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Thanks for sharing this! That rent-a-friend article tho 😲

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Right?!

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Hi Rebecca, I love your substack. My wife and I would like to do a seaside holiday in Turkey and you have already helped. We are looking for a place that is very quiet, upscale, and has warm water to swim in. We are looking to go in a few days -- last minute! -- so any tips would be appreciated.

Oh, nothing that looks like White Lotus!

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Thank you so much for reading! As far as a hotel that's quiet and upscale and definitely not like White Lotus, I loved the Bey-Evi in Alacati. But the town itself might be a bit too crowded for what you're looking for. This guide has more Turkish coast suggestions - https://beabettertraveler.substack.com/p/a-guide-to-the-turkish-coast

There are some upscale hotels on the outskirts of Bodrum, away from the touristy center. And I haven't been to Fethiye and Oludeniz in about 10 years (and back then I couldn't afford anything upscale!) but I remember them as being some of the most beautiful places I've ever been, and I know there are some really lovely hotels there.

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Love this! What a blast of memories it gave me. I haven't been there since the 1980s when I was budget backpacker. Oh gosh, did I appreciate those days enough, long before over-tourism? I love Turkey and I've been back to Istanbul recently but what do you think Rebecca, if I go back to Alaçatı and the Cesme peninsula, will I cry?

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Haha hmmm... It's hard to say. I wasn't there in the 80s so I'm not sure how much it's changed. I'm guessing it definitely has. Alaçatı and the Cesme peninsula are definitely crowded (and probably much more expensive), but still so beautiful! If you do go back, I'm curious to hear your thoughts.

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I will go in off-season!

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