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The Ultimate Turkey Packing List

We asked a Turkish tour guide to lay out everything you need to know when packing for trips everywhere from Istanbul to Bodrum.

In This Article

• Packing Checklist

Bags and Accessories

Frequently asked questions.

• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Marcus Millan

It’s hard — dare we say, near impossible — to pinpoint the highlights of a trip to Turkey. Foodies will find solace in the unmatched sweet and savory world of Turkish cuisine (nothing beats kahvalti aka Turkish breakfast). History buffs can check ancient wonders of the world and archaeological excavations off their bucket list; while those who travel to let loose will find no shortage of stunning rooftop bars and clubs to sip rakı into the night.

But it’s not always easy to sort out a packing list when the country has so much to offer — especially if you’re planning to visit multiple regions, or have little knowledge of how to dress efficiently when visiting places of worship in the morning and heading out for rooftop cocktails come sunset.

“People might expect Turkey to be a conservative country before coming here — probably because of our proximity to the Middle East — but the country became a secular republic in 1923,” explains Istanbul-based tour guide Ali Faik Anayurt. “Although over 95 percent of the people in Turkey identify themselves as Muslim, the Turkish Republic respects secular values and is far from using religion as a form of governance.”

As a result, Anayurt says modern-day Turkey is a place where diversity, cultural differences, and various ethnic backgrounds coexist with respect. So, when visiting as a tourist, you can plan to dress just like you would in any European country rather than having to stock up on a conservative-leaning wardrobe.

Packing Checklist for a Trip to Turkey

Although Turkey doesn’t require any special form of dress — there are still certain things to keep in mind when packing for your trip. Turkey is vast with many different climates and attractions which means you might have to get creative when packing. Read on to get an idea of everything you need to know while packing for a trip to this country.

• Best Lightweight Pants for Men: Lululemon ABC Classic-fit Pant Warpstreme
• Best Lightweight Pants for Women: Aday Turn It Up Pants
• Best Light Layer for Men: Patagonia Men's Recycled Wool Sweater 
• Best Light Layer for Women: Naadam Essential Cashmere Sweater
• Best Jacket for Men: Outdoor Research Men's Foray Super Stretch Jacket
• Best Jacket for Women: Outdoor Research Women's Aspire Super Stretch Jacket
• Best Scarf: QBSM Womens Pashmina Shawl
• Best Walking Shoes for Men: Vessi Everyday Classic
• Best Walking Shoes for Women: Adidas Women's Cloudfoam Pure 2.0 Running Shoes
• Best Sandals for Men: Vionic Wander Wyatt Flip-flop
• Best Sandals for Women: Sandalup Elastic Flat Sandals
• Best Sunglasses: Raen Aren Polarized Sunglasses
• Best Hat: L.L. Bean Baseball Hat
• Best Backpack: Solo Re:Define Backpack
• Best Crossbody Bag: Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag
• Best Adaptor: EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter
• Best Wi-fi Hotspot: GlocalMe G4 Pro 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot
• Best Camera: Sony Alpha 7R V
• Best Sunscreen: EltaMD SPF 50
• Best Portable Power Bank: Anker PowerCore 13000 Portable Battery

While you don’t need to invest in a conservative wardrobe for your trip, if you want to visit a mosque or shrine, there are some conditions to keep in mind, as in most religions, Anayurt points out. For example, women should plan to wear a headscarf, clothing that covers their shoulders, and a skirt or pants that cover their legs while visiting a mosque. For men, shorts or pants that cover their knees are sufficient.

You’ll also want to keep in mind that the weather in Turkey varies greatly based on the specific region and time of year. If you’re planning a trip to temperate Istanbul in the fall, for example, the weather will be greatly different from Cappadocia which tends to be a lot colder. If you’re heading to the Turkish Riviera, on the other hand, you’ll get warmer weather. Due to the flux in temperature and climate, if you’re planning a trip throughout the country, it’ll be smart to pack comfortable layers.

Best Lightweight Pants for Men

Lululemon abc classic-fit pant warpstreme.

The Lululemon ABC Classic-fit Pant Warpstreme will become your go-to as you make your way through Turkey. The pants are lightweight and comfortable but still very smart looking — so you can easily get away with wearing them while exploring the city by day or checking out the fine-dining scene by night. The breathable material is temperature-regulating so you can wear these across multiple climates while the wrinkle-resistant design also means you can keep these on during long car rights or flights between cities without worrying about having to seek out an iron upon arrival.

Best Lightweight Pants for Women

Aday turn it up pants.

The Aday Turn It Up Pants are kind of infamous among travel writers — it’s the perfect pick for both travel days and packed itineraries where comfort and style are key. The high-waisted, slim-fit pair is made from a lightweight water-resistant nylon that quite literally does not wrinkle. We wore the pants on a 10-hour travel day on two flights and couldn’t believe how comfortable but put together we felt while on the go. The length and style is versatile and chic but will also be perfectly suited for visiting mosques and shrines as well.

Best Light Layer for Men

Patagonia recycled wool sweater.

The weather in Turkey varies greatly; even if you’re planning to stick around Istanbul you should anticipate cooler evenings and the occasional wind. The Patagonia Men's Recycled Wool Sweater is a great option to bring with you while on the go for that exact reason. It’s warm without sweating you out and it’s versatile enough to wear from day to night. The plain colorway and lightweight design mean this option can be tied over the shoulders for a more dressed-up look that’ll allow you to go hands-free. We also really like that it’s made from recycled wool for a more sustainable alternative.

Best Light Layer for Women

Naadam women's original cashmere sweater.

The Naadam Essential Cashmere Sweater is almost a sartorial hack; it’s crafted from 100 percent sustainable cashmere for a super-soft, breathable feel on the skin but unlike most premium cashmere sweaters, this option is incredibly budget-friendly without sacrificing quality. You can layer this sweater for additional warmth in chilly evenings or colder months or throw it over your shoulders for a more modest look while visiting mosques and shrines. We also really love that this sweater comes in a huge variety of colorways that range from neutrals to unique limited-edition colors like mustard and dusty lavender.

Best Jacket for Men

Outdoor research foray super stretch jacket.

Turkey rarely falls below freezing level, but it still sees a fair bit of precipitation throughout the year. If you’re traveling in the spring or autumn, you’ll want to consider packing a rain jacket like this one from Outdoor Research. This option is waterproof and windproof which makes it great for pretty much all potential weather occurrences in Turkey. It’s also incredibly lightweight and compact so you can easily throw it into your backpack if you don’t end up needing the extra protection against the elements. It’s worth noting that this option is also incredibly durable and made to withstand heavy-duty use (read: you won’t have to worry about it getting scuffed up while on the go).

Best Jacket for Women

Outdoor research aspire super stretch jacket.

The Outdoor Research rain jacket for women is just as heavy-duty and durable as its male counterpart; it’s also windproof and waterproof and includes a built-in and adjustable hood for even better protection against the elements. It’s incredibly lightweight and packable (weighing in at less than a pound), so you can fold it up and tuck it away when you don’t need it. It’s also super easy to squish into a carry-on bag without taking up the majority of your space. We recommend sizing up if you’re planning to visit Turkey during the winter months; layer this jacket with a cashmere sweater and a scarf and it should be warm enough for the average winter day in the city.

QBSM Pashmina Shawl

If you’re planning on visiting places of worship while in Turkey, you’ll want to invest in an inexpensive headscarf. Female travelers are expected to cover their heads and hair out of respect while visiting mosques and shrines and, while most mosques have scarves available to rent or borrow, it’s just easier to already have your own. The QBSM Womens Pashmina Shawl is a particularly great option; it’s easy enough to fold into a headscarf but it’s also functional as a neck scarf or an emergency shawl to cover up on chilly evenings.

“Due to our cultural emphasis on cleanliness and to keep mosques clean in Islamic tradition, you should take off your shoes before entering any mosque,” explains Anayurt. “You can do this before entering the mosque, just before the main entrance on the clean mats. You don't need to take off your socks, but you can bring clean socks to change into if you wish.”

However, removing your shoes before entering a mosque — especially major attractions like the Hagia Sophia or the Blue Mosque in Istanbul — can be crowded and hectic. There’s nowhere to sit down and you’ll have about five seconds to remove your shoes before being propelled forward with the crowd. You’ll want to ensure you opt for a comfortable walking shoe that’s easy to slip on and off while standing up in order to avoid stalling the queue behind you.

Best Walking Shoes for Men

Vessi everyday classic.

The Vessi Everyday Classic is our top pick in terms of the most comfortable (and stylish) walking shoes for men. It’s waterproof and breathable which makes it great for trekking through the city in all different climates and weather conditions, but it’s also very lightweight and easy to pack. The grippy traction sole is great for walking on cobblestone and hilly uneven surfaces while wide opening means this shoe will be super easy to pull on and pull off in a hurry while visiting mosques. We also like that while this shoe is great for walking long distances, it’s also quite sleek and can easily be worn to more formal restaurants and bars in the evenings.

Best Walking Shoes for Women

Adidas cloudfoam pure 2.0 running shoes.

We love the Adidas Women's Cloudfoam Pure 2.0 Running Shoes for those long days exploring the city on foot. The cloudfoam memory sockliner molds to the foot for additional support and comfort while walking around while the textile lining is incredibly lightweight and breathable. The outsole is also very durable and has excellent grip so you won’t have to worry about slipping on cobblestone while exploring. The upper heel is also easy to grab and pull on which makes this option great for slipping on and off in a hurry.

Best Sandals for Men

Vionic wander wyatt flip-flop.

If you’re visiting the Turkish Riviera or really anywhere in Turkey come summertime, you’ll want to consider packing a decent pair of sandals. The Vionic Wander Wyatt Flip-flop is our top pick because it’s structured enough to wear while walking around but it’s also completely appropriate to wear by the pool. The rubber sole and podiatrist-designed EVA cushioning are surprisingly supportive for a flip-flop. This option even offers proper arch support which is virtually unheard of in this style of sandal. We also like that the material is quite durable and will hold up even with heavy use.

Best Sandals for Women

Sandalup elastic flat sandals.

The Sandalup Elastic Flat Sandals make a great option for visiting both city and beach towns in Turkey come summertime. The flat sandal is comfortable to wear while walking but is dressy enough to wear while going out in the evenings. The criss-cross elastic straps make these sandals really easy to slip on and off which makes them great for wearing by the pool or to the sea as well while the soles are slip-resistant and great for uneven streets and cobblestone. We also like that these sandals are available in a huge variety of colors— from bright red to neutral beige — to best suit your style.

Turkey is a very safe country for travelers and tourists; although it’s always important to stay vigilant wherever you are, especially in population-dense areas like Istanbul. Don’t worry about investing in slash-proof bags and other anti-theft accessories but rather choose items that will increase your level of comfort while putting in long days of exploration.

Best Sunglasses

Raen aren polarized sunglasses.

The Raen Aren Polarized Sunglasses will be an excellent investment if you’re planning on visiting beach towns or spending a lot of time exploring the cities come summertime. The polarized lenses provide extra protection against the sun while the angular frame is flattering on all face shapes. We also like that these sunglasses are super versatile and work quite well with all kinds of outfits and occasions, whether you’re exploring Istanbul on foot or soaking up the sun in Antalya. The ultra-lightweight design is also great for long days in the sun; you’ll barely notice you’re wearing these shades and you won’t have to worry about rub lines on the nose either.

L.L. Bean Baseball Hat

The L.L. Bean Baseball Hat is our go-to for pretty much all kinds of travel. It’s a basic baseball cap at first glance, but it’s quality-made and extremely durable which means you won’t have to worry about clipping it onto your carry-on or shoving it into your backpack when you don’t need it. It’s crafted from a breathable (and sustainably sourced) 100 percent cotton twill that has been pre-washed so it already looks and feels like a well-loved cap. The adjustable closure provides a secure fit which is a great feature to have while spending time on the coast or taking in the city views on the windy Istanbul ferry.

Best Backpack

Solo re:define backpack.

The Solo Re:Define Backpack won us over on so many levels when it comes to the best backpack for exploring on foot. It’s incredibly lightweight and small but the interior is surprisingly spacious and will easily fit everything you’ll need for a full day on the go. The exterior of the bag is water-resistant and made from an antimicrobial material which is great for schlepping through the city streets. It’s also worth noting that this bag has a built-in USB port and a pocket for a portable charger for added convenience.

Best Crossbody Bag

Lululemon everywhere belt bag 1l.

The now-iconic Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag kind of came out of nowhere — but we can’t imagine traveling without it. This bag is incredibly useful at the airport when you need to keep your passport and cards close at hand and it’s great for going hands-free once you get to your destination as well. We typically pack this day bag with our cards, cash, some sunscreen, and a portable charger and it doesn’t feel weighed down or look bulky. It’s also great for hiking or physically demanding activities where you want to travel as light as possible.

The gear you’ll want to pack for Turkey doesn’t vary all that much from any other European country. You’ll want to ensure you have the right tech to keep your devices working and juiced up while putting in long days exploring the city. Turkey is also a particularly beautiful country with varying landscapes and interesting architectural styles.

The magnificence of the hot air balloon spectacle at sunrise in Cappadocia, for example, will never look as good in photos as it does in real life, but investing in a decent digital camera might be worth it if you’re hoping to capture the memories as best as possible.

Best Adaptor

Epicka universal travel adapter.

Turkey uses the Type C and Type F plugs so if you’re traveling with tech from North America or the UK you’ll need an adaptor. Traveling with a ton of different adapters is kind of a pain which is why we love the Epicka Universal Travel Adapter. It works in over 150 different countries thanks to the toggle outlets and can charge or power up to six devices at once (including everything from smartphones to laptops) so you don’t need to worry about packing multiple adapters. This option is also very compact compared to other travel adapters and won’t take up all that much space in your carry-on.

Best Wi-fi Hotspot

Glocalme 4g lte mobile hotspot.

Turkey is pretty well-connected; you won’t have any trouble popping into a cafe or hotel lobby to grab Wi-fi in a pinch. That said, having constant access to Google Maps and WhatsApp while traveling makes everything so much easier. The GlocalMe G4 Pro 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot is an unlocked hotspot that works in over 140 countries (including Turkey) and can support up to 10 devices at once. It also offers pay-as-you-go data packages and doesn’t require a contract so you’re not tied down to a monthly payment when you’re not traveling.

Best Camera

Sony alpha 7r v.

The Turkish landscape is incredibly diverse and gorgeous so, if you’ve been considering investing in a camera for travel, now might be the time to finally do it. The Sony Alpha 7R V is our top pick if you’re looking for crisp, high-quality imagery. It also offers excellent 8K video footage and intelligent features that makes shooting on the go efficient. The battery life is also particularly impressive so you won’t have to fret over charging your camera every night while traveling. We also really like how compact and lightweight this camera is; it won’t weigh you down while exploring.

Best Sunscreen

Eltamd spf 50 sunscreen.

Don’t skip the sunscreen while exploring the Turkish landscape. The EltaMD SPF 50 is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation for its effective non-comedogenic formula. It’s also incredibly lightweight and non-greasy so you won’t feel like you’ve doused yourself in your childhood sunblock. It’s also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes which makes it a great option for use at the beach or while hanging out by the pool. This option is available in a TSA-approved 3-ounce size so you can throw it in your carry-on or crossbody bag while on the go as well.

Best Portable Power Bank

Anker powercore 13000 portable battery.

If you’re spending any amount of time exploring, we always recommend bringing along a portable power bank. The Anker PowerCore 13000 Portable Battery is teeny-tiny and won’t take up any space in your day bag — but the 13,000 mAh capacity can still fully charge your phone up to three times on a single charge. We also really like that this power bank has two different USB ports, so you can actually charge two different devices at one time. Note that this charger comes with an 18-month warranty just in case.

“Due to its geographical location, different seasons can be experienced simultaneously in different regions of Turkey — it’s a huge country,” explains Anayurt. For example, in the summer months, people in the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts swim and sunbathe with highs of 104 degrees Fahrenheit, while in the Black Sea region, people will experience much cooler weather and rain. In the winter, the warmest cities will hit around 60 degrees Fahrenheit while Erzurum (a popular ski spot and one of the coldest regions in Turkey) will see temperatures of around 19 degrees Fahrenheit.

Unlike Muslim-majority countries like the Maldives or Saudi Arabia, you’re not going to be stopped for bringing things like religious symbols or alcohol into Turkey. You’ll want to avoid the usual suspects though — don’t attempt to bring in fresh produce, animal products, weapons, or drugs.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this article, Kaitlyn McInnis used her experience as a full-time travel writer living part-time in Istanbul to curate the best options to suit most itineraries. She also interviewed Istanbul-based tour guide Ali Faik Anayurt to get his insights on the dos and don’ts of packing for Turkey.

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Related Articles

Essential Turkey Packing List: What to Wear & Pack for Turkey

If you’re planning a trip to Turkey, you’re in luck: prepare yourself for a magical experience unlike nowhere else in the world.

Turkey is a place of immense history that spans the centuries, once the heart of one of the most important empires the world has seen. Today, it has a thriving culture driven by youth, creativity, and tradition.

Packing for Turkey is not always easy as the weather varies quite a bit from season to season — something that took me aback when I planned my first trip to Turkey, which was in February, and noticed temperatures hovering right around freezing!

We’ve created this Turkey packing list to help you decide what to wear and what to bring for a variety of itineraries, seasons, and activities in Turkey, for both men and women. Read on to see our comprehensive guide on what to pack for Turkey!

Want to save for later? Click to pin!

What to Pack Everything In

Your main bag: backpack or rolling suitcase.

Personally, Stephanie and I both prefer traveling around Turkey with a backpack. Even in Istanbul, many of the side streets are old with no clear sidewalk, and the sidewalks there are quite clunky and hard to roll a bag down.

However, if wearing a backpack is not feasible for you due to mobility limitations, how much you like to pack, or just your comfort, it is definitely possible to use a rolling suitcase in Turkey. Just be aware that it requires some more effort due to the sidewalks.

For longer distances, such as between the airport or train/bus station and your hotel, you may want to spend the extra for a taxi or Uber. We generally recommend using Uber in Istanbul to avoid taxi scams.

Our Top Recommendation for Backpacks

I absolutely love the Tortuga Backpack for traveling Europe, and it’s my go-to bag for virtually any trip I take in the region that’s longer than a week. I carry a  Tortuga 45L Backpack  because it’s compact, carry-on friendly, and don’t scream “backpacker” as loudly as other bags.

It has 3 main compartments: one with a laptop sleeve that can also accommodate other flat objects like important papers and books, one giant rectangular compartment ideal for packing cubes filled with your clothes, and one smaller compartment with organizers for passports, pens, odds & ends, etc. – plus one small outer zipper pocket for anything you want quick access to.

This is great because many backpacks are more suited for hiking than city travel and you have to load everything from the top (which also means that you have to disembowel your bag every time you want to get something from the bottom — hardly a recipe for organization).

It also has a water bottle holder on the outside as well as buckles so that you can strap something like a yoga mat to the outside if needed. Plus, it’s quite comfortable to wear, with a padded hip belt and comfort-molding shoulder straps complete with a chest strap so that you can distribute the weight perfectly across your body in the event that you need to wear your backpack for longer than usual. Check out more specs, prices, and details for  the women’s backpack  and for  the men’s .

Our Top Recommendations for Rolling Suitcases

We haven’t carried a rolling suitcase in a while, having been converted to the benefits of backpacks a while ago. However, we understand that everyone’s needs and preferences are different!

If you are going to bring a roller bag, we suggest getting a soft shell one that can squish. Stephanie’s personal roller suitcase is the awesome  Osprey Sojourn .

Steph lived out of just this bag and a backpack for eight months and found that it held up beautifully. She likes that it can squish into the back of buses and fit on train luggage racks easily. It expands to hold a ton of stuff if you plan to shop a lot while in Turkey ( Istanbul shopping is amazing!).

You can  check prices and reviews of the Osprey Sojourn here .

Your Day Bag: Backpack or Purse

Your day bag should be able to hold all the things you need for the day: water, sunscreen, wallet, any medicine or make-up you may need, a layer in case the weather changes, camera, etc.

It depends what you prefer, but for comfort, a backpack is usually the better day bag because it distributes weight more evenly across your shoulders. However, if you’re used to carrying a purse, that may be what you prefer.

We recommend investing in a day bag with some security features because Istanbul is quite a large city and theft is definitely possible the same way it is in other large European cities like Lisbon, Athens, or Paris. However, I will say that while I personally know someone who has had things stolen in all of the above three cities, I’ve never known anyone to have anything stolen in Istanbul.

It’s not that Turkey is dangerous, but we just believe travel to touristic places inherently has its risks. We prefer to protect ourselves upfront rather than deal with consequences down the line.

Our Top Recommendations for Backpacks

We both carry the  CitySafe backpack by PacSafe  not only on our travels but in our day-to-day lives. It’s cute, it’s functional, it’s comfortable, and it’s secure as hell.

We’re talking about interlocking zippers (which you can then put through a second clasp for two layers of security which basically no thief will ever both with), slash-proof wire mesh construction, and RFID blockers to keep your personal data safe.

It’s neutral enough to be unisex, it’s roomy enough to fit a small laptop, large camera, and tons of odds & ends, and it fits under the plane seat in front of you. What else could you want? This isn’t sponsored, we’re just straight obsessed.  Get yours today.

Our Top Recommendations for Purses

Due to our everlasting obsession with our travel backpack, neither Stephanie nor I really carry purses much for our travels.

However, for a long time, Stephanie was a huge fan of her large Longchamp bag , and since it packs up small, she still rolls it up and brings it on her travels when she wants to use a purse instead of a backpack. For two years, it was her main day bag on all her trips, and it still has a place in her heart. 

Due to our satisfaction with our CitySafe backpack, we’d definitely recommend other PacSafe products like their secure purses – they have  shoulder bags  and  crossbody bags .

Our Top Recommendation for Money Belts

Personally, we don’t carry money belts, since we carry secure bags, but we know some travelers feel a lot safer with a money belt. If that’s you,  this  is the money belt we recommend.

How to Keep it Organized

Just because you have the right suitcase and day bag doesn’t mean your bags will be packed right. You need to think about how you’ll organize your belongings so that everything is accessible and compact.

Packing Cubes

I don’t know how I traveled before packing cubes, and I never want to go back!  Packing cubes  are extremely helpful for organizing your luggage and keeping it that way so that when you want to extract one shirt from your bag, you don’t end up exploding your whole bag open.

I have used several different brands of packing cubes over the years and generally any one works fine, but I prefer ones that have a variety of sizes because it helps me Tetris-cram all my clothes into my Tortuga backpack more easily.

Generally, I use the big one for dresses, skirts, and jeans, the medium one for t-shirts, and the small one for underwear, bras, socks, etc.

Cosmetic Bags

A set of cosmetic bags is so useful! In addition to using it for your make-up, you can also use them to stash odds & ends like earplugs, an eye-mask, pens & pencils – things that usually get lost at the bottom of your bag.

I like to have 4 different bags: one for makeup, one for hair accessories, one for toiletries (which I list seperately below, because this one is such an awesome find!), and one for cables and electronic accessories. 

If you don’t have a bunch of cosmetic bags lying around from old make-up purchases, you can pick some up off Amazon. I think  these  are particularly adorable.

Pack-It Flat

This is one of my favorite packing finds! The  Pack-it-Flat toiletry bag  is the ultimate way to keep all your toiletries packed.

What I love about is is that it packs, well, flat like a book, rather than most toiletry bags which make big bulky squares that take up way too much space and are annoying to deal with.

This is a definite upgrade from my cosmetic bag system, which took up too much space and was completely disorganized. It can fit so much into such a small amount of space and it fits perfectly in one of the outer pockets of my bag or laid flat on top of all my packing cubes.

Travel Wallet

A good travel wallet meets a few criteria: RFID blocking, plenty of room for coins, room for bills and receipts, plenty of card slots, and can fit a passport.

I use a PacSafe travel wallet that does all of that and looks cute doing so (I chose the denim).

Laundry Bag

Whether you’ll need to do laundry on the road or you’ll wait to do it at home, it’s essential to have a bag to keep your dirty laundry separate from your clean clothes.

While that can easily be just a grocery bag, I love this  cute travel-themed Kikkerland laundry bag  which is easy to hand over to someone on laundry day.

Canvas Tote

We recommend bringing a tote with you wherever you go to reduce plastic waste!

This is also great for doing small errands or when you don’t want to pack your whole day bag, and is absolutely essential for any trip that includes a day at the beach, hammam, or pool.

I generally use ones I’ve gotten for free from various events and conferences, but you can find a ton of  cute tote bags  on Amazon.

Ziploc Bags

You’ll thank us for this when all your stuff stays dry your entire trip. I always pack my liquids in a Ziploc bag (plus you need one if you’re traveling with liquids in your carryon). 

Pack all your liquids in Ziploc backs so that if something breaks or opens, the liquid stays inside the bag. Stuff a few extras in your luggage for any liquid purchases or if you need to keep a wet towel separate from the rest of your luggage.

I like to have a mix of  small  and  large  bags so I’m covered in most situations. 

If you don’t live in Europe, you might be surprised just how quickly coins stack up in your bag when traveling around Europe. Turkish lira can definitely add up and get lost at the bottom of your wallet!

In the States, I never bothered with a coin purse, but living in Europe I find that it’s essential. I have one with a flower pattern like  these .

5 Essentials You Don’t Want to Forget

If you only read one section of this post, make it this one!

