DONE
Flight
- Print your e-ticket if applicable
- TIP The earlier you book the better price you get
Plan your stay in Istanbul
- Pre-planned city guides for Istanbul
- Explore Istanbul attractions >
- TIP Use our pre-planned city guides to save a considerable planning time and get the best of Istanbul
Accommodation
- Review a list of Istanbul hotels that we tested and selected for you >
- Let us recommend you a Istanbul hotel that perfectly fits your preferences >
- Search for hotels in Istanbul
- Book your hotel room
- Print your booking confirmation
- TIP The earlier you book the better price you get
Passport, visa and driving license
- Check expiration of your passport (valid for 6 months after travel)
- Apply for a passport (US citizens: Information on how to apply for passport)
- Check visa requirements (Do you need a visa to Turkey?)
- Make sure your license is current and valid
- Study the driving laws of Turkey
- TIP If you do not have a passport order it now (US citizens). Leave at least 6 weeks your passport to be processed
- TIP Do not pack your travel documents in a suitcase that may get lost. Take your important documents in a wallet or purse that you can access at all times
Travel insurance
- Get a quote >
- Take out travel insurance
- TIP Don't travel without insurance - make sure it covers you for any activities you are likely to undertake such as extreme or water sports
Finances
- Check credit card expiration dates
- Take out credit card and/or traveler check
- Exchange cash
- TIP Take enough money for your trip and some back-up funds in a mix of cash and travelers check and make a note of the checks' numbers before you go
- TIP Leave unnecessary cards at home
- TIP Do not pack your money, cards and traveler's check in a suitcase that may get lost. Take money in a wallet or purse that you can access at all times
Health
- Buy your travel medical kit >
- Visit your physician for prescription drugs for your entire journey (if applicable)
- Check with your physician as soon as possible to find out if you need any vaccinations before you travel
- TIP Don't travel without insurance - make sure it covers you for any activities you are likely to undertake such as extreme or water sports
Communication
- Check your mobile provider for details on international usage
- Check for international rates
- Take out more suitable plan if applicable
Luggage
- Pack your luggage
- Make a list of items you packed
- TIP Check airline luggage allowance policies to avoid paying excess baggage fees
Emergency preparation
- Write important phone numbers on a paper (such as friends, parents, spouse)
- Find out where's the nearest embassy
- TIP Don't travel without insurance - make sure it covers you for any activities you are likely to undertake such as extreme or water sports
Home arrangements
- Arrange for pet and plant care
- Stop routine deliveries
- Make your home seem lived-in while away by putting lights and a radio on timers
- Turn down thermostat
- Leave keys and itinerary with a friend
- Lock windows, garage, and doors
Before you go
- Take along printed e-ticket and flight booking confirmation
- Check-in to your flight online (if applicable)
- Take along printed hotel booking confirmation
- Take photocopies of your passport and other important documents
- Put a tag with your name, address, and telephone number on your luggage
- Arrange for transport to airport, train or bus station
- TIP Keep photocopies separate from original documents and/or store them online using a secure data storage site
- TIP Leave unnecessary keys at home
- TIP Tie a colorful ribbon or attach distinctive stickers to your luggage so that you can identify it easily, and other travelers will not take it by mistake at a busy terminal
- TIP Protect your luggage against robbing by wrapping it in a roll of standard kitchen plastic wrap