16 Steps for Planning a Turkey Trip
From the very first moment of your planning a Turkey Trip, one fact becomes evident: Turkey is a destination that can’t be understood from the list of attractions alone. The country has Istanbul which bridges Europe and Asia, Cappadocia that is located deep inland, Aegean coastline in the west, and Antalya by the Mediterranean Sea. All these distances can completely alter the dynamics of your vacation.
An efficient itinerary comes prior to your hotel reservation. It requires checking entry requirements, taking the distances into account, selecting the proper season, arranging transport, and allocating enough time for the most important experiences. Follow these 16 tips and arrange your Turkey vacation without turning it into a race between airports and hotels.
Check your passport and visa requirements
Before anything else, it is important to find out whether you need a visa for Turkey based on your citizenship and how much passport validity do you have. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, travelers generally should have a passport valid for at least 60 days after the visa expires, and, in addition to this, the Ministry advises travelers to have a passport valid for at least six months from arrival. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Visa requirements vary from one citizen to another, so do not rely on your friends’ recommendations. While some people are able to enter Turkey visa-free, others require an e-Visa or another type of visa.
If you are eligible for e-Visa, make sure to use the official government portal. According to the e-Visa Turkey website, the document is issued electronically, so you are recommended to keep a digital or printed copy of it. (eVisa Turkey)
Study the Map Before Choosing Your Dates
One of the most important aspects of Planning a Turkey Trip is getting familiar with the geography of the country.
If you don’t want to deal with all these details book an entirely planned trip here to have no worries about any of it.
The Istanbul-Cappadocia route is a considerable distance, while from Cappadocia to the Aegean coast there is another one. Moreover, Antalya is also quite far from Istanbul via roads. By trying to squeeze all the famous destinations into seven days, you might end up spending too much time in the process of checking out of your hotels.
Think about your route as a chain rather than separate destinations. For instance, Istanbul, Cappadocia and Antalya are great combinations for the longer holiday, while Istanbul and the Aegean coast might fit better into a shorter vacation.
Try to allocate at least one buffer day if you are going to fly around Turkey during your holiday. A delay of the domestic flight shouldn’t make you rush to catch the international departure.
Select the Regions You Want to Visit
The best way to Turkey depends on your vacation goals. Turkey doesn’t have counties it has regions divided by the nature and climate.
If you like history, architecture, food, shopping and neighborhoods, then Istanbul is your destination. On the other hand, Cappadocia is perfect for you if you want to see unique landscapes, stay in the cave hotel, go hiking and fly a hot-air balloon. The Aegean coast is good for visiting ancient ruins and spending some relaxing time on the sea shore, while Antalya combines beach holidays, resorts, mountains and access to archeological destinations.
There is no need to visit all the four.
If this is your first visit and you plan to stay for one week, you can consider two major regions. Ten to fourteen days will give you an opportunity to think about three regions.
Research Currency and Prices
Price levels in Turkey can fluctuate significantly from time to time, so travel blogs and recommendations from your previous vacation cannot help you build the budget for the future holiday.
Before you book, research the prices for hotels, domestic flights, tickets to the attraction, transfers, restaurant prices and cost of activities. Keep a separate line in the budget for optional activities since things like balloon flights, private tour guides, airport transfers can dramatically increase the overall price.
Check the exchange rate just before your departure and again during your holiday. Instead of exchanging all your money into lira before the holiday, it will be more convenient to use a proper bank card and lira.
Book Your International Flights
After your route is clear, book your flights into Istanbul or another entry airport.
Istanbul has two major airports for passengers – Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gokcen International Airport. Choosing the right airport can have an impact on your transfer time, hotel location and price of your domestic flights.
You can get airport transfers smoother and on time with private transfer service below to never miss a flight.
In case if you are planning a trip around the country, compare the open-jaw flight options. Entering Istanbul and departing from another Turkish airport can save you the return trip back.
Be careful in making your decision not to base it on the price alone. Before you compare the prices, find out about luggage restrictions, airport location, connections and arrival/departure hours.
Arrange Your Domestic Transport
Given the size of the country, it is impossible to visit all the regions without properly organised transport.
For long distances, domestic flights will allow you to save some valuable time. For shorter routes, intercity buses can be an option and will connect destinations that don’t have regular flights.
To give an example, direct flights from Istanbul to Antalya last about one hour and twenty minutes. However, the overall time spent in the process of transfer can be much higher than this.
When comparing bus and flight, try to count the whole route rather than scheduled travel time only. An overnight bus will save you a hotel night, but your comfort is also an important aspect.
Hiring a Car in Turkey
Turkey is full of highly developed highways, comfy break points and clean gas stations. With the use of a private car, you can explore everything on your own terms without the need to be concerned about any transport schedules. To ensure that you have an enjoyable ride, see this private car service.
Reserve Your Accommodation
Book your accommodation after deciding on your route.
Istanbul is a city where location plays an enormous role since traffic and walking distances will take some of your time. In Cappadocia, you better choose either Goreme, Uchisar, Avanos or another nearby area depending on your activities and atmosphere.
On the coast, you need to decide whether you prefer a city hotel, a resort, a guesthouse or a small seaside property.
Review recent guest reviews, cancellation policies, presence of the air conditioning and availability of the breakfast. The beautiful hotel in a bad location can turn into a nightmare after a couple of days.
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Book Important Activities
Certain activities should be pre-booked before your arrival.