While travel blogs are great, we also definitely see the benefit of having a good paper guidebook in hand to refer to in your on-the-ground travel. We strongly recommend the Lonely Planet Turkey which is a great, up-to-date resource for your travels.

Travel Insurance

It’s always a good idea to be covered when you travel abroad in case of theft, illness, or accidents. Steph and I have been paying customers of  World Nomads  for three years and counting and are happy to recommend them to fellow travelers for the clarity of what they cover, the efficiency of processing claims, and the ease of renewing while still on the road if your trip ends up being longer than expected.

Cute Swimwear

If you’re going to Turkey in the summer and you have your eye on some beaches, be sure to pack at least two cute swimwear options, if not more, so that you never have to put a wet swimsuit back on!

I love this  one-piece option for modesty and  this bikini for when you want to show a little more skin, but pick whatever you love best and will both feel comfortable and make you feel confident in photos!

Comfortable walking shoes

You’ll find yourself walking a lot in Turkey, and it’s easy to do 10,000+ steps in a day (if you’re not relaxing on the beach all day, that is).

Pay close attention to our shoe recommendations below, but don’t order new shoes right before your trip! Give yourself a few weeks to break them in. The earlier you can get any new shoes you need, the more time you’ll have to get them comfy. You don’t want a blister on the road!

I’ve written a whole section on what should be in your mini medicine kit, but this especially goes for any prescription medications you may need from back home.

It’s not always possible to get the same exact medication in Turkey, so be sure to stock up on what you need! And don’t forget seasickness/motion sickness pills if you’re sensitive to movement – they’re a lifesaver for buses.

Quick Overview of Weather in Turkey

Turkey has quite a diversity of weather you may experience: it truly has all the four seasons, with tons of summer sunshine but also a possibility of snow in winter. We have a post about the weather in January in Istanbul , but we’ll go into more detail about all the seasons here.

We will use Istanbul as our point of reference because it’s the one place people almost always include on their trip. Check for your destinations if you are visiting more than one place in Turkey. Also, as your trip approaches, you should double-check the weather report. It can always be colder or warmer than the average Istanbul temperatures we’ve listed here!

In spring in Turkey, it starts out cold in March and gets warm by May. In March, average highs are 11°C (52°F) and average lows are 5°C (41°F). By April, you’ll see average highs of 16°C (61°F) and lows of 8°C (46°F). In May, those temperatures will rise to average highs of 20°C (68°F) and average lows of 12°C (54°F).

In summer in Turkey , think hot hot hot! June average highs are 26°C (79°F) and average lows are 17°C (63°F). July averages are hotter, with average highs of 28°C (82°F) and lows of 19°C (66°F). August has the same averages as July – so definitely think cool, loose clothing!

In fall in Turkey, prepare for rapidly falling temperatures. September is still fairly warm, with average highs of 25°C (77°F) and average lows of 16°C (61°F). October gets cooler, with average highs of 19°C (66°F) and lows of 12°C (54°F). November is when it starts to feel almost like winter! Expect average highs of 14°C (57°F) and lows of 9°C (48°F).

In winter in Turkey , bundle up! December averages are roughly a high of 10°C (50°F) and a low of 6°C (43°F). In January and February, the average high is 46°F (8°C ), while the average low temperature is 39°F (4°C). 

What to Wear in Turkey For Women 

What women should wear in Turkey depends on a variety of factors: destination, time of year, and activities planned.

Destination matters quite a bit. For example, Istanbul is an extremely secular city, whereas many places in Turkey are more conservative. As a result, what to wear in Turkey is quite dependent on where you go in the country.

For Istanbul, think modern and youthful; for Anatolian Turkey (with the exception perhaps of Cappadocia, which is quite touristic and people are used to seeing a variety of dress, and the beach resorts in the South), think modest.

If you’re just spending time on Turkish beaches or islands, you’ll be fine in some swimsuits, some modest cover-ups for when you’re off the beach, sun hats, and sandals.

If you’re hopping from city to city with some beach time too, you’ll want to throw in some comfortable walking shoes, stylish yet modest dresses or other clothing, etc. If you’ll be active like kayaking or hiking, some sporty clothes will be an important addition.

Personally, we like to mix it up with dresses, skirts, casual tops with jeans, and lots of outfits with leggings. We generally dress the same in winter but just add more layers!

We’ve created two separate packing lists: one for spring through fall, one for winter. You may want to adjust the packing list slightly depending on the season: for example, you may decide to leave the heavier jacket at home in the heat of summer, and swap a summery maxi dress for extra leggings in spring or fall. However, there’s enough overlap that we’ve combined it all into one spring/summer/fall list.

A note on modest dress for women in Turkey: While modern-day Turkey is a country founded on secularism, many women still dress somewhat conservatively. In Istanbul, you will see everything from women in tight bodycon dresses to women in burkas; in other parts of the country, the tendency is to dress a bit more modestly.

I generally recommend avoiding backless and strapless dresses and shirts, as well as tight shorts and ultra-short mini skirts, though if you are only in Istanbul and/or the beaches along the Turkish Riviera, you can relax a bit.

My favorite outfits in Turkey are short-sleeve shirts paired with a midi skirt (below the knee) or maxi dresses in summer. In winter, I pair dresses with leggings and add a jacket or go with jeans, a smart top, and a jacket.

As for what to wear in mosques, generally, they have headscarves and wraps to wear around your body in case your clothing is too revealing. You may want to bring your own if you don’t want to wear something that’s been worn by others.

What to Pack for Spring, Summer, & Fall in Turkey

2-3 tank tops : Great for layering, and you may want to add a few more in the summer. We like  these ones . We opt for ones with slightly thicker straps rather than loose camisoles.

2-3 V-neck shirts:  In case you want a little more coverage, or if you’re traveling in spring/fall, these are also great multi-purpose separates. We recommend  these ones . I also love to have a simple  striped T  like this one.

2 long sleeve shirts (fall/spring only) : You won’t need these in the summer, but in fall, they’re wonderful to have. We recommend  these ones .

1 chambray shirt:  Perfect to wear as a shirt in spring/fall or to wear unbuttoned as a light jacket on a summer night –  this shirt  is so versatile that it’s become my packing must-have.

1 mid-weight jacket : There can be some surprising weather sometimes even in the summer in Turkey, so I still recommend one medium-weight jacket like this  denim jacket  or a  faux leather jacket  in case your chambray isn’t warm enough.

2 pairs shorts (summer only):  You likely won’t need these in the fall or spring. For summer, I recommend 1 loose pair of  linen shorts  and 1 pair  denim shorts . If visiting conservative parts of Turkey, you may not want to bring these along, or just select a longer, looser pair.

Lightweight scarf : Great for too much A/C, surprisingly chilly nights, surprise mosque visits, or dressing up an outfit you’ve worn too many times. We like  this one  for all the color choices.

Black cardigan:  Great for cool nights in summer, adding a touch of modesty, and dressing up fall and spring outfits; we suggest  this one .

2-3 pairs black leggings:  I love leggings so much – for sleeping, for lazy days, to avoid chub rub, to make a summer dress fall appropriate, to wear on active days when doing things like kayaking or hiking. We recommend bringing a few pairs if you can  (we suggest these) .

1-2 pairs skinny jeans:  1 in summer, 2 in fall or spring. We like  these ones , but jeans are so personal, so bring your favorites.

2-3 skirts:  We love skirts for travel! In summer, I love  midi skirts  and  maxi skirts , whereas in spring and fall, I prefer  mini skirts  that I can wear with leggings and boots. If you’re an avid Instagrammer, we love  this ultra-photogenic maxi skirt .

2-3 summer dresses:  I try to buy dresses that are great for summer but can transition well to fall and spring with the right accessories. We think  this one  and  this one  are super cute, and appropriate for most of Turkey (just add a lightweight scarf for shoulder coverage if you want extra modesty points).

Maxi dress (summer only) : I love maxi dresses for summer, but they don’t transition as well as shorter dresses for fall. Here’s a  simple one  we like, and we also love this  colorful maxi dress  for livening up your photos. Both are good for modesty (just throw a shawl around your shoulders if you want extra coverage).

Shoes & Sandals

Travel sandals:  Depending on what you’ll do in Turkey. If you’re just going to be walking around the cities, I love  Birkenstocks  and live in them about half of the year. If you’re going to the beach, pool/spa, or staying in a hostel, also add on a pair of simple  rubber flip flops  that you can get wet.

Comfortable but cute sneakers:  Gone are the days where I can comfortably wear flats for a day of heavy sightseeing! I strongly recommend a stylish pair of sneakers like  these black Nike running shoes  for your busiest city days.

Ankle boots:  I definitely recommend a water-resistant pair of ankle boots for rainy days, cold weather, or going out at night if you want a more dressed-up option. These  Teva ankle boots  are adorable yet comfortable.

No-show socks:  Nothing worse than socks that clash with your shoes! We like  these no-show socks .

8+ pairs underwear:  Bring one pair for every day of travel you want to go without doing laundry, plus one extra. If you need new travel undies, we recommend these comfy  quick-dry ones .

2-3 bras:  Depending on your needs and activity levels. I usually bring 1 bra and one bralette, but if you’re active you may want a sports bra or if you like to wear backless or strapless tops/dresses you may want adhesive or strapless bras. If you want a quick-dry travel bra, we recommend  this one .

Sleepwear:  I personally love having dedicated sleepwear – this  silky pajama set  is so comfortable!

Jewelry & Accessories

Headbands : Great for keeping hair out of your face or hiding greasy or salty hair if you need to! We think  these  are ultra-cute.

Jewelry : Pick cheap statement jewelry and leave heirlooms or expensive jewelry at home. Theft is relatively uncommon in Turkey, but it’s better to make yourself inconspicuous.

What to Pack for Winter in Turkey

2 long sleeve shirts:  Great for layering with skirts and leggings or jeans. We recommend  these ones .

2 pairs skinny jeans:  We like  these ones , but bring your favorites that are already broken in if you have them. A little looser is better so you can fit an extra pair of leggings underneath if it’s super cold.

2 sweater dresses:  I love cute sweater dresses  like this one  for cold winter days.

2-3 skirts : I prefer above-the-knee skirts that I can easily pair with leggings in winter.

3+ pairs warm leggings:  I personally wear  fleece-lined leggings  nearly all winter long because I’m sensitive to wool. However, merino wool is ultra-warm (and non-microbial and odor-resistant) so I recommend a pair of  merino wool leggings  if your skin can handle wool.

1 ultra-warm parka:  With low temperatures just above freezing, and occasional dips below freezing possible, don’t forget a warm enough jacket. If you’ll travel in winter frequently, I recommend a winter jacket like this  North Face parka . I had mine with me in my February visit to Turkey and was grateful for it! It’s a little pricy, but it literally comes with a lifetime guarantee and they will repair or replace it for free if you ever have any issues with your coat. I’ve owned mine for nearly a decade.

Ultra-light down jacket:  For less cold days or for layering it underneath your parka for the truly cold days. This rolls up and packs easily in your day bag so it’s good to bring along – I have one  really similar to this .

Ankle boots:  For cold weather shoes that are still good for going out at night, we suggest these  Teva ankle boots .

Waterproof leather boots : For snowy days and super cold weather when you still want to be comfortable, I love these  knee-high Blondo boots  and have owned them for over a decade (including trips to Turkey in winter!)

Snow boots (optional):  If you want a dedicated snow boot – we suggest  these ones .

6+ pairs wool socks:  Wool socks will keep your feet so much warmer than your standard cotton socks! We suggest these  affordable yet cozy socks .

8+ pairs underwear:  Bring one pair for every day of travel you want to go without doing laundry, plus one extra. If you want underwear specifically made for travel, we recommend these comfy  quick-dry ones .

2-3 bras:  Depending on your needs and activity levels. I usually bring 1 bra and one bralette, but if you’re active you may want a sports bra too. If you want a quick-dry travel bra, we recommend  this one .

Winter scarf:  Turkey can get cold in the winter, so you’ll definitely want a warm winter scarf  like this one . I picked up a gorgeous wool scarf somewhere along Istiklal Caddesi that I loved.

Touchscreen gloves:  You’ll want to cover your fingers and still be able to use your favorite touchscreen devices, so we recommend  gloves like these  which are compatible with your smartphone.

Fleece-lined knit hat : You lose a lot of heat from the top of your head and ears, so a  fleece-lined knit hat  that you wear tight, like a beanie, is a fantastic choice. Pick a colorful one for cute photos!

Jewelry : Go with inexpensive statement jewelry and leave heirlooms or expensive jewelry at home. 

What to Wear in Turkey for Men 

Turkish men tend to dress smartly in the cities, especially compared to Americans and Canadians. Avoid khaki shorts and white sneakers that scream “tourist,” which can also be a safety hazard in cities where pickpockets target people who look like oblivious westerners.

Instead of dressing like you just left boy scout camp, think sophisticated European style. Obviously, if you’ll be spending most of your time on the beach and island hopping, you can relax the dress code quite a bit.

Keeping in mind which season you’ll be visiting in (and our overview of the weather in Turkey above), here’s what we suggest men wear in Turkey. Adjust the items and layers slightly to better match the season. 

4-5 everyday shirts:  Whether your go-to everyday shirt is a  t-shirt , a  polo shirt , or something with a bit more style, bring enough that you can go with only doing laundry twice a week. Make a few of these long sleeve shirts in early spring and in the autumn, but during summer long sleeves aren’t necessary. 

1-2 collared shirt:  Bring a nice collared shirt, like this  Oxford shirt , for a date night, if you decide to go to a performance, or even just to enjoy a bit of a fancier night on the town.

If you’re traveling single, this will also come in handy for going out, though you might want to make it something that can go from sightseeing to the club.

3-4 undershirts:  If you wear  undershirts , bring them. Expect to be doing laundry 1-2 times per week during your trip, so bring enough to cover half a week (plus you’ll be wearing one as well).

1-2 pairs of shorts:  Summer in Turkey can be brutally hot, and in this situation, you will be happy to have some shorts. Just avoid shorts that look overly touristy. We think something like these  jean shorts  would work. Again, avoiding khaki shorts with giant cargo pockets is for safety (but it’s also about fitting in). 

The cut and style of the shorts you choose will really make a difference in how Europeans perceive you, but remember that men in Europe rarely wear shorts. Therefore, all shorts are statement shorts (and the statement that you’re making, typically, is  rob me ).

Note that you generally cannot visit a mosque wearing shorts, so opt for long pants on those days.

2 pairs of jeans:  The sophisticated-yet-still-fun older brother of the jean short, this is what most tourists in Europe end up wearing to fit in yet still be comfortable – even in summer. While European men wear slacks or dress pants more than jeans, a crisp pair of jeans is almost always acceptable. While we always appreciate a good dad jean, for Europe think more of a relaxed fit like these  Levi’s . 

1 pair of wrinkle-free dress pants:  While you can wear ironed jeans out on a nice evening, you’ll probably feel more comfortable wearing a nicer pair of slacks. Get one with a wrinkle-free fabric  like these  so you don’t have to worry if your accommodations don’t have an iron handy. 

1 medium-weight jacket that can handle rain:  There can be some surprising weather sometimes even in the summer in Turkey, so bring a jacket that can handle rain and a bit of wind. We like this  Columbia rain jacket.

1-2 pairs of swim trunks:  This is dependant on your itinerary, but I think it’s always a good idea to bring something to swim in – even if you think you won’t need it. Whether you spend time on the beaches of the coast and islands or just want to enjoy the pool at your hotel, it’s nice to be able to relax a bit. 

Note that many older men will opt for the Speedo. This is one area where we do not recommend a North American tourist to try to fit in!

You can choose to show a bit of your personality in your swimwear, by going either super traditional like  these trunks  or something with a bit more flair, like these  pineapple swim trunks.

Travel Sandals:  If you’ll be in Turkey during the summer, sandals are a great idea, especially if you’ll be spending time walking around the cities. Consider a sports sandal like these  leather athletic sandals  or a pair of   Birkenstocks .

If you’re headed to the beach or even just a communal shower in a hostel or gym, you also need to pack a pair of  rubber flip-flops.

Comfortable Sneakers or Walking Shoes:  If you’ll be doing a lot of sightseeing (and most likely, you will be) bring a pair of functional shoes that can support your feet at the end of a long day. We suggest getting a pair of  Chuck Taylor’s  (avoid white pairs) or something like these  Sketchers . 

Boots:  If you’ll be doing a lot of hiking in Turkey, bring a pair of sturdy hiking boots like these  Keen Waterproof Hiking Boots.  If you’ll be walking around doing mostly normal sightseeing, opt for something like these  Timberlands  instead. 

Dress Shoes:  You don’t need something super fancy, but if you are planning to have a nice night on the town with your partner then you should bring a pair of shoes that will go with a slightly nicer outfit. For example, these  Oxford sneakers  will transition better from day-to-night than a typical sneaker will. 

Underwear & Socks

7-8 Pairs of Underwear:  While we expect you’ll be doing laundry once or twice a week, it’s nice to be able to go an entire week with clean underwear if you need to. If you want to invest in a few new pairs, get something like these  quick-dry boxer briefs  so that when you do hang your laundry to dry, they dry quickly. 

7-8 Pairs of Socks:  Only you know if you like your socks with a bit of flair or if you’re a socks-blend-in kind of guy. If you want no-show socks, get something like these  quick-drying ones . No one wants to put on socks that didn’t get completely dry before an entire day of sightseeing.

1-2 tee shirt and shorts for sleeping:  Whatever you sleep in, bring one or two. If you sleep naked, don’t book a room in a hostel dorm, please. (Yes, this has happened.) This  pajama set  will keep you from getting in trouble in any shared sleeping situation.  

Wrist Watch:  If you’re a watch guy, bring it. Unless it’s a super expensive watch or a family heirloom. In that case, leave it at home and use your cell phone to tell time. 

Any personal jewelry:  If you wear jewelry, bring it, especially if it’s an important item like your wedding ring. However, anything that’s a family heirloom or insanely valuable, leave at home.

1-2 Hats:  If you don’t feel dressed without a baseball cap or hat, bring one or two options. 

Use the packing list for spring, summer, and fall section above as a guide, but with the following additions and substitutions. 

A Winter Coat:  Upgrade the rain jacket to a real winter coat. Remember that when you’re traveling somewhere new, you will spend significantly more of your day outside than if you are working or living somewhere. We suggest something like this  North Face Parka  which will last for decades.

1-2 Wool Baselayers:  The key to dressing for winter in Turkey is layers. You want to be able to get warmer when needed, and then be able to remove the layers if the weather changes or you go into a building that’s way overheated. Adding a  wool base layer  under your shirt is a great way to get some extra warmth in that will breathe

Long Underwear:  You can make your jeans sightseeing-in-winter ready by pairing them with some  long underwear. 

1-2 Sweaters:  Another great way to add in an extra layer is to wear a light sweater over your shirt, giving you a bit more warmth with an option to still put your coat on if you need even more. We like these  v-neck pullover sweaters.

Waterproof Leather Boots:  Upgrade your boots to the waterproof variety, like these  Timberlands . Trust us, nothing is worth than walking eight miles sightseeing on cobblestone streets in waterlogged shoes.

Waterproof Sneakers:  If you still want to spend your days in sneakers, get a waterproof pair like these  Columbia Waterproof hiking boots.

Snow Boots (optional):  While not really necessary for most of Turkey, if you’ll be visiting a ski resort like Sarıkamış or Kartepe, you’ll probably want some snow boots. We like  these from Sorel.

7-8 pairs of wool socks:  Upgrade you regular socks to warm,  wool socks  to keep your toes toasty warm even when it’s freezing out. 

Flannel Pajamas:  Upgrade your t-shirt and shorts to  flannel pajamas . This is especially important if you’ll be staying in hostels or hotels in historic buildings. 

Winter Scarf:  Add a  thick cable knit scarf  or  cashmere scarf  to keep the wind out. 

Waterproof Touch-Screen Gloves:  You probably know that you’re going to want gloves, but there are a few finer points to consider. You’ll want waterproof gloves in case it’s snowing, and touchscreen capabilities so that you can continue to take photos and navigate with your cell phone. Check out this affordable pair from  Finger Ten.

Fleece-Lined Knit Hat:  Don’t waste your time bringing any winter beanie. Get one that’s lined with fleece to keep as much of your warmth as possible. We like this one from  LETHMIK . 

Toiletries 

While you can obviously pick up a lot of this once you’re here, we don’t like spending a ton of time on errands once we are in Turkey. Instead, we like to actually spend our time exploring!

Keep in mind if you’ll be staying in smaller towns or villages, you may not have quick access to a store after hours.

Toiletries for Women

We’ve outlined everything we typically bring. Note that we usually bring travel-size versions so this doesn’t take up much room in our backpacks.

Hair Care & Bathing

Shampoo & conditioner:  I love shampoo bars personally since I try to pack carry-on only and reduce my plastic consumption. I like the ones from LUSH as well as  these ones from Amazon .

Dry shampoo : We all have those days when showering is hard – dry shampoo will perk up any oily locks.

Brush or comb : Whatever you use – I like this  small travel-sized one .

Hair ties:  If you have long hair, you’ll likely want some  hair ties .

Hairdryer & straightener : Optional, but if you do your hair at home, you’ll probably want this when you travel as well. If you’re coming from outside of Europe, you’ll want dual voltage.

GoToobs : For your favorite shampoo/conditioner or body wash/lotion from home, I love these squeezy silicon  GoToobs .

Body wash and lotion:  Either full-size or in carry-on-sized containers like above.

Moisturizer:  Travel will beat your skin up. If you use moisturizer at home, bring it. If you’ve never used  moisturizer  before, you really should start. You’ll be happy to give your face a boost before heading outside all day. 

Facewash:  For washing all the dirt, dust, smog, sweat, and other travel-related impurities off your face at the end of the day. Make sure you bring a travel-sized version, like this travel  Clean & Clear.  

Tweezers:  For emergency chin hair situations and unibrows and the like – you know what I mean. Turkish women always have flawless eyebrows, so keep up. I always carry  tweezers like these .

Sunscreen:  You can buy sunscreen here, but it’s likely cheaper at home or bought  online  in advance. I love this  solid Neutrogena sunscreen . Who doesn’t love a good solid for liquid swap? Great to keep in your bag without worrying about sunscreen explosions

Razor & refills:  It’s not always easy to find your brand on the road. I use Venus and I can’t always find it every place I shop, so I’d suggest bringing from home. Here are the  razor  +  refill cartridges .

Anti-chafe balm:  If you have thick thighs and are traveling in summer,  this stuff  works miracles!  Vaseline  also works great.

Foundation:  I love this  Benefit Oxygen foundation  because it doesn’t make me break out and it’s very lightweight coverage with a bit of SPF.

Mascara : I love  Urban Decay , but YMMV.

Blush:  I prefer creme/gel to powder to avoid breakage and subsequent messes– I suggest this awesome  Tarte cheek stain .

Red matte lip stain:  Red lipstick is our ultimate travel hack. I use the  matte lip stain from Sephora  and it works a dream and lasts for ages.

Concealer:  I swear by  Make-up For Ever concealer  – it’s the best I’ve ever used, and I used to struggle with serious acne.

Dental care

Toothbrush : I have a  small folding toothbrush  and I love it for travel, as I always break or lose the clip-on caps.

Toothpaste:  Whatever you use at home will do! Steph’s mother, who’s a dental hygienist, keeps her stocked with travel-sized tubes of  Sensodyne . 

Floss:  Because your mother will know if you don’t use  floss . (Or at least Steph’s will). 

Sunglasses : Either prescription or regular, depending on needs

Reading glasses:  If needed.

Glasses : If needed. If you have a back-up pair, it’s nice to have two in case one pair breaks. (Or be able to switch between a pair of glasses and contacts).

Hard Glasses Case:  If you bring glasses or sunglasses, have a hard-shell case  like this one  to keep them safe when you’re not wearing them. Travel can beat up your glasses if you don’t store them properly. Remember that if you have very large or wide glasses, you might need a larger case. 

Contacts & saline solution:  If needed. Note that saline solution is considered a medical supply and you are allowed to bring more than 100 ml in a carry-on. Make sure that your contact case has screw tops  like this one  and is not the kind that just snaps shut. Otherwise, you might find yourself with lost contacts. 

Note that if you typically wear contacts, it’s a good idea to bring a backup pair of glasses in case you hurt your eyes. This happened to me on a trip to NYC once, and I had to wear my prescription sunglasses all weekend since I couldn’t get my contacts in my eyes (and forgot my glasses). 

If you’re flying transatlantic, keep your glasses in your carryon. Long flights tend to dry out your eyes, and you’ll be happy to have the option to switch to glasses if the need arises. 

Personal Care

Whatever you need for your period:  I personally prefer a  Diva Cup  as it’s reusable, eco-friendly, comfortable, and can be worn for up to 12 hours at a time. Others may prefer tampons or pads. Tampons can be harder to find in Turkey than in other countries, especially outside of Istanbul, so stock up if that’s your preference.

Condoms and/or other birth control methods:  If you may have a little… romance in Turkey, bring your own birth control methods, whether that’s condoms, birth control pills, or something else.

Toiletries for Men

While we know that men and women travel with many of the same toiletries, there are typically (though not always) a few differences. 

Shampoo & Conditioner:  While some guys don’t mind using whatever shampoo comes with the hotel, we know that many of you guys are way more particular than that. If you have a shampoo preference that’s very specific, bring it with you. 

If you want to minimize your plastic use, pick up a shampoo bar like the ones at LUSH or  these ones from Amazon . 

