Turkey is the place where the East meets West, in every literal sense. It is a transcontinental Eurasian country, with the Bosphorus River dividing it neatly into the continents of Asia and Europe.
So, if you want to travel to two continents at once – it is time to start preparing your itinerary for Turkey!
Rich in biodiversity, culture and architecture, Turkey makes for one of those countries in the world, which brings something to the plate for every kind of traveller. However, such diversity can be a cause for disconcertment as well because it makes planning the trip all the more difficult.
So it is best to put your thinking cap on and start researching about the country well before your trip commences, to have the best experience!
Planning aside, it is also important to know the list of things that you absolutely must keep with yourself during your trip to the country.
To make things easier, we have put together a list of things that you must keep with yourself to make sure that you don’t hit any snags during your trip.
Without further ado, let’s take a look!
Get your Turkey Visa
Indians need to obtain a sticker visa or electronic visa, issued by the Turkish Consulate or Embassy to enter Turkey.
You simply need to download the visa application form, fill in the required details, print it and sign it. Next, you will have to submit the form, visa application fee and documents required at the nearest Visa application centre.
You will also need to submit the following documents–
- Passport with 6 months’ validity.
- Proof of hotel reservation, flight booking, etc.
- Proof of your ability to finance your travels. You will require at least Rs. 3179 for each day of your stay in the country.
- A Police Clearance Certificate.
Cost of applying for a Turkey visa – Rs. 3,940 for single entry and Rs. 13,120 for multiple entries. Check out this visa guide for Turkey Visa for Indians.
Checklist of all-important Travel documents
Following is a list of documents that you must remember to carry during your trip to Turkey –
- Your passport.
- The Turkey visa.
- A Forex Travel Card (if you have it).
- Proof of accommodation or hotel booking.
- Your air tickets (with confirmed return tickets).
- Travel insurance.
While the other documents are a given, it has become mandatory for travellers to buy a Travel insurance for Turkey policy while planning for foreign trips. This travel insurance has to be purchased right at the onset of planning for the trip, even before you apply for the visa.
The travel insurance can aid you to financially safeguard yourself against various unforeseen liabilities during your trip, including medical emergencies, trip cancellations, baggage loss or delay, loss of crucial documents, etc. It, thus, makes for one of the most important additions to your travel documents during your trip to Turkey.
Currency & Forex Cards
Currently, 1 Turkish lira is equivalent to Rs. 12.19.
Going by this rate, you will need to ensure that you carry ample local currency to fund your trip comfortably.
Further, you can also carry a Forex Travel Card, loaded with Turkish lira, to fund your expenses during your stay in Turkey.
Keep a Travel itinerary Ready
Before your trip commences, make sure you jot down all the places you want to visit in Turkey, list down all the local delicacies you want to taste, and plan all your activities in details. Whether it is Ephesus or Hierapolis, Pamukkale or Cappadocia, you should plan it all out in advance.
Remember that spring and autumn, marking the months from April to May and September to November, make for the perfect time to visit the country.
Keep Travel Gears
Can’t travel without proper gears, can we?
That’s why, to make things easier, prepare a list of necessary items like a two-pin adapter, your camera gear, electronic gadgets, hiking gear, etc. and pack them well in advance!
Pack all Necessary Clothing
When you are planning for your trip to Turkey, make sure you pack modest and appropriate clothes to respect the country’s culture. If you are a woman travelling to Turkey, you cannot wear shoulder baring dresses and enter the many mosques in the country.
You will further have to carry a scarf or sarong to cover your head when you explore the mosques.Similarly, don’t forget to pack your swimsuit if you are planning to visit any of the stunning beaches of Istanbul, Bodrum or Antalya. Keep in mind the time of year and the prevalent climatic conditions while packing your bags.
Armed with these must-know things, be assured that your trip to Turkey will glide without a hitch. So without further delay, embark on your trip and return sated!
