4. Aegean Coast, Turkey
If you like your beaches with a side of ancient history, try going to Turkey rather than Greece this year. While Turkey has plans to become a full member of the European Union and adopt the Euro, it is safe to say that the Lira, with its more favorable exchange rate, will still be in circulation through the year. The Bodrum peninsula is hailed as the next Saint-Tropez, with swanky seaside restaurants and nightclubs. Check it out now while it's still in transition to becoming a luxury destination, but won't quite bust your wallet yet. Investors are piping money into modern and minimalist resorts like EV Hotel in Bodrum that complement the rugged terrain. Make sure to visit Ephesus, one of the area's star attractions, an important Aegean port under the Roman Empire and a key city in the spread of early Christianity. Wander the ruins of this once-great ancient city; its amphitheater and library are still amazingly intact. It's said that the Virgin Mary spent her final days close by. If you travel a bit more toward the Mediterranean, Antalya offers several all-inclusive-type resorts, along with picturesque ancient city walls and minarets, a bustling marina, cafes and shops in the historic town center of Kaleici, and, of course, beautiful beaches. The nearby Bey Mountains add drama to the beach vista.
Turkey Travel Guide