Turkey Travel Guide

Candis Reade asked:




The holiday season is near and I should be prepared on how to cook my holiday turkey. Well, there are actually many sources where I can learn the steps on how to cook a perfect bird for the holiday dinner.

Somewhere in North America, turkey is usually the center of the Thanksgiving meal, and also served on Christmas Eve. Preparing such a big bird can be a scary one. Not only because it is physically heavy, but rather there’s also a lot of emotional weight that is placed on it. I should know how to cook my holiday turkey so that our holiday dinner will be complete and enjoyable. Therefore, there are directions to follow on how to cook a perfect turkey for the holiday.

Here are some steps that I gathered on how to cook my holiday turkey: Step 1: Gather all supplies. Cooking is easy, as long as all the right ingredients, equipment and materials are there. Reserve a turkey for a week before you plan to cook, so that you dont have to fight someone for the last turkey pan at the store. All you need is 1 large V-rack (a wire, V-shaped rack that fits into a roasting pan), one large roasting pan, meat thermometer, tin foil, paper towels, basting brush, salt, water, one onion, four sticks of celery, three carrots, fresh thyme, one turkey, one cup chicken broth (optional) and four sticks of butter.

Step 2: Brine the turkey. Brining is the best way to get a fabulously tasty turkey. Brining is the important thing because it is the way to ensure the taste of what you are cooking. In brining all the ingredients are combine. If you have a kosher turkey, or a self-basting turkey, you dont have to brine it and no additional salt needed but instead youll need: A non-reactive (plastic, stainless steel, or glass) container large enough for the turkey and water, two gallons of cold water and two cups of table salt.

Heres the step in brining the turkey:

1. Remove the turkey from any wrapping

2. Remove all the organs inside the turkey. But if you are planning to use them or recycle them in any other dish, set them aside and if not then you can throw them away.

3. Put the salt into the container.

4. Cold water should be put into the container.

5. Blend the water until the salt melts.

6. The turkey should be place into the container.

7. Place the container in the refrigerator approximately 6 hours.

8. The turkey should be removed from the container.

9. Pour the water in the container until drain.

10. Clean the turkey in cold water for quiet a minutes.

11. The turkey should be dry using paper towels.

Step 3: Cook your turkey. Once your turkey is done brining, then its time to roast it in the oven.

Step 4: Slice the turkey, and you can make gravy and then you can serve it!

So, listed above are the easy steps on how to cook my holiday turkey. If you like to have a perfect holiday bird then you must follow the directions carefully. to cook my holiday turkey, holiday cook,Thanksgiving meal,cook my holiday turkey, steps on how to cook turkey,

Mark Bartley asked:




With a culture that is fiercely proud of its heritage, holidays in Turkey are a history lover’s dream. With buildings dating back many thousands of years, sandy beaches and incredible scenery there is something to suit all interests, whether you’re looking for a trip lounging by the beach or soaking up the culture. Modern Turkey offers all kinds of luxurious accommodation for the discerning traveller, whilst restaurants and cafes provide a rich choice of traditional Turkish dishes.

Cuisine in Turkey has influences fro many corners, employing ingredients such as aubergines, onions, lentils and beans to form the basis of the main dishes. With a wide array of locally available produce, Turkish food tends to be incredibly varied and full of flavours, leading it to be compared with Chinese and even French cuisine. Nuts such as pistachios, chestnuts, hazelnuts and almonds are also popular. As a general rule, people in Turkey prefer not to eat in restaurants but cook for themselves, enjoying the taste of freshly prepared food. There are, however a number of restaurants serving the kinds of dishes reserved for special occasions. Nowadays, there are numerous food venders selling products we think of as ‘fast food’. These doner meat and kofte dishes are, however, traditional Turkish fare, making them an intrinsic part of all Turkey holidays.

