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Our Last-Minute Family Adventure to Turkey with Jet2 Holidays – A Full Review from a Travel

Woman in a bright coral dress, holding a drink and smiling on a balcony by the sea, with sunlight and clear skies in the background.

If you had told me two weeks ago that we’d be soaking up the sun in Turkey, sipping iced lattes poolside while the kids raced down waterslides, I wouldn’t have believed you. But here we are, back home from the most spontaneous family holiday we’ve ever taken – and it was honestly one of our favourites yet.

As a travel content creator and photographer, I’ve explored many corners of the world, but this was our very first time booking with Jet2 Holidays – and our first time going truly last-minute. We booked on a Thursday and flew out on Saturday morning! That’s right – just two days to pack, plan and prep five people for a week abroad. It’s something we’ve never done before, but with some incredible last-minute deals available (especially with the ease of Jet2’s package holidays), it felt like the right time to take the plunge.



Who Are Jet2?

Jet2 is one of the UK’s leading travel brands, offering package holidays and flights to a huge range of destinations. Known for their friendly customer service, generous baggage allowance, and ATOL-protected holidays, Jet2 has really carved out a name for itself when it comes to affordable, stress-free travel. While we’ve flown with Jet2 in the past, this was the first time we’d booked one of their complete holiday packages – including flights, hotel, baggage, and transfers – and it truly exceeded all expectations.

You can check out their last-minute holiday deals here – and trust me, there are some gems to be found!



Why Turkey?

Turkey had never really been on our radar, if I’m honest. We’ve always looked to Spain, Portugal, or Greece for our summer escapes. But when we started looking for affordable last-minute family breaks, Jet2’s Turkey destination page kept popping up. And with its beautiful beaches, rich culture, and fantastic value for money – it suddenly felt like the perfect choice.

Turkey offers a unique blend of Europe and Asia, with stunning coastlines, historical treasures, and vibrant local markets. We were drawn in by the amazing prices (especially for all inclusive holidays!) and the sheer variety of hotel options Jet2 offered.



Hotel Options in Turkey with Jet2

Jet2 really shines when it comes to choice. Whether you’re looking for ultra-luxurious five-star resorts, family-friendly waterpark hotels, or budget-friendly beach stays, Jet2 has a wide range of Turkey package holidays to suit every need and budget.

Many of the hotels come with all inclusive options, kids' clubs, splash pools, evening entertainment, and beachfront locations. You can tailor your stay exactly how you want it, knowing that flights, luggage, and transfers are all taken care of in one tidy package.


Colorful water slides lead to a clear pool under a bright blue sky. The setting is sunny, with lush greenery and empty rides.

Jet2 Family Holidays – Everything You Need and More

As a family, we were especially impressed by Jet2’s family holidays offering. From the moment we booked, everything felt seamless and expertly organised. Within minutes, we had confirmation emails, travel documents, transfer information – everything laid out clearly and accessibly.

At the airport, we were warmly greeted by Jet2 representatives. Even though we’d booked so late and our seats were scattered across the plane, the check-in staff without us even asking worked to get us all sat together – a small gesture that meant a lot as a parent.

On arrival in Turkey, Jet2 reps were waiting with friendly smiles, directing us to our transfer coach and explaining the drop-off plan. The whole process was smooth and stress-free. Even the return transfer was incredibly organised, with helpful texts and emails keeping us informed every step of the way.


Beach scene with people sunbathing and swimming. Clear turquoise water, lush greenery, and a hotel in the background under a clear blue sky.
A serene view of a picturesque beach with sunbathers enjoying the sandy shore and crystal-clear water, surrounded by lush greenery and a distant hotel nestled in the hillside.

Our Hotel: Pine Bay Holiday Resort, Kuşadası

We stayed at the Pine Bay Holiday Resort in Kuşadası – a gorgeous resort nestled between lush hills and the Aegean Sea. We stumbled across this hotel while browsing the Jet2 website and were immediately impressed by the photos. After some quick Googling to compare prices, it quickly became clear that Jet2 offered the best value by far. We paid just under £3000 for five of us – including flights, all-inclusive board, baggage, and return transfers. I couldn’t find anything that even came close elsewhere!

We arrived before check-in, so we explored the resort a little – and to our delight, the staff managed to get us into our room early.



Our Family Apartment

We stayed in one of Pine Bay’s family apartments, which featured two bedrooms – one double, one twin – plus a hallway area with a sofa bed. There were two bathrooms (one bath, one shower), a mini bar, wardrobes, a safe, and a balcony with a sea view. It could definitely do with a touch-up paint-wise, but it was spacious and had everything we needed. Most importantly, it was clean, functional, and cool – and we didn’t spend much time inside anyway!

Cozy hotel room with a double bed, wooden furniture, and soft lighting. Large window with curtains, creating a calm and warm atmosphere.

All-Inclusive Bliss

We haven’t done all-inclusive since our honeymoon – but with a teenager and two growing kids, this was absolutely the right decision.

The main buffet restaurant had something for everyone – from fresh salads and grilled vegetables to omelette and pancake stations the kids adored. Dinner was varied each night, and there were loads of options catering to all diets and preferences.

We also booked a meal at the on-site Italian à la carte restaurant, included in our package. There was no food allowance or restrictions – we could order anything, and everything was delicious.

Throughout the day, cafés dotted around the resort served waffles, baked potatoes, cakes, iced lattes (my personal favourite!), and of course – ice cream on tap for the kids. Drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, were included and freely available. Water stations were everywhere – a lifesaver in the heat!


Pools & Waterpark

The resort boasts three main pools:

  • An indoor pool (a little cold but great for a break from the sun)

  • A large outdoor pool next to the hotel – lively and social

  • A big multi-sectioned kids pool with mini slides and splash zones

And then – the star of the show – the waterpark! With five big slides and generous opening hours (10am–12pm & 1:45pm–4:30pm), the kids were in heaven. Most waterparks only allow two-hour time slots, but here, they could go as often as they wanted.

Even better, the resort has its own private beach, so you can easily switch between sand and pool time – something many other hotels didn’t offer without extra travel.


Evening Entertainment

We usually skip hotel entertainment, but this time we gave it a go – and we were pleasantly surprised. The kids loved it! From magicians and circus acts to salsa dancing and acrobats, the shows were engaging, well-organised, and fun. It made for a perfect end to the day.

Performers in red dance on a stage with colorful lights and an audience watching. A digital backdrop features starry patterns.

Little Tips & Things to Note

  • No need to bring towels – pool towels are provided

  • Reserve your sun beds early – people do save spots for the day

  • Bring UNO or travel games – perfect for downtime

  • Evening wear is relaxed – smart-casual is more than enough

  • The rollerblading bartender at the Sunset Bar is a must-see – the kids were obsessed!


Final Thoughts

Turkey truly surprised us. It’s beautiful, warm, affordable, and has so much to offer families. Yes, the hotel could use a little refresh in some areas, but it didn’t detract from the experience at all. The staff were fantastic, the food exceeded expectations, and our children had a ball.

As for Jet2 Holidays, we’re now total converts. The whole process – from booking to returning home – was smooth, reliable, and thoughtfully put together. We never felt like we were missing any information, and having everything sorted ahead of time gave us true peace of mind.

If you’re considering a family trip and are on the fence about a Jet2 package holiday – don’t hesitate. Especially for last-minute adventures, it’s an absolute game changer.

Got questions? Drop me a message! And if you’re thinking about Turkey… go for it. This hidden gem might just become your next favourite place.


📍 Book your own last-minute escape: https://www.jet2holidays.com/last-minute-holidays


Until the next adventure... ✈️


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