This is something I love to share when I went on holiday to Turkey with my family. It’s been ages since the last time I took a vacation overseas with them, especially to Europe. The tour group consists of mostly young people, three couples (including my parents, of course), and one elderly lady.
We visited many amazing cities, countryside, and historic sites during this 9-day and 8-night trip. Here’s the fact worth knowing: Istanbul is a transcontinental city in Eurasia, which separates Europe and Asia. The journey started from Istanbul, to Canakkale, Asklepleion, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Konya, Cappadocia and Ankara before the trip ended in Istanbul. The entire journey of this trip was close to 7,000 kilometers!
Before you get too excited about going to Turkey the first time, be sure that you are packed with these important items so that it wouldn’t ruined the holiday. Winter season falls between November and January.
Windbreaker
Upon arriving at Istanbul Ataturk Airport early morning, we entered the arrival hall and suit up immediately with our windbreaker that was taken out from the hand-carry baggage from the cabin compartment. The rain has just stopped and the sun became visible behind the Sea of Marmara. Still, the weather was cold but does not hinder young adults like me from the adventurous tour.
As we head to Ankara city on the mountain road, the temperature hits -2°C during the daytime. Outside was completely covered with snow which is believed to had happened yesterday or two days before (Darn! We missed the snow time).
Long pants
The best way to avoid the cold at night is to wear long and thick pants during bedtime, although most hotels have heaters in the rooms. Do get a warm shower after a long day outside before curling yourself into the nice comfy bed. It can help you to avoid getting flu or cold the next day.
Headscarf
It is compulsory for women to put on the headscarf when entering some mosques in the country, as a respect to their religion regardless of your own belief and religion.
Don’t worry if you forgot to bring it. There are some shops selling headscarves to tourists near the entrances. Some mosques do rent them for visitors, but make sure to return once you left the premise.
Food
It may come as a bit of culture shock when you arrive at Turkey and notice that do not serve any kind of Asian food at cuisines, restaurants and even hotels. You must know that Turkey is a Muslim country with 99% of its population being Muslim.
So, most eateries are pork-free. Although they don’t serve your home country’s favorite dishes, you still definitely have to try their delicious Turkish rice and tomato soup once. If Turkish food isn’t what you expected to eat throughout the trip, then you can bring your own cup noodles or cereals (most hotels have this with milk). It is also a good idea to bring some snacks when taking a journey from point A to point B that takes several hours before stopping and have your next meal.
Medication
It will be handful to carry some medication like aspirin and cold medicine, especially if you travel from hot to cold country. Some people may take time for the body to adapt to a new environment and easily catch a flu or headache for the first one or two days.
Planning A Trip to Turkey
If you are planning to visit the fabulous Turkey, you can check out some of my posts:
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