Alcohol is readily available in Turkey, despite the fact that many residents are practicing Muslims. There are local wines and beers on offer for anyone who really wants to experience local produce, though some of the most common beverages available in Turkey are black tea and coffee. Black tea is brewed in two-piece pots, joined one on top of the other. The upper pot contains a strong and bitter tea, whilst the one below holds boiling water with which to dilute the mixture above. Coffee is also served without milk and can be enjoyed bitter or with added sugar.

Hotel holidays are not all that Turkey has to offer these days. Hiring Villas in Turkey is a wonderful way to enjoy more of the local communities while still benefitting from luxurious, private accommodation. Self-catering villas in Turkey also provide a unique opportunity for anyone looking to try out some typical Turkish recipes. Whether you want to recreate a traditional Turkish breakfast or are looking to try out some familiar recipes using exciting new ingredients, the well-equipped kitchens of Turkey’s villas will enable you to do so. Why not visit some of the spice markets, buy some fresh local produce, and head home to relax in the tranquil surroundings of one of the many villas in Turkey available for rent?

Travel to Turkey is slowly becoming more convenient. With international airports located at Istanbul in many holiday areas now,Turkey is easily accessible from all over the world. Whether you’re looking for a holiday of sandy beaches, ancient architecture, fantastic food, or a combination of all three, then Turkey has something to offer. This ancient culture offers a unique look at the history of both Europe and the Middle East, and provides visitors with a culinary feast they won’t soon forget. Holidays in Turkey make an unusual change from a trip to the South of France and will provide an unrivalled cultural experience.

Sajamorph asked:

Our two week holiday in Alanya Turkey. Some scenes from he Hotel Pool area, the beach and evening entertainment.

Kate Tee asked:




Recession? Resmession! Despite the financial pinch, the public are still keen to go on holiday. Indeed, trips away are one of the last ‘non-essential’ expenses that consumers will axe when cutting back on their spending. And rightly so – it’s important to get away and unwind once in a while. Possibly even more when times are tough.

But where to go? With the Pound faring poorly against the Euro, trips to the Eurozone are less than ideal from an economic point of view. So holidaymakers are increasingly going to mid and long-haul destinations. With this in mind, here are our top ten holiday tips for 2009:

1. Turkey

A typically sunny day at Ephesus, Turkey. Turkey was a notable beneficiary of travellers looking a little further afield in 2008, and should do well with British tourists this year too. Why? Well, it’s not only because the Pound will have legs there. It’s a top spot for culture vultures, due to its rich history and sites of archaeological interest – including Ephesus, Pergamon and Troy.

And on the days when you don’t fancy looking at magnificent old historical structures, there are beaches a-plenty, and great spots for diving. Plus it’s nice and hot. Lots of boxes ticked there.

2. Iceland

Iceland has been a particularly expensive destination traditionally. However, its economic plunge in the second half of last year now means that the cost of living is entirely reasonable… Which is great news for bargain hunters.

Iceland is the perfect spot for adventure sport enthusiasts, with plenty of opportunities to go kayaking, cycling, and zipping around on glaciers on a snow-mobile. And if you’re not thrilled at the prospect of releasing lots of adrenaline, there’s plenty of other stuff to do – including watching geysers, fishing, spotting whales, and lazing around in geothermal pools.

Note that although your EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) will only cover you for urgent medical treatment here – but not repatriation, ongoing treatment or anything less than a medical emergency. As such, comprehensive travel insurance shouldn’t be overlooked.

3. Lithuania

This year could well be a good one for Lithuanian tourism. Firstly, this is the millennial anniversary of its name. And secondly, the capital Vilnius is the European Capital of Culture for 2009. The country offers national parks, spa towns, a selection of UNESCO heritage sites such as the Old Town in Vilnius – its historical centre, hearty food, and a bronze statue of Frank Zappa. What more could you possibly want?

4. USA

The Manhattan Bridge, New York, USA. Although the Pound isn’t as strong against the Dollar as it has been, the US is still likely to be a popular destination for Brits abroad in 2009. Why? Well, the election of Barack Obama has brought about a lot of good feeling regarding the US. But that’s not all. One of the alluring factors of the States is that there’s just so much to see and do. It gets a lot of repeat visitors because it’s virtually impossible to do everything you’d want to do in just one trip. And as extra incentive, this year marks the 400th anniversary of the discovery of New York – a city which is already a firm favourite.

