Packing Travel Hacks: My 13 favorite tips to skip the stress when you pack

Packing for a trip to Turkey can feel overwhelming. What do you need to bring? How is it different from other places? Is there anything special to consider?

I get it—I’ve asked myself the same questions. Every time I pack, I rely on these tried-and-true packing travel hacks.

Turkey, with its unique culture and practical differences like electricity and unit conversions, can throw even seasoned travelers off.

I know the frustration of realizing you forgot something important. Once, I left my debit card behind on a trip—that was not fun! 🙈

To help make your packing stress-free, I’ll share my favorite things to prepare before a trip as well as my downloadable ultimate packing list with a complete list of must-pack items. Grab the PDF and start your trip with confidence!

Tricks of the trade

1. Pack a Capsule Wardrobe

If you have never heard of a capsule wardrobe, they are the best. It is a way of planning out your outfits so that all the pieces go with everything else.

You are able to wear the same pair of pants three different ways, looking like 3 different outfits, but with fewer articles of clothing.

If you’re new to this idea, check out this workbook for only $9 which will help you create the perfect capsule wardrobe for you!

Pro tip: Remember this is a Muslim country even though it is quite secular. If you want to avoid unwanted attention, make sure you dress more on the conservative side of things.

2. Check the App Store

There are some apps that I only really use when I travel. They are different than the normal ones in my day-to-day life.

There are even some apps I only download when I am going to a specific location. I have a list of my favorite apps for traveling but you should also consider how you like to travel and what’s important to you.

It is also a good idea if you’re not going to get a local SIM card, to make sure you download Google Maps Offline. You definitely don’t want to get lost!

Pro tip: When using the Google Translate app, if you open the app, you can select camera and it will allow you to read live just by having the camera open on a product.

BOOM! Now you can read the bottles and signs anywhere!

3. Label Your Baggage

Recently I got a new piece of luggage and didn’t realize until I got to the airport that I had not put a luggage tag on my bag. I started freaking out a bit.

These days, it isn’t guaranteed that they will have extra labels for you to use at the airport either. Making sure that you have a label on your bag makes distinguishing your bag from someone else’s so much easier.

I have used some metal ones in the past but they always got all bent up so now I only use these baggage tags. They bend and don’t get torn up easily. Plus they have different color options.

4. pack your carry-on well

So I have an entire blog post on packing your carry-on but seriously it is so important it needed to be on this list.

The main thing you need to know about this is you should NEVER pack anything important (i.e. computer, money, jewelry, etc) in your checked luggage. You should also make sure that you have all your medicine with you at all times.

In addition, make sure that you pack an extra outfit and toiletries with you just in case your luggage gets lost or stolen.

5. Include a mini emergency kit

While you can get a mini emergency kit on Amazon for about $8, it still needs to be customized. You can get one of those and then add the things you need to it.

Having this on me has saved me a couple of times.

A few things I keep in mind are bandaids, a mini sewing kit, allergy pills, something like Benadryl for bug bites, a nail file, clippers, floss, activated charcoal, cortisone cream, and Aleve.

Think of this emergency kit as the go-to if something happens and you need something to carry you over until you can get the fullness of what you actually need.

For instance, if you get motion sickness, add a couple of Dramamine in case you come across an excursion you want to do that you might not do if you didn’t have the medicine with you.

Recently I went on a trip and got bit by something and immediately regretted not having my kit with me cause all the pharmacies were closed and I couldn’t find anything for the bug bite.

One thing to note is that I will be doing another post on medicine equivalents for when you’re traveling and need to find something.

6. Start early

Oh my gosh. I usually am an early packer. This past summer I went back to the States for a couple of months and I waited until the last minute.

I regretted it every day.

When you start early, you will save yourself so much stress. You don’t necessarily have to pack everything but start thinking about what you want to bring.

Maybe you got a new shirt that you have been dying to wear as you wander the streets of Istanbul. Make sure you add it to your list so you don’t forget it!

You can even do a dry run where you pack it all, weigh it, and make sure it will be good to go. I promise it makes life so much more enjoyable.

7. When you get back re-evaluate

This is something that I have recently become a fan of. Sometimes we think we need all the things for the smallest of trips. Then we get there and realize we didn’t even use half of what we brought.

