Tell us about Turkey off the tourist trail – you could win a holiday voucher
Turkey's beautiful coast, ancient sites and diverse landscapes attract millions of visitors each year. But beyond the much-loved tourist haunts like Istanbul's Hagia Sophia mosque and picture perfect Ölüdeniz beach, there's so much more to explore. We want to hear your favourite under-the-radar discoveries, from coastal villages or special restaurants to mountain hideaways or hiking trails.
The best tip of the week, chosen by Tom Hall of Lonely Planet wins a £200 voucher to stay at a Coolstays property – the company has more than 3,000 worldwide. The best tips will appear in the Guardian Travel section and website.
Keep your tip to about 100 words
If you have a relevant photo, do send it in – but it's your words we will be judging for the competition.
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The competition closes on Monday 30 June at 10am BST
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The Sun
5 hours ago
- The Sun
I was so insecure I spent £4.5k getting perfect Turkey teeth – it was so painful I cried & trolls say my smile's ruined
A WOMAN who spent £4,500 getting the perfect Turkey teeth has hit back at trolls who say she's "ruined" her smile. Tara Omidi made the decision to get a full set of new gnashers after a UK dentist "failed" her and she had to have two teeth removed following a routine root canal. 6 6 6 6 "They were right at the back of my mouth and caused my remaining teeth to move away from the centre of my face, leaving me feeling very insecure when I spoke," Tara, from Oldham, Manchester, said. 'People would make indirect digs and tell me I had 'unique' teeth or comment 'Your teeth aren't in the middle, are they?' "I felt really insecure, my job is social media and I'm known for being the happy, always laughing person. 'It would make me so shy and I'd just crumble. 'I decided I was going to have them all shaved down, realigned and have crowns fitted." Despite the horror stories she'd heard about Turkey teeth gone wrong, Tara did her research and finally found a clinic she felt she could trust - with the positive reviews also reassuring her. She sent over pictures of her teeth, had an online consultation and flew to Turkey eight weeks later. However, Tara admitted she had no idea how painful the procedure would end up being. 'I felt I could trust the clinic as they were very thorough with their examinations and X-rays," she added to Need T oKnow. 'But it was painful - the actual fitting. 'People do lie about it and make out it is a breeze... I cried having them fitted!" Tara spent four days abroad, which included having the procedure, resting in her hotel room and a final check-in with the dentist. And she said that since heading back to the UK, "everything has been great". 'I love them - they have given me my confidence and smile back," she grinned. 'Of course you get trolls online saying horrible things but being online, people think they have the right to say and do nasty things – I couldn't care less. 'I do what makes me happy for me, not for other people.' Tara has faced cruel comments from trolls throughout her dental journey, and previously c ame under fire for a TikTok video which showed her teeth after they'd been filed down - before the crowns are fitted. Tara filmed the clip in her hotel room after she had her teeth filed down, which happens before the crowns are fitted. And the comments section was quickly filled with people slamming her for going ahead with the transformation. "You have ruined your own teeth," one sighed. "Jesus woman!" another added, as a third marvelled "I dunno how people can do this." "Give it a few months and you will be in horrendous pain!" someone else predicted. As another questioned: "How is that natural?!" 6 6
Daily Mirror
16 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Brits urged to visit beautiful 12-mile Spanish island without crowds of tourists
As anti-tourism protests take over popular tourist hotspots this summer, those looking for somewhere a little more off the beaten path where they can avoid the crowds may want to try out this small Spanish island If soft, sandy beaches and serenity are your idea of the perfect summer holiday, then Ibiza's more laidback sister Formentera, could be the ideal getaway for you. Formentera is the smallest of the Balearic Islands, but it is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, and has everything that Majorca and Ibiza has to offer - yet is much quieter. The island is just 12 miles long and a mile-and-a-half wide at its narrowest point and there's not much to do there apart from eat, drink and enjoy the soft sandy beaches. You can't fly there directly and you'll need to fly into Ibiza to reach it, but then you're only a half-hour boat ride away from a much more serene island - particularly in high season. Like Ibiza, it gets busier than usual in July and August so if you're looking for peace and quiet then