How to Pack for a Trip in Eastern Turkey
Assuming you book your travels through SilkRoad Moments Tourism, then your biggest stressor will be, "What should I wear?!?"
Do not worry. We have you covered. We want to remove the guesswork from even your packing list, so all you have to do is to enjoy your travels and to not miss a memorable moment with your family.
Use this packing list as a guide (not the ultimate authority) on what you should pack for your time during your travels throughout southeast Turkey. You may need to add or remove items based on your own personal needs.
The time of year that you travel is very important. Cities in the southeast remain mild to hot all year long. Other cities in the east such as Erzurum and Kars receive lots of snow and have temperatures below freezing for most of the winter. Locals in Erzurum prepare for freezing eyebrows and eyelashes when they commute on foot and public transportation. It gets cold!
Clothing
Outfits for the length of your trip
If you are traveling in the summer, the region gets really hot, you will want layers
Ladies need to bring a scarf and a long sleeve shirt for visiting mosques
Socks
Undergarments
Comfortable walking shoes
Waterproof jacket - light
Sunglasses
Pajamas
Swimsuit
If you are traveling in the winter:
Heavy outerwear rated for below freezing
Gloves
Hat
Scarf
Comfortable waterproof boots
Thick thermal or wool socks
Toiletries
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Makeup
Makeup remover
Hair irons
50+ SPF Sunscreen
SPF chapstick
Personal medications
Pain medications
Personal items
Chargers**
External charger fully charged
Go Pro / Accessories / Camera & Batteries
French press and ground coffee if you like to have fresh coffee every morning
Travel Items
Passport for non-Turkish citizens
Visa for non-Turkish citizens
Travel Information – flights, hotel, name of transfer or guide
Travel Pillow
Noise cancelling headphones
Kindle / Magazine / Book
** Turkey's electrical sockets/outlets follow the design of one of the two European standard electrical socket types (two, round prongs): the "Type C Europlug," "Type E" and "Type F Schuko." These types of sockets/outlets are also used in Germany, France, and Russia. If your appliance's plug doesn't match these sockets' shape, you will need a travel plug adapter to plug in.
Electrical sockets/outlets in Turkey supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or a device that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need.
IMPORTANT: Travel plug adapters do not change the voltage, so the electricity coming through the adapter will still be the same 220-240 volts the socket is supplying. North American sockets supply electricity at between 110 and 120 volts, far lower than in most of the world. This being the case, North American appliances are generally built for 110-120 volts. That doesn't mean that your specific device isn't already compatible with the higher voltage or that you won't be able to use your device in Turkey. You will need to make sure that your device will facilitate 220-240 volts and that you have the appropriate adapter plug.