I am typically more of a minimalist when it comes to packing but there are some things I will bring more than is necessary and then have this ridiculously heavy bag. So my recommendation is this….

Re-evaluate when you get back from your trip. What did you bring that you didn’t use? Why didn’t you use it? Would you actually ever use it? Ask yourself all the questions and be prepared to travel even better next time!

8. A carry-on that suites you

This is a big one. For yearssss I have been a fan of the Osprey Porter bag. It is glorious. It is a backpack but opens like a duffle. For short trips it is great! I still use it if I am only going. away for a weekend.

But the older I get, the more I really don’t want to carry a heavy backpack on my back anymore. Sure sometimes it is easier but I would rather be comfortable these days.

So if you know that you don’t mind a heavy backpack, awesome! Güle güle kullan ( a Turkish phrase that means use it with joy!) But if you’re like me and would rather be a bit more comfortable, use that roller carry-on with joy!

Do what you need to do to make your trip the way YOU want it to be.

9. Know what helps you Rest Well

Make sure that you do what you need to do to rest well when you’re sleeping in a new place, in a bed that is not your own, with sounds that you’re not used to.

I am a bit of a baby when it comes to sleeping in new places so I have spent a lot of time crafting what works for me. Maybe they will help you but make sure you know what works for YOU.

For me, that means my mini noise machine, the perfect eye mask (and I have bought many and returned nearly just as many), and the travel pillow I had my mom make me.

If you know you need ear plugs then add them to your list. If you don’t know, bring them and see if you use them.

If you do use earplugs, I love these silicone ones because they block out the noise so well. I think they are even cheaper at Walmart if you decide to get some. Check in the sports area.

I also have been getting into these loom knockoffs because sometimes the silicone ones make my ears sweat even though they work the best.

10. Dry toiletries

On my last trip to America, my mom’s best friend had recently gotten into bar shampoo and conditioner. She really wanted to try it and wanted me to join her. Honestly, I was a bit skeptical.

Until I actually used it. OMG. What a game-changer. No more worrying about liquids and whether will they spill in my carry-on. No more exceeding limits.

She purchased them from The Earthling Co and they work so great! My mom’s friend’s hair even started growing thicker in the few months that she has been using them.

Pro tip: The best use I have found is to lather with 10 flips of the bar in my hand at a time and getting my hair wet right before I add it in.

The shampoo lathers really well and the conditioner, though it doesn’t feel as smooth when I rinse my hair, I am shocked at how smooth it is after my hair is dry.

11. Rolling your clothes

Once I started rolling my clothes, I have never gone back! This is truly a game changer for fitting it all in your suitcase.

You can take it to another level by rolling your clothes and putting them in packing cubes.

To be honest, I haven’t really gotten on the packing cubes bandwagon yet. I have some. I have used them a couple of times. But I find I end up taking them out and it just gets messier.

But if you do nothing else, make sure you roll your clothes instead of folding them. You will save a ton of space in your luggage.

12. Cover your shoes

After living in Turkey for more than 5 years now, I have a different feeling towards shoes and where they should be.

In Turkey, we don’t wear shoes inside the house like in America. It is a major faux pas if you do.

So when I pack my shoes in my luggage, I make sure to put them in a bag. It keeps all the grossness of the streets off your clothes and other items.

13. Invest in a good travel scale

I bought a scale that sucked. I mean it hurt my hand every time I used it. It didn’t give a good reading and all in all, was not a great purchase. So in the end I settled for using the scale that I use to weigh myself.

Then my mom came to visit and she brought her travel scale. It was a world of difference. What I also loved is that it didn’t run on batteries so there was no worry that they might die in the middle of a trip.

This is the one we now use when we travel and I highly recommend it.

Bonus: Bring an extra bag

Unless you’re someone who hates buying anything on your vacations or you’re so frugal that you won’t, bringing an extra bag is a great way to bring the extras back home!

When I moved to Turkey, I bought one similar to this foldable duffle bag. It has been so handy and I use it regularly. If you don’t like this one that’s cool.

Just get something similar that won’t add to your current luggage but will allow you to bring gifts and souvenirs back home.

some extras you should pack

Electronics

Travel Adapter

Make sure that you pack a good international adapter that can handle the 220 volts that Turkey uses. It is important to note the AMPs the adapter supports.

