There are many good options for the traveler on a budget in the Dalaman area. Turkey has a very inexpensive cost of living in general, in comparison with countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom, so even those travelers on an extremely tight budget will find that they can live well in Dalaman.

Eating on a Budget

In general, the rule is to go where the locals go. Eat where they eat and drink where they drink. Dalaman is a lovely town with good and inexpensive places to eat, by the Cainos Tombs in particular, but each street will undoubtedly have a hidden gem of a cafe or little bar.

Dalaman Airport

This is a notoriously expensive airport so far as eating and drinking is concerned. Make sure you eat well before you arrive here and before your return journey home. The prices here are double what you would expect to pay at home.

Getting Around

Local buses in the area are well signposted and regular. Just ask at your hotel reception and they will be pleased to direct you. Why not catch a dolmus (pronounced as "dolmoosh")? This is a form of public transport which is specific to Turkey. It is best described as a public taxi which picks others up en route and drops them where they wish to go. The fares are generally fixed within the route, and one should ask locally for details.

Sightseeing

It's often a better idea to visit places of historical interest such as the Lycian tombs, on one's own steam. That is to say that it is often a great deal cheaper than taking a holiday company excursion and also affords the traveler more freedom.

Boat trips are also worth shopping around for and can vary greatly in price. Dalaman council runs some of their own trips, and these are very inexpensive at only a few lira per person.

A day on the beach on the shores of the Olu Deniz Lagoon, which has attained national park status, costs nothing and is a breathtakingly beautiful area of Turkey to explore.

Travel Out of Season

Avoid the peak travel period to Dalaman and go before May or after October to take advantage of end of season prices. The temperature still reaches into the 30's in October, and is far more comfortable than the summer for sightseeing. Booking the hotel direct rather than a package deal can save a great deal of money in this country.