If you’re heading off to the States, please bear in mind that it is now compulsory to fill in an online ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) form before doing so. For more information, read our article ‘Going to the USA? Then Don’t Forget ESTA ‘.

5. South Africa

South Africa is becoming increasingly popular among British holidaymakers. Sterling is faring well against the Rand at the moment, so visitors are likely to get more pow! for their Pound. Which is just as well, because the food is well worth wiring into. Plus rugby fans may well be keen to catch some of The British & Irish Lions tour of South Africa this summer, between the 30th of May and the 4th of July.

A few pointers, though. Medical treatment can be very expensive in South Africa, so going there with anything less than a comprehensive travel insurance policy isn’t advised. Also it’s well known that there is a lot of crime in South Africa – although this predominantly occurs in the townships, rather than tourist areas. Still, it’s an idea to have cover for all eventualities. To find out the latest travel information and advice, go to the Foreign & Commonwealth Office’s South Africa page.

6. Egypt

Bargain hunters could do a lot worse than heading towards Egypt. There are countless iconic sights for visitors to experience first hand: the pyramids and Sphinx at Giza, the Valley of the Kings near Luxor, the Temple of Ramses III, the Aswan Dam… We could go on.

Beach lovers are spoilt with a selection of Red Sea resorts. And Egypt’s not just exclusive to culture vultures… For those who are up for some Club 18-30 shenanigans, Sharm el Sheikh will be beginning just such a programme this year.

Be sure to read up on the customs before you go however, as what may count as acceptable in the UK may not necessarily be so here. In particular, it’s important to dress modestly – especially when visiting traditional spots.

7. Mexico

For lovely beaches, great food and atmosphere, a trip to Mexico is difficult to top. There is an excellent range of all-inclusive deals available, and a trip to this gateway to central America is widely considered to be great value. There will be a number of resorts on the beautiful new Riviera opening this year. And there are now more flights available, as Mexicana airlines launched a new service in January linking Gatwick and Mexico City twice a week.

If saline activity is your thing, then Banderas Bay has a wide range of water activities available – including diving, sailing and even deep sea fishing. There are plenty of fascinating landmarks to see, such as Meso-American ruins, pyramids… And then of course there’s the wonderful cuisine and the tequila!

Do bear in mind that English is not as widely spoken outside the major cities as one might expect. So – if you’re planning on having a bit of a wander – be sure to at least familiarise yourself with some useful Spanish phrases.

8. Thailand

Beautiful Krabi, Thailand. For friendly folk, enormous cheap fresh fish and among the world’s best beaches, Thailand simply rocks. From the temples and tuk-tuks of Bankok, to the white beaches of Krabi and the surrounding islands, you’re simply never going to forget a trip to Thailand.

There’s something here to suit all budgets. Backpackers are very well catered for, as are flashpackers – travellers with a bit more cash to spend. Although the pound isn’t faring against the Baht as well as it could, you’re still likely to find that everything is great value – from the five-star hotels all the way down to the cheap market shopping.

Unfortunately at the time of writing, there is uncertainty concerning the political situation in Thailand. Before travelling there, it’s recommended that you check out advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office’s Thailand page.

9. Australia

The Pound has strengthened against the Australian Dollar, so – despite the initial large expense of a flight to the other side of the planet – British tourists should at least get good value while they’re there. But they’re assured to get good value in terms of sunshine, and things to see and do. Whether you’re intending to explore the outback, find out about Aborigine culture, go surfing or sample the nightlife, Australia is sure not to disappoint.

British tourists need a visa to enter Australia, even for a short holiday… So don’t leave home without one.

