We have been asked many questions about holidaying in Turkey, to answer a few and hopefully put you "first timers" minds at rest we have dropped a few questions with answers below.

The one many first timers ask about Turkey.

Q. What should we wear and what should we pack?

A.  Dress is casual on these holidays; you won’t need different clothes for every evening. Good swim wear, effective sun tan lotion, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a light jacket or sweater and a pair of light trousers for the evening and a sun hat. If you are travelling as a couple or a family don’t pack one bag for each family member, mix the clothes up. In the unlikely event that a bag is lost by the airline you won’t be completely without clothes for one member of the family. Don’t forget to pack (in hand luggage) such things as essential medicines, spare spectacles or contact lenses and fluid, and if you are planning to hire a car your driving license.

Q. Do we need visas?

A. Before you go through passport control you need to pay the local charge for your visa. The Turkish Government levies a £10 per person charge (incl. Infants) for a visa to all British nationals arriving in Turkey. The amount is payable in sterling cash at a special desk which is clearly marked. Please try to have the correct money available. Scottish notes are not accepted.

Q. What is traveling like in Turkey?

A. Travel in Turkey is great value so get out and about and explore the resort and the surrounding area. Most people use the Dolmus services. These are cheap and convenient locally licensed minibuses which don’t have official stops, you just wave them down! Ordinary taxis are also easily available and they are not expensive compared to the UK. For longer journeys the buses and coaches are ideal they are usually modern, clean and good value. .

Q. Can we drink the Water?

A. It is strongly recommended that only bottled water is drunk. Check that the seal has not been broken on the bottle top and discard the bottle if it is only partially drunk and left for a period of time. Do not drink the tap water as it is not of the same standard as provided in the UK.

Q. (Yes people do ask this) Do they have electricity in Turkey?

A. Voltage is 220V and you will need a continental 2 pin plug adapter.

Q. What is the food like?

A. Although there is a huge variety of international cuisine on offer, you really should try the local Turkish food - we’re positive you’ll be back for more! Turkish cuisine is exceptionally varied, making extensive use of the fabulously fresh fruit and vegetables that are grown all over Turkey. It’s an easy place to be a vegetarian, but excellent lamb, fish and cheese are available everywhere.

The citrus fruits are a local speciality, but the cherries, peaches, apricots and figs are unlike anything you have ever tasted before. There are hitherto unseen delights to try – the small plums called maltepe, for example, or pistachio nuts freshly roasted that day. As well as the easily recognised kebabs and salads, there’s Borek - little filo pastry parcels filled with cheese and Pide - the Turkish equivalent of Pizza.

And when you’ve finished try a little Turkish Coffee... fiendishly strong the deceptively small cup can help keep you going into the early hours

And talking of the early hours, as well as wonderful local food there are local drinks to try - get into the holiday spirit with the local aniseed bombshell called Raki which is taken with ice and water, the very good Efes beer, or the surprisingly good Turkish wines which are far from expensive. 

Property Buying:

Please beware when buying property in Turkey, it is very tempting to look at those "special deals" the local barman or his brother has on his books, use your head and a simple rule, "Would you buy a property from any Tom Dick or Yusef" back home, I doubt it, so don't do it in Turkey, if you like what you see please wait till you get home and contact us. The property will still be there when you get back, whereas your money might not be.