Also, it’s possible that your accommodations won’t provide shampoo and conditioner. Check ahead. Worst case scenario, you can pick some up in Turkey.

Brush or Comb:  I like traveling with a  travel hairbrush , but if you prefer combs then I wouldn’t worry about getting a smaller version since it will lay flat in your bag.

Hair Accessories:  If you have a particular hairstyle that needs accessories, bring a few. 

Hair Products:  If there’s a hair product that you use every day, bring it. Keep in mind airline carryon restrictions for liquids. 

GoToobs : For your favorite shampoo/conditioner or body wash/lotion from home pick up some  GoToobs .

Moisturizer:  Travel will beat your skin up. If you use a moisturizer at home, bring it. If you’ve never used  a moisturizer  before, you really should start. You’ll be happy to give your face a boost before heading outside all day. 

Tweezers:  For emergency splinters, etc. I always carry  tweezers like these .

Sunscreen:  You can buy sunscreen here in Turkey, but I suggest you buy the good stuff from recognizable brands or better yet, buy it  online  in advance. I love this  solid Neutrogena sunscreen . Who doesn’t love a good solid for liquid swap? Great to keep in your bag without worrying about sunscreen explosions (which once happened to me all over my DJI Osmo while waiting in line for the Hagia Sofia…) or carry-on allowances.

Razor & refills:  We know that the type of razor you use is very particular. If you use an electronic razor and live in North America, keep in mind that the voltage in Europe will fry your razor.

We suggest bringing a good handheld razor instead, like the  Gillette Fusion5 and a few extra razor blades .

If you prefer to get a shave with a straight razor at a barbershop, you will be able to find barbers in all major Turkish cities. However, we can’t vouch for language barriers, since these kinds of shops rarely get tourists. 

Anti-chafe balm:  If you tend to chafe when you get sweaty,  this stuff  works miracles!  Vaseline also works great. Keep in mind that you will be walking in the heat for long periods of time in summer, so if you’ve ever chafed it’s better to be safe than ruin your vacation.

Toothbrush : This  small folding toothbrush  will keep your teeth clean and your bag light.

Note that if you typically wear contacts, it’s a good idea to bring a backup pair of glasses in case you hurt your eyes.

If you’re flying long haul, keep your glasses in your carryon. Long flights tend to dry out your eyes, and you’ll be happy to have the option to switch to glasses if the need arises. 

It’s important to plan ahead for your personal needs before you leave for your trip. This means packing condoms or the preferred birth control methods of you and your partner. If you don’t have a partner traveling with you, but hope to meet one once you’re here, bring condoms from home. The brands here can be different than what you’re used to.

You also want to think about any sex-related prescription drugs you use at home. If you use Viagra at home, bring it with you (but also bring proof that you have a prescription). 

Miscellaneous Items to Pack for Turkey

Reusable water bottle with filter:  While you can drink the tap water in most of Turkey, some smaller towns and islands may not have drinkable tap water. Always ask a local before you try it. Many will say that they don’t like the taste and prefer to drink bottled water. You can purify any water using a filter water bottle like the  GRAYL . If you’re sticking to big cities, a regular reusable bottle will do just fine.  This one  is cool because it’s collapsible!

Mini bathroom kit : For poorly stocked bathrooms at bus stops or public restrooms, you’ll be happy you have this! I carry a small  hand sanitizer  and these  wet wipes .

Travel umbrella : Rain is not always predictable in Turkey – have a  small travel umbrella  stashed away for unexpected showers.

Hiking boots (optional):  If you plan to come to Turkey to hike, such as in Cappadocia, you’ll definitely want your hiking boots! I recommend these  Ahnu hiking boots  for women, and these  Keen boots  for men.

Trekking poles (optional):  Not needed, but if you like them, you’ll want to bring them. I recommend these  travel-friendly poles .

What to Put in Your Medicine Kit

Pepto-Bismol : This is my favorite medicine for when I have stomach trouble as it’s not as harsh on your stomach as Imodium, but they don’t sell it in most of Europe (I’ve learned this over and over again the hard way).  Bring some from home  – I always stock up.

Imodium:  In case of any stomach emergencies (read: diarrhea before a long bus or flight), Imodium is a good option.  Bring some from home .

Painkillers:   Aleve  works better for me, but YMMV. I also bring some  Excedrin Migraine  as I’m prone to migraines. 

Pedialyte hydration packs:  Perfect after drunken shenanigans, long hikes, or just plain dehydration because you suck at adulting. Made for kids, but it works just as well for hungover adults. I buy  these ones .

Bandaids:  For blisters, small cuts, breaking in shoes, etc.,  bandaids  are always handy to have.

Tiger balm:  I discovered this is Southeast Asia and left obsessed. It’s great for aftercare for bug bites, nursing headaches, rubbing on aching muscles, and basically anything. You likely won’t find it in Turkey, so  buy it online .

Mosquito repellent:  You can bring ones  with DEET  or  without DEET , or I love having some of these  mosquito repellent wipes  that I can keep in my bag in case I suddenly start to get swarmed and don’t have my regular repellent with me.

Motion sickness pills:  Great for bus rides – I buy these  non-drowsy ones . You can also try these  natural motion sickness bands  which use acupressure to reduce nausea – they actually work pretty well.

Technology & Accessories

Camera, lenses, and chargers:  I use a  Sony A6000  with a kit lens and the 18-105mm f4 lens, which is a good starter camera that is lightweight but not quite professional caliber. Steph uses a  Nikon D810  which is better but more expensive and bulkier. If you want a smaller camera for video or adventurous travel, a  GoPro  would be perfect.

Smartphones:  Then again, more and more often, we find ourselves taking photos with our smartphones and leaving our bulky cameras in our bags. I use an  iPhone X  and Steph uses a  Samsung Galaxy.

Kindle:  We love having our  Kindles  with us when we travel, especially in places like Turkey where the selection of English-language books is often small (or non-existent). Keep yours safe in a cover. I use one like  this one.

Laptop and charger:  We both use Macs as our travel and work laptop, but if you just want a cheap laptop for travel, a  Chromebook  is a good choice.

Extras for Hostels 

Sleep mask:  Any will do, but for the year or so that I spent living out of hostels, I loved my  contoured sleep mask !

Hearos ear plugs:  I tested many earplugs when I traveled around the world staying in hostels –  Hearos  are the clear winners.

Mini combo locks:  Most hostels will have lockers for you to use, but most do not come with their own locks. I prefer  mini combo locks  to locks with a key as it’s harder to forget your combination than to lose your key.

Travel towel:  Great for hostels where you may have to rent a towel, but we also just recommend  this towel  in general as it’s awesome.

What to Pack for Studying Abroad, Working Abroad, or Homestays

If you’re coming to Turkey for any of the above reasons, we suggest bringing a small gift from your home city or country (something that you wouldn’t get anywhere else). Small tokens do the trick. Your gifts don’t need to be extravagant. It’s the thought that counts! 

Give these out to teachers, administrators, hosts, new friends, and anyone else you think will appreciate a little taste of your home.

For work abroad, bring enough to give to administrators, your higher-ups, and any coworkers. 

For homestays, bring something a bit larger, but you only need one for your host family. So instead of little pins, you might bring a nice snowglobe or a box of candy or local jam. 

Important Documentation

Make sure you remember to bring these important documents with you when you come to Turkey!

Your Passport  is the most important piece of documentation that you need (they probably won’t let you on the plane without it)! However, just having your passport tucked into your travel wallet isn’t good enough. You need to make copies before you leave.

Scan your passport and email it to yourself. Then print out three hard copies. Hide one in your luggage, one in your day bag, and give one to your emergency contact at home. (You can also email it to this person). 

If you make sure you always have access to a copy of your passport, even in cases where everything is stolen or you don’t have access to the internet, you’ll be able to get an emergency one made if your passport is lost or stolen (or damaged). 

A Passport Holder  to protect your precious passport. Did you know that you can be denied boarding on your flight if your passport has visible damage? I’ve seen it happen, and it doesn’t matter how much you scream at the poor airline employee, they aren’t going to change their mind.

If you’ve taken our advice and will be using a travel wallet during your trip, then keep your passport safe in the passport pocket during your trip. 

If you will be doing a lot of water activities like island hopping, catamaran cruises, and beach days, then you might want to pick up a  waterproof passport holder  to make absolutely sure your passport doesn’t get ruined during your trip.

Your Travel Insurance Policy Information   in case you need to make a claim during your trip. I like to use the same system as I do with my passport – three hard copies and a soft copy. Make sure your emergency contact has a copy of your insurance policy information as well. In certain (unpleasant) situations, they will need to file the claim on your behalf.

>>  Get a travel insurance quote for your trip here  <<

Driver’s License  for renting a car or driving in Turkey. While you’ll still need to bring your passport with you to pick up your rental car, a driver’s license is required if you actually want to be allowed to drive the thing. This also works as an ID when you don’t want to take your passport somewhere. You may need an international driving permit for Turkey, so do the research on this ahead of time.

Credit Card & ATM Card Information  in case your cards are lost or stolen. I use the same soft and hard copy system for my cards as I do for my passport and travel insurance information, with one major exception. I don’t send or leave a copy with anyone. 

For your copies, make scans of both the front and back so you have every number you need (including the phone number to call from overseas). 

Student ID or Senior ID  so that you can utilize any available discounts. Some museums and heritage sites have discounts for students and seniors (and it never hurts to ask if one is available).

Tour Confirmations  for any pre-booked activities in case you can’t get internet access for check-in. Where required, you should have printouts of your confirmation, but other companies will allow you to use an electronic ticket or even their app.

This is one reason we book our own activities through  GetYourGuide  -because you can easily organize all your booked tours in their app. 

Accommodation Confirmation  for every place you’re staying. While you can reasonably expect to be able to check-in without producing a copy of your confirmation, bring it anyway in case of an emergency like they’ve lost your reservation or you can’t remember the name of your hotel to give to your taxi driver. That way, you also don’t have to hand over your smartphone to your taxi driver, which can lead to uncomfortable situations at times, especially if you’re a solo woman traveler.

Another reason to make sure you have your hotel information is to make sure that the charges align with what you’ve booked. I’ve been in a situation where I was charged more and had additional fees that were not in my original contract. 

That’s one reason I prefer to use  Booking.com  to book my rooms. They have pretty flexible cancellation policies and I have a number to call for customer service in case there’s a problem. 

Transportation Information  for your flights, buses, trains, and car rentals. I use the app TripIt (see the App section) to organize these things, but you’ll also want to save the emails and print out any tickets or boarding passes before you leave. 

You’ll also want to have the instructions for using ground transportation to your first accommodations, especially if you won’t have data or will be arriving after dark.

Apps to Download Before Your Trip

Here are the apps you want to download on your phone before you leave home. 

Uber  for taxis in Istanbul. In other places, you’ll want to ask locals about a reputable company and call ahead to register a ride to avoid any taxi scams. iTaksi is another alternative in Istanbul.

Google Translate  so that you can easily get out of any jams caused by language barriers. You can even use the photo setting to translate menus and signs (provided you have wifi access or a data plan).

Google Maps  for navigating while on the road, especially for walking in cities and driving on roads. You can even download the maps for the cities you’ll be visiting before your trip so that they are available to you offline.

Moovit  for using public transportation since the times are routes are more reliable in the Balkans than Google Maps.

Skype  so that you have a way to make phone calls on the road. This will come in handy if you need to call your bank if something happens to your credit cards. 

Facebook Messenger  for staying connected with family back home for free. Alternatively, you can use  Whatsapp  or  Viber . Some tour companies (especially small ones) will use Whatsapp or Viber to communicate logistics as well.

Instagram  because you know you want to post the gorgeous Instagram pics you’ll take in Turkey. We also love using Instagram for trip inspiration when in new places.

Adobe Lightroom Mobile  for editing your travel photos on the road. While Adobe for Desktop is a paid service, the mobile version for your phone is free.

iTunes, Podcast Addict, or other Podcatcher  if you like listening to podcasts on your trip. 

Dropbox Mobile  for backing up cell phone photos as you travel. This is important in case your cell phone gets lost, broken, or stolen. I like to back mine up at night over wifi (don’t back up over cell data unless you have unlimited data). If you use an iPhone, double-check that iCloud is backing up your photos, otherwise get Dropbox or another third party app.

Your Airline App  if you’re flying in or out of Turkey so that you can utilize mobile check-in and avoid having to print your boarding cards. 

Tour Company Apps  for any pre-booked activities. We book our tours on  GetYourGuide  and then use their app to keep the confirmations and itineraries organized. 

TripIt  for organizing flights, hotel accommodations, and tickets. I really don’t understand how anyone gets around without it!

More Turkey Travel Resources

Headed to Turkey? We have some great travel resources to help you with your trip.

If this will be your first time  traveling to Turkey , check out this guide to  planning a trip to Turkey (including visa information)  and this guide  beautiful places to visit in Turkey . You can also check out our  Balkan currency guide , which explains how the Turkish lira works and guidelines for tipping in Istanbul.

If you’re heading to Istanbul, we have you covered.  Start with our  essential Istanbul Travel Tips  and guide to  staying safe in Istanbul

We’re working on our massive  things to do in Istanbul  post, plus you can check out our  guide to the best Instagram spots around Istanbul,  tips for  shopping in Istanbul , the best  Turkish food  to eat, how to plan an  Istanbul honeymoon , and  what to do in Istanbul at night.

If you will be visiting in winter, we have a special  winter in Istanbul  guide plus an overview of  Istanbul weather in January.

If you want to be in the city for just a few days (four or less), check out our  Istanbul city break guide , which breaks down the best of the city so you won’t miss anything!

Headed to Cappadocia?  If you’re curious about the most  Instagrammable places in Cappadocia , we’ve got you covered. We also have posts on the  best things to do in Cappadocia , and how to plan a perfect  3 day Cappadocia itinerary , plus  how to get to Cappadocia from Istanbul.

We have tons more Turkey and Balkans resources, and we publish new content nearly daily. Bookmark our  Turkey  and  Balkans  travel pages so you can find any new resources that come out before your trip!

Don’t Forget About Travel Insurance!

I’m sure you’re aware that travel insurance is a good idea for traveling in Turkey (or really, any part of the world)! Steph and I have both been paying customers of  World Nomads  for the last three years. We love the peace of mind it gives us in case of emergencies, accidents, illnesses, theft, or trip cancellation or disruption.

While Turkey is safe to travel around, there’s always a risk inherent in everyday travel, so it’s better to play it safe.

Originally from California, Allison has been living in Bulgaria for the last two years and is obsessed with traveling around the Balkans. She has been published in National Geographic, CNN Arabic, Matador Network, and the Huffington Post. She loves befriending dogs, drinking coffee, geeking out about wine, and cooking food from around the world.

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This has been extremely helpful! Specially the airline app thing. Never knew something of that sort existed! Thankyou 👌

Enjoy your trip! We are jealous you get to be in Turkey!

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25 Top Turkey Packing List Items for 2024 + What to Wear & NOT to Bring

Turkey is renowned as a destination where “East meets West,” due to its unique position between Europe and Asia. Home to the legendary city of Troy, Turkey has historic cultural ties to the ancient Greek, Persian, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires.

The metropolitan city of Istanbul perfectly blends remnants of the past with the modern world. On your trip, you will likely be tempted to spend the majority of your time there, but don’t forget to visit the Turkish countryside as well, which is filled with treasures to explore.

Check out this comprehensive Turkey Packing List, which will also touch on what to wear in Turkey,  what NOT to bring, and other FAQs.

What to Pack for Turkey - 25 Essentials

1. universal power adapter.

Make sure you bring a power outlet adapter that you can use while in Turkey. Turkey operates on 220 volts (50 Hz) with round-prong European-style plugs that fit into recessed wall sockets. In four and five-star hotels you will often find North American-style 120-volt (60Hz) sockets but it’s best to buy an adapter prior to traveling. Be sure to avoid using high-voltage electronics while in Turkey.

View on Amazon.com ➜

Every traveler needs a great daypack. This pack is lightweight and secure, with separate pockets to keep you organized and help you to easily access whatever you need. Whether you’re exploring the bazaars of Istanbul or hiking through the Turkish countryside, this Osprey daypack is perfect for carrying all the essentials throughout your adventure.

3. Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Turkey is one of the top-ranking countries for internet censorship, particularly on social media. In fact, it’s ranked as “Not Free” by Freedom House’s Index . The Turkish government regularly blocks popular sites like YouTube, Twitter (X), Facebook (Meta), Wikipedia, and more. Because of this, a VPN is crucial to online freedom.

Another main perk of using a VPN while abroad is to secure your network from hackers. Especially if you plan to connect to the internet in public places such as hotels, cafes, and airports – a strong VPN provides an added layer of security so that all your sensitive data (including passwords and credit card information) are protected from being stolen.

You don’t want your credit card number or banking logins stolen like we experienced at our Airbnb in Paris. We quickly learned that nowhere is safe! Our preferred provider is NordVPN for domestic and international use because their service is reliable, affordable, and comes with unlimited bandwidth for faster streaming.

View NordVPN.com Options ➜

4. Packing Cubes

Packing cubes will change your whole packing game. Prepare to be more organized than ever with these color-coded cubes. Don’t be the guy at the airport digging through your bag frantically, trying to locate one specific item. With the built-in card holder, you can write down and see exactly what’s inside each cube to make finding and accessing your belongings easier than ever. It even has two bonus laundry bags to separate your clean and dirty items.

5. Activated Charcoal

Turkish food is renowned throughout the world for being some of the best, and there’s no doubt you’ll want to try all the delicious-smelling street food. That said, your body may not be used to the different germs and ingredients you’ll experience in Turkey, and activated charcoal will help to absorb and quickly expel the toxins in your system to keep you on your feet and out of the bathroom!

6. Travel Insurance for Turkey

You never think you’ll need travel insurance – until you do. Though it’s not fun to think about, traveling has its risks and you’ll want to make sure you’re covered in case of emergency. Travel insurance covers common issues when traveling (including baggage loss, theft, flight cancellation, entire trip cancelation, and medical emergencies). Your domestic provider does not cover you outside of the country , so paying out-of-pocket for international medical bills could cost a fortune and is completely avoidable.

Protect yourself with Faye . They are the best travel insurance company we’ve ever worked with and their claims process is a piece of cake. Everything is handled through their mobile app, and we were reimbursed when we needed it most (instead of filling out paperwork for months and waiting around like with most providers). It’s one of the cheapest parts of your trip and it will pay for itself if anything comes up.

Get a quote in less than 60 seconds with Faye ➜

7. Neck Wallet

Though Turkey is a relatively safe country, in the larger cities, particularly Istanbul, it’s wise to protect yourself against petty theft. Wear this neck wallet under your clothes to keep all your valuables secure and out of reach from pickpockets. We recommend this one in particular as it’s large enough to hold your cell phone, wallet, passport, credit cards, keys, etc., and has separate pockets to help keep you organized.

Available on  HeroTravelSupply.com  with an exclusive 15% discount using the coupon code  “HERO” .

Or view on Amazon.com ➜

8. Lightweight Jacket

A good jacket makes all the difference while traveling. Whether you need an extra layer on a chilly summer night or you want to bundle up in the winter, you can never go wrong packing a lightweight jacket. We like this one by Columbia because it’s wind and water-resistant while remaining simple and stylish. It’s made by an outdoor brand that is built to last!

9. Jet Lag Relief

The journey to Turkey can be a long one! Typically 10-15 hours from the U.S., and that’s WITH a non-stop flight. Use jet lag relief to naturally fight the daunting time changes and layovers. This one is very gentle on the system, but we notice a difference when traveling without them! Now we never leave them at home for a trip.

10. Packable “Just in Case” Bag

The shopping in Turkey is in a league of its own. You’ll absolutely need that extra bag (that we all wish we had packed), so you can bring back souvenirs and gifts for your loved ones. This “just in case” bag answers that ongoing dilemma for travelers, elegantly solving it since this bag counts as your personal item on the flight home (avoiding any carry-on fees).

Be sure to check out local Turkish goods like tea, coffee, spices, jewelry, Nazar amulets, leather goods, and Turkish delights!

11. Luggage Locks

Luggage locks are a must for keeping your belongings safe from theft while you’re in Turkey. Plus, they give you peace of mind since you won’t constantly be worrying about someone getting into your bags. This set of two TSA-approved locks is perfect for checked bags, carry-ons, day bags, and lockers. They’re durable and come with a lifetime guarantee.

12. Comfortable Flats

Istanbul is a very fashionable Europeanized city, so it’s a good idea to bring a pair of versatile, stylish flats that can be worn with multiple outfits. You’ll surely be doing a lot of walking and sightseeing, so you’ll need flats like these that are supportive, comfortable, and go great with any outfit.

13. Quick-Dry Travel Towel

A quick-dry towel is an absolute essential when traveling. It’s light, easy to pack, and portable, making it the most convenient and useful item on your packing list. This is an item that can help you avoid towel rental fees at hostels, is perfect for a spontaneous swim, and is convenient to bring to Turkish bathhouses.

14. Lipstick-Sized Portable Charger

A small, portable charger can be an absolute lifesaver when traveling. Small enough to fit conveniently into your daypack or purse, you can charge your devices on the go. You’ll be immeasurably happy to have this if the smartphone you’re using for photos and navigation runs out of battery at an inconvenient time.

15. Filtered Water Bottle

In larger cities, the tap water of Turkey is safe to drink. But in rural or less developed areas, or out exploring during excursions – you can never be sure what access you’ll have to clean water. We bring a Brita filtered water bottle with us on all vacations. It noticeably improves the taste of water and will give you some autonomy to fill up at fountains and public areas as you explore. If you want a top-tier option, the Grayl is the best investment for your health.

16. Cooling Towel

Popular destinations in Turkey like Istanbul and Cappadocia get quite HOT! But don’t let the heat hold you back from getting out and exploring. We never go on an adventure without cooling towels. They are compact and will fit in any day bag and provide instant relief from the heat. All you do is wet the towel, wring out excess water, and it instantly becomes 20-30 degrees cooler than the air temperature. I don’t dare brave the heat without one.

17. Gorgeous Outfit

Be sure to bring at least one nice outfit for exploring Istanbul by night. The city is well known for its upscale nightlife and club scene, so you’ll want to dress to impress. For women, this gorgeous jumpsuit is perfect for a night out on the town. It looks great on a wide variety of body types, doesn’t wrinkle easily, and is an amazing piece for the price!

18. Discounted Tickets for Turkey Attractions

Turkey is a playground for all ages and you can build out an incredible itinerary here! Some of our favorite things to do were hot air balloon over Cappadocia and float down the Bosphorus on a dinner cruise.

There is also amazing history to discover in Turkey, like the largest place of worship, the Hagia Sophia . Or the ancient Basilica Cistern . If you want to see the Mediteranean beauty – explore Suluada Island and the waterfalls of Alanya .

We use Get Your Guide because they are a flexible booking platform with reputable tour guides. You can book discounted excursions and cancel at any time before your tour.

See all Turkish attractions at GetYourGuide.com ➜

19. Wide Brim Hat

Both cute and practical, a wide-brim hat is not only a fashionable accessory, but it can help to shield your face from the sun, which is essential in Turkey (especially during summer). This one comes in several colors and adds a vibrant accent to any trendy outfit.

20. Long Skirt

If you plan to enter mosques or holy sites while visiting Turkey, come prepared with a long skirt. Many of these beautiful and historical sites will require women to be dressed conservatively, meaning knees and shoulders are covered. It can get quite hot in Turkey, so you’ll want to bring something lightweight and breezy to help keep you cool.

21. Swimsuit

You will definitely want to bring a swimsuit with you to Turkey! Depending on the time of year you travel, you will most likely frequent one of the many beaches or hammams (bathhouses). Many luxury hotels have indoor swimming pools and spas as well. At the beach, anything goes in Turkey, so feel free to wear whatever swimsuit you feel the most comfortable in.

22. Windproof Travel Umbrella

Be prepared, rain or shine, with a good travel umbrella. This lightweight umbrella is my absolute favorite. I recommend it to all of my friends who travel. Thanks to the fiberglass ribs and the waterproof coating, it’s made to withstand the elements. It’s compact but can fit two people underneath, and I love the hard travel case it comes with.

23. Pashmina Shawl/Scarf

When in Turkey, you absolutely must have a pashmina shawl or scarf as part of your daily wardrobe. Pashmina scarves are not only great accessories but are very useful as well! When visiting mosques in Turkey, you will be required to cover your head. And in most churches, it’s respectful to cover bare shoulders. Besides serving as a modesty wrap, it is also useful for layering. You can use it for added warmth on a boat ride down the Bosphorus!

24. Hanging Toiletry Bag

If you’re staying in a boutique hotel or hostel, countertop space can be limited. Even in luxurious accommodations, you don’t want to throw your toiletries all over the counter in chaos. This is why we use a hanging toiletry bag to create a built-in shelf no matter where we go. It has 4 giant pockets that hold all of our skincare, haircare, and personal hygiene items, plus my wife’s skincare and some small face washcloths. It’s a great way to consolidate all liquid items and keep them in an organized place.

25. Sunglasses

No matter what time of year you’re visiting Turkey, it’s a good idea to bring a pair of sunglasses with you. Even during the rainy season, the sun will often come out – and you’ll want to be prepared with a stylish pair of glasses. Be sure you’re protected when visiting the beach or cruising around the Black Sea.

