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    HomeTrip ideasNew normal holidayAway from crowded hotels: Best alternative holiday options

    Away from crowded hotels: Best alternative holiday options

    A vacation is our gift to ourselves! But, during this pandemic, our priority is to minimize our risks, order to protect ourselves and our loved ones. So, maybe it’s time to consider those alternative holidays you’ve thought about – a road trip or camping, for instance! Keep reading to discover seven excellent holidays that comply with social distance and hygiene rules…

    Turkish Airlines Blog
    Turkish Airlines Blog
    With this account, managed by our writer team, we welcome all who love travel and exploration to enjoy these blog posts. And we gently remind our readers of the delight to be found in 'hitting the road'. As Tolstoy said: “All great literature is one of two stories; a man goes on a journey or a stranger comes to town.”

    Traveling during a pandemic is covered in detail in our blogs, Is a socially distanced holiday possible? and Hygiene on vacation, but two issues are paramount: hygiene and social distance guidelines. In a larger hotel, there are numerous common areas; most reputable establishments have rearranged common spaces to accommodate social distance guidelines.

    If staying in a big hotel doesn’t appeal to you, don’t worry – this is the year to try something different, whether it’s a solo vacation or a holiday with friends or family, far from the crowds. Get ready… the adventure is just beginning!


    Camping with hotel-style amenities: Glamping

    A woman sitting in front of a glamping tent

    A glamping holiday is guaranteed to provide comfort in nature, on many levels. First, the tranquility and serenity of nature. Second, the environmental friendliness – most glampsites practice sustainability, recycling and using clean energy. And third, glamping accommodation usually offers a higher level of luxury than a mere tent, with many glampsites offering airy, semi-permanent tents, caravans or bungalows, some with bedrooms and bathroom facilities.  If the idea of a glamping vacation is intriguing, please see “What is Glamping?” or “The best glamping in Türkiye” for more information.


    In pursuit of new adventures: The road trip

    A couple unloading the trunk after a road trip

    If the journey is as important as the destination, it might be time to hit the road. If you don’t own a car, renting one is always an option.

    A road trip is an ideal socially distant vacation. Go solo or with a few close friends. Decide on a route and perhaps a boutique hotel or a campsite along the way. If you’d like route suggestions, and seeking more of an adventure,  check out  Take a road trip along the colorful Aegean coast! We do suggest that you disinfect your vehicle before embarking.


    The simple life: Camping

    A man watching sunset in front of his tent

    With spectacular nature and secluded campsites, Türkiye is perfect for a camping holiday. Magnificent campsites abound: on the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, on the bucolic plateaus of the Black Sea, and throughout Anatolia. Türkiye is a paradise for camping enthusiasts.

    And, of course, camping is the ideal getaway when you want to get away from the crowds. It’s your own space, with your own equipment, and thus easier to maintain hygiene and social distance guidelines. Being surrounded by nature is also a great stress reliever! Discover more about camping in Türkiye via our camp blogs!


    Cycle to freedom!

    A woman cycling

    A bold twist on the road trip is the cycling tour! Somewhat slower and definitely more physically challenging, bicycle tours are experiencing renewed popularity. As a result, there are numerous biking trails for your enjoyment – you can even bike along the Lycian Way. For more routes, check out The 7 best bike tours in Türkiye!


    Home on the road: Caravan holiday

    A guitar set on a chair, in front of a caravan parked in a forest

    While caravan holidays have long been common in Europe and America, they are becoming more popular in Türkiye, especially for families, as holiday-goers explore ways to maintain hygiene and social distance guidelines. Caravans offer a range of options; some include bedrooms, kitchens and bathroom facilities. If you’re embarking on a caravan vacation for the first time, check out  Home on the road: Caravan holiday tips for beginners.


    Tranquil retreats: Boutique hotels

    If you do opt for a popular holiday destination, a boutique hotel can offer a secluded retreat. Boutique hotels generally have fewer rooms and many have adjusted their guest capacity in compliance with social distance guidelines. Türkiye offers an enormous variety of boutique hotels: you are sure to find one that accommodate your budget. We do recommend that you review the pandemic-related measures taken by each hotel before making your selection.


    Nothing like home: Rent a villa

    A boutique hotel with a pool

    Renting a villa is another pandemic holiday trend. Numerous websites feature private homes or villas – from cozy apartments to luxury villas. Enjoy a private retreat with family or friends, in a space where you can implement your own hygiene rules. If you book through an intermediary such as Airbnb, the organization will usually ensure that the rental is adhering to pandemic-related safety guidelines. We do recommend that you read comments and reviews on your selections before hitting the ‘submit’ button.


    Stories knock at your door!

    You can easily download images, and share on your social media accounts via your smartphone. Just press and hold the story, and save or share the image you have selected via the menu that appears.

    *The date of this blog post may have been updated due to additional content. Please be aware that information on fees and transportation is subject to change. The content of this post reflects the author's opinion and views.

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