Most only support up to 8 amps which means you can’t use high-powered (blow dryer, curling irons, etc) with them.

For instance, if you have a CPAP machine, make sure you know what are the electric requirements and bring a converter if necessary.

This is my favorite adapter. It can be used in so many countries, supports up to 8 amps, and 100V – 240V. Plus it has 3 USB slots and one Type C charging slot.

External Battery

There is nothing worse than visiting your favorite ancient site in Turkey and then realizing you only have 10% battery left.

You can get a tiny one that is good for one charge like this one.

I have always been an Anker girl but when I went back home this past summer I did some research and ended up replacing my old one with this one but INIU.

I have been loving it for sure! It charges my iPhone 11 (I know I know but it still works great) about 2.5 times.

But the real kicker for me was that the C-port charged the phone as well as the device. Most C-ports are only used to charge the battery which is so annoying.

Camera

I am a huge fan of less is more so I actually just use my phone on my camera but it is also a really great quality camera.

If you want to travel with a little extra camera, I would highly recommend the Canon Powershot.

I actually backpacked through Europe with this (a few generations older) and it was perfect!

VPN

This isn’t something to pack but to prepare before you go.

When I first traveled abroad, I realized I had access to more shows on Netflix when I was in England. Simultaneously, I couldn’t watch a few shows that I really loved.

With a VPN you can select your home country and watch your shows regardless of where you are!

I have been using this VPN for years and have never had a problem. And their customer service is stellar!

Documents

When packing for your trip to Turkey it is especially helpful to have printed out copies of everything. Paper is king here!

So make sure that you print off any reservations that you have. You also want to make sure that you have the following things printed off.

Health Insurance

It is really good to get travel insurance set up when you buy your ticket. In case something should happen, you want to make sure you’re covered.

I like TravelInsurance.com because they have a variety of plans that allow you to choose what you need.

Make sure you print out a copy of your card and the information you need in case you need to make a claim.

Prescriptions

It can also be helpful to bring a copy of prescriptions with the generic name on them in case you lose yours while traveling and need to get a refill.

Make sure to check the local pharmacy as many prescriptions can be purchased here without a prescription. You may be able to save some money by buying them here!

Copy of Passport

It is a good idea to always travel with a color copy of your passport.

While you want to walk around with your passport on hand, it is a good idea to have a copy in case something happens to it.

In the event that your passport is stolen, you can take a copy to the embassy to make getting a replacement much easier.

Medical

Most of the stuff here will be on the PDF but there are a couple of things that I have found to be helpful as I have traveled.

Hand Sanitizer

So it is helpful when you’re traveling and just need to clean your hands. But you don’t need a ton. Turkey has something a little different but I love it even more. Kolonya.

Kolonya is similar but smells lovelier and I find that it doesn’t leave my hands feeling so sticky. Make sure you grab some to take home.

This is my favorite brand and you can find it everywhere! They also have the most amazing smells!

Activated charcoal

Activated Charcoal is a great addition to any emergency medical pack. It can be used for things like:

• Reducing bloating
• Treat bile flow problems
• Accidental poisoning (helps with food poisoning)
• Help with hangovers (though this is more anecdotal)

This activated charcoal has a high potency so you can even take just one pill and it will last longer, also more pack per pill is great when you travel.

Want to know more? Check out this article by Dr. Axe on activated charcoal uses.

Menstrual Cup

The one thing I highly recommend for women who are traveling is a menstrual cup. If you’re not a woman, just move on along.

If you are a woman, this small device makes life so much easier. Not having to think about that for 10-12 hours at a time! I have been using this one and love it!

You can also check out the discs though I have never been able to get it to work for me. Ugh.

Toiletries

Honestly, most of this can be purchased once you get into the country. You can stop into a Gratis, Rossman, or even most markets that have the things you need.

The one consideration would be if you’re traveling around the country by way of flying, you won’t be able to fly with large bottles unless you check your back which makes it all more expensive.

Again, cue The Earthling Co for bar shampoo and conditioner to make that problem go away.

Also if you’re a woman, check out the list I made that is special to just us ladies.

