To ensure the most comfort and enjoyment from your trip to Turkey, make sure you bring along these seven key items!
1. Sunscreen
If you will be visiting in the summer this is an essential item. (My mother would argue that a hat is also essential). This is especially true if you will be visiting Cappadocia, the coast, or walking around ancient ruins (which have almost no shade). Walking around Istanbul can also be pretty sunny (unless you hide in the Grand Bazaar for the entire trip). You can buy sunscreen at pharmacies (eczane) in Turkey, but it is usually more expensive than back home.
2. Bug spray
If you visit areas near water (e.g., Istanbul or the coast) you will likely encounter some pesky mosquitoes. They aren’t the malaria-carrying kind, but they still produce annoying, itchy bites. Some hotels and resorts will spray their grounds for mosquitoes, but it is still smart to give yourself a good coating with bug spray before going out at night.
3. Pocket tissues
Many public restrooms, particularly those in remote locations, do not supply toilet paper so it is always a good idea to carry tissues around just in case.
4. Hand sanitizer / wet wipes
These will come in handy when public restrooms don’t supply soap or have running water. If you run out, most local restaurants supply wet wipes after a meal and usually provide more than you need. Feel free to take the extras along with you! You can also ask for them when you first sit down. Turkish fast-food places also give out wet wipes but note that McDonald’s and Burger King do not observe this local custom. (Another good reason to stick to local restaurants).
5. Scarf / pashmina (for women)
If you plan to visit any mosques on your trip (and you absolutely should when you are in Istanbul!) then having your own scarf to cover your head will make your life easier. Mosques will sometimes have scarves that they lend to tourists who come unprepared, but you never know how many heads those have touched – just bring along your own.
6. Pepto
You never know when something you eat or drink is going to disagree with you. I haven’t had stomach problems in Turkey in recent years but I used to have them a lot when I was younger. I find that pepto works well for minor stomach issues. If things get really bad you can buy lomotil over-the-counter in any pharmacy which will completely stop up your system.
7. Good walking shoes
No matter which part of Turkey you visit you are likely to be walking around quite a bit and sidewalks / roads are not always evenly paved. Bring comfortable shoes! Along those lines, walking in high heels on Turkish sidewalks requires a special kind of talent. I recommend pretty flats or wedges for evening activities. 🙂