What to Pack & Bring: Side

Seasonal Clothing for Side

Packing clothing suited to Side's climate and cultural context is important for comfort and respect.

Summer & Shoulder Seasons

Summer (June-Aug): Lightweight, breathable fabrics (cotton, linen). Pack shorts, t-shirts, sundresses, Swimwear. A Light scarf or shawl for sun and modesty.
Spring/Autumn (April-May, Sept-Oct): Layering is wise. T-shirts and shorts are fine daytime. Evenings become cooler, making Long-sleeved shirts, light sweaters, or a jacket wise.
Opt for light colors that reflect sunlight in warmer months.

Cultural & Activity Attire

Turkey, a secular country, values modest dress, especially at religious sites.

Dress Code & Activities

Mosques: Women must cover heads, shoulders, knees. Men wear long trousers. Carry a Lightweight scarf for convenience.
General: In tourist areas, casual wear is common. For local neighborhoods or non-tourist dining, more conservative attire (covering shoulders/knees) shows respect.
Activity-Specific: Wear comfortable, breathable activewear for hiking. Pack Swimsuits and cover-ups for beach/pool.

Footwear for Every Terrain

General Sightseeing

Comfortable Walking shoes or sturdy Sandals are important. Side's ancient ruins feature uneven terrain and cobblestones, making proper footwear essential for support.

Useful for exploring ancient sites.

Beach & Water Activities

Flip-flops or Water shoes are ideal for the beach, pool deck, and rocky entry points into the sea.

Protect your feet on varied surfaces.

Hiking & Evenings

If exploring trails, sturdy Walking shoes or light hiking boots give better grip. Dressier sandals or casual shoes are suitable for evening outings.

Versatile for varied adventures.

Essential Documents

Keep These Handy

Prepare both physical and digital copies of all important papers.

Original Passport (valid 6+ months) & printed e-Visa. Store photocopies and digital copies separately.
Travel insurance policy details, including emergency contact numbers and policy number.
International Driving Permit (IDP) if you plan to drive, with your valid national license.
Vaccination records and a list of prescription medications with generic names.

Printed and digital copies of all reservations: flights, hotels, tours, car rentals.
Emergency contact information for family, bank (for lost cards), and your country's embassy/consulate in Turkey.
Student, senior, or press IDs for potential discounts at museums or attractions.
Utilize cloud storage for backing up photos and copies of important documents.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Prepare your gadgets for use in Turkey to stay connected and capture memories.

Essentials

Bring a Universal travel adapter (Type C & F plugs) for 220V, 50Hz electricity.
Local SIM cards are easily found (Turkcell, Vodafone, Türk Telekom). Your phone should be unlocked. Airalo is an eSIM option.
A Portable power bank (10,000mAh+) is recommended for long days.

Photography & Apps

Capture Side's beauty and navigate with ease.

Tools for Travel

A Smartphone camera is often sufficient. Consider a Mirrorless or DSLR for quality. A Waterproof action camera for water activities. B&H Photo for gear.
Navigation: Google Maps (download offline maps).
Translation: Google Translate (offline Turkish pack).

Data Security & Backups

Cloud Storage

Utilize services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud for backing up photos and document copies.

Physical Backups

Consider bringing an External hard drive or USB stick for additional local backup of your photos.

Device Security

Keep devices secure. Enable strong passwords/biometrics. Avoid leaving devices unattended in public.

Health & Wellness Items

Personal First Aid & Meds

A well-prepared kit addresses common travel ailments and personal needs.

Must-Haves

A basic Travel first aid kit (e.g., from Adventure Medical Kits) with pain relievers (Ibuprofen), antihistamines, Diarrhea medication, bandages, antiseptic wipes, and Hand sanitizer.
Enough supply of prescription medications in original, labeled containers with a doctor's note.
Over-the-counter medications for indigestion, motion sickness, cough, and cold.

Protection from Elements

The Mediterranean climate requires attention to sun and insects.

Sun & Insect Defense

High-SPF Sunscreen (30-50+), After-sun lotion, a Wide-brimmed hat, and Sunglasses.
Insect repellent (DEET or Picaridin) for evenings or near water.
Water purification options are generally not necessary as Bottled water is readily available. For remote hiking, a Portable water filter or purification tablets could be considered.

Special Health Notes

Motion Sickness

Altitude sickness is not a concern; Side is at sea level.
Motion sickness remedies are useful for boat trips or long bus journeys on winding roads.
Pack accordingly if you are prone to motion sickness.

Personal Hygiene

Bring specific brands of toiletries you prefer.
Feminine hygiene products are available, but a small supply of preferred brands helps.
Prescription contact lenses and solution should be brought from home.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Water Sports Gear

For snorkeling or diving in Side's clear waters.

Bringing your own Snorkel mask and dry snorkel set ensures fit and hygiene.
A Waterproof phone pouch for photos near water.
For certified divers, your own Dive computer and mask.
Gear can be rented, but personal items often feel more comfortable.

Hiking Essentials

If you plan to explore trails beyond the immediate town.

A Small daypack (Nordace for modern travel bags) for water, snacks, and layers.
A Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
Sturdy Hiking shoes are a good idea for serious trekking.
Lightweight, quick-drying activewear.

Beach Day Comforts

Make your beach visits more comfortable.

A Quick-dry travel towel.
A Beach bag (check Nordace for options) for your essentials.
Sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat.
Flip-flops or water shoes.

Rent vs. Bring Decision

Items to Rent Locally

Large or specialized items like scuba diving equipment.
Bicycles, if you do not plan extensive cycling.
Jet skis or stand-up paddleboards are readily available from local shops and beach clubs.
Renting light equipment can save luggage space.

Items to Bring From Home

Personal items like your own snorkel mask for comfort and hygiene.
Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring ruins.
Specific camera gear you prefer and are familiar with.
High-quality Hiking shoes if serious trekking is part of your plan.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Travel Comfort & Security

These items enhance comfort, security, and convenience during your Side trip.

Smart Packing

Comfort items for transportation: Neck pillow, Eye mask, Earplugs for long journeys.
Security items: a Small padlock, a Money belt or neck wallet.
An RFID blocking wallet or card sleeves for credit cards and passport.
Reusable items: Water bottle, Shopping bag, Utensils.

Local & Hard-to-Find Items

Consider items that are region-specific or difficult to purchase locally.

Specific Needs

Lightweight, quick-drying clothing is ideal for the humid Mediterranean climate.
A waterproof phone pouch protects your phone during boat trips or beach days.
Specific brands of over-the-counter medications or personal care products you prefer might be hard to find locally.
Specialized outdoor gear, if you have particular needs for hiking or water sports, is better brought from home. General Travel gear is common.

Sustainable Travel Items

Reusable Water Bottle

Minimizes plastic waste.

Foldable Shopping Bag

Good for markets and souvenirs.

Travel Utensil Set

Reduces single-use plastic for street food.

Solid Toiletries

Reduces plastic bottles and liquid limits.

Small, Important Considerations

Region-Specific Necessities

A small portable fan for summer heat.
Swim goggles for clear sea swimming.
Headphones for long journeys or relaxing on the beach.

Cultural & Convenience Items

A small gift for local hosts, if staying in a guesthouse.
A small flashlight or headlamp for poorly lit ancient sites at night.
A travel journal to record your experiences.

Packing Pro Tip

Pack clothing that is easy to wash and quick to dry. This helps reduce the amount of clothing you need to bring, leaving more space for souvenirs.

Pack a small, empty bag or tote. This provides extra space for souvenirs or dirty laundry, making packing for your return trip simpler.

What to Pack & Bring