CAPPADOCIA, TURKEY

August 2023

Checking Off a Bucket List Dream

Some experiences feel less like a holiday and more like stepping directly into a dreamscape. Cappadocia is exactly that kind of place.

For years, a hot air balloon ride had been at the very top of my husband’s bucket list. We originally planned to mark his 50th birthday with a trip to Turkey back in August 2021, flying from London Stansted to Istanbul. But, as we all remember too well, the unpredictable nature of the COVID-19 pandemic meant our plans were grounded, and our bookings were lost. However, good things truly do come to those who wait. This summer, we finally made it happen—and it was worth every single moment of the wait.

The Road to Central Anatolia

This time, the adventure was a family affair. We met up with my sister and her family in Istanbul, hired a car, and set off on the seven-hour drive toward Cappadocia.

If you have never driven through the Central Anatolia region, put it on your list. The journey itself was breathtaking; the landscape shifted and transformed as we drove, offering incredible vistas that felt utterly alien compared to anything I’d seen before. It was my first time exploring this part of Turkey, and I was completely captivated.

A Sunrise to Remember

Waking up at 4:00 am is rarely a highlight of any holiday, but when the reward is drifting silently over the Cappadocian landscape as the sun begins to peek over the horizon, the early start is absolutely worth it.

Floating in a hot air balloon over those unique rock formations—the "fairy chimneys"—was a surreal experience. Looking down at the landscape, watching the world wake up in shades of gold and amber, is a memory I know I will treasure for years to come.

Waking Up in a Fairytale

We were incredibly fortunate to stay at the Fairytale Suites. It lived up to its name in every sense; each morning, we didn't even have to leave our room to catch the spectacle. We simply looked out of our hotel windows to watch the sky fill with dozens of colourful hot air balloons, drifting lazily over the valleys. It was like living inside a storybook.

Beyond the views, it was the culture, the dramatic sunsets, and the joy of sharing this special milestone with my sister and her family that made the holiday truly unforgettable. There is something deeply grounding about seeing a place so ancient and unique, especially with the people you love most.

Sometimes, life throws a detour in your path—like a cancelled trip or a change of plans—but when you finally reach that bucket list destination, the experience tastes all the sweeter.

Have you ever had a travel dream that took a few years to finally come true? Or perhaps you have a 'must-do' item still sitting on your own bucket list? Do share your stories in the comments!