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Budget-conscious travelers have historically visited Turkey, and it is widely regarded as the cheapest holiday destination in the Mediterranean.
Türkiye has a lot to offer. Travelers can explore historic ruins, stunning landscapes, beautiful beaches, mountainous regions, bustling cities, and warm, welcoming people—all available at an affordable price.
Food in Türkiye may be cheap, but it’s delicious. And the quality of Turkish hospitality is world renowned. So why doesn’t it cost more to visit?
Here’s why the cheapest holiday destination in the Mediterranean is now even cheaper:
You will get more for your money
The main reason why visiting Turkey will be cheaper this summer is because the value of the US dollar has risen considerably against the Turkish lira.
Last year around this time, 1 dollar was worth 17.28 Turkish liras. By contrast, at the time of writing, $1 is worth an incredible 26.06 Turkish lira.
This follows a ten-year pattern of the dollar strengthening against the lira and is part of what cemented the destination’s reputation as an affordable destination in the first place.
In real terms, what that means is that your money will go a lot further when you go on holiday to Turkey.
You will literally get more for your money.
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An ideal point for budget trips
Türkiye is entering a period of economic uncertainty. On May 28, Recep Tayyip Erdogan was re-elected as the country’s president, with forecasters suggesting that the country will face increased economic uncertainty accompanied by rising inflation as a result.
Of course, inflation is bad news for travelers as it means prices will go up. But inflation will take time to reach the runaway value of the dollar against the lira.
This means that if you visit Turkey now, you can take advantage of the sweet spot where prices remain the same, but the value of your currency is much higher.
Turkey welcomes travelers as it depends on the money they bring. In 2021, the total contribution of travel and tourism to Turkey’s GDP amounted to more than TL 525 billion.
Its location meant that Turkey was historically dependent on Russia for a large percentage of its tourism, but as a result of the war in Ukraine, Russian tourism to the region has declined significantly.
This means that tourists from Europe and America are more welcome than ever. Greater purchasing power and a warm welcome are attractive propositions when looking for new tourism opportunities.
What does this mean for travelers in Türkiye?
While transatlantic flights are likely to be more expensive, this makes Turkey a viable alternative to destinations traditionally popular with American travelers, such as Mexico and Costa Rica, because prices on land are much more affordable.
While the Turkish lira has plummeted in value, the Mexican peso and the Costa Rican colon have risen in value. This means you’ll get less for your dollar in these destinations.
If you choose Turkey as your next vacation destination, then you can buy a bottle of beer at a bar for just $2.87 or a bottle of Coca-Cola for $1.77.
Eating out is also affordable, with a three-course dinner for two with a bottle of house wine costing just $50.72 on average, and people-watching at a cafe over a cup of joe will set you back just $2. ,22.
Accommodation in the countryside is also cheap. Of the 15,804 properties listed on Booking.com in Turkey, it was possible to secure a week-long stay for 2 adults at the end of July for $150 per night or less at about two-thirds of the available properties.
This will appeal to all types of travelers. Budget travelers and backpackers will visit Turkey because they tend to look for the most affordable destinations for their trips.
But mid-range and luxury travelers should also use this as an opportunity to visit Turkey and take advantage of the great value it represents and the chance to get more for their money.
traveler alert: Don’t forget travel insurance for your next trip!
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
