Turkey is to budget backpackers what butter is to toast. Pretty damn essential. A country three times the size of the UK, Turkey has a lot to offer travellers looking for exciting things to do and see on the cheap. Let’s take a look at what’s going on in one of Europe’s most thriving tourist economies.

Pan European Crossing in Istanbul

The Turkish capital is a haven for people looking to travel abroad on the cheap and has a lot to offer from sights, to sounds and even killer street food. One of the best and cheapest things to do from any of the cheap hotels in Istanbul you happen to be staying out of? Crossing continents.

Head to Taksim square, jump on a dolmu? (type of shared minivan) and head across Bosporus bridge and you’re almost there. Disembark at Kad?köy and you’ll see the “Welcome to Asia” sign that demarcates you have indeed travelled between two continents all within the price of 4 Euro. Not bad at all.

Live It Up on the Riviera

Wait, you thought you had to be rich to hang out on a yacht and dive into the warm waters of the Mediterranean? Not so in Turkey. Budget backpackers will be glad to know they can head down to the coast in Fethiye and set aboard a gullet (Turkish boat). Head between early spring and you’ll get the best weather and prices. Check out tour companies around the area or online beforehand for the best deals.

Bodrum Beach Bumming

Once the site of the ancient city Halikarnassus, Bodrum has now evolved into one of the busiest tourist spots in the whole of Turkey. It’s not hard to see why. Full of ancient historical ruins, modern museums packed with artifacts and treasure and many great restaurants all help to keep Bodrum busy. For the budget traveller however it’s probably the beach that offer the most bang for the buck after dropping a few pieces of green for stay in hotels in Bodrum.

Stretching between castle and the mausoleum of Halikarnus, the beach offers long stretch of sand that is great to set up camp on and go for a dip. Nearby you’ve got the Hamam Turkish baths and the floating beach club of Aquatica to kick up a storm in.

Scoot Around Cappadocia

The volcanic landscapes of Cappadocia have long interested the visitors that come to Turkey. Something reminiscent of the rocky outcrops of Utah, the caves and crevices of Cappadocia offer a pretty other-worldly experience for backpackers straying out this far.

Using Göreme as a base, you can perhaps pip for a stay in one of the cave hostels and hotels themselves while saving money and strengthening your budget by hiring a scooter. This kind of mobility means that you can see the key sights, like Pigeon Valley and the Underground City, at your own pace and without the expense you’d shell out for being on a tour.

Turkey truly is a great place for the budget backpacker and has plenty to see and do for people of all interests. Using some of these smart little tips you’ll probably have plenty left over to enjoy some other Eastern European destinations too.

The post Budget Turkey: Cheap Things to See and Do appeared first on Budget Travel Intentions.

The summer holidays are now in full swing and many families will be keen to escape the dismal British weather for sunnier climes. As the cost of living soars and the pound strengthens against the euro, a number of holidaymakers are taking advantage and bagging a bargain summer break.
According to estimates from the Association of British Travel Agents, more than 13 million Brits are expected to leave the UK over the coming month as poor weather prompts a re-evaluation of holiday plans. Yet, with a survey from earlier this year revealing Brits spend an average of five months saving more than £600 for their trips away, cutting costs to get more fun in the sun for less should be high up on our agendas.

Here are some of the most popular holiday destinations of 2012 where Brits can make their money stretch a little further:

Get More Fun in the Sun for Less this Summer - Spain!

Spain has always been one of the most popular destinations for British holidaymakers and this year is no different, as millions of Brits are expected to flock here during the summer months. Spain’s economy is faltering and as a result the country is significantly cheaper than in previous years.

The pound is much stronger than the euro and recently hit a three and a half year high. This gives more spending power to British tourists. For example, holiday homes and Spain villa rentals may be cheaper this summer compared to last year.

Get More Fun in the Sun for Less this Summer - Portugal!

Portugal is another cheap destination for those in search of some holiday sun this summer. The Post Office 2012 Holiday Costs Barometer shows that a seven night stay in Portugal for two now costs less than £1,000; the country is ranked as the best value Eurozone destination.

As prices have dropped significantly it comes as no surprise that 69% of people surveyed said they would consider swapping their holiday destination for a cheaper deal.

Holidaymakers looking to grab a bargain may be swayed to head to the country where they can find cheaper entertainment, travel and food than in neighbouring Spain. Cheap villas in Portugal are widely available and offer a great value way to enjoy your holiday in comfort.

From the cultural capital city of Lisbon to the sunny shores of the Algarve, there is something for everyone in Portugal this summer.

Get More Fun in the Sun for Less this Summer - Turkey!

High temperatures, guaranteed sunshine and reasonable prices are drawing in the tourist crowds to Turkey this summer and there are a number of fantastic places to visit along the Mediterranean resorts.

Offering an almost unspoilt golden coastline and cultural heritage, Turkey remains a firm favourite amongst British holidaymakers. Research shows that Turkey offers great value, with a one-week holiday for two costing an average of £1,135.18.

As the pound grows stronger against the euro, savvy holidaymakers could take advantage of cheap villas in Turkey. The Post Office 2012 Holiday Costs Barometer gave Turkey the runner-up position after prices were found to be 22% lower than last year.

The post Get More Fun in the Sun for Less this Summer! appeared first on Budget Travel Intentions.