Hello,

My family of four -- husband, wife, 18-year-old son, 24-year-old daughter -- will be in Turkey for 3 weeks in August.

We'll be in Istanbul, along the Aegean coast and on a boat, and taking a balloon ride.

What would you pack in a suitcase, as far as clothes, shoes?

I'm taking a digital camera and also a bunch of disposable cameras.

My daughter wants to take her laptop? Yes, no? Use Internet cafes?

Shoes. I like wearing sandals in the summer. I was going to bring along sneakers.

For the women in the family -- what clothing items would you recommend?

Anything else that you had wished you had brought on a summer trip to Turkey?

Thanks!

Erik



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For women: Lightweight, washable (maybe crinkle fabric or microfiber) capris, slacks, perhaps modest shorts (but not in the cities or in mosques), coordinating tops that can be washed and dried quickly, swimsuit and coverup if going to the beach. A pair of nylon travel pants with a zipper that converts into shorts like Travel Smith sells are handy. Sneakers or walking shoes for touring ruins, and sandals or flats for skirts. If you like skirts, buy a crinkle skirt at a market in Turkey. I still wear mine from years ago. Shorts for men are ok for touring ruins in the country, but not in cities. Again, the nylon travel pants are handy, cool and washable. Also microfiber slacks and chinos are good. It's always good to have either a sweater or light jacket (I like a lightweight water repellent jacket) for the boat trip and unexpected cool nights. Unless you plan to dine in upscale restaurants, casual is ok. Otherwise, men bring a sport coat and ladies have a smart casual outfit. Oh yes, ladies bring your own scarf to put on to enter the mosques; otherwise you will be given a much-used one. Also expect to leave your shoes at the door when entering a mosque. You might want to be wearing socks or have some in your pack. Enjoy your trip. Turkey is a fascinating place!

Thanks for that kind reply! What about my teen son, whose preferred mode of clothing is jeans,polo shirt and sneakers?

I haven't been to Turkey in several years, but from what I've seen in the rest of the world, jeans, polos and sneakers are just right.

p.s. The only possible problem with jeans and polos is the washing and drying -- not many laundromats in Turkey (or there didn't used to be). However, most teens wear their jeans "a while." Or maybe you are staying in hotels with laundry service.

I think jeans would be too hot.

If the boat ride is near the beginning of the trip, you might consider packing a float toy or two. Our boat had a couple from the previous passengers and I thought it was a great idea. When bought new they are light and compact. By the time you get to the ports in Turkey, the prices go way up. Then you can leave them on the boat when your cruise is over.

We just got back from a little over 3 weeks in Turkey ( Istanbul, Aegean coast, 4 day gulet cruise and 6 days in Cappadocia and Selcuk area.

We had a wonderful time ( focused on ancient ruins) and only had a small backpack for each of us and one small violin. We did take 2 laptops and used them a lot as most places have wifi.

My child is 6 1/2 so we also took a few small toys, lots of books as she is a reader and some homeschool supplies.

We bought VERY light weight shawls plus a gauze pancho for my daughter on one of the islands on boat trip which worked well to wrap around our cool tops.

I just had one pair of shorts and one gaucho pants, one long pair and a few light tops.We just wore crocs for everything..boat and city.

It helps to pack light ( we also did crete, rhodes , samos added to this journey...so lots of ferries that have lots of steps where you carry your own stuff.

We use one white umbrella for sun ( bought in Greece) that folds up small and a small fan. It is HOT. We brought one sweater each but only my daughter used hers for airconditioning or after cold pool or boat dip.

bug spray is essential.Sunscreen.

Jeans will be way to hot. It is a casual place...wear light clothes. I only wore my light pants once...at night.I had two long sleeve light gauze tops but rarely wore them as they were too hot. Mostly wore spaghetti strap top and gauze shawl over it when necessary ( not often).


Think 100 plus degree heat...light,light light.You will be barefoot most likely while on boat as most do not want any shoes on the wood.

calamine lotion for mosquito bites. ALWAYS have fresh cold water with you.

WE like exofficio type clothes as they are very light and easy to wash so you can take less ( plus anti insects and anti smell).Hubby lives in 2 Tshirts and 2 pants. Wash at night in sink when necessary and ready to go in morning.