Other Turkey Packing List Items

• Luggage locks
• Noise canceling headphones
• Compression flight socks
• Windproof umbrella
• Electrolytes
• Travel toilet paper
• TSA approved travel-sized bottles
• Steripod toothbrush cover
• Protein bars
• Tennis shoes
• Travel size first aid kit
• Mosquito wristbands
• Travel neck pillow
• Travel sheet
• Travel-sized contact solution
• Hanging toiletry case
• Lip balm with SPF
• Dry shampoo
• Hand sanitizer
• Sanitizing wipes
• Deodorant wipes
• Separate small change purse
• Dramamine non-drowsy
• Motion sickness patches
• Hiking boots
• Makeup remover cleansing wipes
• ATM or credit card with no international fees
• Hard copies of vital documents
• Over the counter medications
• Passport photos

What to Wear in Turkey

For the most part, Turkey is considered to be a secular country where you can wear what you like. An equal mix of liberal and conservative, styles depend on whether you’re in the city or in more rural areas. Turks in the big cities are very fashion forward. Istanbul’s street style reflects the latest trends as well as its cultural past and present.

Turkish women are very fashionable and Istanbul is a city where you will want to look your best. Istanbul is the perfect blend of ancient and modern and the style is very much a reflection of Turkey’s rich history as well as the latest European trends. Women will need to cover their head, chest, shoulders, and knees when entering mosques or holy sites, which is in line with the local customs. Many mosques will have scarves on site for visitors to borrow, though bringing your own is always a good idea. What should MEN wear in Turkey? – (Click to expand) Below is a sample men’s clothing list. (All items link to Amazon.com for your convenience).

Packing for the Seasons in Turkey

Turkey has a Mediterranean climate and experiences all four seasons. The weather varies from hot and dry during the summer to cold and rainy in the winter. It’s typically warmer along the coasts and cooler at higher elevations, where there is often snow. Be prepared for rain when visiting Turkey and don’t forget to bring your reliable windproof umbrella.

WINTER – December, January, February

SPRING – March, April, May

As Turkey is so large and far-reaching, the climate throughout the country is quite diverse. Spring is the start of Turkey’s tourism season, and the weather throughout the country is moderate with longer days. Depending on where you are, you may experience cold, rainy days and chilly evenings so be sure to bring plenty of lightweight clothes for layering.

SUMMER – June, July, August

FALL – September, October, November

Fall is an ideal season to visit Turkey as weather throughout the country remains mostly mild and pleasant for exploring outdoors. Days are shorter and rain typically begins starting in October. Be prepared for cooler temperatures in the north of the country, especially at night.

Beaches – As Turkey is a largely secular country, bikinis and western-style swimsuits are the norm when visiting the beach. Flip flops, tank tops, and shorts are worn by both men and women at the beautiful beaches throughout the country.

Religious Sites – Religious sites such as mosques, churches, and synagogues will require that women dress modestly upon entering. This means avoiding tight-fitting clothing and covering the shoulders, chest, and knees. At mosques and holy Muslim sites, women will likely be required to cover their heads, so be prepared with your own shawl or scarf if there isn’t one provided.

Hammam – A Hammam is a traditional Turkish bathhouse, and these are quite popular throughout the country. It is common for tourists to wear swimsuits or underwear into the Hammam but be aware that locals likely won’t be wearing anything, as is the traditional custom.

What NOT to Bring to Turkey

1. don’t pack expensive jewelry or valuables.

Leave any expensive jewelry or valuables at home when visiting Turkey, as flashy or expensive items will call unnecessary attention to you as a tourist. This will also help you avoid becoming a target for pickpockets and petty crime, particularly in Istanbul.

2. DON’T BRING items you can buy at the supermarket

Avoid bringing heavy or bulky items that can be purchased cheaply upon arrival, such as soap and generic toiletries. Many everyday items can be found at the local supermarket in Turkey so do your research ahead of time as to which stores will be available in the area you’re staying in and save yourself some luggage space!

3. DON’T TAKE bulky luggage

Be sure to bring a lightweight and not overly-bulky suitcase or backpack when visiting Turkey. Particularly if you plan to move around from place to place, you’ll want to make sure your luggage is easily transferrable on the cobblestoned streets.

4. DON’T PACK too many clothes

This cannot be said enough! Many people end up overpacking for their trips and bring items that never see the light of day. Challenge yourself to pack light and be strategic about what you bring. You’ll be glad for that extra space in your suitcase after you’ve been shopping at the bazaar!

FAQs About Traveling in Turkey

1. what language is spoken in turkey.

The official language of Turkey is Turkish. The language was originally written in the Perso-Arabic script used by the Ottomans but in the 1920s in an attempt to modernize the country, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk issued a decree that the Turkish language was to be changed to the Latin alphabet which is used to this day. English is also widely spoken in Istanbul.

2. Can you flush toilet paper in Turkey?

Most hotels will have sit-down toilets, though hole-in-the-ground toilets are common also. Toilet paper is often unavailable, especially on the train, so it is a good idea to bring some with you! In most bathrooms, you can flush paper down the toilet but in parts of Istanbul’s old city, flushing paper down the toilet could cause flooding, in which case you must dispose of paper in a bin. There are often signs in bathrooms that will advise you on the policy. Some bathrooms charge a fee to enter so it’s good to keep some small coins on you as well.

3. Is Turkey a part of the European Union?

No, currently Turkey is not a part of the EU but has been increasing its efforts for many years to gain membership. Since it is not a member it does not use the Euro as its primary currency but instead uses the Turkish Lira. However, as Turkey is closely linked with Europe, Euros are accepted by many vendors.

4. Is tipping required in Turkey?

Restaurants:  As a rule, it is expected that you tip 5-10% in restaurants. If you are in a fine dining establishment opt for the higher 10%. Be sure to carry some cash or coins with you as there isn’t always a place to write in the tip if you pay by credit card.

Turkish bathhouse (Hammam):  You will want to tip your bathhouse attendant before you leave. They will normally come by to bid you farewell and help you exit the hammam, so make sure to have cash on you and divide 10-20% of the total amount spent among the attendants.

Hotels:  Tip 5-20 lira for hotel staff depending on their role. Tip when being helped with your luggage, room service, laundry, etc.

Taxi:  Tipping taxi drivers is not required, though most people simply round up their fare. If the driver helps you carry your luggage it is polite to give a tip.

5. How expensive is Turkey?

Turkey is relatively inexpensive to visit. That said, you can comfortably experience Turkey on either a high or low budget! Expenses really depend on your travel style and which activities you’ll be doing while there. Istanbul and Ankara will be pricier than smaller cities, and beach towns tend to be more expensive. If you’re a budget-savvy traveler, you will have no problem getting the most bang for your buck in Turkey!

Asher Fergusson

Ultimate Turkey Packing Guide: Packing List & What to Wear

Are you looking for a complete Turkey packing guide for your trip? In this article, we share top packing tips , must-have items for your trip, what to wear in Turkey , and frequently asked questions that come up often. Whether you’re going for 3 days or 2 weeks, these tips will give you the essentials on what to bring and what to leave at home.

Once you’ve finalized your itinerary and you’ve booked your activities and adventures for your trip to Turkey , it’s a good idea to have a packing strategy in place.

Read our helpful tips for traveling to Turkey with Kids and travel gift ideas for kids .

I’m excited to help you plan the best trip possible, and share all of my favorite travel resources! Some links on this page are affiliate links—that means that at no extra cost to you, I earn a small commission if you purchase items through these links, and that helps me keep this blog running. Enjoy!

Turkey Essentials Packing List

Clothes & shoes, ✅ c omfortable walking shoes or sandals.

As mentioned above, comfortable shoes are a must-have for your trip. Some of our favorite brands to travel with because of their support and durability are Vionic , Chacos , and Merrell .

✅ Scarf or Sh awl

Women will need to cover their hair and shoulders when visiting religious sites. Bring a lightweight sca rf or shawl you can use and then store it in your bag afterward without it weighing you down. You can always find Pashmina scarves in the local shopping areas if you need to buy one during your trip.

✅ Long Dress, Skirt or Pants

Women and men will also need to cover their legs when visiting religious sites. A great option for women is wearing a long dress or long skirt on the days you know you will be visiting a local mosque. Pants are also a great option if you don’t want to wear a dress.

For men, we love the convertible pants where you can zip on or off the bottom part of the leg for days we’re visiting religious sites.

Women and men can both wear shorts when traveling in the main tourist cities or along the Mediterranean coastline. Women’s shorts or skirts should be mid to knee length. If you are visiting off-the-beaten-path areas or villages, we suggest long shorts or pants.

✅ Light, Breezy Tops

In the summertime, it can quite hot in Turkey so you’ll want to wear lightweight breezy tops that breathe.

✅ Tshirts & Tank Tops

Breathable t-shirts or dry wick shirts are great to pack for travel in Turkey. They are easy to pack and don’t take up much space.

For women, loose tank tops are acceptable to wear in Turkey. We suggest a wider strap and not wearing a spaghetti-strap tank.

✅ Swimsuit & Cover Up

If you’re headed to the coast for your trip, don’t forget your swimsuit and cover-up . You will see all kinds of swimsuits – even bikinis . Bring a cover-up for when you are heading home from the beach.

Depending on when you are traveling in Turkey, you may need a cardigan sweater or pull over for your trip. Fall, Winter & Spring travel in Turkey will be the time you will want to bring layers for the morning and the evenings.

In the Spring & Fall, you’ll want to pack a light jacket for the early mornings and evenings to stay warm. In the winter months, we recommend bringing a packable warmer coat as it can get quite cold in major travel destinations.

Travel Gear & Technology

✅ hardsided spinner luggage.

Keep your luggage to a carry-on or mid-size is ideal when traveling to Turkey. There are a few reasons we recommend keeping your suitcase to a minimum size:

• When you’re traveling from one location to another is easier if you have a smaller suitcase for airport transfers, walking through airports and areas in the city to your hotel.
• If you rent a car, travel by bus or train there will be limited space for storing large pieces of luggage in trunks or luggage racks.

Carry-on size luggage is ideal if you like to travel minimally and are not planning on buying souvenirs or gifts.

✅ Cr ossbody Bag or Day Pack

You’ll want to carry your daily essential items with you while you are out exploring the city. You can use a crossbody bag like the Travelon bag with RFID blocking or you could go for a daypack like the Osprey Daylite .

✅ Packing Cubes

Using packing cubes will help you stay organized and pack more into your suitcase when you’re traveling. We like this set of 8 cubes that we divide between our family – especially if we’re sharing a suitcase.

✅ Rain Jacket or Umbrella

Depending on where you are traveling in Turkey, the rainy season is typically late November through early March. There can be popup showers throughout the Spring. Be sure to pack a rain jacket or small umbrella if you’re coming to Turkey during the rainy months.

✅ Polarized Sunglasses & Hat

Be sure to bring polarized sunglasses and a hat, especially if you’re going to the Turkish coast. The sun is intense and this will help protect your eyes and face. We’ve been wearing the Merry Brand polarized sunglasses for years and love them!

✅ Noise-Canceling Headphones

Noise-canceling headphones are perfect to use on a plane or when you need some quiet when you’re traveling. We use Apple Air Pods and have this handy travel air pod case clip them in our bag so we have them on hand.

✅ Power Adapter with Converter

If you’re traveling from the U.S., your electronic devices will require a different voltage than those in Turkey. Make sure you protect your equipment with a power adapter. Make sure you buy adapters with a converter that includes sockets and USB plugins .

✅ Portable Phone Charger

Make sure you have a small portable USB charger that you can carry with you just in case. There’s nothing worse than being out and about and your battery running low when you want to take a picture or need to reference a map.

✅ Door Alarm

If you are traveling solo and need some peace of mind while traveling, these door alarms are great to set up on your door when you go to sleep at night.

Health & Beauty

✅ sunscreen & after sun lotion.

Bring your favorite sunscreen to protect your skin while you’re out. If you get more sun than you meant to, we love COOLA After Sun Lotion .

✅ Flushable Wet Wipes

We love to travel with these single-use packet wipes . They are perfect if you find yourself in a situation where you have no toilet paper or you need more! 😉 You carry as many as you want in your bag and without the bulk or weight of a packet of wipes.

✅ Travel Medicine Kit

Bring a small supply of your favorite brands such as Tylenol, Imodium, Pepto-Bismol, Dramamine, or Benadryl. You can pick thinks up at the pharmacy in Turkey, but its nice to have the products you know work best for you when you travel.

✅ Disinfected Wipes

Use them to wipe down any surface areas you want to make sure are clean whether you’re on the plane or on the go in Turkey.

✅ Hand sanitizer

Make sure to have a small travel-sized bottle of your favorite brand to carry with you. The bottle must be 2 oz or less to carry on the plane with you.

What Not to Forget When Packing for Turkey

1. travel documents.

Make sure your passport will be valid for more than 6 months before your travel end date. If you need to apply or renew your U.S. passport, allow 3-4 months to process.

You can renew or apply for your passport here:

• U.S. Passports
• U.K. Passports
• Australian Passports

Check the official Turkish e-visa site to see if you need a visa to enter the country. You will need to purchase a visa at least 48 hours before you travel.

U.S., U.K. & Australian residents will need to purchase a visa.

✅ Travel Insurance

We recommend purchasing travel insurance for your trip to cover any unexpected illnesses or injuries or in the event you need to cancel your trip. Be sure to check the terms and conditions concerning COVID carefully. We recommend Safety Wing .

✅ Prescriptions

If you are traveling with prescription medication on your trip, you will need to have a copy of the written prescription from your doctor with you that you may need to show when you arrive in Turkey.

✅ S.T.E.P Program for Travel Warnings

This is a free service for U.S. citizens and nationals traveling abroad. You can enroll your trip with the U.S. Embassy in Turkey to receive important information about safety conditions and help the U.S. Embassy contact you in an emergency whether it’s a natural disaster or family emergency. Enroll your trip here. 

✅ Travel Planning Apps

There are several apps we recommend for helping you plan your trip that can be a resource for you while you’re traveling in Turkey. See the best apps for travel in Turkey and our favorite travel companies .

3. Check the Weather for Each Destination

The weather in Turkey can vary dramatically depending on the locations you are visiting and the time of year. In Spring and Fall, Istanbul can be on the cooler side, while down on the Mediterranean , things are warm and you can enjoy the beach. Make sure you check each location you will travel to using a site like Weather.com for the latest forecast and expected conditions before your trip so that you can pack.

Turkey is a magical country full of history, stunning landscapes, and cities. Part of the beauty is exploring these areas and adventuring on your own. You’ll be doing a lot of walking and you’ll want to have comfortable shoes or sandals for your trip. Be sure you break in your shoes before your trip so you don’t end up with sore feet or blisters.

For women, we would not suggest any type of heel or wedge for your daily outings.

5. Leave Extra Space in Your Suitcase

Be sure you leave space in your suitcase for purchases you make along the way. You will have plenty of opportunities to shop in places like the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, local pazars, and shop s in the areas you visit. If you like to shop, you might want to take a foldable duffel bag as a backup in case you need the extra space.

What to Wear in Turkey

A question asked often is what to wear during your family trip to Turkey . It’s a great question with several things to consider – we’ve got you covered with our Turkey packing guide.

Smart Casual

Turks are generally stylish dressers with strong regard for cleanliness and appearance. If you are wanting to look less touristy while out in the city or at restaurants in the evening, you can dress up a bit more. If you spend some time planning what you will wear on your vacation, you can spend that time enjoying the sites feeling amazing in your chosen outfit for the day.

Here are several ways for planning your outfits so you can be organized for your trip:

• Planning outfits each day and evening based on the destination and weather
• Using each item at least 2 -3 times and can wear it with multiple items in your wardrobe.
• Choosing colors that you can wear interchangeably and will stand out against the local terrain. For example, in Cappadocia, never wear beige as you’ll blend into the earthy tones of the landscape.

Remember, regardless of what you wear, you will be identified as a tourist. You’ll be taking photos and enjoying the sites. If you want to wear traditional tourist attire of shorts, pants, and t-shirts, go for it! Be sure you feel good in the clothes you’re in.

Best Time to Go to Turkey

Depending on what you want to do and where you want to go, there are best times to travel in Turkey when the climate is ideal. Generally, the best time to visit is April to October. Please be sure to check the weather for each destination as they will vary depending on the time of year you visit.

Modesty & Cultural Sensitivity

Remember you are a guest. Please keep modesty and cultural sensitivity in mind and be respectful of local traditions.

Turkey Packing Recommendations for Women

It is expected that women will cover their hair, shoulders, and knees when visiting a religious site such as the Blue Mosque. Plan to have a lightweight scarf on hand you can use on the days you will visit these sites.

When you visit cities in Turkey such as Istanbul , Cappadocia , Antalya , or Izmir , you’ll see women wearing dresses, skirts, shorts, t-shirts, and tank tops. Stay away from short shorts or midriff shirts. Leggings would not be considered acceptable unless you were exercising.

If you are visiting a beach city, please be sure to bring a proper cover-up for days you wear a swimsuit. It is not acceptable to walk in the city with only your swimsuit on.

If you’re visiting more rural areas of Turkey or traveling east, it is acceptable to wear t-shirts and capris, pants, or long skirts.

The best thing to do throughout your trip is to make sure you are comfortable and feel good in the clothes you are wearing.

Best Materials for Travel

Choose lightweight clothing layers that are easy to wash, wrinkle-free, and quick to dry. If you have clothing with moisture-wicking this will be perfect for hot days, hiking, or times you’re exerting more energy. These materials will pack well and weigh less.

Unless you have access to hotel laundry, you need to assume you will need to air dry your clothes. Even if you’re are staying in an Airbnb or apartment, most Turks do not have a dryer. Jeans are heavy and can take up quite a bit of room in your suitcase and take forever to dry out.

What Not to Bring to Turkey

❌ heels or wedge shoes.

As mentioned, several times in this article, bring only flats and comfortable shoes. You will be walking easily up to 10 – 20,000 steps per day while exploring. Skip the heels!

❌ Full toiletries

Transfer small amounts of your favorite brand of shampoo, conditioner, or makeup into smaller containers like these. You can always buy these items once you arrive if you don’t like to fly with them.

When you’re traveling internationally it’s best to leave your best jewelry, designer purses, and other expensive items at home. It’s so easy to lose things while you’re on the road. Instead, bring costume jewelry that you won’t be devastated if you lose them.

Are you packed and ready to go? Don’t miss the Complete Guide to Turkish Food for your trip.

If you need inspiration for your family trip, you can start here .

Turkey Packing Guide FAQ

Should i take carry-on luggage.

If you like to travel minimally, yes, absolutely travel with your carry-on luggage. If you like to shop along the way, you may want to use a medium-size suitcase with some extra room to pack your souvenirs and gifts.

Can I wear leggings in Turkey?

Leggings would not be considered appropriate attire unless you were exercising.

What kind of shoes do I wear in Turkey?

Bring comfortable flats, sandals, and sneakers for your trip. You will be walking a lot. Skip the heels.

What should women tourists wear in Turkey?

Keep modesty in mind when planning what you will bring on your trip. Be sure to bring a scarf when visiting religious sites. Stay away from wearing clothing that is too revealing.

What do I pack for a yacht blue cruise?

Bring a suitcase that is easy to store that either folds down or is carry-on size. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, swimsuit, shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, and sandals. Plan like you’re going to be on a beach holiday.

Final Thoughts: What to Pack

No matter what time of year your are traveling to Turkey, our travel packing guide has the best tips to get you started packing for your trip. From the best travel gear, most comfortable shoes and what not to bring, our complete packing guide is the best place to start your travel planning.

Turkey Weather & Travel Tips By Month

• Turkey in September
• Turkey in October
• Turkey in November
• Turkey in December

Dania Demirci is your go-to travel expert for exploring Turkey and co-founder of Adventurefolio.com. With her extensive knowledge and personal experiences, Dania helps fellow travelers create the ultimate Turkish itineraries. From hidden gems to must-visit spots, she shares practical tips to empower you to confidently explore Turkey.

Travelfornoobs

Printable Packing List For Turkey

Turkey packing list – all the things you should not forget, what to take in your bag for turkey.

You’ve booked your plane ticket and the time of departure is fast approaching? After the joys of such a decision, comes the question of knowing what to put in your suitcase to go to Turkey. No need to panic, we have prepared a very complete list of the essential things to bring to make sure you don’t miss anything once you are there.

In order to leave no room for unforeseen events, it’s of course preferable to go through this list a few days before leaving rather than the day before departure, as you might miss some items.

Take the time to read and download it in order to identify the things that you absolutely must pack and that you might miss and that could make you lose time and money if you forget them.

You will also need to think about packing according to the type of accommodation you will be staying in, the different modes of transportation you will use during your trip, the climate and the season, as well as the activities you plan to do.

In order to help you prepare your suitcase, this checklist of the essential things to bring in Turkey gathers several categories: clothes, accessories, various objects… It will allow you to have a concrete vision of a typical suitcase for Turkey.

An advice, think of keeping some space in your luggage if you wish to bring back souvenirs or to make some clothing shopping on the spot.

Thanks to this travel list, preparing your bag for Turkey will be a real child’s play and you will just have to enjoy your adventure!

Note : This article contains affiliate links to Amazon.

• Important hings to do before you go
• Essential documents
• Transport essentials
• Backpack & luggage
• Clothing and shoes
• Hygiene & Toiletries
• Photo, Video & High Tech
• Useful accessories
• Medication and first aid kit
• Activities and Useful Links (+ Printable checklist PDF)

1/ Important things to do before you go

 Prepare your travel itinerary  Apply for a visa (if necessary)  Make your vaccinations (if necessary)  Check-up at the doctor / dentist  Take out a travel insurance  Photocopy or scan important documents (passport)  Write down e-mail and useful phone numbers in your address book  Warn your bank about your trip abroad (if necessary)  Book accomodation for your first night ( Do it now before everything is fully booked! Check the best hotels on Booking )  Download offline applications and maps for Maps.me  Download movies offline   Prepare your favorite music playlist  Turn off or turn down the heat of your house  Empty garbage cans  Water the plants   Give a copy of your house/car keys to a family member or friend  Close doors and windows

2/ Essential documents

Even before you buy your plane ticket, remember to check the validity of your passport : it must be valid for at least six months after your return date (for some countries) and have a blank page. Another tip: send your important documents to a secondary email in case you lose them.

   Passport   ID card    Plane or train ticket (have a paper copy just in case)   Reservation documents (e-ticket, train ticket, hotel reservation)   Visa (if necessary)   International driver’s license, if you wish to rent a car   Health insurance card   Travel insurance   Credit card   Cash   Useful numbers in case of emergency   Itinerary and address of your accommodation (hotel / AirBnB / camping)   Vaccination certificate   Diving license, sailing license, etc.   Some business cards with your contact information, email, blog, website

3/ Transport essentials

The little things to have with you at all times during the flight or the trip by train or bus:

 Phone and charger  Book / Magazine / Kindle / Travel Guide  MP3 player   Chewing gum   Pen + notepad  Travel pillow ( my favorite )  Sleep mask ( my favorite )   Earplugs   Snacks / sandwich   Small water bottle  Nasal ointment for dry nose  Sunglasses   Glasses case   Watch   Hand sanitizer   Disposable face mask   Tissues   Motion sickness medication

4/ Backpack & luggage

 Waterproof dry bag ( my favorite )  Handbag   Travel laundry bag ( my favorite )  Carry-on suitcase ( my favorite )  Travel bag ( my favorite )   Luggage tag ( my favorite )   Travel Packing Organizers ( my favorite )   Rain cover for backpack ( my favorite )   Zippered carry-on bag   Shoe bag ( my favorite )   Fanny pack   Lightweight foldable backpack ( my favorite )

5/ Clothing and shoes

  Socks  Underwear (panties, thongs, bras, briefs, boxers…)  Tank tops  Skirt ♀  Dress ♀  Pajamas  T-shirts  Long sleeve shirt ( for her , for him )  Short sleeve shirt ( for her , for him )  Polo shirt ( for her , for him )   Sweatshirt / pullover ( for her , for him )   Jeans   Lightweight pants ( for her , for him )   Money belt ( my favorite )   Shorts   Jogging suit   Jacket / coat   K-way ( for her , for him )   Windbreaker ( for her , for him )  Hat / cap / beanie   Scarf / bandana   Swimsuit   Buff scarf ( my favorite )

For shoes, you will have to choose according to the activities you plan to do:

 Comfortable walking shoes   Shoes for going out (restaurants, bars, clubs…)  Flip-flops (for the beach, showers…) ( for her , for him )  Hiking shoes ( for her , for him )  Sandals ( for her , for him )   Water shoes for walking in water (beaches, waterfalls, rivers…) ( for her , for him )  Light trekking shoes ( for her , for him )  Crocs

6/ Hygiene & Toiletries

 Microfiber towel ( my favorite )   Toilet bag   Portable Travel Bottles ( my favorite )  Toothbrush & toothpaste  Dental floss  Soap   Shampoo   Facial cleanser   Nail clippers   Cotton buds (biodegradable)   Tweezers   Make-up   Deodorant   Comb / Hairbrush   Razor & shaving foam ♂   Biodegradable wipes ( my favorite )   Toilet paper roll   Perfume   Makeup ♀   Contact Lenses   Contact lens product   Pocket mirror

7/ Photo, Video & High Tech

For photographers and videographers:

 Camera  Lens  Memory card  Polarizing filters   ND filter   Extra battery   Charger + cable + plug adapter   Cleaning kit   External hard drive   USB key   Stabilizer   Drone ( my favorite )    Waterproof phone case   Flash   Solar charger ( my favorite )    Gopro ( my favorite )   Waterproof case   Selfie Pole  External battery / Powerbank ( my favorite ) 

Don’t forget:

 Portable speaker  Ipad / Tablet  Laptop PC  External battery  Headphones or noise cancelling headphones ( my favorite )

Useful apps to download before you go to Turkey:

 AirBnB  Booking  Couchsurfing  Flush – Public Toilet Finder (Useful for finding toilets!)  Google Maps  Google Translator  Google Trips  Lonely Planet Guide  LoungeBuddy  Maps.me  Meetup  Tripadvisor  Uber  Whatsapp  XE Currency

8/ Useful accessories

The accessories you will take in your bag for Turkey will depend on your travel style:

  TSA lock ( my favorite )  Headlamp ( my favorite )  Sleeping bag ( my favorite )  Sheets ( my favorite )  Swiss Army knife (not in the hand luggage!) ( my favorite )  Travel clothesline ( my favorite )  Powdered or liquid detergent  Clothes pegs  Spork ( my favorite )  Ziploc bags  Lighter  Folding umbrella ( my favorite )  Toilet paper  Mosquito repellent ( my favorite )   Mosquito net ( my favorite )   Sunscreen cream  Aloe vera gel   Waterproof pouch for smartphone    For hikers : GPS, map, compass, water bottle   Walking stick ( my favorite )   Anti-sweat talcum powder ( my favorite )   Beach towel ( my favorite )   Sawyer water filter ( must-have !)  Pills to purify non-drinking water   Mask, snorkel, fins   Diving accessories (gloves, dive computer, lamp, knife…)

9/ Medication and first aid kit

I suggest that you consult your doctor and dentist before leaving. Beware of unauthorized medication and remember to keep your vaccinations up to date!