10. The UK

According to a survey in November last year, one in five Britons claim that going abroad for a holiday in 2009 is a luxury that they are unlikely to be able to afford*. But it’s well worth bearing in mind that our very own isles are well worth exploring further. Plus you’re unlikely to meet with any language barrier, or lose out due to fluctuations in exchange rate.

There are far too many great places in the UK to hope to list here. But just a handful of places that we love include Bath, York, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Pembrokeshire, and Monkey World in Dorset. Plus the number of diverse festivals in the UK has really blossomed over the last few years. Our favourites include Latitude in Suffolk, the Edinburgh Festival, Truck in Oxfordshire and Brecon Jazz Festival… But what type of festival you can attend is nowadays limited only by your imagination. Read our guide to festival survival to get you in the mood and for some handy tips.

Kimble0 asked:

Turkey!!!

Sam Rosenberg asked:




Olu Deniz is a small resort village, about 9 miles to the south of Fethiye, on the Aegean Coast in the South West of Turkey. Scenery here is out of this world. Beaches and sea are very clean. The natural lagoon of Olu Deniz, the ‘Blue lagoon’, and the beaches are described by some as the Blue Paradise – God’s gift to the world. The lagoon with its calm, clear waters, in shades of turquoise and aquamarine, is one of the most picturesque sights in Turkey. The beaches at Olu Deniz are one of the most photographed ones in Europe. Due to its outstanding natural beauty, this beach is declared a part of national conservation project and it is protected from any building and developments activity. It is rated among the top five beaches in the world by Travelers and Tourism Journals alike.

Olu Deniz with its lagoon and beaches surrounded by mountains is one of the most stunning resorts in the Mediterranean. The resort is also famous for its paragliding opportunities. It is regarded as one of the best places in the world to paraglide due to its unique panoramic views, and the Baba Dag mountains exceptional height. A half an hour drive to the summit of Babada

ThomsonHols asked:

Something about holidays to Turkey’s Bodrum Peninsula keeps people coming back year after year. Isn’t it about time you were in the know? There’s no simple answer the area’s hypnotic attraction. It could be the array of beautiful beaches, all caressed by the Aegean sea. Or the booming nightlife, complete with trendy bars and neon nightclubs. It could be the unique meeting of the modern world and a landscape littered with ancient history. It’s probably a cocktail of all three. And more. Plus, there’s endless offers of cheap holidays to Turkey’s Bodrum region. Ideal for that last minute getaway or a longed for summer break. Thomson has great range of holidays – built with you in mind.

Mazgic asked:

A short glimps into the fun and active holiday in Marmaris, Turkey

Bulsteruk asked:

Didim Beach Resort Quick

Yvonne Kaine asked:




With the ‘Holiday Season’ just around the corner, visions of a perfectly-browned turkey with all the trimmings are sure to be dancing in your head. Mmmm…I can almost taste it!

I’m sure that visions of disease-causing bacteria and food poisoning are the farthest things from your mind. Let’s keep it that way… by focusing on proper handling, cooking and storing of your Holiday Bird. Let’s keep the “Happy” in “Holidays”, shall we?

By following a few simple rules and taking a few extra precautions, your Holiday festivities can be safe and healthy. Let’s walk through the process together….

Buying Poultry

Select a bird [turkey, chicken, goose, duck] that is the appropriate weight for your family or festive gathering. Will you choose fresh or frozen? If you don’t have a lot of fridge space for the lengthy thawing process [see Thawing below], then fresh may be a better option. Most grocery stores will take orders for the specific size of fresh bird you’d like and the date on which you’d like to pick it up. To avoid cross-contamination, separate your ‘bird’ from your other grocery items for the ride home.

Storing Poultry

Bacteria grow rapidly at room temperature, so don’t leave your Bird in the car or on the counter when you get home. Refrigerate it or put it in the freezer right away. If you’re not going to freeze it, then be sure to use it within 3 days.