the shoulder season of May to June or September to October might be better for you. Once there you can explore beautiful beaches like Ses Illetes, Platja de Migjorn and Cala Saona and enjoy water sports like snorkelling and kayaking. The island's jewel in the crown is Platja Illetes, a pristine beach with white sand and turquoise waters - named one of the world's best beaches by Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2025 guide. Platja Illetes is, according to Lonely Planet, "as close a vision of the Caribbean (minus the coconut trees) as you could imagine in Europe". The beach is part of the Ses Salines Natural Park, a protected area brimming with flora and wildlife, such as flamingos and rare birds. What makes the island seem so serene is that it's largely car-free, making cycling and walking the perfect ways to explore its hidden coves, rugged cliffs and quaint villages. You can also visit the lighthouses of La Mola and Cap de Barbaria and discover charming villages like Sant Francesc Xavier as well as the stone circle at Ca Na Costa. The island is known for its independent boutiques and artisan markets and you can buy local crafts and produce at La Mola Market. And although the island does get busier in the summer months - it never feels as hectic as other parts of the Balearics - Formentera is home to around 11,389 residents compared to the 159,180 inhabitants of its neighbour, Ibiza. But you can still enjoy a night out albeit at a slightly slower pace. Formentera's nightlife adopts a more subdued tempo, with its limited yet vibrant clubs and bars designed in the spirit of Ibiza's legendary scene, including hotspots such as Rigatoni Club Formentera and Pachacha.
Daily Mirror
19 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Inside underrated country with £2 pints and £36 flights from UK airports
Travel guide Lonely Planet has listed this EU country as the perfect destination for those seeking 'sun, sand and seafood' and it resembles the pricier and luxurious Maldives Given the unpredictable British weather, it's no surprise that many of us opt to fly abroad for a summer holiday where sunshine is more or less a guarantee. Spain and Greece have long been favourite holiday destinations for Brits, but recently there's been an increase in anti-tourism sentiment, with locals protesting against mass tourism. These popular spots have also become pricier, leading holidaymakers to look for alternatives. Lonely Planet has recently revealed a list of "unexpected summer holiday spots in Europe", perfect for those wanting to avoid the crowds and discover something new. The Albanian Riviera features on the list, described as a coastal region that "remains a treat for those in search of sun, sand and seafood". While it may not be the hidden gem it once was - it's been likened to the Maldives on social media, boosting its popularity - it remains a top choice for a budget beach holiday, reports the Manchester Evening News. The travel experts at HelloSafe also named Albania the best place to visit in 2025. According to the company: "Among the top-rated European destinations in 2025, Albania stands out with its still largely unexplored mountainous landscapes, Ionian beaches and excellent value for money." The company's research suggests that the best months to visit Albania are between May and September when the skies are sunniest, with temperatures reaching an average of 32-33C across July and August. Airbnb also confirms that searches for Durrës, Albania are 'booming' for summer 2025 travel as Brits explore cheap holiday destinations - aka " White Isle dupes". Offering beach clubs and an ever-growing nightlife scene, this Albanian city is ideal for those that want an Ibiza experience on a budget. Saranda, a bustling resort, has become a party hotspot, but quieter resorts like Himara are just up the coast, offering something for everyone. Lonely Planet commented: "In summer, you're guaranteed sun, balmy water and hot weather; unsurprisingly, loungers and beach umbrellas are at a premium but you can still seek out peaceful patches of sand at spots such as Palasa, Borsh, pebbly Bunec and the islands off Ksamil. ". They also suggest "boat trips to isolated beaches at the end of the Karaburuni Peninsula" and exploring ancient ruins at Butrint. Not only does Albania offer stunning beaches and breathtaking scenery, but it's also budget-friendly compared to more tourist-dense destinations. Numbeo, a cost of living website, revealed in 2024 that a pint in Saranda is 250 Albanian Lek – just £2.17 A three-course meal for two at a modest eatery will only cost you 5,000 Lek – about £43. The quickest route to the Albanian Riviera is by catching a ferry from Corfu to Saranda, with the journey taking roughly 30 minutes. Skyscanner lists direct flights from Manchester Airport to Corfu in July starting at a bargain £36 one way, though this price doesn't include baggage or seat selection. Return flights start from around £35 in July.