If you have a treatment don’t forget to take your personal medication and your prescription if necessary (or medical certificate).

You can buy a first aid kit already prepared ( my favorite ).

  Cotton buds   Tweezers   Round-tipped scissors   Pairs of single-use latex gloves  Bandages   Paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain   Sterile compresses   Disinfectant spray for wounds   Physiological saline solution in pods (wound cleaning)   Condoms and other contraceptives

For longer trips and higher risk locations, we can also add:

  Sterile adhesive skin sutures (steristrips)   Rehydration solutions (in case of dehydration)   Water purification tablets   Water decontamination tablets (Aquatabs or Micropur)   Medication for altitude   Medication for sore throat    Anti-malarial medication   Survival blanket   Tick tweezers   Ointment against itching (antihistamine)   Probiotics for the stomach   Corticosteroid pills and cream   Analgesics (painkillers)   Survival blanket   Cold medicine (decongestant)   Biafine (in case of burns or sunburns)   Broad-spectrum antibiotics without a prescription   Anti-diarrhea tablets (immodium, smecta)

10/ Activities and Useful Links + Printable checklist

You can download the complete travel list in PDF format and print it by clicking here.

Book your hotel in Turkey now on Booking.com

AirBnb : Get a discount for your first booking!

Book now your activities in Turkey on Getyourguide:

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Looking for an Ideal Packing List for Your Turkish Holiday ?

traveller Nimisha

Things to pack for Turkey can be a tad bit tricky for first time travelers owing to the ever changing climate. However, I am right here to assist you in your Turkish adventure.

Afterall, I have spent a good amount of time traveling across the length and breadth of this very beautiful nation. So let me help you pack.

21 Mandatory Things to Pack for Turkey

No matter what season you’re planning a visit in, here is a complete list of essential things to pack for Turkey –

A Credible Hand Sanitizer for Maintaining Hygience

Cleanliness and hygiene is an absolute must in the Turkish region. And so, make sure you carry a clinically approved hand sanitizer.

Use it as often as you can in public places.

Turkish Coins for Using Public Washrooms

Turkey as a country mostly has Squat washrooms. You will be using them at some point in time during your trip.

Therefore, carry Turkish coins of denomination 1 because these toilets are not free to use.  Most public toilets charge you a Lira .

Cool Reversible Outfits to Save the Extra Luggage Space

The one thing you need in Turkey is to stay light luggage wise. Therefore, pack reversible clothes as much as possible.

These include tees, skirts,  jackets and even dresses.

Wearing a reversible dress in the streets of Istanbul felt liberating

Non Plastic Water Bottle for Keeping yourself Hydrated

As Responsible Travellers, we must always leave places exactly the same as they were when we first arrived there. 

Therefore, carry an environmentally friendly water bottle. It’ll help the ecosystem of Turkey and keep you hydrated during your vacation.

Fun Colourful Swimwear for Antalya, Bodrum & Istanbul

Turkey has some really stunning beaches in cities like Istanbul, Antalya and Bodrum. Do not forget to add a swimsuit to your packing list for Turkey.

I was overjoyed with my visit to Buyukada Islands, where I swam in the amazing beaches at Buyukada Island.

A Comfortable Backpack or Handbag for Day Trips

Your packing list for Turkey will be incomplete without a comfortable, easy to carry backpack or a handbag. By the way, try placing your backpack in front and not back. Your handbag can be tilted on the side towards the front.

Based on a suggestion of a close friend, I carried an anti theft bag with me at all times. It saved me a lot of vacation hassle.

I carried this black bag throughout my day trips across Turkey

A Classy but Affordable Hat to Save your Skin in Summers

Your packing list for Turkey must include a hat or a cap at all times. Reason being,  it can get really sunny in Turkey at times. Carrying a hat will always protect your face from getting a bad tan in Turkey.

It will also protect your skin from harmful radiation of ultra violet rays. Mind you, Turkey gets hot in summers. So be pack a good quality hat, or even a cap.

A Pair of Enjoyable Shoes Especially for Istanbul & Cappadocia

Your list of things to pack for Turkey should have a pair of comfortable shoes. This holds true especially if you’re visiting a place like Istanbul. The bazaars in Istanbul are so huge that you are sure to tire your feet halfway down exploring them.

It is also advisable to include some flats in your packing list for Turkey. For traveling to a place like Cappadocia, carry hiking shoes. I invested in a pair of anti-skid shoes. So can you.

Good Quality Toilet Paper to Save yourself the Trouble

This may sound weird but it is essential to carry your own toilet paper rolls. Public toilets in Turkey do not have western commodes. Hence no toilet papers are available there.

You should look out for your body safety while using washrooms whether you are a man or a woman. So pack lots of Toilet paper.

Travel Journal to Document your Turkish Experience

Turkey is a gorgeous country with varied landscapes. And so, you absolutely must record your experiences in the form of a vacation travelogue.

Trust me, you will cherish it later.

Trust me, you will cherish your Turkish holiday memories by capturing them in a travel journal

A Medium Size Towel for Turkish Hammams

Carry your own cotton towel in case you feel like dipping the amusing Turkish Baths, natively known as Hammams . You will end up paying double the price at Hammam if you forget to pack your towel.

Make sure the towel you carry is good in its absorption capacity.

A Handy Camera for Capturing Varied Turkish Landscapes

The things needed for Turkey definitely include a good camera. Turkey has a lot to offer when it comes to photography. It has some of the most beautiful places that can’t be left uncaptured.

Turkey has really unusual landscapes and unique destinations that are truly perfect for photography lovers. I used my One Plus mobile camera for most pictures, and they turned out really well.

A Fully Functional Adapter in Case of Emergencies

Make sure that you add an adapter for Turkey to charge your devices in your list of things to pack for Turkey. The power sockets in Turkey have 2 pins.

So decide accordingly.

Sunscreen with SPF more than 50 to Prevent a Sunburn

Summers are pretty hot in Turkey. Therefore, you must be carrying sunscreen in your handbag at all times. Else you will end up with sunburns.

Keep the 50+ SPF sunscreen lotion in your daily backpack or handbag and reapply every few hours.

In places like Eskisehir, Cappadocia and Istanbul, keep applying suncream frequently

A Small Foldable Umbrella for a Monsoon Visit

If you’re deciding to vacation in Turkey during monsoons, pack a foldable umbrella. It will help you stick with your itinerary without disruption.

A small umbrella will do. Don’t carry a heavy one.

A Light Jacket for the Fall Season

A lot of travelers visit Turkey in and around the Fall season. Now that is the time when the chilly weather has just set in and so carrying a jacket with you will be an asset.

The market is full of high utility jackets for both men and women. So make sure it becomes a part of your assortment of things to pack for Turkey.

Bare Makeup Essentials for Women 

Be it your cold cream, moisturiser, mascara, kohal or anything that you love to put on yourself, keep your make up essentials bare.

What I am implying here is to ditch that make up bag. Not needed. Just add this stuff to a small corner of your bag.

Pack bare make up essentials like I did. Ditch the pouch!

A Shower Cap to Keep Your Hair Dry Before Your Day Trips

Adding a nice shower cap to your Turkey packing list can prove to be a boon. After all you don’t need your hair drenched and soaked in pictures while you’re traveling around.

A shower cap will help you get ready quickly because your head will be protected during bath time.

Sunglasses for Strolling Through Bazaars of Istanbul

The markets of Istanbul, better known as Bazaars are a haven for shopholics. In fact, while going for the top buying things in Istanbul , wear sunglasses because it tends to heat up during noon.

I am not talking about peak summers but scorching noons in general.

A Scarf to Cover your Head

Scarf is one of the necessary things to pack for Turkey, especially if you are a woman. You will be required to cover your head while entering any mosque in Turkey. 

Not abiding by certain rules while entering the mosque might land you in trouble. Hence, it is better to carry a scarf than to buy one at exorbitant prices from the shops outside the mosque area.

Travel Insurance Documents for a Safe Trip

Last but not the least, please pack your Travel Insurance documents for Turkey. Since 2016, it is mandatory for travelers to buy Insurance before visiting places around Turkey.

I know it sounds like a drag but trust me, it is super important for your trip.

Essential Things to Pack for Turkey During Summers

Summer season generally lasts in Turkey between May to mid August. It tends to get really hot.  But it ideally is the best time to go swimming at the beaches in Buyukada Island, Antalya and Bodrum. Pack the following essentials –

• 4 pairs of cotton socks
• Comfortable shoes or flats
• 4 T-shirts (men)
• A pair of sunglasses
• 2 shorts (men & women)
• A dress and a jumpsuit (women)
• 3-4 tops (women)
• 2 pairs of jeans (men and women)
• Shopping bag
• A light jacket
• An extra pair of innerwear (for the Turkish bath)
• Swimsuit and Sarong (for women)  swimming shorts (for men)

My summer essentials for short trips in Turkey

Essential Things to Pack for Turkey During Winters

Packing list for Turkey during winters will definitely be bulkier than in any other season. The winter months for Turkey are December, January and February . Pack the following essentials –

• A wind sheeter
• A winter coat
• A small foldable umbrella
• 2 pairs of Jeans (men and women)
• 4-5 full-sleeved shirts (men and women)
• 4 pairs of socks
• 2-3 skirts paired with thick stockings (women)

Enjoy winters in Turkey by keeping warm like I did

Essential Things to Pack for Turkey During Spring & Autumn

In spring (April – May) and autumn (September- November), Turkey has pleasant weather. The packing list for these months will be somewhere between summer and winter. Add the following to your packing list –

This is me buying Iranian saffron for my mom in Istanbul during Fall season

What Should Women Travelers Pack for Turkey?

The packing list for females visiting Turkey depends on which region you are planning to travel to.

Places like Istanbul, Buyukada Island, Antalya, Bodrum and Marmaris have a more Europeanized approach when it comes to dressing.

You can feel that the dress code for women here is generally more relaxed than in other regions in Turkey like Bursa and Konya.

If you are a woman travelling to Turkey during the peak season between May to October, you can consider packing shorts, dresses, tank tops, jumpsuits and crop tops. It will certainly not be a problem.

By the way, I’ve written a detailed piece on what to wear in Turkey . So if you’re looking for a dress code to follow in Turkey, my blog will prove useful.

Here is a hand’s down packing list for females visiting Turkey.

• A pair of flats
• Sport shoes
• 3-4 T-shirts
• Swimsuit and sarong
• Two pairs of jeans
• A pair of shorts

Short dresses make a perfect outfit for beaches at Turkey

I hope that you have a wonderful experience in Turkey. If you have any questions regarding the packing list for Turkey, feel free to drop them down in the comment section. I will try to answer them as soon as possible.

Happy wayfaring!!

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Turkish Airlines’ carry-on size policy explained

In this post, we give you a detailed guide on the Turkish Airlines carry-on policy and help you know the size and weight restrictions of the airline.

What is the carry-on policy for Turkish Airlines?

The Turkish Airlines carry-on policy depends on your travel class:

The required dimensions for carry-on luggage are the same in all travel classes. You’re allowed to bring a carry-on bag that does not exceed 9 x 15.7 x 21.6 inches (23 x 40 x 55 cm) and a personal item of up to 15.7 x 11.8 x 5.8 inches (40 x 30 x 15 cm) in size.

The Turkish Airlines carry-on weight limit is the same in all travel classes. Each traveler is allowed to bring a carry-on bag that does not exceed 8 kg (17.6 lbs). Business Class travelers who wish to take advantage of the 2 carry-on bags allowance should ensure each bag has a maximum weight of 8 kg (17.6 lbs) or 16 kg (35.2 lbs) in total. You can also bring a personal item of not more than 4 kg (8.8 lbs) on board Turkish Airlines flights.

What is the carry-on liquid policy for Turkish Airlines?

Non-prohibited liquids such as gels, pastes, perfumes, creams, lotions, and other liquids should be in containers not more than 100 ml (3.4 oz). The containers should be kept in a transparent zip-locked bag not exceeding 1 liter. You are only allowed to bring one bag in the cabin.

Other liquids you can bring into the cabin include:

• Liquid baby food to be consumed during the trip
• Medicine should be in the original packaging backed by a doctor’s report that states you should take the medicine with you

If you still aren’t sure about what’s allowed on board, check this handy reference article for details about everything you can and can’t bring on a plane.

Traveling with infants and carry-on rules for Turkish Airlines

The carry-on baggage allowance for infants with no reserved seats on Turkish Airlines’ Business and Economy class cabins is 1 hand baggage of up to 8 kgs (17.6 lbs) not exceeding the required 9 x 15.7 x 21.6 inches (23 x 40 x 55 cm) carry-on luggage size. Strollers are not allowed in the cabin and can only be transported as checked baggage in the hold.

What extra items can you bring on board?

Other items you can bring on board Turkish Airlines flights include:

• Respiratory device apparatus
• Tennis or squash racket, provided they are in a special bag
• Small musical instruments like violins and guitars should be kept in an instrument case. The combined length and width of the instrument, in its case, shouldn’t exceed 188 cm (46.5 inches). The weight should not be more than 75 kg (165 lbs).

If you’re not sure that your item fits these requirements, try using KAYAK’s bag measurement tool , featured in the KAYAK app .

Tips for maximizing Turkish Airlines’ carry-on bag allowance

Here are tips to help you get the most out of Turkish Airlines’ carry-on bag allowance:

• Know the size and weight restrictions : Familiarizing yourself with Turkish Airlines’ size and weight limits will help you know what is required and avoid extra fees or charges.
• Pack light : Consider packing only essential items and make use of space-saving packing techniques like rolling that will help you utilize space.
• Upgrade to Business Class : Business Class travelers on Turkish Airlines have the benefit of bringing an extra carry-on bag. You can take advantage of this if you have more items.
• Choose the right bag : You should look for a lightweight and compact carry-on bag that will not take up much of the total weight and can fit perfectly in the overhead storage compartment.
• Wear your bulky items : Instead of packing bulky outfits such as coats, jackets, or boots, consider wearing them to save space and weight.

Turkish Airlines’ carry-on size policy adheres to the international standard dimensions, ensuring convenient travel experiences for passengers. Using KAYAK’s Bag Measurement and Fee Assistant tools, you can avoid the extra costs that come with bringing an oversized or overweight bag on Turkish Airlines.

Turkish Airlines carry-on FAQs

Turkish Airlines is not that strict with its carry-on policy. However, you may be required to check your carry-on bag or pay additional fees if it’s oversized or overweight.

Yes, you are allowed to bring 1 carry-on bag and 1 personal item if you’re flying Economy Class or 2 carry-on bags and 1 personal item if you’re flying Business Class.

Yes. A backpack is considered a personal item on Turkish Airlines. Your backpack shouldn’t exceed 15.7 x 11.8 x 5.8 inches (40 x 30 x 15 cm).

You can only bring 2 bags on Turkish Airlines if you’re flying Business Class. Each bag should not be more than 8 kgs (17.6 lbs).

Disclaimer: Information is correct as of 27.09.2023 and may vary with time.

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Cabin baggage

Which airline baggage rules are applicable for international flights carried out as an interline with another airline is determined within the framework of the methods of IATA (International Air Transport Association) and in accordance with IATA methods, the operating airline’s rules are applicable.

Liquid regulations may vary across airports. In some airports, transit passengers are not permitted past the transit security point with liquids in containers of more than 100 ml, including duty free products (even if bagged or sealed). We recommend that passengers review the regulations implemented at their transit airport.

In accordance with Civil Aviation regulations, hand sanitizers or similar liquids in the aircraft may be hazardous. Our cabin crew provides hand sanitizer in approved quantities to passengers. Passengers may not bring their own hand sanitizer or similar liquids into the aircraft.

Cabin baggage calculation tool

You can use our baggage calculation tool to view the destination-based cabin baggage allowance. Some conditions and rights may vary depending on the flight, you can obtain the most accurate details about baggage information on the reservation and ticket.

* Any exceptional circumstances and additional information that cannot be viewed with the baggage calculation tool can be found below.

Cabin baggage terms and materials that are allowed in cabin

• The baggage you are carrying must be of a size and weight that can fit in the overhead locker or under the seat. Within the measurements of 23x40x55 cm and 8 kg. 
• For your safety, please prepare your baggage on your own or supervise the preparation. When preparing your luggage, take care to check that all boxes and packages in your baggage are shut and closed. Do not take any other objects from someone you don’t know. We kindly advise you to pay attention to these points for flight safety and your safety. 
• Non-prohibited liquids such as perfume, deodorant, contact lens solutions should be carried in sizes less than 100 ml in original containers. Container size over 100 ml cannot be carried in the cabin even if there is less liquid in them. In addition, all liquid containers in the form of 100 ml should be kept in a 1-liter zip-lock transparent bag. You can carry only one bag in the cabin. 
• You can carry shaving foam and toothpaste in the cabin. 
• If you are traveling with an infant, you can carry as much liquid or solid baby food as is required for your baby’s needs during the flight. 
• You can carry respiratory devices apparatus in the cabin. 
• Suit bags can be carried as cabin baggage if they meet certain dimensions. These dimensions are determined as (114x60x11cm).
• You can carry your solid and liquid medicines in your cabin baggage if they are in the original packaging and there is a doctor's report stating that you should take the medicine with you. 
• You can carry a lighter in an aircraft, provided it is in cabin baggage and not in the form of a weapon. 
• You can carry make-up stuff, such as cream, lotion, mascara and lipstick in the cabin. 
• You can carry tennis or squash racquet in the cabin if they are in a special bag. 

Materials prohibited in the cabin and in cabin baggage

There are some restrictions on items that can be carried in cabin baggage under international flight rules. Such items can be carried in the cargo section of the aircraft as check-in baggage to ensure that your flight is as smooth as possible. You can check the items that may be carried in cabin baggage and those that are prohibited from the list below. 

• There is an additional charge for the carriage of weapons on our domestic flights. Passengers who are exempt from weapon carriage fees include the following: VIP passengers on the Rical list and employed guards traveling with these passengers; passengers who have weapons information defined on the public identity card; Holders of a Public Servant Transport License or a Retired Public Servant Transport License; current or retired police officers and TAF members with valid identity cards; and village security guards.
• Golf, baseball, cricket, etc. bats and similar items are prohibited in the cabin and cabin luggage. 
• It is prohibited to carry flammable and flammable materials such as camp stoves in the cabin and in the cabin luggage. 
• Sharp items that cut and pierce such as sewing kits are prohibited in the cabin or in cabin baggage.
• You can visit our restrictions page for more detailed information on the baggage that can be carried in the cabin and in the registered baggage compartment.

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Middle East , TURKEY

18 things to know before you travel turkey.

Turkey was one of those countries that had been on my bucket list for ages, but I just seemed never to have been able to make it there.

Coming out of the Middle East however and posed to hit up Europe next, it was the perfect stopgap and I knew my chance had come!

So the decision was made, I packed up my bag from Lebanon, bagged myself a super cheap flight (albeit in the middle of the night) and headed towards Istanbul with a month on my hands to explore this huge country.

Granted it wasn’t enough time (it never is right?), but I did see a large part of this country and feel I’m able to bring you quite a few helpful tips if you want to travel

Because let’s not forgot, this is the perfect travel country – diverse, delightful and mega cheap – I highly suggest ticking Turkey off your bucket list soon too!

And to help you do just that, here’s my list of the 18 things you need to know about travel in Turkey.

Related Posts

• Only Turkey Itinerary You’ll Need
• 10 Awesome Things To Do in Turkey
• Solo Female Travel in the Middle East – What to Expect!

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#1 When to Visit Turkey?

I visited Turkey in May and have to say it was a pretty perfect time of year. September would also be a great option.

Not yet getting the crowds (or humidity) of the high summer season, there will still be plenty of sun around during these months, as well as some great weather for city sightseeing too.

That said, Turkey has a diverse topography and therefore at almost any time of the year you have to be prepared for changeable conditions, especially in the mountains.

As such, I’d definitely advise bringing a rain jacket with you, as well as a sweater and even a scarf and hat.

When I was in Cappadocia it was FREEZING at night!

That said the coast was balmy, so definitely bikini, beach dress and sarong for here!

Overall, I’d avoid visiting Turkey during the winter months (November through February) – too cold – and also during the high summer months (June, July and August) when it can be way too hot.

#2 How Long to Spend in Turkey?

In case you hadn’t looked at a map already before travelling to Turkey, I’ll give you a heads up… this is a big country!

Spanning the distance between Europe and Asia, this is a country that straddles lots of borders in lots of ways.

Not European, not Asian, not even really Middle Eastern, Turkey is a land unto itself and even within the country there’s a huge amount of difference and diversity.

Personally, I think this makes travelling in Turkey an even richer experience, and from the developed city of Istanbul to the remote Black Sea areas, you really want to give yourself at least a month to do this country justice.

One way to save time is to fly around the country rather than covering big distances overland.

The good news for us budget travellers is that there are many budget airlines operating domestic flights within Turkey and prices can be surprisingly cheap if you book in advance.

I flew from Istanbul to Cappadocia and then onto Izmir, and was delighted to only pay around $35 USD for each leg of this trip – avoiding overnight buses that would have left me feeling wrecked the next day.

As always, I use Skyscanner to get the best deals – including on domestic Turkish flights.

#3 How to Get Around Turkey?

But of course, buses and trains within Turkey are definitely open to those on a shoestring budget, and from Izmir, I opted to use land transport to get around during the rest of my time in Turkey including to Pamukkale and the Mediterranean coastline.

Turkey’s public transport is surprisingly good and there are multiple connections via most major cities.

Trains are cheap, clean and efficient, and many long-distance bus companies provide refreshment services, charging points and reclining seats, so it’s really not difficult to travel this way.

Trains can be booked on the morning of departure in most instances, but buses often fill up because, weirdly, they can be quicker.

This means bus tickets are worth reserving the day before via the company offices which tend to all be located together in a city’s main transport area – very easy!

The only other thing to note is that often overland travel in Turkey can require a number of changes.

Normally you’ll have to get to the nearest central town or city and from there connect to another major destination, before carrying on again.

And if you’re final stop is a smaller town, you’ll possibly have to travel on a dolmus (which is a small minivan) too.

It’s all pretty straightforward, however, and often you can buy multiple legs at the same time with the same company in the same office – result!

Otherwise, you can use Busbud to book your tickets online, which saves a lot of time and hassle!

#4 Visa Requirements

So a good thing to research before you decide to travel to any country is, of course, the visa situation.

Turkey have changed their visa rules (at least for EU citizens they have) and it’s worth knowing that you’ll need to buy an eVisa in advance to enter this country as a tourist.

But don’t fear, this is a super easy process and can all be done quickly and efficiently online here .

Costing just $20 USD, a Tourist eVisa to Turkey will give you 90 days in the country with the ability to come and go as many times as you like within a 180 day period starting from the first entry date.

One word of advice if you’re looking to travel Turkey, however, is to print out the visa before you arrive in the country because you’ll have to present the physical paperwork to immigration officials here before you can get a stamp in your passport.

For UK citizens, the Turkish visa rules have also changed recently and the great news is that for travels up to 90 days within any 180 day period, visas are no longer required.

As always, however, I suggest you consult your embassy website for the latest info.

#5 Getting a SIM Card?

Many of us adventurers, travel bloggers included, want to get a SIM card for their time in Turkey and I’m delighted to say this is both easy and affordable.

I actually managed to get mine at Istanbul’s Sabiha Gokcen International Airport, where I found Turk Telecom provided the best deal for travellers – a 1 month SIM and 15GB data package for 400 Turkish Lira (TL), which is around $22 USD.

Turk Telecom was located in the arrivals hall and with my passport, I picked up a SIM in just a few minutes, via the English-speaking staff.

Good to know that with your Turk Telecom SIM you can dial 9333 to get your balance information in English!

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#6 How to Access Money

This leads me on nicely to talking about money.

The currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira and it’s taken a big hit over the last year, which means this country is even cheaper than before.

Yet another reason to get Travelling Turkey on your hit list sooner rather than later!

ATM’s are plentiful across the country – accepting both Visa and Mastercard – and there’s many exchange offices offering good rates on Euros, British Pounds and US Dollars too.

And to avoid getting ripped off on bad exchange rates and overseas transaction fees, I highly recommend taking a Wise card with you to Turkey.

The perfect way to get good rates on the Turkish Lira and to avoid paying to using your card at the ATM, my Wise Card never leaves my side these days!

#7 Finding Budget Accommodation in Turkey

In the major cities such as Istanbul, there’s a good range of hostels to choose from for those of us travelling Turkey on a budget.

But in many other locations around Turkey, tourists aren’t so common and you’re more likely to find yourself in a budget guesthouse.

Usually providing private rooms and ensuite facilities, these can be picked up for around 300TL and tend to be independent-run businesses, full of character and charm – result!

The best places to stay in Turkey on a budget in my opinion are…

Istanbul: Moda Hostel in Kadikoy

Cappadocia: Cave Hotel Saksagan in Goreme

Izmir: ANZ Guesthouse in Selcuk

Kabak: Reflections Camp in Kabak

#8 Language & Communication

Yeah, so perhaps unsurprisingly, the language in Turkey is Turkish.

It’s got its own alphabet too, just to add to the confusion if you’re travelling Turkey!

It’s worth learning a few words of course – even the usual hello’s and thank you’s go a long way  – but it’s not an easy one to pick up by any means.

As such a cheap Lonely Planet Turkish Phrasebook could be a real aid.

Most people connected with the travel industry speak good English, but outside of this and the major towns, you could struggle.

#9 Getting Off the Beaten Track in Turkey

There’s some places that most people visit when they travel Turkey, namely Istanbul, Troy, Ephesus and Cappadocia, which you should see too because they are amazing.

But that said, it’s also worth getting off the beaten track in Turkey.

I loved the little-known hidden valley of Kabak on the Mediterranean coast, but for the real intrepid travellers among you, the east and north of the country are rarely explored and would provide an off the beaten track treat I’m sure.

Note to Self: Must get there next time!

Like most things when you are travelling Turkey, food is very cheap.

It’s also delicious!

Given the street snacks available and the cheap price of eating out, you may want to weigh up whether it’s really worth going to the supermarket in Turkey (outside of picking up essentials) because many accommodation places include breakfast in the price and often eating out can be just as cheap as cooking in.

#11 Turkish Coffee

Sadly, and despite most of the world having heard of Turkish coffee, this liquid black gold is surprisingly lacking in the country.

In fact, I found it almost impossible to get a good coffee outside of the major cities here and mostly what you’ll get served up is Nescafe – boo!

You’ll have to ask especially for Turkish coffee in places and make sure to stipulate no sugar if you don’t want any!

And that’s because the Turks are tea drinkers.

Yup, contrary to everything we’ve been led to believe, the Turks love a tea more than a coffee, so morning noon and night they have their own fancy version of a teapot that you’ll regularly see around.

Tea is served black, strong and with lashings of sugar – you have been warned!

#12 Get a Museum Pass!

Something I didn’t realise until I actually started travelling Turkey is that this country has a national Museum Pass that covers entry to a huge range of historical and cultural attractions and may well save you some money if you’re planning on seeing a lot of them.

You can find out more info here .

If you decide this isn’t going to work for you, then all good.

Entrances to sites such as Ephesus and Troy are well-priced and you generally didn’t need a guide to appreciate their grandeur.

#13 What to Wear When Travelling Turkey

Turkey is an Islamic country but, in most parts, it tends to be quite moderate, and dress standards are modern and accommodating.

This means ladies certainly won’t have to wear a headscarf and western dress, in places like Istanbul and the Mediterranean coast, is completely acceptable.

The only exception is when you are visiting any Mosques, so do come prepared for that.

Also worth noting is the fact that, despite being an Islamic country, the weekend falls on a Saturday and Sunday in Turkey.

Learn more in this complete packing list I wrote.

#14 Plugs & Electronics

Turkey uses the European-style power sockets, so come prepared when you travel Turkey with a suitable adapter if needs be.

Grab your cheap European adapter here .

#15 Powercuts

In many parts of the country, power cuts can still be a problem, so it’s worth bringing a headlamp with you to Turkey.

I love my Black Diamond Storm , which served me brilliantly in this country and beyond.

#16 Key Packing Items for Turkey

And in addition to the headlamp, here’s 5 other essentials I recommend if you plan to travel Turkey.

#1 Turkey Lonely Planet – Still my go-to when it comes to guidebooks, the Turkey Lonely Planet packs in a huge amount of information and will likely save you the cost of a guide in many of this country’s fabulous historical attractions and rich cultural cities.

#2 Good Camera – From the lunar landscape of Cappadocia to the azure turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, the bustling bazaars of Istanbul and ancient ruins of Ephesus, you’ll need a good travel camera for Turkey and the Sony A6000 mirrorless ticks my box every time!

#3 Headscarf – If you’re heading to see any mosques in Turkey, ladies will need to come prepared with a headscarf to enter, as well as a long skirt or pair of pants and long-sleeved top.

#4 Beach Gear – A lovely bikini and gorgeous sun hat are essential for looking the part on Turkey’s Mediterranean coastline.

#5 Rain Jacket – I visited Turkey in May, technically the start of summer and the high season, but was amazed how chilly and wet it was when in some parts of the country like Istanbul and Cappadocia. Having my North Face lightweight, windproof and waterproof jacket therefore saved my life!

#17 Cheap and Charming

Did I mention Turkey’s cheap?

Think I might have done a few times!

Well it is, especially right now, so it’s the time to go, go, go travel Turkey!

Turkish people are very friendly, hospitable and welcoming and the country is astoundingly beautiful.

How many more reasons do you need?!

#18 Safety & Solo Female Travel

And speaking of how hospitable I found Turkesih people, my final Turkish travel tip on this list is about safety.

I travelled in Turkey as a solo female and found the country incredibly safe as a visitor.

That said, accidents do happen and I wouldn’t dream of travelling anywhere these days without proper coverage.

Alternatively, if you’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad or frequent remote worker seeking travel health cover, check out Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance policies.

SAVE IT TO PINTEREST!

And that’s my list of the 18 things you should know before you travel Turkey.

Are you thinking of heading to this country as a budget traveller soon?

If you’ve got any more questions, just hit me up in the comments below…

Creator of Big World Small Pockets, Stephanie Parker is a travel addict! Originally from Jersey in the Channel Islands, Stephanie adventures the world collecting tips, advice and stories, to share with a smile

6 thoughts on “ 18 Things To Know Before You Travel Turkey ”

Excellent. Gets added to my Bucket List!

Whoop Whoop Joanne! 🙂

Wow I think my trip this July will be fun there

I’m sure it will be 🙂

this is so useful. are there any specific placed that i should visit for a great night life, beach parties etc.

Honestly Nayantara I’m not really into beach parties and nightlife, but I’d suggest any of the main backpacker spots along where the Meditteranean coast such as Kas and Olympos would have a good scene. Enjoy 🙂

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Whew! You've made it all the way across the globe. But have your toothbrush, pajamas, and running shoes made it, too? If you're a frequent traveler, it's easy to obsess over the logistics of getting your stuff clean, organized, and in good working condition upon arrival. Paying for a decent travel bag and a few useful accessories means buying a little peace of mind, especially when a few yards of zippers and some nylon are the only barriers between your precious belongings and the belly of an airliner.

Whether you're slinging a duffel into a car trunk for a weekend trip or packing for a whirlwind jaunt across Asia, we've got you covered. Need a bag for your passport or groceries? Don't forget to check out our other guides, like the Best Laptop Backpacks and the Best Recycled Bags , for more picks.

Updated April 2024: We reorganized this guide and added new picks, such as the Yeti Crossroads, Tom Bihn Aeronaut and Trinity, the Frame Carry-On Max, the Lo & Sons O.G. 2, the Camelbak A.T.P. 20, the Calpak Luka Duffel, and the Rux 70. We also updated the information on sizing and checked links and prices.

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Best Carry-On for Most People

Look around any airport—if you see flight attendants or pilots, they will probably be rolling around a Travelpro suitcase. We like Travelpros because you get a lot of bang for your buck. They're durable, light, and not too expensive.

For only a little over $100, the Maxlite 5 is one of the more affordable Travelpro suitcases, and at 5.4 pounds, it's very light! The exterior toiletry pocket is a nice touch for when you go through security and need to take out your liquids, and the zippers are also quite strong and don't tend to get stuck. The wheels also rolled nicely on both the spinner and roll-aboard versions. Reviewer Matt Jancer did note that the aluminum handle extensions did sometimes stick and the main grab handle on the bag is only single-stitched, which may cause durability issues farther down the line. However, he has seen no issues yet. This probably the best bag you can get in the $100 to $150 price range.

Best Hard-Shell Carry-On

Away's business practices may have raised some eyebrows , but there's no denying that this company changed the travel market entirely. It has increased in price since we first tested it, but multiple WIRED staffers still use the classic Away hard-shell carry-on ( 9/10, WIRED Recommends ) as their travel suitcase.

Hard-shell suitcases tend to be heavier. There's also not as much give in the case, so you may find it hard to squeeze in more items than in a soft-shell bag, bu they look a lot sleeker than their soft-shell counterparts and protect fragile items better. The Away weighs 7.5 pounds, which is pretty standard for a hard-shell carry-on. When I tested it, I liked that it had multiple height settings and that the polycarbonate shell wiped clean and stayed mostly scuff-free (it helped that my tester was in the darker navy color). Away's suitcases also come with a built-in TSA-approved combination lock, four spinner wheels capable of rotating 360 degrees, and an included laundry bag to keep dirty clothes separate from the rest of your stuff. The handle did feel a bit wobbly, though.

★ Alternatives: So many companies now offer a direct-to-consumer, stylish, hard-shell carry-on similar to the Away's. We've tried ones by Monos ($255) and July ($295) . Besides price, the differences are mostly negligible. I like July's aluminum bumpers, but they do add weight. The Monos's handle rolls out more smoothly, but the July's pebbled surface doesn't show scuffs as badly. Both have survived multiple cross-country trips, being checked as baggage, and being ridden on by two small children with no damage.

Paravel also offers an Aviator carry-on ($395) that touts itself as the world's first carbon-neutral carry-on; it has an interior lining made of recycled plastic bottles, a telescoping handle made of recycled aluminum, and vegan leather trim to help it stand out from all the plain black bags at the airport. Product reviewer Jaina Grey fell in love with its roomy interior and durable, anti-scuff hard-shell exterior.

Best Soft-Shell Carry-On

Yeti's coolers and cups are famous for being bomb-proof. The company recently launched a luggage line that's similarly overbuilt. The Yeti Crossroads 35L is a 22-inch roller bag that's carry-on size for most major airlines. It weighs 7.7 pounds, on par with soft-sided competitors of the same size.

I recently spent a week dragging the Crossroads up and down grimy subway station escalators, thumping it across cobblestones, and scrunching it into overfull overhead bins during a trip to London, Paris, and Brussels. The blue 700D nylon on the front and sides looks just as fresh as it did out of the box while the molded polycarbonate shell on the back has a few well-earned battle scratches. The two extra-large fixed wheels are rolling as smoothly as ever and hopped up curbs so well that I grew to favor them over smaller spinner wheels. The Crossroads has a half-dozen well-placed pockets and sturdy zippers that didn't give me any anxiety even as I tugged them hard while smooshing down to fit souvenirs into a carry-on with 8 days of clothing. —Martin Cizmar

Best Bag for a Lifetime

Do you only want to buy one suitcase and never think about it, ever again? Briggs & Riley is one of the few companies with a lifetime unlimited warranty. I bought a Briggs & Riley carry-on as my first and only post-college purchase. Right now, it has lasted over 20 years. Periodically, I bring it into the one Briggs & Riley-approved dealership in my town to get a zipper pull put back on, and it's fixed for free in a few days. Its components are top-of-the-line. The face fabric is a heavy-duty ballistic nylon that’s water-repellent and abrasion-resistant. After having been dragged all over the globe, from the Philippines to Turkey to Iceland, the gleaming red is just as bright.

The low-profile wheels nor handles have never broken. The grab handles are also luxuriously smooth and padded, and there's an interior folding garment bag for my husband's suits. The only downside is that at 9.3 pounds, it’s pretty heavy.

★ Alternatives: If you need an absolutely bomber-tough rolling suitcase and don't mind its 9.6-pound weight, the Pro Front-Access Carry ($799) will stand up to more abuse than most rolling bags, with its aluminum frame and 70-percent-recycled polycarbonate body. WIRED reviewer Chris Haslam says it's his favorite rolling bag in years. Jancer also likes Travelpro's Platinum Elite carry-on ($315) , which he calls one of the most high-end polycarbonate bags on the market.

Lauren Goode

Aarian Marshall

Benj Edwards, Ars Technica

Best Backpack

When I reviewed the Cotopaxi Allpa in 2018 ( 9/10, WIRED Recommends ), it had only recently launched. Now, a half-dozen years later, it is one of the most popular travel backpacks that I see online and in airports all over the world. It's a combination of a camping backpack, a suitcase, and a soft, frameless duffel. You can splay it open like a sandwich to pack it easily; access items through a side zip; put it on your backpack and secure its weight with a sternum strap; or squash or stomp it into any overhead compartment or corner of your car trunk. The use case for this bag is extremely specific—the same people who are bopping around Thailand for several weeks in one backpack are not the same people trying to look professional at a work conference. But it is sturdy and comfortable.

★ Alternative: I took the Ekster Packable Duffel ($250) on several weekend trips this spring, and found that it more than upheld its claims of being built for “smoother journeys, on and off the grid.” This travel bag converts from a backpack to a duffel, with two separate compartments that also splay open for easier packing. The 600-denier exterior and water-resistant zippers are so sturdy that when we ran out of space in the car, we lashed it to the roof rack with surf straps and drove for hours in the rain. It, and its contents, remained pristine.

Best Convertible Bag

Every serious traveler knows the name of Seattle-based Tom Bihn, manufacturer of bomber bags that will last you a lifetime. The Aeronaut 45 is the classic Tom Bihn convertible carry-on, which the size of the maximum allowable carryon bag on a plane.

You get everything from a Tom Bihn bag that you pay for. It’s made of incredibly sturdy 1050 denier ballistic nylon, with bombproof YKK zippers. It has both hidden backpack straps and an extremely comfortable cross-body strap. This is commerce director Martin Cizmar's bag, and he's tossed it around and lugged it down rough streets and through crowds where roller bags are a liability. He owns two and the first lasted for more than a decade. This is the bag that both he and I would use, if we didn't have to constantly test other bags.

Best Personal Item

Some airlines are not content with charging you extra for checking a bag and now charge you for overhead bin space . The Tom Bihn Trinity ( 7/10, WIRED Recommends ) addresses that problem by providing a space for you to pack everything you need while still fitting underneath the seat in front of you. As the name suggests, it has three main compartments and three ways to carry—either as a briefcase with padded grab handles, a backpack, or as a shoulder bag with two attachment points.

It has three main compartments which can be arranged to your liking; for example, on one of the side compartments, you can zip a water bottle holder into place or unzip it for more room. It wasn't quite as versatile as I expected; I found that I prefer a small duffel with one main compartment that I can organize as I like. However, it does fit under the seat in front of me, even with clothes, laptop, and four (four!) hardcover books that I somehow stuffed inside it.

Best Work Bag

I've been traveling a lot for work and for family reasons in the past few months, and the bag I prefer for my personal item is the Lo & Sons O.G. 2, which is the larger version of the brand's Nouvelle purse ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ). It comes in a medium and a large version; the medium is adequate as an everyday bag, but the large turns it into a versatile work/travel bag. It’s low-profile and has both smooth leather grab handles as well as a shoulder strap. I have kicked it under plane seats and around airports, and the nylon doesn't show any damage. There's a hidden separate compartment if you spill water on yourself, and it has sturdy feet so you can put it on an airplane bathroom counter and dig for your makeup without it falling over or getting the bottom of the bag too disgusting. The toothed zippers do tend to crinkle and snatch at your knuckles when the bag gets overstuffed, but I suppose you could always, uh, avoid overstuffing your bag.

★ Alternatives: We have plenty of recommendations in our guide to the Best Laptop Totes , but we love Lo & Sons. The Catalina Supreme Tote ($338) is also great for weekend trips. Again, there's also a bottom compartment for a pair of shoes, or anything else you need to keep separate.

The Best Hiking Daypack

The Camelbak A.T.P. is so useful that I’m always startled to realize it only has a 20-liter capacity. I have it in the 100 percent recycled white color, which saves water and only emits half the greenhouse gas emissions by eliminating the dying process. It’s a panel loader, which means you can unzip the top and see exactly where everything goes, like a duffel. This is convenient when packing for trips—I was able to fit clothes, a Dopp kit, and electronics for an overnight trip. (I know these types of zippers fail more often than top loaders, but it does make it easier to arrange and sort items near the bottom of the pack.)

I particularly like how narrow it is. It fits my back and goes under airplane seats that even my children’s backpacks can’t. The bottle pocket has a zipper that makes it expandable so it can fit a little coffee thermos or my giant Yeti water bottle . Exterior compression straps also help squeeze my clothes even smaller. This is a great backpack if you want something that looks sleek enough for a work bag but is durable enough to take on a weekend trip to Yosemite.

★ Alternative: I also love the Patagonia Black Hole Backpack ($149) . This 25-liter bag is the perfect combination work/adventure bag. The suspended 15-inch laptop pocket clips shut, and the rest of the pockets are thoughtfully placed. It’s extremely light (a little over a pound) and is made from 100 percent recycled ripstop fabric.

Best Duffel Bag

The Big Haul ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ) is our favorite duffel because it hits the right balance of robust build materials and pockets without being too heavy to lug around all day. The standout feature of the Big Haul series, which comes in 28-liter to 120-liter options, is the ability to easily reposition the carrying straps, which feature plastic fishhook-style ends that slip into fabric loops. You can connect one strap end-to-end or double up on two straps in an H pattern for more stability with heavy loads. Adding and removing the straps isn't super fast, but it's not difficult, either, and six low-profile loops seems less intrusive than six rattling plastic buckles.

Two small interior pockets and an exterior pocket keep small things organized, and its water-resistant fabric is thick and tough without being stiff. All the sewing around the grab handles feels very robust too. Padded backpack straps hide away under a padded pocket on the top of the bag. This means that when you sling the Big Haul over your shoulders to give your arms a rest, your back is against the relatively clean top of the duffel, rather than a wet, dirty bottom side that's been set down on the ground. The current iteration of the Big Haul is also made with recycled nylon. What's not to love? —Matt Jancer

★ Alternative: For slightly more money, the classic duffel in this category is the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel ($159) , which also comes in a variety of colorways and sizes. You can either carry it by the grab handles or with the shoulder straps, and it's made from 100 percent recycled polyester with a TPU-film laminate. I (Adrienne) have had the 40-liter version for almost 15 years now and the laminate has yet to peel. It also fits as a carry-on on flights.

The Best Expedition Bag

If you like outdoor sports, you probably need a good expedition bag—that is, a huge, burly duffel that you can just throw all your pointy ice axes, trekking poles, or camp chairs into that you can take anywhere and everywhere. Reviewer Matt Jancer's expedition bag of choice is the Red Oxx PR5. He's used it for whitewater paddling trips and to lug mountain climbing equipment from coast to coast without a single frayed thread. Everything about Red Oxx is overbuilt. The zippers are huge, its thick pieces of nylon webbing are robustly sewn, and chunky metal rings hang the detachable carrying strap. All that said, it's not abominably heavy. At 3.4 pounds it's still lighter than many wheeled bags.

★ Alternative: If you've ever gone to a popular outdoor destination, like Yosemite or Everest, you've probably seen stacks of North Face Base Camp duffels . This is the quintessential expedition bag. My own personal bag is the OnSight Tarmac EPO , but the company no longer exists; I also have a Mountain Hardware duffel ($180) and after 20 years, the coating has finally started to peel.

Best for Camping

We love everything from Rux; I'm currently testing the waterproof adventure tote ($150) and I use it for everything from my climbing gear, to picnic gear, to bringing my kids' roller skates and soccer balls to the park. I have also leaked an entire water bottle in it and it stayed contained and out of the bottom of my car.

But for camping (or any outdoor pursuit, really), what you need is a Rux storage system , which, as the artist and filmmaker Van Neistat puts it, will help you kit your shit . It holds its frame shape, which means you can stack and organize inside of it just like a box, but it folds down like a bag for easy storage once you're at your destination. It's also light and waterproof and comes with a wide array of accessories . This is an upgrade for everyone who currently sorts their camping, climbing, or snowboarding gear in a series of $5 plastic totes and stacks them in their trunk.

The Best Aluminum Suitcase

Perhaps you've seen those Instagram-friendly, shiny aluminum suitcases and wonder whether it's worth the investment. Aluminum is extremely durable and can be machined with precision. That means it will protect your belongings better, and you can close them with latches instead of zippers. Your suitcase will last longer and be more secure— zippers are pretty easy to break into —and generally have fewer points of failure.

In my opinion, the cost-benefit analysis generally weighs against them. Aluminum suitcases are usually heavier and won't flex as much if you have overpacking tendencies, and I find them painfully conspicuous. Any suitcase with a decent warranty policy will painlessly cover any repairs. If you must have one, we like Arlo Skye's the Frame. Arlo Skye was founded by alumni from Louis Vuitton and Tumi, and reviewer Matt Jancer says that everything about the Frame screams robust quality, from the leather grab handles to the combination-lock latches. It also comes with a removable battery bank and has a few more liters of carrying capacity than the similarly-sized Away. The main disadvantage is that the interior organization is a bit lacking.

★ Alternative: Do you want the benefits of an aluminum suitcase without the drawbacks? You might want to consider Monos's Hybrid Carry-On ($325) . You won't fool anyone into thinking you've shelled out for a 100 percent aluminum suitcase, but Jancer notes that it's only a pound or so heavier than the competition and the aluminum frame offered better protection than any 100 percent polycarbonate suitcase that he tried.

A Good Emergency Go Bag

To be clear, any bag here could be considered a go-bag—even a grocery bag works when you have to leave the house imminently. But reviewer Nena Farrell used Calpak's duffel for an emergency surgery, and she is kicking herself for not getting it sooner. It was big enough for everything from makeup bags and extra outfits to a massive book and Nintendo Switch, and was comfortable to carry thanks to the large straps.

The shoe compartment was big enough for sandals and slides, but not big enough for shoes with an ankle. It was also a great place to stash haphazard Ziplocs of emergency toiletries and medications. There are some side pockets inside too, plus an exterior side pocket and a pass-through panel to place it on top of your luggage. It was a great hospital companion, but Farrell can't wait to take the Luka somewhere a little more fun.

Other Bags We Like

Not every good product can snag a best-in-category title, but there are several more bags we've tested that get our thumbs-up.

Osprey Ozone 40L for $280 : At 4.47 pounds, Osprey claims this bag is the lightest carry-on suitcase. It's also made from 400D recycled bluesign-approved nylon and is treated with DWR. This bag is light enough to easily hoist above my head and has also been checked multiple times.

Gregory Alpaca 40 Duffel for $140 : This duffel weighs a scant 2.7 pounds, but the water-resistant fabric and extraordinarily beefy (though plastic) buckles make it a solid bag for adventuring. There's an exterior pocket for storing shoes or dirty clothes. The backpack straps don't tuck away for storage—you have to unclip them—but might be the most well-padded, comfortable straps I've encountered on a duffel. Exterior daisy chains and an interior zippered pocket round out the impressive features list.

Land's End Waxed Canvas Duffel for $180 : Most duffel bags these days are made of nylon, and while it's tough to call a material that's been popular since the 1940s “modern,” nylon bags don't have the old-school charm that this waxed canvas bag does.

Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler 40L for $149 : This bag weighs 1 pound, 13 ounces, which is only slightly heavier than air. It also has backpack straps that stow away in a front pocket.

Skyway Epic Carry-On for $160 : At 7.1 pounds, the Epic is an average weight. The handle is a wee bit more finicky than our top pick, and the Travelpro's wheels glide a little more nicely. Still, the Epic is a solid choice.

Target Signature Weekender Bag for $81 : Looking like a cross between a duffel and a handbag, the Weekender has a structure that product reviewer Louryn Strampe says can become overfilled, so keep that in mind if you plan to bring it onto a plane as a carry-on. She appreciates its durability and the many internal pockets for organization, though, and its rather long five-year warranty.

Solgaard Carry-On Closet Plus for $345 : It's a tiny bit over what most airlines list as the maximum dimensions, but the difference is so small that it's accepted 95 percent of the time. WIRED reviewer Louryn Strampe praises its optional clip-in closet clothing organizer, which makes for efficient packing. The built-in TSA lock is easy to use, and there's an internal power-bank pocket. This suitcase is included in our Favorite Recycled Products guide.

Samsonite Outline Pro Carry-On for $200 : This is a hard-side, four-wheeled spinner carry-on made from an outer shell of durable polypropylene. Standout features include an interior fabric made from 100 percent recycled plastic bottles and a “WetPak” storage pocket for keeping damp items separated from the rest of your luggage.