Miscellaneous

Finally the loose ends. The things you may not think to grab or think you will but might not.

Reusable Water Bottle

My vote for traveling internationally is to grab a filtered water bottle. If you do so, Epic water filters are what I use.

The reason I like them is they have the EveryTap that is specifically created with filtered water contaminants in mind–think chlorine, heavy metals, and fluoride.

If you don’t want to get a filtered bottle, you can also get large 5L bottles of water from the market and fill your contigo bottles before you leave the house.

Pro tip: if you use a bottle with a straw, detach it when you fly to avoid the water leaking while flying.

As you walk the streets, you will find bottled water everywhere for pretty cheap but it is also the cheap plastic that is terrible for the environment, which is where Epic water filters come into play.

Pro tip: When you see the fountains and people filling water containers, this water is drinkable and many use it regularly, though again, there may be heavy metals in the water.

Day Pack

I am a fan of a crossbody bag. Depending on what you use on the go, there are a few things to consider.

If you want to use a backpack, something like this backpack is a great option because deters pickpocketers from gaining easy access to what’s inside.

Pro tip: When you hop on public transport, make sure you wear it in front of you so you don’t whack someone or give someone easy access to your valuables.

If you are a woman and prefer a purse, I have been using a Travelon purse for years and I absolutely love it! 

Be careful though. Because of its size, it’s easy to over-fill it and then hate carrying it all day!

Pro tip: Make sure you carry a pack of tissues with you at all times as not all bathrooms here have toilet paper all the time. I have made the mistake one too many times.

Money Belt

If you don’t have a travel bag or are particularly cautious of your passport and money being stolen, a great way to keep them safe is to use a money belt.

Make sure you get one with RFID block protection to keep those credit cards from being copied. This is an inexpensive one that comes in three neutral colors.

However, the belt is worn under your clothes, that way no one can access it except you, so color isn’t typically a big deal.

Microfiber towel

I have found having a small microfiber towel quite handy when I travel.

Sometimes I just needed an extra towel and there weren’t enough or I needed it immediately and couldn’t wait for someone to bring more.

The great thing about microfiber towels is they dry fast, absorb a lot, and are incredibly lightweight. These microfiber towels have multiple sizes to choose from, though I usually just bring a small one.

To move, to breathe, to fly, to float, to gain all while you give, to roam the roads of lands remote, to travel is to live. 
Hans Christian Andersen (Quotsy)

a few things to consider specific to the seasons in Turkey

When packing for your trip to Turkey remember that it is roughly 1.25 the size of Texas. The variety of weather that this country has is vast. 

While winters are typically rainy, the temperature greatly varies just as the summer temperatures can vary. Thus packing for your trip to Turkey can be tricky. So make sure you check out where you are going.

Spring & Fall

You will be greeted with cool nights with warmer days. But it can also be quite rainy in some areas. 

Make sure you pack a good raincoat and if you can, get a longer one like this women’s coat, trust me.

Unfortunately, men’s coats don’t have as many options for length. If you’re dead set on an umbrella, I recommend a wind-resistant umbrella like this one.  

Make sure you look up where you’re headed and dress appropriately. Layers are especially helpful as the weather changes.

Summer

Summer is hot in Turkey! Make sure you pack light clothes that cover your skin but allow the wind to go through them.

Don’t forget your sunscreen. That Mediterranean sun can burn you before you know it! This is also a good time to bust out those Chacos or Tevas. They are sturdy and can handle rough roads as well as hiking if you’re out in nature!

winter

In Winter, you will find rain no matter where you go as it is the rainiest season throughout Turkey.

Check where you will be going and make sure you pack warm enough clothes. Some places are extremely cold and others are mildly cold but super rainy.

And that’s a wrap

I know that was a lot of information but if you can get the basics down, all the rest is so much more enjoyable.

I hope you learned a few new hacks for packing for your upcoming trip whether for fun or business. As you implement these ideas you will see the stress melt away.

If you’re considering visiting Turkey but are not quite sure, make sure you check out my post on things you should know about Turkey before you visit. It is full of things to be aware of and be prepared for before you come.

Holler when you visit Istanbul! I’d love to meet up with you and show you a few of my favorite places if I am free!