Turkey

The afternoon call to prayer rings out across Hierapolis, Pamukkale, as a  Russian wallows in the area’s famous hot pools. His nubile companion frolics nearby - slithering through the water like a porpoise, spitting it up and letting it hit her on the head. Her laughter is in pleasant contrast to the echoing message of the muezzin. From where I sit, with a glass of Turkish brew Efes in hand, it's a great view.

On holiday I want to recharge my batteries, turn off my mobile and leave work at home. It's all about sun, books, swimming and eating. Out of summer, I enjoy short city breaks in small boutique hotels where the museums, galleries and public places are a walk away. Seville, Paris, Tallinn and Prague are great cities with good public transport - less hassle than hiring a car. Istanbul has long been a place I wanted to see, so I decided to head over and spend a few days exploring the city. 

Every year, thousands of New Zealanders and Australians make the journey from their sun soaked home to the freezing former battlefields of Gallipoli, Turkey.  Happens each year on the 25 April, to remember the day the troops landed and the braves who fought there and perished during World War One. For many, a night spent camping in the bitter cold, is the ultimate tribute on Anzac Day.  You could be part of this huge coming-together, and there are plenty of ways to do it.  You can join a whistle-stop tour, which includes all the commemorative events held in Gallipoli, or take the time to explore the rest of Turkey on a longer trip to learn more about the history and pay tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives over a 100 years ago.

Boasting gorgeous beaches, epic ancient sites and natural landscapes ripe for adventure, Antalya in Turkey has everything you need for a truly unforgettable holiday by the sea. For a holiday that combines stunning scenery, beautiful beaches, pine forests, fast-paced adventure and ancient sites look no further than Antalya, on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast. Boasting 300 days of sunshine per year, it’s the perfect destination for families and couples, sports enthusiasts, history buffs and sunbathers.

The Mediterranean is a mixing pot of culture, taste and entertainment. For those looking for a short break the region has something for any budget or taste. For those interested in the party scene Hvar, Croatia is worth a looking; Relaxation is available in the less obvious beach destination such as Montenegro; for food hounds Puglia, Italy and Istanbul awaits.

Located a little over 6km from Fethiye on the Turkish coast, The Hillside Beach Club has been describe as heaven on earth or what the Turks call cennet.  The Hillside Beach Club has almost everything for a rounded holiday in the sun; Aquamarine waters, hidden coves, awe-inspiring adventures, and ancient Lycian history for that necessary guidebook cultural tour.

With its luxe marinas, clubs and well-heeled clientele from Istanbul, the vibe of this peninsula is French Riviera with an exotic twist.  Bodrum was once a forgotten destination but now with increasing visits from the A-list and equally big spenders, it’s become a sun-drenched oasis.

If you find yourself in the middle of September with autumn just round the corner and you have not taken your summer holidays yet, you don’t have to put it off until next year.  We have found five places in Europe where you can go to get the last of the summer warmth.

PUGLIA, ITALY
Often over looked for its more manicured neighbour of Tuscany, but Puglia, the eastern region that stretches down to the heel of Italy’s boot, is the country’s  most underplayed gem, with temperature up the 27c its not bad.  Dotted with olive groves and ancient fortified towns, you can find many gems – such as the turquoise waters and quiet beach at Casalabate, the baroque beauty of the Chiesa di Santa Croce in Lecce and the enchanting seaside town of Polignano a Mare, which inspired everybody’s favourite singalong tune Volare.

LEARN TO DIVE IN THE RED SEA
Book a diving course with Responsible Travel who aims to employ local workers and ensure the protection of the environment in which they operate. They offer diving courses at a PADI 5-star Gold Palm Resort on the shores of the Eel Garden dive site in Dahab, Egypt.  The will teach you the basic skills before heading underwater to discover the colourful sea life and coral, secure in the knowledge you are not causing any ecological harm.

Dolomites - Italy
In the Bond movie ‘For Your Eyes Only’ 007 stayed at the five-stared Miramonti Majestic Grand Hotel, in Cortina d’Ampezzo part of the Dolomiti skiing area. Here you can enjoy the luxurious facilities with one exception; you will not get the chase down the slopes by some rifle wielding rogue assassins. The Dolomites is will know for it majestic ski slopes and an ideal winter break destination.

Jamaica