The news is currently full of reasons not to visit Turkey. As more and more refugees flee Syria and Russian tourists travel less due to their economy, reservations for 2016 are alarmingly low.

In the first six months of 2015, foreign arrivals fell by 2.25%, which is a huge blow to a country which is getting most of the financing for its deficit from tourism.

But there are some very good reasons why you should still visit Turkey. Many people are under the false impression that tourists need to be wary in the country, and that it is struggling to meet its security needs, but this has so far been untrue.
With ancient bazaars, stunning beaches and breathtaking scenery, Turkey shouldn’t be missed if you’re planning a trip to Europe, and should really be a trip all of its own.

Here are a few places you should visit in Turkey next year:

Istanbul

There’s a reason why Istanbul is one of the most popular places for those visiting Europe. The interesting mix of both Asian and European culture gives it a unique food scene, incredible architecture and makes it a culturally diverse city. Istanbul is home to some of the best bars and nightclubs in Europe, and you’ll be able to shop up a storm in the Grand Bazaar or browse more high-street stores as well.

Bodrum

Every summer, more than a million tourists head to Bodrum. They’re drawn to the hotels, beaches and clubs, and unlike most of the other popular Turkish towns, Bodrum was only “discovered” relatively recently, with older residents still remembering it as a small (and unknown) fishing village. Be sure to visit Bodrum Castle which houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology and spend time wandering around the town- Bodrum is a historical site.

Antalya

Antalya is a metropolis and the best place to go if you want to spend some time relaxing away from it all. While it’s still popular, it has also retained a rather old-fashioned and small town feel. Buses run between the many beaches, and if you love water sports, this is the place to go.

Izmir

Izmir is a great option if you don’t feel like rubbing shoulders with other tourists. This is the center of commerce for Turkey, and you’ll find it laid-back and liberal, with influences from the Greeks, Jews, Levantines and Armenians who settled here. The International Arts Festival runs during June and July, so if you visit during summer Izmir is a good choice.

Ankara

Ankara is Turkey’s capital and the second largest city in the country. This is where you’ll find most of the students, and it’s also the center of the government in Turkey. You’ll see tourists, hipsters and students hanging out and eating in the booming restaurants scene or enjoying coffee in the many sidewalk cafes, so don’t miss Ankara if you want to get an up-close view of real Turkish life.