Our Holiday Mate tours and excursions include a Market & Ghost Town day out that takes you to Kayakoy and the colourful market in Fethiye.

Turkey Holidays: Kayakoy ruins

Magnificent views

We also offer a great horse riding experience that takes you through the Turkish countryside via Kayakoy.

This a great way to take in the sights of the more rural Turkey.

Cheap holidays to Turkey - Kayakoy

Beautiful ruins in Kayakoy

Why not save time and book tours or excursions with us before you get on the plane!

 

 

 

 

 

Or pop into one of our brand new retail stores in Hisaronu or Oludeniz central areas while you’re here (you can’t miss our stores..they’re the ones with the big bright orange sofas in them).

LIKE US on Facebook for exclusive access to promotions, discount codes and our Holiday Blog.

We look forward to seeing  you soon.

Turkey beaches mini guide

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As Spring 2012 approaches many of us are thinking (or day dreaming) of planning an escape to the sun, sea and sand (that wont break the bank).

If you’re looking for a relaxing cheap beach get-away a holiday in Turkey could be your best bet.

Turkey is home to hundreds of beaches and marinas which have the “Blue Flag” (A European award for the best clean water) on the Mediterranean and Aegean.

Gone are the days when you needed to take a long haul flight to far flung destinations to access glorious sunshine and dip your toes in some turquoise blue waters.

Here’s our Holiday Mate 2012 mini beach guide:

Olympos Beach (Antalya)
A favourite haunt of the backpacker, this beautiful beach and adjoining village of Olympos is a must visit for anyone willing to get away from it all and spend a few days in a tree house! The beach is easily found as there is just one main access point and even this is interesting and lined with ruins. Olympos Beach is a worthy, if a little quirky, top beach contender!

Kaputas Beach (Kalkan & Kas)
Kaputas is a mountain gorge with a small shingle cove beach under a bridge crossing the gorge, with a steep set of steps up/down to the beach and a steep drop off into the clear blue sea. It’s a 10 minute dolmus (bus) ride from the hill village of Kalkan, a harbour town with colourful restaurants and terraced bars overlooking the marina. Kalkan has its own small shingle beach too.

Butterfly Valley (near Oludeniz)
Spectacularly situated between two towering cliffs, Butterfly valley stretches out in a v-shape, ending in a sweep of beach. Most visitors access the beach by boat from Oludeniz or Fethiye, but for adventurous trekkers there is a rocky path that leads down from the road (around 40 mins down and an hour back up).

Çalis Beach (Fethiye)
Çalis Beach is informal, relaxing, and excellent for water sports or a family holiday. The coarse sand stretches for 2.5 miles, bordered by a pedestrian road lined with hotels, cafes and restaurants along the waterfront.

Kabak Beach (near Oludeniz)
If you’re staying in Faralya but the trek down (or boat trip across) to the beach at Butterfly Valley seems a little like hard work, head for Kabak beach – a totally unspoilt stretch of shingle beach that is surrounded on three sides by lush pine forest.  This remote spot of beach is a great hidden gem; there is nothing on the beach and only a few secluded campsites behind it; if you’re looking for a back-to-basics beach experience this is the perfect spot.

Konyaalti (Antalya)
Konyaalti sits in the heart of the big city, so this is a great holiday option for anyone who  prefers ‘not to’ lay on the beach all day. The city location provides ‘things to do’ galore. And the beach seems to stretch out forever so you’ll have no problem getting your own patch of sand to top up your tan!

Oludeniz Beach and Blue Lagoon
The waters surrounding the small village of Oludeniz are a breathtakingly beautiful shade of blue. A great spot for sunbathing Oludeniz is renowned as one of the world’s paragliding hot spots. Great for relaxing or taking to the air to sample the panoramic views.

Book your beach get-away online or contact our sales team on 0800 031 9900 today!

All our latest deal can be found on the Holiday Mate website.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Lets Talk Fethiye

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Fethiye has fast become one our most popular resorts for holidays in Turkey, due to its diverse offering of culture, landscapes and a cosmopolitan vibe which matches that of a city rather than a smaller town.

Holiday Mate: Fethiye marina

The marina in Fethiye

The appealing town is home to a beautiful marina and an array of nightlife, restaurants, bars, shops and bazaars that will satisfy all tastes.