Cappadocia hot-air balloon flight is the first one coming into mind here. Availability of the experience depends on the season, weather and demand, and the booking on the very last morning can cost you the pleasure.
Reserve your tours, special restaurants, airport transfers or limited capacity activities which are important for your vacation itinerary.
If the activity is weather-dependent, try to avoid placing it on the last day of your trip in order to have an opportunity to change your schedule in case of weather-related cancellations.
Buy Suitable Travel Insurance
Your travel insurance should cover the activities you are going to do.
Basic policies do not always provide automatic coverage for such activities as hiking, adventurous activities or hot-air balloon flights. Always review the exclusions rather than expecting that any tourist activity is automatically included into your plan.
Look for medical expenses, emergency assistance, cancellation or interruption coverage, baggage protection and appropriate coverage for your planned activities.
Keep the policy number and contact for emergency assistance somewhere safe offline.
Check the Season and Pack Accordingly
There are significant differences in climate and weather throughout the country.
While Istanbul can be hot in summer, Cappadocia can be surprisingly cold in winter. While coastal regions will be warmer, the inland destinations will be much colder.
Therefore, your packing list should be adjusted according to your route rather than the national weather forecast.
Comfortable walking shoes are important for your trip since historic locations, archeological sites and old neighbourhoods often include lots of uneven surfaces. Layering can be helpful in spring and fall, while sun protection is essential in hot periods.
Prepare Turkish Lira and Payment Cards
Local currency of the country is Turkish lira.
Prior to your departure, inform your bank about the trip if it is required from you. Check your foreign transaction fees and make sure to have at least one additional payment method with you.
Having some cash will be useful for smaller purchases, markets and for situations where your card is unavailable.
Not the best if exchange your money at the first airport counter without comparison of the rate. Sometimes withdrawing from ATMs can be more useful, but make sure to check your bank fees.
Arrange Your Phone and Power Supplies
Reliable mobile data makes it easier for you to navigate, translate and move around the country.
Before departure, find out whether your current mobile plan allows you to travel in Turkiye. Otherwise, you will need to find out about local SIM and eSIM plans, as well as check your phone’s ability to receive them.
Read my article about eSim in Turkiye…
Download the offline maps and important reservations prior to the trip.
Prepare universal power adapter and portable charger. The portable battery will be especially useful if your traveling day is long and you will have to navigate through the unknown cities or airports and hotels.
Check Health and Vaccination Requirements
Your health and vaccine requirements depend on your citizenship, medical history, your itinerary and the activities you are planning.
CDC currently suggests that travelers to Türkiye review their routine vaccinations and destination specific recommendations before departure. Destination guidance includes information regarding routine vaccines, hepatitis A and other illnesses. (CDC)
The best would be to consult with your doctor or travel-health professional several weeks before your departure since CDC guidance recommends arranging your travel-health advice at least one month before departure when possible. (CDC)
Save Emergency and Embassy Contacts
Prior to departure, make sure that you have the contact of your country’s embassy or consulate.
Also, make sure to have the addresses of your hotels and important reservations saved in your phone in case of lack of Internet connection.
In case of emergency in Turkiye, you can use 112 as the unified emergency number that allows you to ask for ambulance, police or fire assistance. (112 Emergency Call Centre)
Keep this number handy, even if you always use your phone.
Register Your Trip If Possible
Some countries have a traveler registration or travel advisory system that allows citizens to share their itinerary and contacts prior to their international travel.
You need to check your country’s foreign travel website to find out whether such a service exists and whether you can benefit from it. Also, review the latest official travel advisory before your departure since some changes may happen and make your itinerary unnecessary.
Organise Copies of Important Documents
Make copies of your passport, visa or e-Visa, travel insurance policy and important reservations.
Have a digital copy in the secured place and have physical copies available where appropriate. Never keep all of your important documents in one place.
When it comes to the e-Visa, make sure to have the information that corresponds to your travel document exactly since otherwise the e-Visa will become invalid, according to the official portal. (eVisa Turkey)
Bonus: Learn Basic Turkish and Prepare Offline Translation
A few phrases in Turkish language can make your daily interactions much easier, especially if you are traveling to non-touristy regions.
Download offline translation tool before departure. This will be especially useful in case of lost mobile Internet connection and rapid communication with the local population.
The goal is not to become fluent in the language. It is important to know a few phrases and have an offline translation tool in case if something unexpected happens.
Frequently Asked Questions About Planning a Turkey Trip
How many days do I need for Turkey?
Seven days are enough for the first trip to the country if you plan to visit two destinations. However, ten to fourteen days will give you much more freedom. Turkey is a big country, so each new destination should be considered together with transfer time.
What is the best way to plan my Turkey vacation?
Start with your regions and route before booking your attractions. After knowing where you want to go, arrange your international flights, domestic transport, hotels and activities which are limited in capacity.
Is Turkey an expensive destination?
The answer depends on your travel style and exchange rates. Accommodation, flights, private tour guides and other activities in Turkey can vary greatly, so make sure to check current prices before making your budget.
Should I book Cappadocia activities before my arrival?
Yes, especially if the hot-air balloon flight is one of the main objectives of your trip. Make a booking in advance and try to schedule your activity before the last day in order to have an alternative if the flight gets canceled due to weather conditions.
Do I need to buy travel insurance for Turkey?
Travel insurance is highly recommended for such an expensive holiday. Make sure that the policy covers all your activities.
