Packing and Travel Info

Weather — temperatures would typically be 45-65 degrees. There is a 64% chance of a perfect sunny day and a 36% chance of seeing a mixture of sunshine and clouds with an average 40mm of rainfall this month.

Dress should be very casual.  (May need cover-ups for a few mosques.)

Tour Info: You will a receive a paperback tour book of Turkey to use during the trip and  an ebook for your smartphone/iPad.

Electrical adaptor is 2 pin, standard for Europe.

Currency: Lira. Today 1 dollar = 42 lira

HOTEL:  If you are coming to Istanbul early and want to stay in the same hotel, we are at the Lamartine Hotel in Taksim Square.  You can book this yourself, or if you let Carla know how many nights you need, I can probably book it for you.

Packing -- Suitcase and Bags

— ONE suitcase with total measurement of 62 inches and 50 pounds or less.

— One backpack or shoulder bag that will stay with you on the bus.  (Some people pack a folding bag in their suitcase to carry or check on the way home — souvenirs.)

Packing Checklist for Turkey

These are just some suggested items. Remember you can have ONE checked bag and ONE backpack/bag for on the bus.

ESSENTIAL!

  • Passport

  • Driver’s License or other form of ID

  • Money – (Cash in small bills $25-$50)

  • Credit Card(s)

  • Faith Ventures Insurance Card

Clothing (Dress in layers)

  • Head covering (scarf) for women for mosques — Hair and arms must be covered

  • Long Pants and/or skirts

  • Shirts and tops (avoid sleeveless tops)

  • Undergarments & Socks

  • Belt

  • Sleepwear

  • Bathing Suit (for the Turkish bath)

  • Cap, Hat and/or scarf

  • Comfortable Shoes

  • Light Jacket and/or sweater

  • Light gloves, stocking cap, turtle fur (for hot air ballon ride)

Essential Misc Items

  • Toiletries

  • Glasses, Contacts (extra?)

  • Prescriptions in original container

  • Curling Iron

  • Wash Cloths (usually not provided in hotels)

  • Sunglasses (Sunscreen?)

  • Small First-Aid Kit

  • Jewelry (be careful here!!)

  • Hair dryer (should be provide by hotels)

Electronics

  • Electrical adaptors (power strip?)

  • Mobile phone and charger

  • Laptop, iPad or tablet and chargers

  • Headphones

  • Watch and charger

  • Camera and data storage (battery charger)

Items to Consider

  • Small carry bag for bus

  • Hand sanitizer and/or Wet Wipes

  • Cleanex

  • Umbrella and/or poncho

  • Motion sickness medication (bus/plane)

  • Binoculars (small)

  • Ear plugs

  • (Travel alarm and flashlight but most use their phones for this)

For Flight

  • Neck Pillow

  • Support socks

  • Sleep medication (Ambien?)

  • Book or Tablet

  • Second bag for souvenirs coming home?

Hot Air Balloon Ride

If you choose to do the balloon ride, it will be quite cool early in the morning so a hat, gloves, neck scarf, etc. are recommended.