Turkey’s Exploding Tourist Market

Turkey enjoys not just a geographic location between Europe and the Middle East, but a cultural location somewhere in the middle as well. It is a country of fabulous variety, a hybrid of many different peoples, cultures, and ideas. Its proximity to Europe, beautiful destinations, and tourist-friendly attractions have made it a premiere destination for Europeans. In the last ten years, the number of foreign visitors to Turkey has increased from under 10 million to roughly 30 million people, a decidedly substantial increase. Turkey is currently one of the top 10 destinations in the world for tourism…..yet most Americans rarely hear about it. Even fewer visit. I think it is time to rethink that policy.

I have been personally curious about Turkey ever since high school, when I took Latin classes and slowly realized that the present-day locations of many of the sites we were reading about were located in this country. Troy, many Ancient Wonders of the World, and a few ancient authors (Herodotus springs to mind) all sprang from what is modern-day Turkey. My older sister was going to go with me when I graduated high school, but she decided to over-land Africa with me instead. Consequently, neither of us have yet been. Perhaps one day we will be lucky enough to cruise the Turkish Riviera and explore its deep-blue waters.

Most of the beach resorts and vacation destinations are located on the southern Aegean and the Mediterranean coast of Turkey. The area has become increasingly popular with Spanish tourists in recent years, due to its proximity to Spain, the cheap price (relative to the south of France, for example), and its myriad natural wonders. Antalya, the tourist capital of this nation, is increasingly popular, not just with the Spaniards, but the ubiquitous German and English travelers as well.

Yet Turkey has much to offer beyond its gorgeous beaches. Istanbul is one of the most-visited cities worldwide, and has a wealth of attractions for just about any visitor. The city also makes for an interesting blend of cultures. As a holy site in Islam, Istanbul sees many pilgrims make the trek every year. Istanbul also has Europe’s largest shopping mall. This mirrors the spiritual-material dichotomy which characterizes much of Turkey. A slow trickle of Americans is starting to come to this intriguing land. There has been a push in recent years to offer many tours to Turkey, especially amongst the larger companies. Yet Turkey has much more to give, and I feel the current tourist traffic is much less than the country merits. Read the rest of this entry »

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6 Popular Destinations for a Thrilling Holiday

DALAMAN, Turkey

Towards the end of summer, this city allows you to enjoy warm temperatures without stress or crowds. The city is located between the sea and the mountains, presented with extensive beaches, and beautiful lakes and rivers. For all this, Dalaman is a good place for those seeking adventure and the serenity of the sun and the beach.

BODRUM, Turkey

This town has become a lively tourist resort, generously blessed by Mother Nature, with warm waters and an usual warm blue sky. Very popular among tourists from northern Europe, on the Aegean coast attractive and lively night life. The best, despite all this, is that still retains the exotic Turkish atmosphere.

Paphos, Cyprus

Unlike other resorts on the island, such as Ayia Napa, Paphos it’s a preferred destination throughout the year. You will find at least eleven blue flag beaches, being an ideal vantage point to see gems like Konno Bay, Cape Greco and the nearby Coral Bay. The city is a World Heritage Site because of its historical and architectural value (remains of villas, palaces, fortresses and tombs), and can boast of having some of the world’s most beautiful mosaics.

TENERIFE, Spain

considered the “island of eternal spring “, the sun’s heat becomes pleasant, thanks to sea breezes. With 270 km of coastline, Tenerife is a paradise for beach lovers. Choose from white sandy beaches, volcanic sand beaches to rest or remote. Teide National Park is listed as a World Heritage Site and is the most visited National Park in Spain. Read the rest of this entry »

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Southern Ontario’s Best Kept Secret – a Local Whitewater Rafting River

The Grand River Rafting Company of Southern Ontario offers guided whitewater rafting for everyone on the Nith River near Paris. The little known Nith offers one of the best whitewater experiences in Southern Ontario and is one hour west of Toronto, fifteen minutes off Highway 403.

The whitewater rafting trips are 3 to 4 hours in length culminating with a 3 kilometer run of splash. The whitewater rafting trip starts in the hamlet of Canning. About half ways down the rafts pull over at Bus Beach for lunch and a washroom break… and then on to the final destination, Bean Park on the Grand River in Paris.

These guided trips start out in a wilderness setting banked by high clay bluffs treed with the Carolinian Forest. This narrow river brings the shoreline close creating excellent wildlife viewing opportunities of deer, fox, beaver and wild turkey. Further downstream are cascading drinkable springs at Devil’s Cave surrounded by limestone rockery. From this point the Nith River gathers speed creating standing waves and waterslides as it rushes to join the Grand River.

These whitewater rafting trips are a safe and exhilarating experience for families, schools and corporate rafting adventures. Size, age, agility and skill level do not matter… the self-bailing 8 man whitewater rafts offer a trip of stability and safety with splash.

The cost for the four hour whitewater rafting trip is $65 per person which includes guide, paddle, lifejacket and upstream shuttle ride. There are also guided fast water canoe and kayak trips available for small groups of one to six people.

For those wishing overnight accommodations in the area, the River Ridge Bed & Breakfast is available and can host up to twelve people. This B&B has an outdoor hot tub overlooking the Grand River Valley and offers an excellent country breakfast. The elegant Arlington Hotel in Paris is also available for overnight accommodation and includes fine dinning. Restaurants in Paris vary from fast food to Camp 31 with its award winning southern style barbeque. Read the rest of this entry »

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