Steeped in history it has developed from a tiny village and small harbour port into a bustling and popular destination for visitors from all over the world.

Fethiye is located on Turkey’s south west coast, just 40 minutes from the international airport at Dalaman (book at transfer with us) occupying its position on the south and east side of the bay.

You’ll find that Fethiye’s location is one of its unique selling points, as it is surrounded by a cluster of other popular destinations – which are all incredibly different yet only 15 minutes apart.

From the tranquil mountain setting of Ovacik to the lights and nightlife of the party town of Hisaronu, the classic laid back feel of Calis Beach and the mountainous natural beauty of the Lycian Way.

On Tuesdays the weekly local market is a rainbow of colourful sights, sounds and smells as it hosts fruit, vegetable, clothing, spices and handcraft stalls.

The local bazaars also provide everything from fish to vegetables and fruit, hand woven clothes and traditional Turkish arts and craft. The prices are among the cheapest of all the regular markets (but don’t forget to negotiate on the prices you pay for your goodies).

Another breathtaking place to visit is Butterfly Valley. Nestled in one the most beautiful bays of Fethiye, the valley can be reached by boat from Oludeniz.

Oludeniz remains one of the most photographed beaches on the Mediterranean Sea. The resort is home to a beautiful secluded beach and an infamous blue lagoon.  Oludeniz is regarded as one of the best places in the world to paraglide due to its panoramic views.

One of our most popular Holiday Mate trips is the 12 Islands Boat Trip (known as one of “the” holiday classics) of Fethiye trips.  Spend a relaxing day on board and sample the delights of each island (you may even spot a sea turtle or two) and you can take a dip, to cool off at your leisure.

Those seeking a more subdued (or romantic) nautical experience may wish to sample the ever popular Sunset Cruise.  Watch the sunset slowly over the turquoise waters of Oludeniz and enjoy food and drinks onboard.

Why not pre book your tours and excursions online with us before you board the plane! It’ll save you time, which is a bonus (more time for you to spend lazing by the pool or on the beach).

There is something for everyone to enjoy whilst on holiday in Turkey. Our Holiday Mate trips include paragliding, Turkish baths, Horse Riding in Kayakoy and Jeep Safari, to name but a few.

Trips and excursions are a great way to meet new friends whilst you’re enjoying your holiday in Turkey – we look forward to seeing you soon!

Book another holiday to Turkey whilst on holiday !

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The chances are when you have been on a past holiday to Turkey, you have wandered around resort & come across a hotel that you really wanted to stay in on your next holiday, only to have forgotten its name as soon as you got home. Well the days of sifting through brochures or hours of online googling trying to find the hotel are over.

If you are travelling to Oludeniz or Hisaronu this summer you will notice Holiday Mate has opened up 3 resort retail offices – 2 in Hisaronu & 1 by the beach in Oludeniz. These will perform several functions. They are a drop in place to get advice or assistance from Holiday Mate’s resort support staff who have extensive tourism & local area knowledge. These offices are also shops to buy great value local tours & excursions – all assured of Holiday Mate’s service quality. However,the unique thing about these offices is that there you will be able to get quotes for & even book, a future holiday in Turkey with a minimal deposit whilst still on your current holiday !

If you find somewhere you would like to stay or would like to rebook the hotel you are already staying in for a holiday later on,  all you need to do is pop into any of these offices give them your dates, preferred local airport etc & the sales team will be able to quote you there & then. Ask any questions you want about the hotel etc & get honest feedback. A small deposit will secure the holiday at that price quoted too!
Nothing could be simpler, you get to pick a hotel you have already seen & book at the best prices available anywhere on the market.

Holiday Mate has years of experience as a Turkey holiday specialist & we know that many people just are not comfortable booking online & prefer the human touch. We have a call centre manned by our knowledgeable sales team ( many of whom are based in Turkey ) so bookings can be done securely over the phone & now the opening of these 3 resort offices give holidaymakers the opportunity to book their holidays face to face –whilst still on their first holiday.

So if you are in the Oludeniz area this summer pop in to one of the Holiday Mate offices & grab yourself another bargain break.

