Travel isn't just about ticking destinations off a list; it's about collecting stories you'll tell for years.

When Pawan and I, Sohaib, were selected for a Familiarisation trip to Antalya and Kemer, we were genuinely excited. As travel consultants at Brightsun Travel, we are usually the ones helping others plan their holidays, so getting the chance to experience Turkey ourselves was something special. With Turkish Airlines sponsoring our return Economy Class flights and a three-night Ultra All-Inclusive stay at Mirada Del Mar Hotel & Resort in Kemer, we were ready for three days of exploring, learning and, most importantly, enjoying ourselves.

Day 1: Arriving in Antalya

Our journey started with an early morning flight to Antalya. Turkish Airlines made the journey comfortable, with good legroom, an entertainment system and warm service. 

After landing, our private transfer picked us up in a Mercedes-Benz minivan and we began our drive towards Kemer.

Our driver spoke very little English and neither of us spoke Turkish, so Google Translate quickly became our best friend. Despite the language barrier, he was extremely friendly. The drive itself was beautiful, with the Mediterranean Sea on one side and the Taurus Mountains on the other. It was the perfect first glimpse of the Turkish Riviera.

We checked-in At Mirada Del Mar Hotel & Resort, we immediately understood why it works so well for families. The resort was lively but relaxed, with pools, a private beach, activities and plenty of space for guests of all ages. Our room was spacious and comfortable, overlooking the gardens.

We had planned to enjoy a Turkish Hammam on our first day but missed our transfer by just five minutes. Luckily, the resort had its own Spa & Wellness Centre. After a little negotiation, we managed to arrange the experience at a better price. Later, we spent some time at the beach, had a few snacks and watched the sunset over the Mediterranean.

Day 2: Scuba Diving and a Turkish Evening

Day two started early because we were going scuba diving. There was just one small problem: neither Pawan nor I knew how to swim, and neither of us had ever scuba dived before. At 6:30 in the morning, we were both wondering what we had signed ourselves up for!

At Octopus Diving Centre in Kemer Marina, our instructor Orash patiently explained everything and helped us feel comfortable. We also met travellers from Germany, Scotland, Spain and Turkey, including Patrick, Mark and his girlfriend. As soon as they discovered we worked in the travel industry, we started talking about destinations and travel experiences.

The first dive was unforgettable. The moment I went underwater, everything became quiet. Seeing colourful fish and breathing underwater for the first time was a completely new experience. During the second dive, my mask started leaking and I panicked for a moment, but Orash calmly helped me fix it. I continued the dive, and those few minutes became one of my favourite memories from the trip.

Naturally, we negotiated for the underwater photographs and videos before finally buying them. Some memories are simply worth paying for.

That evening, we walked nearly five kilometres to Goynuk Bazaar. We explored the shops, practised our bargaining skills and then returned to the resort. The beach had turned into an open-air DJ party, with music, dancing and families enjoying the evening. It was the perfect ending to a very adventurous day.

Turkish Food and Hospitality

One of the things we loved most about Mirada Del Mar was the hospitality. The staff were warm and welcoming throughout our stay, and the Ultra All-Inclusive dining offered plenty of variety, from seafood and Turkish grills to international dishes, desserts and late-night snacks.

Pawan, being vegetarian, had fewer choices than I did, but there was still plenty for him to enjoy. One evening, we asked for Baklava and were told it wasn't available. A few minutes later, a chef came out with freshly prepared Baklava especially for us. It was such a small gesture, but it perfectly captured the warmth of Turkish hospitality.

We also discovered Kazandibi, a caramelised Turkish milk pudding that quickly became our favourite dessert.

Day 3: Exploring Antalya

Our final day was spent exploring Antalya. Travelling in a small group made the experience comfortable, and along the way we met more travellers, including Mrs. Ida, a retired US Navy veteran, and her husband Keith.

Our guide, Amina, introduced us to Turkish history and local culture. We visited the beautiful Duden Waterfalls and a handicraft centre where we learned about traditional Turkish jewellery and Sultanite gemstones.

The highlight for me was Kaleici, Antalya's historic old town. Its cobbled streets, colourful buildings, small cafes and harbour views made it feel like stepping into another era. We spent time exploring the shops and, naturally, doing a little more bargaining.

Instead of taking the organised transfer back to Kemer, Pawan and I decided to experience local transport. We took the tram to the central bus station and then caught a local bus. It took longer, but it gave us a glimpse of everyday life in Turkey and became another memorable part of our trip.

What Turkey Taught Us

Our three days in Turkey taught us that travelling isn't always about following a perfect itinerary. Sometimes you miss a transfer, sometimes you have to communicate through Google Translate and sometimes you find yourself doing something you never thought you would, like scuba diving without knowing how to swim!

We also learned a few useful Turkish words, discovered that bargaining is part of the experience in local markets and realised that a simple smile can go a long way. Antalya can also be quite expensive around popular tourist attractions, so planning your budget and comparing prices is always a good idea.

Looking Back

As we headed back to Antalya Airport, it was difficult to believe that three days had passed so quickly. We had arrived as travel consultants wanting to learn more about Turkey, but we left with much more than destination knowledge. We had new friendships, unforgettable experiences and plenty of stories to share with our clients and colleagues.

A heartfelt thank you to Brightsun Travel for giving Pawan and me this opportunity and to Turkish Airlines for making the journey possible.

Turkey gave us beautiful views, wonderful food and incredible hospitality, but most importantly, it reminded us why we love travelling. Sometimes the best memories come from the moments you never planned.

Until next time... Gorusuruz, Turkiye! See you again, Turkey!