Thawing Poultry

Thawing your ‘bird’ in the refrigerator is the preferred – and safest – method. This can be a bit time-consuming, so be sure to plan ahead. Allow 24 hours per 4-5 pounds. That means if you’re cooking a 12-pound turkey, you’ll need 3 days of thawing time. Keep the bird in its original packaging, and place it on a tray in the refrigerator to catch any liquid that may leak during the thawing process.

You can also use your Microwave Oven to safely thaw your ‘bird’. After checking your owner’s manual [hopefully you can find it...] for times and power levels, remove all the outside wrapping and place your ‘bird’ on a microwave-safe dish. Cook your turkey immediately after thawing, and DO NOT refreeze.

A final, and more labour-intensive, method is thawing in cold water. Fill the sink with enough cold water to totally submerge your turkey, ensuring it is wrapped securely. You’ll need to change the water every 30 minutes, so no shopping trips today! Again, you’ll need to cook the turkey immediately after it’s thawed, and re-freezing is a definite ‘no-no’. Using this method, allow 30 minutes per pound…. Your 16-pound bird will take 8 hours, and who’s got time for that? With all this handling, remember to wash your hands before and after, or use a hand sanitizer… alcohol free is my preference. I keep one on the counter in my kitchen at all times.

Roasting the Turkey

This is the best part of the meal preparation, as it will fill your home with wonderful aromas, and it leaves you free for several hours to prepare the rest of the meal. It’s also the most dangerous stage, as there are lots of opportunities for bacteria cross-contamination. Hand washing and/or hand sanitizing is a must.

You don’t want the turkey meat to be ‘dry’, so slow and low is the best policy for turkey perfection! I prefer to cook mine at 350 F., but you shouldn’t go lower than 325 degrees F. We’re getting ahead of ourselves …. Before taking your turkey out of the refrigerator, you need to prepare the prep surface. Wash your hands thoroughly, and sanitize your countertop. A teaspoon [5 mL] of bleach combined with 3 cups [750 mL] of water in a spray bottle will do the trick after you’ve wiped down the surface. After sanitizing, wait a few minutes, then rinse the counter with lots of clean water and air dry or use clean towels to dry.

Remove the giblets and organs from the cavity and rinse the cavity thoroughly under running water. Pat dry with a paper towel and season with salt and pepper.

To stuff or not to stuff…. That is the question. Stuffing is delicious and keeps the turkey moist, but you need to know that because the stuffing and the turkey normally reach their safe temperatures at different times, a stuffed turkey can be a potential salmonella disaster. You may want to consider cooking the stuffing separately this year. The bonus? An unstuffed turkey takes less time to cook: 14 lbs stuffed will take 4 hours to cook, but its unstuffed partner, just 3-3/4 hours. That 15 minutes can be critical when you’ve got a hungry crowd waiting! You’ll want to check the internal temperature of the bird as well…. Perfection kicks in at 180 degrees F.

Dealing with leftovers

Some would argue that leftovers are the best part of the turkey dinner … they’re delicious, but not ‘the best’ part!

The ideal way to safely store leftovers is to remove the meat from the carcass and refrigerate in small containers as soon as possible. Plan to use the leftovers within two or three days. If I haven’t convinced you to cook your stuffing separately, be sure to remove all of it from the turkey immediately after cooking to promote faster cooling. Stuffing is moist and slow to heat up and cool down … an ideal climate for growing bacteria.

Offer leftover ‘care packages’ to your guests, and use the leftover carcass to make a yummy soup!
Ensuring a Healthy Holiday Season…

There are so many wonderful things about the holidays, why let Salmonella spoil the fun?

Approximately 6,000 – 12,000 cases of Salmonella are reported in Canada each year. Diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps can last up to seven days, so it’s definitely something to avoid. Being extra cautious when handling raw meat – and in this case, poultry – effectively protects you and your family from unwanted illness. Hand sanitizers kill 99.9% of disease-causing bacteria – including Salmonella – within 15 seconds… and they’re 100% portable. Keep a few bottles in your home … give yourself the Gift of Prevention this year.

Following these simple, and important, steps will keep your family and guests healthy and able to enjoy every moment of this special time of year.