Holidays in Turkey – A close shave

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Whilst is usual for women to get pampered in UK its very rare the fellas get some TLC of their own. In Turkey this role is filled by the barber & is an experience every British man should try, for it is possibly the closest shave you will ever get. No quick in & out here they take their time. Most Turkish men go once or twice every week for a tidy up as the prices are very reasonable & it’s a chance for them to relax.

Here’s what happens in a Turkish barbers :

First of all hot towels are applied to your face to open the pores. Then copious amount of shaving cream is put all over the beard area.

Now for the first scary part –  the barber will get out a cut throat razor often with a flourish & begin to shave you. At this point you are probably gripping the chair’s armrests for dear life. Every bristle & hair is cleanly shaved off with nose & ears being held well away from the blade when those areas are being done. Quite often 2 passes are made ,with the lather
replenished for the second shave. Every customer gets a new razor blade inserted as hygiene is paramount.

Here comes the second scary part. The barber will set fire to a ball of cotton on a wire & tap it on your face to remove those stubborn hairs that are coarser, like the ones often on the higher part of the cheek bone . The flame only comes into contact very quickly so the
skin does not burn but it can be a hairy ( pun intended ) moment the first time it happens. The ear hairs get the same treatment.

Next ,if anything remains, comes the wax. A glob of warm wax is placed over the offending area of hair, allowed to solidify a little & then ripped off swiftly a moment or two later – stiff upper lip should be maintained –  no wimpering allowed . Eyebrows & nose hairs don’t escape unscathed either they get a tidy up too but thankfully are trimmed with scissors.

Once the shave is complete cologne is splashed on the face ( remember, real men don’t squeal  ) – you can let go of the armrests now.

Finally moisturiser is massaged in to your face, your head, neck & arms are all massaged & pummelled & then you are done. The whole procedure can take 30 minutes or more but the time spent is totally worth it .

You will feel completely relaxed ,as clean as a whistle & with a face as soft as the proverbially baby’s botty. Give it a try on your next holiday to Turkey

Holidays to Turkey – The mystery of the night flight concluded

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Recap : After arriving at their hotel on Saturday  2nd June at 4am, Mr & Mrs Jones are required to check out on Friday 15th June as their 14 night holiday in Turkey comes to an end ( if you have just joined us in this saga please look at the 2 previous blogs to catch up ) but they dont fly until 3am on Saturday 16th June

So you have to check out at midday but your airport transfer isn’t going to pick you up until midnight ? What can you do ?

Luckily hotels are aware of this timing predicament & most will allow a later check out for
a small extra charge. Some may allow you to keep your room within this charge however this is not always possible especially during peak holiday times. Where hotels offer all inclusive you will be charged if you want to continue using the facility after your check out time has passed.

Many hotels in Turkey have places that luggage can be stored until your transfer
arrives & may also have showering facilities if you are unable to keep your room on longer. Bed & breakfast hotels where you pay for drinks & food as you go are quite happy for
you to spend the day around the pool but in a half board hotel the evening meal would  be payable extra . Unfortunately it can sometimes work out that you only actually get 13 meals rather than 14 on a half board basis holiday .

So is there a solution ? To most people a last mooch about resort getting rid of all the
Turkish spare change they have accumulated , having a last meal out & farewell drink at a bar isn’t a great inconvenience .They are quite happy to snooze on the plane.

But for those who prefer not to be roomless for those hours the answer is actually rather logical – book a 15 night stay at the hotel . Simple & in a lot of cases cheaper than paying the extra charges in resort.

If you have already booked your holiday to Turkey & are unsure whether this scenario applies to you, check your Holiday Mate invoice. As in this example below the paperwork would clearly show a difference between the accommodation dates & the flight dates ( see in red ) Even though they both say 14 nights this refers to the check in / out dates not the flight ones .

Accommodation

Any Hotel BB, Any Resort 01/06/2012 to 15/06/2012 (14 nights) – Bed and Breakfast
Dbl / Twin 2 Adults

Flights

Dep : 01/06/2012 18:55 LGW, Gatwick, ABC123 to 00:55 DLM, Any Airport
Dep : 16/06/2012 01:55 DLM, Any Airport, ABC124 to 04:15 LGW, Gatwick
Duration 14 nights, 2 Adults

Still confused ? Get in touch .