Mediterranean Coast, Turkey
Begin important arrangements early, especially if traveling during peak season.
What to do 3 months, 1 month, 1 week before.
Check your passport's expiration date. It must last at least 6 months beyond your intended Turkey departure.
Research Turkish visa needs for your nationality (refer to Section 2.2). Apply for an e-Visa or sticker visa, allow ample time for processing.
Research major airline routes to Antalya (AYT) or Gazipaşa (GZP). Booking early often means better prices, especially for high season.
Research and book your accommodation. This holds particular value if traveling during high season. Arrange comprehensive travel insurance. (World Nomads is a reputable option).
Inform your bank and credit card companies of travel dates. Consult your doctor for vaccinations and prescription refills. Obtain a doctor's letter for controlled medications.
If you plan to rent a car and your domestic license is not in English, acquire an IDP. Draft a preliminary itinerary.
Reconfirm all flight, accommodation, and tour bookings. Double-check times and dates for accuracy.
Finalize your packing per climate and activities (refer to Section 3). Make physical and digital copies of essential documents. Store them separately.
Have emergency contacts readily accessible. Arrange pet care, hold mail, secure home, and pay upcoming bills before departure.
Flights, main accommodation (especially for high season), and any high-demand or specialized tours (e.g., paragliding, multi-day excursions to Cappadocia) book well in advance.
Deep dive into cultural etiquette (Section 11.3), common local scams (Section 2.4), and specific dietary phrases if you have restrictions (Section 7.4).
Ready your home before you leave.
Reconfirm all bookings and double-check your essential documents. A smooth departure commences with diligence.
These actions aid you settle into Alanya smoothly upon arrival.
Clear immigration and passport control, verifying your passport is stamped correctly. Collect your luggage.
Exchange a small amount of currency at the airport or use an ATM for initial expenses. Purchase bottled water immediately.
Purchase a local SIM card if immediate connectivity is needed. Locate your accommodation on a map. Understand transfer methods.
Utilize ATMs for better exchange rates than most airport exchange booths for larger amounts. Have small bills (Turkish Lira) ready for initial purchases or dolmuş rides.
Follow your pre-planned transfer (Havaş bus, shared/private shuttle, taxi) or navigate public transport, utilizing your pre-downloaded maps.
Locate your accommodation on a map (digital or physical) so you have a visual sense of where you are going. Understand the most efficient and safe transportation method to your hotel.
Purchase a local SIM card upon arrival if you did not arrange one previously.
This ensures immediate connectivity for navigation and communication.
Have small Turkish Lira bills ready for immediate purchases.
This helps with dolmuş rides or small vendor payments.
Utilize ATMs for better exchange rates compared to most airport exchange booths.
This applies to larger currency amounts.
A pre-downloaded map and local currency smooth your first hours. Connectivity with a local SIM card also aids your initial movements.
Prepare for your departure efficiently for a stress-free journey home.
Arrive at Antalya (AYT) or Gazipaşa (GZP) airport at least 2-3 hours before your international flight, or 1-1.5 hours for domestic flights.
Your pre-trip diligence pays off for a smooth journey home.
Enjoy the memories.