Adidas Defender Duffel for $40 : If you're looking for an inexpensive duffel that'll handle some light-duty traveling, this is a good way to save $100. The fabric is significantly thinner and less sturdy than that of other duffels in this guide, and it lacks backpack straps. But for taking on the train or tossing into a car trunk, it'll do the trick.

Bags We Don’t Like

Some bags just aren't worth the asking price, especially with so many good alternatives at all price points.

Peugeot Voyages Carry-On Spinner for $595 : What a price tag for a plastic-case suitcase. You can see where Peugeot tried to imbue the Voyages with some luxury, such as the metal riveting and built-in travel locks, but the case felt no more solid than a budget hard-sided bag, and the USB charging port felt cheap, like an outlet you'd find built into a seat in an airport terminal.

Eagle Creek Caldera Convertible International Carry-On for $469 : At 6 pounds, 2 ounces, this bag is a bit heavy. There's a zip-off 19-liter backpack that you can separate from the rest of the 37-liter bag, but when they're zipped together, the combined size doesn't meet carry-on restrictions.

Ebags CTS Carry-On Spinner for $200 : This one wasn't awful, but there are much better options for the money. Its hard plastic sides felt more brittle than the hard-sided plastic Away suitcases. The handle rattles a lot and it didn't roll quite as smoothly as other bags.

A Few Travel Accessories

Once you've got your bag, you'll want to pack it with a few more useful items:

Apple AirTag for $24 : If you have an iPhone, it's one of the best ways to keep a digital eye on your bags. Drop an AirTag into an interior pocket to make sure you and your luggage are reunited at your destination. Don't have an iPhone? We suggest the Chipolo in our guide to the Best Bluetooth Trackers .

Eagle Creek Specter Pack-It Cubes Three-Pack for $35 keep everything inside your bags organized by allowing you to separate it into different cubes, so you won't ever have to hunt through seven pairs of socks to find your bathing suit again.

Calpak Clear Cosmetics Case for $75 : Calpak’s viral clear cases come in three sizes and a ton of colors for the edge trims. Reviewer Nena Farrell loved the small size for my gym bag and traveling with a smaller carry-on bag, while the medium was a great size for my daily makeup or larger suitcases.

Troubadour Buddy 2.0 Tech Case for $75 : You probably need a case to organize your spare charging cables and power banks. I've been testing this compact, waterproof, and recycled bag that fits neatly into my personal item.

UrPower Portable Steamer for $24 beats a travel iron because it's far lighter and you don't need to hunt down an ironing board at your hotel. WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano and I both have been using UrPowers for years. For a tiny thing, it's powerful and effective at steaming practically anything. You just need to refill it often.

Samsonite Manual Luggage Scale for $15 is handy when you're packing a heavy bag for an upcoming trip. Use it to weigh your luggage and make sure it's within the weight limits. International airlines are sticklers for carry-on weight, and even American airlines will be unforgiving about weight for checked bags.

InCase MacBook Sleeves for $50 will keep your laptop from bearing the damage caused by airport security lines. Travel through an airport without a case and it's only a matter of time before a bare laptop or tablet picks up nasty scratches and dents. Check our guide to the Best MacBook Accessories for more.

How to Pick the Right Size Bag

Every airline sets its own dimensional requirements for carry-on baggage, so if you want to be safe, you should check your airline's requirements before packing. But broadly, they're split into two categories: domestic and international.

Domestic flights by US airlines (and a few others) have standardized on 22 x 14 x 9 inches.

International carry-on bag sizes tend to be about 21 inches tall and a bit narrower, but they're all over the place. It's tough, because many international airlines will measure your bags at the airport and reject anything even slightly bigger than the allowed size. If you fly outside the US a lot, you may as well buy a bag sized for international flights.

You'll also want to check each airline's weight limits. They vary wildly, but some international airlines restrict you to 15 or 20 pounds, including the weight of the bag itself. For example, there are some East Asian airlines that limit carry-on bags to 11 pounds. Once you subtract 6 or more pounds for the bag, you're not left with much wiggle room to put stuff inside.

When to Remove Battery Banks

Battery banks, also known as power banks, are a travel must-have. Whether you're using a tablet to watch movies on your flight or relying on your phone to coordinate rideshares, hotel check-in, and handle your boarding passes, you've got to keep those devices charged and topped up. Many bags offer a removable battery bank that slides into a special pocket or notch of the suitcase.

For carry-on luggage on a flight in the US, you're allowed to bring a lithium-ion battery of 100 watt-hours or less. You don't need to remove it from the suitcase's pocket if you're storing your bag in the overhead bin.

Lithium-ion battery banks are not allowed in checked luggage. If you check your bag or have to gate-check it, make sure to remove the battery bank before you give your suitcase to the gate agent. Slip the battery bank into your purse, backpack, or pocket for the duration of the flight.

Adrienne So

Medea Giordano

Parker Hall

Nena Farrell

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Home » Gear » best travel bags

31 Best Travel Bags: Duffels, Backpacks and Suitcases (2024)

We’ve reviewed hundreds of the best travel bags throughout the years – from the best hiking backpacks to the best laptop bags, we know bags. 

This article is for you if you don’t know where to start when it comes to travel bags. Are you a dedicated backpacker, a fan of the duffel bag, or maybe a devotee of the wheelie suitcase? Perhaps you’re not sure which type of travel bag you should buy or if you should make a switch.

Whether you’re a newbie or looking to upgrade and replace your existing travel bag, choosing from the best travel bags can be something of a minefield.

How on earth do you choose? The best way is to simply read on!

Keep scrolling and you’ll discover a wealth of detailed information on all the latest travel bags – backpacks, duffel bags, carry-ons, backpacks with wheels, and anti-theft bags; the list goes on! By the end of the article you’re sure to have found the best travel bag ever… for your needs!

Quick Answer: The Best Travel Bags of 2024

How to choose the best travel bag, best travel backpacks, best travel duffel bag, best travel daypacks, best travel luggage with wheels, best carry on travel bags, best anti-theft travel backpacks, best foldable travel bags, best travel duffel bags, best laptop travel bags, how and where we tested to find the best travel backpacks, faq about the best travel bags.

• Best Travel Backpack – Nomatic 40L Travel Bag
• Best Travel Daypack – Tortuga Laptop Backpack
• Best Travel Backpack Runner-Up – AER Travel Pack 3
• Best Leather Travel Pack – MAHI Leather Overnight Bag
• Best Eco Luggage – Monarc Brand Settra
• Best Travel Luggage with Wheels – Osprey Sojourn Shuttle 45
• Best Carry on Travel Bag – Stubble & Co Adventure Pack
• Best Anti-Theft Travel Backpack – Pacsafe Metrosafe X
• Best Foldable Travel Bag – Wandrd Veer 18L
• Best Travel Duffel Bag – Osprey Transporter 40 Duffel Bag
• Best Laptop Travel Bag – AER Commuter Brief 2

NOMATIC 40L TRAVEL BAG

• > Lifetime Warranty
• > Full of unique storage features

Tortuga Travel Backpack

• Price: > $$
• > Laptop and tablet sleeves
• > Made with water proof sailcloth

AER Travel Pack 3

• > Carry on friendly
• > Sleek, minimalist design

Osprey Sojourn Shuttle 45

• Price: > $$$
• > Carry on size
• > Detachable day pack

Tortuga Laptop Backpack

• > Book-style opening
• > Dedicated laptop and tablet sleeves

Pacsafe Metrosafe X

• > RFID-blocking pouch
• > Interlocking zips

WANRD Veer 18L

• > Lightweight
• > Multiple pockets

Osprey Transporter 40 Duffel Bag

• > Excellent all-round duffel bag
• > Protected pocket for tech

AER Commuter Brief 2

When deciding between all of these great travel bags, how do you choose the best bag for travel? Here are some pointers…

One of the easiest ways to narrow down the choices is to consider the size of bag you require. If you’re searching for a bag that will see you through the daily commute you’re almost certainly going to need a smaller travel bag than if you’re heading off vacation away from home.

Generally, good travel bags of somewhere between 30 and 45-liters, unless you plan to use air travel check-in. If you have a lot of electronics, camera gear, camping equipment, or clothes (we’ve all been there!), then a larger bag makes much more sense.

If you have a travel bag you’re looking to replace or upgrade, ask yourself what sort of style it is – and whether of course, you like that style!

If you’re comfortable with a backpack-style travel bag, then focus your search on the same; whereas, if you prefer the ease of a duffel bag or wheelie suitcase, that’s the way you should be leaning. Want something in between, have a look at a duffel-backpack hybrid bag instead.

Will you be carrying your travel bag for long distances? Because if so, every gram (or ounce) of excess weight matters. While wheelie suitcases are a great idea for city movement, wheels always add weight to a bag and are a pain if you are heading off-road (or even onto the cobbles of a city like Paris).

Also, remember that weight is often a trade-off for durability, especially when it comes to travel and hiking backpacks. The more durable a bag, the more it tends to weigh. Understand how you plan to use your bag before buying the lightest or most heavy-duty pack! Overall, the higher-quality luggage brands tend to be able to keep things lighter whilst still being durable.

Are you traveling with Tech?

Are you traveling with tech? These days you probably are, whether you’re traveling for pleasure or for work.

In which case, do you want a rigid travel bag that provides protection, or perhaps a padded laptop sleeve or compartment? We have an entire section dedicated to good travel bags for laptops.

If this is the case, make sure the sleeve is large enough for your particular laptop or tablet too!

Are you Hiking?

While some of the best travel bags are geared for travel, they’re often not designed for hiking. Some backpacks are designed for both travel AND hiking, but that usually means it’s not the best at either, just manageable.

If you want a backpack that you can take on the trails, then pay attention to how the backpack holds its weight, the suspension system (if it even has one), the shoulder straps, and waist strap comfort. Remember, some of the really nice traveling bags that look great for city hopping aren’t going to cut it on the trails!

REI is one of America’s biggest and most-loved outdoor gear retailers.

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For those who need a larger, more conventional backpack that can handle all sorts of trips. These come in all shapes and sizes though our top choices are around 40 liters.

For more information on these sorts of bags, visit our IN-DEPTH guide on how to choose a travel backpack . There are some really great travel bags to choose from.

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#1 Nomatic 40-Liter Travel Bag

Nomatic bags have 20 innovative features to make your travels all the easier, such as a dedicated shoe pocket that keeps dirty soles away from the rest of your luggage, and a fleece-lined RFID-blocking pocket that will keep your electronic data and passports safe from illegitimate scanning by scammers. Pretty much it is the only travel bag under 40 liters you will ever need; which is why we chose it as your top pick.

This bag also incorporates a dedicated laptop sleeve, and is carry on approved for a plethora of international airlines!

Our testers thought this was, well, to put it bluntly, the best travel bag out there! There are so many features they could point to in terms of what they loved the most but because I’m limited on the wordcount I’ll focus on one. Organisation! They loved the different pockets, zippered sections and show well the shape of the bag fits packing cubes inside.

We have so much to say about this bag that we wrote an entire Nomatic Travel Bag review.

• Perfect carry-on size
• Tons of features for the modern traveler
• RFID-blocking pockets
• Laptop sleeve
• Weight is a tad heavy for some (1.8 kg)
• Hip belt must be bought separately

#2 Tortuga Travel Backpack

With their Travel Backpack model, US-brand Tortuga promises to deliver a travel bag that has the portability and ergonomic qualities of a hiking backpack with the organizational stance and ease of packing that comes with a suitcase.

That said, we do not recommend this backpack for hiking… refer to our reviews on hiking backpacks instead.

Having said that, our team of testers especially loved how easy to pack this bag was. With the rectangular shape and clamshell opening it was perfect for fitting in packing cubes and keeping everything neat and organised. The smaller size also fits perfectly into overhead compartments.

sComing in 30 and 40-liter versions, which you might consider weekend and max-sized, both sizes of the Outbreaker carry 15” laptops, and also tablets of up to 9.7”.

• Suitable for laptops up to 15”
• Comprises additional tablet sleeve
• Carry on compliant
• Made in China
• Rectangular shape
• Not for adventures

#3 Aer Travel Pack 3

The AER Travel Bag 3 is one of the best travel bags, ever. We have no doubts about that. Pound for pound, we consider the AER Travel Pack to be as good as the Nomatic Travel Bag. They’ve designed and engineered a built-in solution to all of the previous problems we’ve had with travel bags.

This bag is great for digital nomads, backpackers, and business travelers alike. It is designed with your laptop and organization in mind. It’s 35 liters of backpacker perfection.

Use this bag as a daypack, a carry on, or both. You’ll appreciate the many pockets and storage features. Wear it around town to camp on your laptop at your favorite coffee shop or bring it on a plane without needing to check your bag.

I recently took this bag on a trip over to France and I totally fell in love with it. The real stand-out feature for me, travelling with my camera and laptop, was the strong and smooth zippers that can be locked for extra security.

For more details about the Aer Travel Pack 3, read our Aer Travel Pack review .

• Carry on friendly
• Shoe pocket
• Many organization features
• Small water bottle pocket
• Not entirely waterproof
• No raincover

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#1 MAHI Leather Overnight Bag

Leather travel packs are stylish and hard wearing. Whilst note created for outdoors and not ideal for “backpackers”, they do suit urban, business an weekend travellers. MAHI leather is the company to beat in the leather bag market and this weekend sized 30L duffel is a cracking carry on companion.

This leather bag is the flagship duffel for a proven company, and its clean appearance and durable straps have earned it the highest place on our list. The bag can be carried with handles or a shoulder strap, and brass hardware ensures you can walk with confidence no matter how you hold it. 

You won’t lose anything inside the bag, thanks to the zip and phone pocket. You can pack everything you need this weekend in this lightweight and stylish leather bag that checks off all the boxes. 

This bag might not be for everyone and it did split our team somewhat, but for those who loved it, it was the outer material that was a real winner. They felt the feel of the soft and supple but strong leather used provided both great protection whilst looking super stylish and professional.

#2: Monarc Brand Setra

Travel can really take it toll on the planet – I mean jet fumes are not exactly good for anybody right? The good news is that Ecological and Sustainable travel initiatives are now really gaining serious momentum and ecological travel products are popping up everywhere.

So, the Monarc 2-in-1 Duffle-Backpack is the world’s first backpack made from 100% recycled bottles and the producers have been awarded a highly coveted “plastic negative” rating.

As well as being eco friendly, the Monarc Settra is also a seriously cracking great pack. Its 2-1 concept design means it can be worn as a backpack or carried as a duffel using the comfortable handle. If you do wear it on your bag, there are adjustable straps to help carry the weight.

Then there are the organizational possibilities. Its’ 40L of storage can go pretty far and the pack offers a shoe compartment and a 17” laptop sleeve. Coming in at $149.00, it’s an absolute bargain although if you have the budget we also recommend picking up the full set including camera cube, compression cubes and laundry bags.

Anything else? Oh yeah, it’s also water-resistant, TSA Carry-on compliant and comes with a lifetime guarantee!

When our team gave this a test run they really loved how comfortable the straps and handle were however the bag was configured. Sometimes these types of bags are more suited to one use over the other but this guy feels great either way.

Small travel bags that are meant for shorter journeys. These typically hold less than 30 liters and are designed to be easy and lightweight.

If you’re interested in buying a smaller bag and want to learn more, we’ve written a  comprehensive daypack post as well!

#1 Tortuga Laptop Backpack

Daypacks have become a vital way of carrying all you need when you’re out and about for the day but can falter for two reasons.

Firstly, they don’t always provide enough space for a laptop. Secondly, what do you do with it when its no longer needed? The Tortuga Laptop Backpack answers both of these problems!

It will take a laptop of up to 16” and a tablet of 12.9” in dedicated sleeves, and folds flat so it can be easily be packed into your main luggage. We think this is such an awesome feature!

Weighing a very light 2.1 lb (0.95 kg), it won’t add much extra weight to your luggage, but is still made with waterproof sailcloth to keep your tech and other kit safe even on drizzly days!

Much like the larger Tortuga, this bag was well-loved on our team. They loved the fact that it still has clamshell opening which is pretty uncommon for smaller bags and helps when you’ve got organisational needs.

• Laptop and tablet sleeves
• Folds flat for packing
• Weighs just 500 grams
• Made with water proof sailcloth
• Won’t fit larger laptops
• Volume limited to 21 litres
• Just one colour
• White interior may stain quickly

#2 Osprey Daylite Plus

For a daypack orientated towards hiking and outdoor adventures, this is one of the best bags for travel on the market. Made from a durable ripstop and water-resistant nylon, it’s very capable of taking on the great outdoors.

Its frame helps to spread the weight evenly, taking the stress further off your shoulders, which will already feel the benefit of the padded and ventilated shoulder straps. 20-liter packs with frames and waist straps are virtually unheard of, meaning this pack is perfect for day hikes.

Lightweight at just over half a kilo, the Osprey Daylite Plus boasts dedicated spaces for laptops and tablets, in addition to ‘standard’ hiking bag features such as an emergency whistle and chest strap!

Our testers can confirm how well the mesh ventilation system works to keep your back dry. They loved how much this bag made their time on hikes or exploring cities like Bangkok much more comfortable.

• Made with durable ripstop nylon
• Water resistant
• Lightweight travel bag
• Buckle closure top flap
• Lacks external webbing or anchor points
• Front pocket is unlockable
• May be too small for some users

#3 WANDRD PRVKE 31

The WANDRD PRVKE 31 is one of the best camera backpacks on the market for non-professional photographers. The bag is extremely versatile and extremely durable. Its versatility and durability mean the WANDRD PRVKE 31 can be used for more than just a camera bag.

It’s good for hiking, a daypack, or even a small travel bag – the magic is in the WANDRD’s ability to be more than just a cam era backpack .

The photographers on our team really fell in love with the functionality of this bag. The removable camera cube that straps in and connects with the side opening in practical use worked a treat. It meant assessing your camera on the go was easy and quick.

Looking for the best camera bag , check out our guide for some more options.

• Very durable and robust
• Great design
• Tons of pockets
• Comes with handy accessories
• Limited space for cameras/equipment
• Magnetic handles are just OK

Sometimes, having a set of wheels on your bag can be really useful. Not having to carry around a big ol’ bag can really save your back, especially when you’re in the airport or on some really nice pavement.

We’ve only covered a few bags in this section – read more about wheeled backpacks if you’re interested!

#1 Osprey Sojourn Shuttle 45

One of the main reasons you should invest in a backpack with wheels is for convenience. Well, this backpack takes convenience to an entirely new level with its super comfortable carrying system.

With this luggage, you will have a backpack, and rolling luggage all in one! The StraightJacket compression system helps keep the load tight, compact and neat for those long travel days jumping on and off transport.

A few more great features include padded top and side handles, a removable shoulder harness, and the HighRoad Chassis that gives you great clearance over any rough ground you might encounter.

This item meets carry-on size restrictions for most airlines (size does not exceed 45 linear inches).

Our team are most used to backpacking but they were pretty keen to give this hybrid number a go. Well, the vast majority were converted and they just loved how well this bag functioned as a backpack and then easily converted to rolling luggage without looking too much like a suitcase.

• Carry on size
• High clearance wheels
• Heavy! Over 6 Lbs.

#2 Eagle Creek Gear Warrior Convertible Carry-On Wheeled Pack

This 37-litre rolling luggage that doubles as a backpack is perfect for international travel. It was built to be weatherproof and dirt-resistant for all of your adventures. Not only that but it also comes with a detachable 18l day pack too!

Plus, it’s probably the coolest looking backpack with wheels – something I haven’t said since the fourth grade! A few of its awesome features include the top quick stash pocket, multiple grab handles, and treaded off-road wheels so you can roll this bag on challenging terrain!

The main drawback is its weight. There is always a trade-off for durability and weight… and in this case, it’s a few pounds! This backpack may be overkill if you aren’t going on an adventure…

Our team felt this bag was more suited for rolling than carrying but appreciated the additional functionality. However, their favourite feature was the quality feel of the outer material and how much punishment the wheels could take.

• Perfect carry on size
• Weatherproof and extremely durable
• Treaded off-road wheels
• Heavy! 6+ Lbs.

#3 Aerolite Superlight Hard Shell Carry on

A traditional wheelie suitcase, the four-wheeled Aerolite Superlight Hard Shell Carry on offers its users supreme protection of its contents thanks to its rigid form of ABS plastic.

Accepted by all the major airlines in Europe and North America as carry on compliant, it weighs 2.5 kg and has a mid-range capacity of 33 litres.

Its wheels rotate a full 360°, giving you effortless movement across airport departure halls. Inside, the case includes packing straps to hold all your baggage in place, two elastic shoe pockets, a slim mesh pocket for documentation, and a zipped divider to keep items separate from one another.

Finally, there’s a five-year guarantee to protect against manufacturing defects!

Our team loved the durability of these bags and just how high quality they felt. The hard exterior provided great protection whilst remaining compact and light. The four wheels also made rolling the case, even on the cobbles of Prague, super easy.

• Rigid-form carry on
• Easy wheel movement
• Five year guarantee
• Weight of 2.5 kg
• Wheels protrude and cannot be retracted
• Cannot be used as a backpack
• No padded laptop sleeve

Now, you  could spend a fat chunk of $$$ on the WRONG present for someone. Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag… As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice.

So give the adventurer in your life the gift of convenience: buy them an REI Co-op gift card!  REI is The Broke Backpacker’s retailer of choice for ALL things outdoors, and an REI gift card is the perfect present you can buy from them. And then you won’t have to keep the receipt. 😉

For those who fly very often and NEED to make sure that their backpack will can be taken on the plane. Generally speaking, 20-30 liter bags can almost always be used as carry ons. 40 liter bags are a little bit more risky but, because we like to toe the line, we’ve included some 40-liters that we believe can be used as such.

If you’d like, you can also read more about carry ons here!

#1 Stubble & Co Adventure Pack

This nifty and compact carry on ready backpack is ideal for both city breaks and outdoor time.

This innovative, super uber cool, brand new to-the-market hiking daypack is tough, durable, and also highly functional. It is designed to be a go-anywhere, do-anything bag that is equally adept when out hiking in the woods, hitting the gym, or undertaking the daily hell that is the wretched commute to work!

It zips fully open almost like a suitcase and offers a raft of different compression-compartments separated by mesh netting and zips that make packing and squeezing stuff in a dream. There are also a few external pockets for leads, charges, passports and cigarettes as well as a deducted 16″ laptop sleeve.

Have a look at our Stubble & Co Adventure Bag in-depth review for more information.

• Durable Material
• Padded Laptop and Tablet Compartment
• Great organisation
• Cushioned Shoulder Straps and Hip Belt
• Quite heavy
• Kinda expensive

#2 Osprey Farpoint (40 liter)

If you are trying to decide between the Tortuga and the Osprey, then it simply comes down to one thing – your personal travel style

Do you need a carry on travel bag for camping and light hiking, or for urban travel? If you picked the former, then the Osprey Farpoint is for you!

Here’s the thing, the Farpoint is somewhat of a hybrid travel and hiking backpack. I’d never pick it primarily for hiking when Osprey carries so many specific hiking backpacks, but if you want a bag that can do a little bit of everything and accompany you on flights, then look no further.

The Farpoint range has been a popular choice amongst our team for years and this updated version lived up to its reputation. One of the features our crew loved the most was the combination of internal and external compression straps that help minimise the size of the bag when packed and keep everything from shifting.

This bag caters Digital Nomads and backpackers. Read our full Osprey Farpoint 40 review here.

• Duffel bag or backpack
• Lifetime guarantee
• Not as much tech-organization as Nomatic
• Looks a bit like a turtle shell

#3 Osprey Stratos (33 or 36 liter)

Unlike the Farpoint reviewed above, the Osprey Stratos is a hiking bag first, and a travel bag second. If you love to hike, then you’ll love this bag for many reasons.

This bag is a go-to for short hikes and overnight camping excursions. It comes with an integrated rain cover, is quite lightweight, and has an impressive amount of organization capacity for it’s minimal design.

At 33 or 36 liters (depending on the size you buy), this bag is ALWAYS carry on compliant – just tighten up the compression straps. If you aren’t sold on the Stratos, the Osprey Cirrus 36 is another great option.

Our testers loved how comfortable this pack was to wear even fully loaded on the trails. Its super padded shoulder and hip straps alongside the mesh back panel made it great for hiking and long treks wearing the pack.

Read our  full Osprey Stratos 36 review here.

• Always carry-on compliant
• Awesome ultralight hiking backpacks
• New updated design
• Ventilated mesh back panel
• Likely too small for most travelers
• Not made for regular travel
• Mixed reviews on the pocket sizes

#4 Peak Design 30L Travel Pack

Tailored for the contemporary traveler, the Peak Design 30L Travel Pack offers a 30-liter capacity that is ideally suited for brief escapes or minimalist extended journeys. Its elegant design extends beyond aesthetics; it’s a reflection of functionality. With adjustable compartments for a tailor-made fit for your possessions, and clever side openings for easy item retrieval, this bag offers superior convenience. Expansion zippers allow you to modify the bag’s size to suit various travel needs, adding to its adaptability.

• Carry on compliant – even Ryanair
• Packs a lot in and extends to 33:
• Sleeves for laptop and tablet
• Not waterproof

Most travel bags have some sort of security against theft. For extra protection though, you’ll need a special backpack with more features than usual.

#1 Pacsafe Metrosafe X

The Australian brand, Pacsafe, is dedicated to creating fully-functional travel bags that also protect you from theft. The Metrosafe X has a reasonable daypack size of 20 litres, while weighing less than a kilogram.

