7 Reasons Why Turkey Is The Place To Be Right Now

Choosing a holiday destination is hard. Do you want amazing weather? Tons of things to see and do? Relaxation and wellness? Sometimes it seems like whatever you choose, something’s always lacking. We’ve got a suggestion for you; a destination that has everything and then some. Head to Turkey, and you’ll never feel like you’re missing out on anything again.

In order to show you why Turkey is the place to be right now and why you should book a holiday there with Thomas Cook as soon as you possibly can, we’ve assembled a list of the best reasons to visit the nation.

Delicious food

If you’re a foodie and what you eat matters just as much as the sights you see, a stay at the Paloma Foresta Resort and Spa in Beldibi, in the Antalya region of Turkey, will allow you to experience the best cuisine the country has on offer. There are Turkish and international restaurants on site, serving everything from filling breakfasts to satisfying late-night spreads, and those with a sweet tooth can indulge in their favourite treats at the resort’s patisserie.

Fun nightlife

Turkey has embraced cocktail culture in a big way, so if you want a buzzing night out on the town, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re after a few quiet drinks while basking in the sunset or are hoping to spend the evening dancing the night away, Thomas Cook hotels can deliver. Aska Lara Resort & Spa in Lara Beach, Antalya, boasts three different bars, and once you’re ready to hit the dancefloor, The Owl nightclub is a lively venue where you can let your hair down.

Gorgeous weather

If you’re heading to Turkey in the summer, it’s pretty much guaranteed that you’ll get to enjoy amazing weather, with temperatures often exceeding 30 degrees. Even in the winter it won’t get too cold. The beautiful hillside position of the Orka Sunlife Resort & Spa, combined with its proximity to the Lycian sea, will allow you to enjoy breathtaking sea views and a constant cool breeze coming off the ocean. Choose from sunbathing on the sun terrace or next to one of the resort’s two outdoor pools – one of which has water slides. There’s also an indoor pool in case you need respite from the sun.

Cool off in the water

If you’re feeling a little overheated, that’s where the Wet ‘n’ Wild water theme park at the Aska Lara Resort & Spa comes in. It’s a paradise for swimming enthusiasts, with nine spine-tingling water slides, a splash park for the little ones and an amusement park. If you’d rather frolic in the sea, head to the Paloma Foresta Resort & Spa. They have a sandy beachfront location and provide opportunities to try out various water-sports for when you just want to cool off in the ocean.

Drinks

Whether you’re after a traditional Turkish coffee, a green juice or a handcrafted cocktail, Thomas Cook hotels ensure you never go without your favourite beverage. The Trendy Lara in Lara Beach, Antalya, has a vitamin bar serving fresh fruit juices to help you keep your nutrient levels up. If you’re looking to indulge in a sunset tipple, Marmaris Park in Icmeler, Dalaman has a stunning panorama bar from which to sip a drink as the sun goes down, and for a relaxing afternoon tea, head to Orka Sunlife Resort and Spa for a sumptuous spread.

Turkish baths and spas

Turkey’s famous hammams are known for their vigorous and revitalising treatments. The Aska Lara Resort & Spa has an amazing Turkish bath, sauna and steam room where you’ll get the spa treatment of your dreams, and Orka Sunlife Resort and Spa provides massages and beauty treatments along with more traditional Turkish baths and scrubs.

Amazing things to do

If relaxing in the Turkish sunshine is making you sluggish and you’re looking to keep fit, get your blood pumping with some of the fantastic activities Thomas Cook hotels have to offer. At the Paloma Foresta Resort & Spa you can enjoy canoeing, tennis, basketball, mini golf, and table tennis. If you’re looking to spend more time in the pool, at Marmaris Park hotel you can keep fit with aquaerobics and then reward yourself for exercising by sliding down the waterslide straight into the sea.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.