Family activity holidays in Turkey
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Date
Price per adult
Basis
Status
21 Oct 2017
£ 840
including UK flights
Available
Vouchers
Accepted
Responsible tourism
Responsible tourism: Family activity holidays in Turkey
Our family activity holidays in Turkey are based in the Turkish Mediterranean harbour town of Kas. Our contribution to the local community and economy, as well as our efforts to minimise the environmental impact of tourism in Kas and its surrounding area, takes many forms.
We work only with hotels which are either locally owned or employ members of the local community as key members of staff. Picnic supplies are purchased either from local suppliers or direct from local villagers themselves and lunches on activity days are taken at the homes of local villagers when possible who convert their patios into cafes.
When visiting villages we endeavour to arrive by foot and encourage interaction between our groups and the local community to allow each to develop cultural understanding. When motorised transport or transfers are required we use local drivers, often in owner operated vehicles, which brings work to people who may otherwise be under-employed in the community.
For activities motorised transport is kept to a minimum and the activities themselves use equipment which does not impact on the environment e.g. kayaks, rafts and cycles. We actively encourage the purchase of all activity equipment locally where possible provided it complies rigorously with expected standards of quality and safety. Production and disposal of plastic waste is also reduced by dispensing drinking water from re-usable large volume containers.
6 Reviews of Family activity holidays in Turkey
4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 14 Aug 2013 by Tracey Podger
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Everything was memorable, we had a fantastic time. The tubing was great fun and
the lazy boat day was the perfect way to start the week.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Just 'book it'!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, we used local villages and towns for lunch stops and tea breaks.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Fantastic.
Reviewed on 30 Jul 2013 by David Netherwood
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
So many good bits, but probably tubing and relaxing on platforms over the river afterwards.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
You will be told to tip everyone, whatever the trip dossier says. Bear that in mind when looking at cost.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It did benefit local people, drivers, guides, restaurateurs, the village we had lunch etc. However there was a lot of coach travel to get to activities.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was really good, lots of fun and down time too. Perhaps a bit too fussy and the hosts lacked buzz and warmth.
Reviewed on 05 Sep 2011 by Debbie Potts
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Taking part in the activities. The activities were suitable for adults and teenagers, and you had the option to either take them at your own pace or push yourself. Personally I enjoyed the Hiking and Mountain biking days the best.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared to join in and enjoy yourself.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
The activities were all hosted by people living in Turkey, and definitely had a low impact on the environment.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I would give the holiday 10 out of 10.
Reviewed on 29 Jul 2008 by Helen Scholes
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Probably the biking downhill for 11 kilometres at 50 miles an hour! - I enjoyed the tubing and despite being apprehensive at first found that I could even steer it somewhat. The trek to the mountains was challenging but do-able and gave us the privilege of sharing tea made in an ancient copper kettle.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Don't forget your sun hats or you will be sent out to buy new ones! Walking boots were a definite advantage for the trek and a small rucksack with a strap across the front is more comfortable than one without! Don't stay in the Aqua Princess if you mind stairs - 100 from street level to our room, and even more down to the swimming terraces but the staff and service there were excellent.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Definitely, it gave us an insight into a culture that appears to be far more self-sufficient and reminded us of the advantages of shopping locally and eating food prepared at home. The local market was an eye opener. Everyone in the community seemed to be looking out for the environment and would see you looking for a bin and take your empty water bottle or other rubbish off you to dispose of.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I think it was the best holiday we have had with our teenage children - they even enjoyed the things they thought they wouldn’t. It can sometimes be hard to give the boys enough of a challenge but also find something my daughter and ourselves can enjoy taking part in. This trip got the balance just right and the leaders were all fantastic. It was good to be with other families - it can diffuse family tensions and it gives the children and the adults a chance to make new friends.
Reviewed on 16 Aug 2007 by Alison Powell
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
For me, the sea kayaking, in 3 stretches, out to and around a nearby island visiting a sunken city and a Crusader castle. But, the real magic lies in the constant surprises and delights we enjoyed as passing ephemerals - every day another charming picnic site or lunch spot, more happy meetings with new local people (including Captain Jack Sparrow)! For my shy and quiet daughter the warmth and charm and ardent admiration of the local Turks. For my husband, the sensitive and apt juggling of a whole complex of activities and social events which allowed us to be hassle free and must have required more than just one phone call as well as a lot of patience and kindness.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Before you go, talk to the operator about who your local reps are and what they are like, and don't hesitate to ask questions - they will all get a response. Just enjoy and experience as much as possible when you are there. Most of us, adults and children alike, had a range of apprehensions, especially about the new activities we were due to engage in, but also because we were in a very 'foreign' environment - a part of Europe which frequently gets quite a bad press because of its Islamic culture. Being there confounded a lot of well-known stereotypes and built a lot of bridges.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Pretty well all local providers used - local minibus firms, local family hotel, local activity providers, local restaurants and shops. The biggest advantage this holiday has is the fact that the 2 local reps, both of British origin (I think), were long-term residents in Turkey (at our resort Kas) with an integral financial but above all emotional investment. Karen and Mike were with us much of the time and as well as laying down clear ground rules, provided us with a huge amount of background information about the past and current circumstances and culture of the broad community we were in. As residents, they had clear and passionate values to uphold, and they worked hard to induct us and our children into the magic of the whole area. Every provider used was a well-regarded friend, and every aspect of the environment and community well-loved and understood. I got the impression that Mike and Karen had walked much of the area, knew most of the villages, and could guide us to reliable and respected traders within the town and elsewhere.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Just great!!! All 3 of us want to go back to the same place again next year, and we would certainly go again with this operator to other destinations - we're looking at Italy, Spain and Portugal. I have my own dream of going to Costa Rica. My husband and daughter have both said they thought it was their best holiday.
Reviewed on 22 Aug 2005 by Michael Davison
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Sea Kayaking and walking on the mountains above Kas.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Bring fewer clothes than you think you might need. It's not likely to rain!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, but not in a particularly right on way. No, Turkish buses and boats are as polluting as our own.
Read the operator's response here:
I think that in terms of the local economy, this holiday does have a positive impact. We use a wide range of local suppliers including transport, accommodation, restaurants and activities which spreads the tourism spend around the local economy. Hence, we help to maintain the economy which aids employment in a small coastal town where the drift might otherwise be towards larger towns.
In terms of environmental impact, we do use local transport and boats but only for group transfers rather than in small and numerous vehicles. Apart from our Lazy Boat Day, we only provide non-motorised activities such as Sea Kayaking, Mountain Biking and Tubing which have minimal environmental impact whilst allowing our clients to explore both the mountains and coast in this part of Turkey. I am confident that this holiday aids the local economy whilst having a minimal environmental impact.
In terms of environmental impact, we do use local transport and boats but only for group transfers rather than in small and numerous vehicles. Apart from our Lazy Boat Day, we only provide non-motorised activities such as Sea Kayaking, Mountain Biking and Tubing which have minimal environmental impact whilst allowing our clients to explore both the mountains and coast in this part of Turkey. I am confident that this holiday aids the local economy whilst having a minimal environmental impact.
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