If you are planning a trip to visit Turkey, you may not be sure about what to pack. You are probably wondering what you will want to wear .While it does depend on what area you are staying in and the time of year, for the most part it has summer like weather so light, cotton summer wear is your safest bet. Although most Turks do practice the Muslim faith and will be dressed in traditional Muslim garb, you will not be looked down upon for dressing in shorts and tank tops because it is a fairly modernized society. You should be fine dressing as you would at other beach destination areas.
Since it does get quite hot in the morning, you will want to pack plenty of loose and flowing garments that will allow you to breathe. Do be prepared for the night time to cool down substantially. It would be a wise idea to bring some long pants and a light sweater or cardigan to wear after the sun goes down.
There are many historical and archaeological sites that you will likely want to visit so it would be a good idea to bring some comfortable walking shoes. Sandals will do for days by the beach but on days where you may choose to do some hiking or climbing you will need to be prepared with proper footwear.
Cobbled Streets need sensible shoes!
As far as clothing accessories, the sun can be quite powerful so be sure to bring necessary items to protect your skin such as a wide brimmed hat, sunglasses, or a shawl. You will also want to remember to pack your swimsuit for those days at the beach! You can wear one piece or two piece suits, however it is not acceptable to go nude or topless so don’t forget your suit!
If you do plan on visiting one of the historic mosques in Turkey, you will need to dress modestly so pack for this in case you do decide to go. You will need to be completely covered, that means no shorts or short sleeves will be allowed. If you are a woman, you should bring a head scarf to cover your hair. This is out of basic respect for the religious beliefs of the Muslim faith. It is actually rare to even have Mosques open to tourists so it is really not too much to ask!
Depending on your own plans for the trip you will want to adjust your wardrobe accordingly. For instance if you plan on doing a lot of hiking or plan on spending some time in the mountains, you will want to bring more causal and warm clothing with you. If you are planning on staying at a posh beachside villa, you will likely need more dress clothes. You should overall be packing clothing items that you know will be comfortable! The best option is if in doubt, bring it anyways. It is better to be prepared than unprepared!