There’s an RFID-protective pocket to keep your credit cards, identity card and passport safe from data theft, and a PopNLock security clip that secures the Metrosafe X to any immovable object.

An interlinking zip closure system also makes it impossible for anyone to open any of the bag’s zips without you noticing! The Metrosafe X is also protected from the slash and grab tactics of some thieves due to its hidden wire mesh, and shoulder straps that incorporate steel wires.

Pacsafe is the gold standard when it comes to keeping your valuables secure when travelling. Our testers loved how lowkey the bag looks and how simple the exterior is. It means with one lockable zip their gear felt safe and secure.

• Weighs less than a kilo
• RFID-blocking pouch
• Interlocking zips
• Embedded steel mesh
• Fairly plain exterior
• Too small a volume for some
• Some users report zips jamming
• Not for adventure travel

#2 Oscaurt Anti Theft Backpack

With a stylish modern design and 12.5 litre capacity, the Oscaurt Anti Theft Backpack has both hidden zips to make it harder for pickpockets to make a quick grab for your kit, and additional hidden pockets.

The water repellent and slash proof outer material will see splashes of water just run off, while the interior has space for laptops up to 15.6” in size and tablets of up to 10”.

Further, the Oscaurt Anti Theft Backpack also includes an integrated USB charging port into its design, enabling you to charge your smartphone and still use it by connecting it to a powerbank stored safely inside the bag.

Our testers loved the adjustable internal divider system which could easily be configured for a whole heap of different uses from camera equipment storage to keeping clean and dirty clothing apart. They felt it far from gimmicky and felt it worked well in practical use.

• Ideal for commuting or day travelling
• Hidden zips for main compartment
• Slash proof material
• Integrated USB charging port
• 12.5 litre capacity not for longer travels
• Water repellent rather than water proof
• Fits laptops up to 15.6”
• Powerbank not included

#3 Kopack Lightweight Anti-theft backpack

In the Kopack Lightweight Anti-theft backpack, we have another travel bag with anti-theft features that is able to carry laptops up to 15” in size.

Like the Oscaurt, this model from Kopack has a hidden zip design that makes it difficult for pickpockets to target, while this bag is nice and comfortable thanks to the padding added to the shoulder straps and other areas of the bag that touch the body.

A sleeve on the inside means you can keep your laptop safe and in a convenient location, while the outer materials are deliberately made from tough nylon that is resistant to tears and anti-slash too!

Our testers loved the internal storage and how there was a dedicated slot to store battery packs that then connects to the external USB charger in seamless fashion, as well as the overall look of the bag; bridging the gap between hipster style and professional functionality.

• Lightweight
• Comfortable
• Hidden zipper design
• Tear resistant nylon construction
• No RFID-protection pocket
• Not fully water proof
• The Bottom Has No Extra Padding
• Fits laptops up to 15” only

These are the ultimate packable backpacks – ones that can fold and collapse into a sleeve that is usually the size of a purse or tablet! These make for excellent additions to backpacking gear lists and are usually very affordable as well.

#1 Wandrd Veer 18L

Wandrd make some of the best gear on the market today and have now added their packable backpack to the range. It has a sturdy main structure which is resistant to general wear and tear as well as protection against rain and other weather conditions.

Weighing just a few hundred grams, there are two zip-shut front pockets for smaller items of kit, pockets on either side for water bottles or an umbrella, and a mesh pocket with zip closure on the inside. An access point has been incorporated for use with water hydration systems.

Our team loved how comfy this bag was for how small it folded down. They felt the blow-up back panel really works well to great some structure and padding to the bag.

• Nice colour options
• Sturdy structure
• Multiple pockets
• No padding for laptop or tech
• Mesh pockets could be stronger

#2 Outlander Packable

The Outlander is a foldable daypack with multiple compartments! This bag has an internal security zippered pocket to protect valuable items. The fabric is water and abrasion-resistant and it is reinforced to be ultra-durable. It’s also extremely affordable!

Our team loved how the fabric, stitching and zippers felt really high quality and super strong given how lightweight and compact the bag is.

• Multiple compartments
• Durable for a packable
• Not for proper hikes/athletics
• Simple style

#3 BAGSMART Folding Travel Bag

The Bagsmart Folding Travel Bag is a foldable duffel bag with a 46 litre capacity! Coming with a detachable shoulder strap, the Bagsmart still only weighs 1.2 pounds when empty.

Folding into a flat pack roughly the size and shape of a tablet computer, it can easily be slipped into a larger piece of luggage or even a daypack or handbag.

Each of the metal zips have strong metal tags for grip, which contrasts nicely against the otherwise plain black nylon material. The manufacturers report it to be strong enough to be placed in the hold of an aircraft without issue, but we’ve yet to test this out for sure.

The team loved how robust and strong the material of this bag felt given how lightweight it felt to carry and how easy it was to fold.

• Comes in two sizes
• Just 1.2 pounds in weight
• Folds down to size of tablet computer
• Tough enough to act as hold luggage
• Soft shell design without rigidity
• No padding or dedicated tech sleeve
• No backpack handles
• Not a wheelie suitcase

Duffels are tried and tested bags that are still useful these days. Grabable, packable, tossable, and stowable, for some travelers, duffel bags are the way to go.

#1 Osprey Transporter 40 Duffel Bag

Duffel bags don’t have to be foldable to be a great way of transporting kit from place to place, with the Osprey Transporter 40 Duffel Bag an excellent example of this.

Not only does it have all the features of a standard duffel bag – a large main compartment accessed via a large top opening – it also has a set of padded shoulder straps that can be pulled out when you want to use this duffel as a backpack.

There’s also a padded internal compartment for keeping your laptop protected; the tough double zips are lockable, and the materials are long-lasting and durable.

Our team of testers loved the high-quality feel across all features of this duffel. The material felt durable and strong and the hefty zippers with their lockable holes make your gear feel super secure.

• Excellent all-round duffel bag
• Packable padded shoulder straps
• Lockable zips
• Protected pocket for tech
• Has rain flaps but not fully water resistant
• Mid-sized bag of 40 litres
• Rigid construction
• Locks must be bought separately

#2 Peak Design Travel Duffel

This duffle is one of the best travel bags for air travel. It really shines when it comes to internal organization, even though it’s a duffel bag! It includes a compartment for your laptop and chargers, and also comes in a super stylish colorway with comfortable handles and straps.

Our team loved that, unlike many other duffel bags, the Peak Design Travel Duffel had separate pockets for your laptop and general organisation. That left the large main compartment free for bulkier items and allowed for easier access to their accessories.

• 35 L perfect carry on size
• Wonderful design
• Laptop compartment
• Tons of organization
• No luggage pass through
• Straps are not as comfortable as their backpack!
• Only fits 13″ laptop
• No water bottle pocket

#3 Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler

The Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler comes not only with backpack shoulder straps, but also with grab handles, making this duffel-style travel bag simple to lift, move, and transport. Fantastic, no?

But there’s more! The 40 litre capacity version of the Cargo Hauler comes with an empty packed weight of just 2 lbs, making it a very lightweight travel bag, while 600 Dernier synthetic materials that are also water resistant make it durable and tough. Though there is no dedicated padded compartment for delicate items, the Cargo Hauler does boast a padded bottom section, so you should have little worry when placing your duffel on uneven ground.

Our testers loved how hard-wearing and durable the Eagle Creek duffel bag felt. The thick water-resistant material was durable and well-made, making the bag ideal for carrying outdoor equipment.

• Incorporates backpack straps and grab handles
• 600 Dernier material
• Padded base
• Water resistant rather than water proof
• 600 Dernier thinner than some duffel materials
• No rigid structure
• Not for business travel

#4 Patagonia Black Hole

Patagonia is the doyen of the outdoor market, and The Black Hole series of duffel bags are made with even thicker, more durable synthetic materials than the Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler. Each version of these duffels is constructed with a 900 Dernier ripstop nylon material which has been treated in to be highly water-resistant as well as tear-resistant – liquids really do just roll off this bag.

Despite the thicker materials used in these quality constructions, the Black Hole series still offers an impressive balance between usage and weight, with the 70-litre version hitting the scale at less than 3 lbs. It has backpack straps too! Perfect if you want to travel with a checked bag that you won’t be able to carry into the cabin. What’s more, they also offer a wheeled duffel version too.

If our team thought the Eagle Creek was hardy then they were blown away by this offering from Patagonia when it came to durability. Given the quality of the material, they were also impressed by how the bag stuffs into its own pocket for easy storage.

Want something different from Patagonia? Check out the best Patagonia backpacks instead.

• 900 Dernier ripstop construction
• Relatively lightweight
• Come with backpack straps
• Soft shell design
• Not fully waterproof
• No detachable cross body shoulder strap
• Not a guaranteed carry on

These days, lots of people travel with laptops . If you do as well, make sure that you have the right bag to protect. A laptop can be a big investment, and it’d be a shame if it was broken because it was carried in the wrong kind.

#1 AER Commuter Brief 2

Many of our other reviewed travel bags have dedicated laptop compartments of one form or another, but that doesn’t mean a specialised laptop travel bag isn’t useful for expensive tech.

Taking the standard form of a modern briefcase laptop bag, the AER Commuter Brief 2 is made up of durable and waterproof materials and zips. It has a reversible padded shoulder strap for easy transportation and side pouches that can be used for packing water bottles or other accessories.

If you are a bike commuter, you will appreciate the relatively small size of the Commuter Brief 2 – not too bulky – but big enough to carry what you need for the day. You can also easily combine it with a stylish travel purse to keep your documents, passport and phone at hand too.

Our team loved how this bag felt super professional and compact to boot. They felt it was the ideal pack to take on busy public transport into the office or on a business trip.

• Reversible shoulder strap
• Capacity of just 13 liters
• Solely a laptop bag
• Cannot be used as main bag

#2 Tortuga Laptop Backpack

The Tortuga Laptop Backpack is the smaller version of their first laptop backpack – and it’s just as awesome! This bag is a 25-liter masterpiece for anyone looking for a smaller laptop bag that feels and looks great.

The Laptop Backpack has plenty of organizational features including mesh pockets and a secure area for your laptop.

The Laptop is marketed as a laptop bag for those who do a lot of air travel. If this sounds like you, then this may be your backpack from heaven.

One of the standout features of the bag for our testers was the separate compartment for their laptops. Having it away from the main section made them feel like their computers were safer from both accidents and theft.

Read our complete Tortuga Setout Laptop Backpack Review here.

• Minimalist design
• Dedicated Laptop and Tablet Area
• Pricey for 25 liter bag
• Might be too small for some

#3 Incase City Compact Backpack

The Incase brand is known for making stylish business backpacks. This bag is made for people on-the-go and on business trips. The City Compact Backpack accommodates a 15-inch laptop and has tons of options for internal organization.

The bag itself is made out of 300D polyester, and the black option has a triple coated weather-resistant front panel. The shoulder straps are made with breathable mesh, and the back panels are padded too.

The main compartment has plenty of storage space whilst remaining compact for a speedy commute around the city.

Our team loved the organisational features of this bag, from several different sections for keeping your laptop, accessories and main gear, it’s the perfect pack for digital nomads.

• Fits up to a 17-inch laptop
• Padded back panels
• Main compartment expands by 35%
• Zippable laptop compartment makes security checks a breeze
• For minimal travelers only
• No strap to attach to suitcase handle

#4 Kroser Laptop Backpack

Not only does the Kroser Laptop Backpack offer some protection from the rain with its water-resistant qualities, but it also boasts some environmental credentials with its use of environmentally-friendly poly fabric!

It weighs in at just over 1 kg, and consists of several large compartments, with dedicated padded sleeves for laptops up to 17” in size and standard-sized tablet computers.

It also includes an integrated USB charging port, so that you can continue to use a smartphone while it is being charged with a powerbank hidden inside the bag.

Our team were pretty blown away by how high quality this bag felt given the budget price. The material, zips, sewing and water resistance are really top-notch for such a reasonable price.

• Environmentally friendly
• Dedicated laptop and tablet sleeves
• USB charging port
• Not for longer journeys
• Does not boast TSA approval

The Nomatic Travel Pack is another superb offering from this brand! We think it’s one of the best day bags due to its size and versatility.

This 20-litre daypack can be expanded to 30 litres, making it extremely adaptable for your trip!

To test these packs, we laid our mitts on some of the best bags to travel with and gave them a good old test drive. Over several trips and adventures, our team members put each travelling bag well and truly through its paces all in the name of scientific discovery, or something like that!

Packability

A backpack is designed to carry gear, so we specifically looked at how packable each one was so you could be sure you’re picking the best travel bag for your needs. Any decent pack maximises its available space and has features for making packing more economical. So basically we packed and unpacked the bags for this test!

Equally though, we also paid close attention to how easy the pack was to unpack – being able to get to your gear quickly and easily was also an area we awarded points for when reviewing these bags.

Weight and Comfort of Carrying

If a pack is overly heavy or awkward to carry then taking it along on trips becomes uncomfortable and ultimately unenjoyable! All the best travel bags minimise weight whilst maximising comfort and storage capacity. So we’ve awarded full marks to those that can tick those boxes well.

Functionality

In order to test out how well a pack fulfilled its job of holding clothes, gear and other accessories, well, we threw all that in there! We also gave those rated as carry-on compatible the famous “Ryanair test!” For cycle backpacks, we strapped them on and got on our bikes and went for a ride. You get the idea right? 

Some people say that travel gear doesn’t need to look hot AF if it completes its primary function. Well, we’re not those people, hell nah, we’ve got higher standards here. We believe you can look sexy whilst hauling your stuff around the world! So we’ve added extra beauty points!

Durability and Weatherproofing

Ideally, in order to really test out how durable a backpack is we’d run it over with a truck in the middle of a hurricane. But unfortunately, that’s not entirely practical. So the next best thing was the pour a litre of water over it and take it for a challenging trip out.

When assessing these bags we paid particular attention to the quality and hardiness of the materials used, the traction of the zippers, seam sewing and pressure points that often break.

Still have some questions? No problem! We’ve listed and answered the most commonly asked questions below. Here’s what people usually want to know when looking for the best bags to travel with:

Is it more professional to carry a backpack?

It is definitely not more professional – such a thing doesn’t exist. However, it’s the easiest way to carry all of your gear if you’re out and about on adventures.

What kind of travel bag should I get?

That depends on where you’re going and what you’re doing. For city travel, you can opt between duffels, sling backpacks, daypacks and even wheeled backpacks. If you’re in more secluded areas, there’s no way around a professional and well-fitting backpack.

What are the best overall travel bags?

Check out our favorites: – Nomatic 40-Liter Travel Bag – AER Travel Pack 3 – Osprey Transporter 40 Duffel Bag

How can you keep your travel bag safe?

Simple – buy an anti-theft backpack. The Pacsafe Vibe 25 is protected from the slash and grab tactics of thieves due to its hidden wire mesh, and shoulder straps that incorporate steel wires.

Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…

Pop your email here & get the original Broke Backpacker Bible for FREE.

The Best of the Best Travel Bags Revealed!

Whatever your preferred choice of travel bag, our epic list of the best travel bags has undoubtedly brought the latest and most impressive bags to your attention.

We’ve covered all manner of travel bags in this review, from traditional backpacks to laptop bags and the staple wheelie suitcase. Having scoured the world for the very best, our selection includes some of the globe’s biggest travel brands, but also lesser-known labels we think you should pay attention to! In fact, we’ve covered what we think are all the best travel bags for 2020 and beyond!

Need help packing once you’ve bought the bag? Check out our how to pack your backpack guide for some advice.

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How to Cook a Turkey In an Oven-Safe Bag

Follow these rules for juicy meat and crispy skin, minus the cleanup.

Related To:

Pork baked in a sleeve on a metal baking sheet in the oven.

Photo by: Aleksandr Potapov/Getty Images

Aleksandr Potapov/Getty Images

By Leah Brickley for Food Network Kitchen

Leah is a Senior Culinary Editor at Food Network

There's a lot to love about cooking a turkey in an oven bag. A heat-safe bag means faster cook time, minimal cleanup and extra-juicy meat. Here, a step-by-step guide to learn how to cook a turkey in a bag like a pro, plus answers to your most pressing questions about using an oven bag for turkey.

What Is an Oven Bag for Turkey?

An oven bag is exactly what it sounds like: a durable, heat-resistant (up to 400 degrees F) and BPA-free nylon bag that locks in the moisture of whatever is cooking inside. Readily available at grocery stores, they often come in two different sizes: large, which fits 8 pounds of meat – enough to feed 4 to 6 people, or turkey-size, which can accommodate a bird up to 24 pounds large. The bags are single-use and should be disposed of after cooking. It’s important to note that you should only use bags specifically designed to withstand the heat in an oven.

What Is the Benefit of Cooking Turkey In an Oven Bag?

Using an oven bag is perfect if you appreciate no-mess cooking – your turkey will stay neat and tidy, no splattering or juice drips or scrubbing dirty pans.

In addition, oven bags help food stay tender by trapping in most of the moisture; condensation collects in the bag and drips onto the bird automatically basting it for you. That means juicy, flavorful meat – but crispy skin fans will have to look elsewhere.

The juices collected in the bag can be strained off to make gravy.

Buddy Bags Co Multipurpose Nylon Turkey Oven Bags

How to cook a turkey in an oven bag, select the right turkey.

Select a turkey that weighs 24 pounds or less and thaw it completely.

Prep the Bird

Prepare the bird however you would an unbagged bird – brine it if you’d like, rub it with butter or oil and season it with your choice of herbs and spices.

The Best Turkey Brine

This is our go-to brine for turkey. It's simple, flavorful and most importantly leaves you with a succulent, juicy, perfectly-seasoned bird. It's also perfect for chicken, pork chops, Cornish game hens – you name it. While we like the combination of thyme and sage, you can also use other hearty herbs such as rosemary, oregano or marjoram.

Add Flour to the Bag

Open the bag, add 1 tablespoon of flour and shake it all around to roughly coat the inside. This step is important: the flour will combine with the fat and juices from the turkey ensuring the bag won’t burst.

Add Vegetables to the Bag

Fill the bag with cut vegetables (onion, carrot, celery) and stems of fresh herbs. This will act as the rack for the bird. Place the bag in a roasting pan.

Secure the Turkey In the Bag

Place your turkey, breast-side up inside the bag. Use the enclosed oven-safe tie to secure the bag at the top. Snip six 1/2-inch-long slits in the bag with scissors – be sure to put one near a breast and a thigh, that way you can sneak your thermometer in to check the temperature.

Transfer the Roasting Dish to the Oven

Transfer to the oven, making sure that no part of the bag is touching the inside of the oven or the heating element. There’s no basting necessary, just let the bag and the turkey do their thing.

Cook the Turkey for 1 Hour Less Than Your Recipe

Your bird will cook about one hour less than your recipe specifies so start to check a little on the earlier side – you’re looking for 170 to 180 degrees F in the deepest part of the thigh.

Rest the Bird In the Bag

Let the sealed bird rest for at least 30 minutes before cutting the top off the bag and peeling it down around the turkey.

Can I Stuff Turkey Cooked In an Oven Bag?

That depends, stuffing made with eggs needs to be cooked to 165 F. Since a bag cooks turkey faster, there’s a chance the stuffing won’t have enough time to heat up to a safe temperature. You can opt for making dressing (stuffing baked in a casserole dish) instead, or be sure to take the temperature of the stuffing before serving.

Photo by: Maren Caruso/Getty Images

Maren Caruso/Getty Images

Can You Get Crispy Skin by Cooking Turkey in an Oven Bag?

If you roast your turkey in an oven bag for the entirety of its cooking, the answer is no. However, for crispier results, let the turkey cook on the roasting rack for the last 15 minutes of roasting time. Take the turkey out of the bag by carefully slitting the skin and lifting it out of its cooking liquid, then place it, uncovered, on the rack.

How Long Should You Cook a Turkey In a Bag?

First and foremost, you should always use your thermometer as a guide, and keep in mind that turkey cooks faster in a bag than on a roasting rack. Here are some general rules for whole, unstuffed turkey.

10 to 12 pounds: 1 1/2 to 2 hours

12 to 16 pounds: 2 to 2 1/4 hours

16 to 20 pounds: 2 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours

20 to 24 pounds: 2 1/2 to 3 hours

Can I Make Gravy from the Drippings In the Oven Bag?

Yes! Remove your cooked and rested turkey and transfer to a serving platter. Strain the collected juices through a colander and into a saucepan. Add stock as needed and make your tried-and-true gravy recipe.

The Best Gravy

Our gravy delivers rich flavors from a homemade stock made with the turkey giblets, onion and fresh herbs. Roast turkey drippings and a dash of Worcestershire sauce round out this creamy, lump-free holiday must-have.

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92 Juicy and Delicious Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes

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Electric Roasters Are the Answer to an Easier Thanksgiving Turkey

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Food Network Kitchen's Ultimate Thanksgiving Turkey Toolkit

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• How to Cook a Turkey
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İstanbul’un en eski yerleşim birimlerinden bir olan Karaköy’deki ünlü Güllüoğlu Baklava’ da buluşma. Otantik restoranlardan birinde geleneksel kahvaltı. Vapurla antik Kalkedon yani ekümenik konsilin biraraya geldiği (MS 451) Kadıköy. Bu tur yalnızca bir yemek turu değil aynı zamanda şehrin Asya Yakası’ndaki yerel kültürü deneyimleme turu olacaktır. Kadıköy’de değişik dükkanlara ziyaret. Balık Pazarı ve Türk Mutfağı’ndan değişik lezzetlerin yanı sıra muhallebi ya da baklava gibi bilindik tatları keşfetme olanağı. Ana yemek meşhur Çiya Sofrası’nda. Tipik bir Türk Kahvesi eşliğinde günün dedikoduları ve vapurla Karaköy. Bir başka yürüyüşte görüşmek üzere…

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I'm in Turkey right now -- 5 things to know about entering as a US resident

Editor's Note

Before the pandemic, Turkey saw a record number of visitors in 2019. As a traveler here now in a reopened Istanbul , I can see why.

The incredible culture and cuisine are set among a historical and religious backdrop that spans centuries. It's an impressive city -- and not just because its 20 million residents stretch across two separate continents.

But if the pace of big city life isn't for you, the varying regions throughout Turkey offer something for everyone.

If you're a U.S. resident considering a trip -- or have one already planned -- here are five things that you should know about entering Turkey, as someone who has done it twice this summer.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Chris Dong (@thechrisflyer)

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter .

Proof of vaccination gets you in

There are several ways to enter Turkey as a U.S. resident, depending on your vaccination status.

If you're fully vaccinated , as I am, you simply need to present proof at the airport during check-in. You must have been vaccinated at least 14 days before entering Turkey or have had COVID-19 in the last six months.

If you're not fully vaccinated, there is a COVID-19 testing option. You can either show a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours of entry or a negative rapid antigen test taken within 48 hours of entry.

Related: Why I packed 8 COVID-19 tests to fly to Portugal — and what it's like to enter now

A mandatory health tool acts as a COVID-19 tracker

Before departing from the U.S., you'll have to fill out this health form within 72 hours of travel. Your contact and travel information is the basis for a contact-tracing tool that the Turkish government uses for COVID-19.

A QR code (called a HES code) is generated, which is used nationwide by both tourists and residents alike.

The code isn't just checked upon departure from the U.S. In fact, you're also required to show it at many establishments -- indoor malls, some restaurants, all public transportation, at hotel check-in, and both international and domestic flights.

I had my HES code checked on my phone at each hotel that I arrived at, along with domestic flights and even while shopping at some malls in Istanbul.

In addition, as of Sept. 6, 2021, proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test within the past 48 hours is now required to enter some businesses, such as theaters or cinemas, that are hosting crowded events.

Don't forget your visa

Turkey requires a visa for U.S. passport holders. You have two options: an e-visa or visa on arrival. In my experience doing the e-visa process, it's fairly seamless and you should receive it within an hour of submitting payment. The website is a bit clunky but works in practice.

Two things that you should be aware of:

• Don't fall for scam visa websites offering assistance (there is only one official site ).
• Have a screenshot or printed copy of your e-visa handy if you're going that route. I had to show this not only at check-in but also upon arriving in Turkey.

In addition to the COVID-19 requirements and the HES code, an agent at check-in will also check for your visa.

It'll take time to get through Istanbul Airport

If you're coming from the U.S., chances are high that you'll be flying into the new Istanbul Airport (IST). It's a gorgeous megastructure, but it will require some serious walking from deboarding through to finally exiting the airport. Expect signage that isn't the clearest, either.

Also, know that PCR and rapid antigen testing is available at Istanbul Airport should you need to get it upon departure. Impressively, the testing center is open 24 hours a day. It's in front of Entrance 14 in the arrivals hall. The test fee is 250 TL or about $35.

Related: Deal alert: There's a new option to fly lie-flat business class to Europe for 34,000 miles

Almost everything is open to capacity

From bars to restaurants to entertainment, nearly everything is open to capacity in Turkey. The only services that remain suspended  indefinitely are hookah bars and lounges.

While masks are technically required at all times, I didn't see anyone enforce this. For instance, while most hotel staff are masked up, several taxi drivers I encountered were not.

Bottom line

From Istanbul to Bodrum and beyond, Turkey has been a hot spot for travelers -- and will continue to be, despite the pandemic.

If visiting has been on your list, know that it is very feasible at present. Of course, rules are constantly changing, so keep abreast of the latest both here at TPG as well as the official information at the U.S. Embassy for Turkey website.

Note that Turkey is currently on the State Department's Do Not Travel list .