Bring a little pad of paper and pen, small flashlite is handy, we brought a few related dvds ( troy, oddysee,etc) which my kid loves on slow nights or ferry rides.imodim is essential ( we borrowed from others and had to get something for my child). Bring dramamine for boat, peptobismol tabs maybe ( one lady got VERY seasick and my daughter got sick once in rough seas).

Do like the natives and rest during the heat of the day ( good time to do wifi stuff in AC....most of our rooms had it).

I meant 6 days in EACH...cappadocia and selcuk area ( where we did day trips to pumukale and such besides ephesus etc).

If at all possible book cave suite at Esbelli Evi which was the best hotel so far in our multi year trip around the world ( in this first year).

August is really hot in Turkey.

For the main part of your luggage, you should think in terms of heat and sun protection (head, shoulder and arm protection from 11am till 3pm). Traditional jeans and sneakers are way too hot; shorts and sandals, the sporty kind, with a good protection and a leather inner sole against sweating are ok.
A laptop can be of use to charge your digital pictures while travelling, otherwise there are Internet cafés to link you with the everyday burdens of life at home...

Folks,

Thank you so much for your VERY helpful replies!

Erik

I am in Capadoccia right now with two teen=aged sons and my husband/ We spent three days in Istanbul moved on to Canakkale=Gallipoli. From there we went to Kusadasi via Bergama and used that as a base for three nights to explore the major sites. We moved on to Bodrum and spent four nights on a gulet (probably too long). We are now in Capadoccia and will head back to Istanbul to spend a final few days. The weather has been extremely hot: 46C at Ephesus and at least that at Aphrodisis and while on the gulet. It is now in the mid to high 30C range but it feels cooler than before.

We packed as lightly as we could for a family of four. We are not backpackers and are staying mostly in boutique or comfortable hotels. I purchased some very light weight lined cotton dresses before leaving Canada. I have lived in them as well as cotton skirts and gauze tops or blouses. I bought two pairs of good walking sandals and they too have served me well.

The weather did not get cooler at night on the gulet. Even though we had AC it only worked during certain hours. My sons and I slept outdoors on the deck: something I thought I would never do. I was happy that I had packed a mid length (modest) cotton nightdress.

The boys and DH wore long pants in Istanbul as it seemed more appropriare in the city. They have been wearing longer shorts and polo shirts or Dry Weave collared shirts. They usually wear a cotton or linen button up shirt for dinner. My husband also purchased some travel capri shorts at Mountain Equipment Co op in Canada as well as some travel pants. They have worked well and also provide a number of more secure pockets. Everything we have brought with us can be washed in the sink at night.

The men are wearing sneakers and socks and DH often wears his Nike sandals.

I cannot sufficiently describe the heat. Though I also brought linen capri pants with me I have only worn them in the evening or for internal air travel. Skirts are cooler and easier if you encounter a Turkish toilet.

Bring lots of sunscreen and some insect spray as you may need it.

I hope this helps. Sorry about the bad typing and lack of proper punctuation as I am trying to use a Turkish keyboard.

We have enjoyed every part of our trip. Turkey is a wonderful country and I am sure you will enjoy yourselves.

Would your son wear those long-ish cargo shorts I see around on people his age? It will be WAY too HOT to wear normal length/weight jeans.

Lacitis,

We just spent two weeks in Turkey. In Istanbul, we noticed hardly any women wearing shorts. My daughter and I wore capris, and very lightweight summer skirts/ dresses.

For your husband and son, those longish cargo shorts are a great idea. Pants, I agree, will be way too hot!

Also, I just wanted to mention after nearly killing my back with heavy bags, we realized that there are plenty of inexpensive laundromats all over Turkey. We had no problem finding them in Istanbul, Kusadisi, or Bodrum.

For shoes, I'd take a pair of the most comfortable walking sandals you can find, and sneakers for exploring the countryside/ruins. And if you have room, a pair of water shoes for the pebbly beaches along the Aegean.

We found wireless access in most of the guest rooms we stayed in during our visit, but there are also plenty of internet cafes.

Definitely bring along bug repellent and Cortaid or something similar for bites, esp. along the coast.

Also make sure that you have the correct charger/converter with you for your laptop and camera. This was one major headache in Turkey! I think you can easily get these things online before you go.

Have a great time- we did!

Hi Suze
My son has worn chino type long pants and his shorts are long but not really cargo type They are a bit more stylish It is too hot for jeans but we never bring them to travel as they are heavy and hot There are many other options You should check out MEC online for some ideas The stuff dries overnight and looks fine