Your Ultimate Turkey Packing List

So you’re approaching the final countdown to your holiday to Turkey and the cases are coming out of the storage cupboard, but the question is what to pack. Obviously there will be the usual sun creams and toiletries, but is there anything specific you need to take with you for your chosen destination?

Unsure what to pack? Well, Holiday Hypermarket has created your ultimate Turkey packing list to make sure you don’t forget anything.

1. Cool and Comfortable

If you’re travelling in summer the temperatures can reach tropical heights which means you will need to pack cool and comfortable clothing. Avoid colours like black and opt for light shades instead as dark colours tend to absorb the heat. Comfortable and sturdy footwear is also advisable, especially if you plan on exploring.

2. Swimsuit

This goes without saying as you’re likely to take a dip in the pool or sea during your holiday to Turkey given the country’s overpowering temperatures. However, if you’re planning a visit to the mud baths we would advise you take a spare swimsuit as the smell of the mud baths is rather pungent. Although there are showers and a guy with a hosepipe ready to wash all the mud off, we still think an extra swimsuit is a good idea as the smell can linger.  We also recommend a spare towel.

3. Guidebook

A guidebook is another essential item. You can either get one for the whole of Turkey, or one dedicated to the different areas and resorts. This will make planning your trip so much easier as they will include ideas of where to go and what to see, along with a few local phrases that may come in useful in cafés and bars.

4. Empty case or Holdall

There is so much to buy in Turkey and it is all very reasonably priced. So, you may want to consider taking an empty case or holdall.

5. Bubble Wrap

This may be a strange item to suggest, but it is so useful when it comes to protecting those must-have Turkish ceramics.

6. Winter

Temperatures can vary, it can be lovely and warm during the day but temperatures tend to drop in the evenings, so we suggest that you take a cardigan or jacket for those chilly nights.

7. Milk

Turkish tea and coffee is very strong and is served black. Most of the hotels have milk, but some cafés and restaurants charge extra for it, so we would advise taking sachets or pods of UHT milk or creamer with you.

8. Female Travellers

Turkey is a laid-back country, especially around the resorts. However, if you’re planning on visiting a mosque or holy place, you’ll need to cover your head, so we would advise bringing a scarf.

9. Visa

All UK visitors to Turkey will need to apply for a visa. You can purchase this on arrival, but it is much more advisable to apply for it before you go. This can be purchased online, all you need to do is print out the confirmation, which will be sent to your email. Whatever you do don’t wait until you get there as you’ll be expected to queue twice, first for the visa and then for passport control – and this definitely isn’t a quick process.

10. Corkscrew

This is another unusual one which you may not have expected, but If you’re planning on purchasing a bottle of wine from the supermarket, you will struggle to find a corkscrew. For this reason we do recommend packing one.

Most things in Turkey are easily accessible, so if you do forget anything you’re bound to find it in one of the many supermarkets. However, if you don’t want to waste those precious holiday hours shopping make sure that you’re already prepared. We do hope you found this list useful and if you can think of anything we have missed off then feel free to share your packing tips.