Türkiye Travel Notes: Travel Well, Pack Smart & Dress Beautifully
Türkiye is one of those rare destinations that offers everything — ancient history, coastal beauty, vibrant cities and an incredible sense of culture.
Rather than a standard guide, this is a collection of practical travel tips, personal insights, and how I approach dressing while travelling.
Before You Go: Getting Prepared
A little preparation goes a long way in Türkiye. Here's what we recommend before you board the plane:
- Check visa requirements — most Australians can obtain an e-Visa online before departure
- Download offline maps for Istanbul, Cappadocia, or wherever you're headed
- Notify your bank and carry a small amount of Turkish Lira for markets and tips
- Pack a light scarf — essential for mosque visits and breezy evenings
How We Travelled
Three women, three strengths — and that made all the difference. We had an organiser, a driver/photographer, and a researcher.
Travelling can be stressful, so it's worth understanding your companions early — how they like to start their day, whether they need quiet time, or simply that first coffee before anything else happens.
We combined pre-booked stays with spontaneous decisions. It allowed flexibility and the freedom to follow weather and instinct, although it does mean booking as you go. It's not for everyone, but for us, it worked beautifully.
three women on an adventure
Essential Apps
Keep it simple, but smart:
- eSIM (Airalo or similar) for data
- WhatsApp for communication
- Agoda for hotel bookings
- Google Translate (especially the camera function)
- XE Currency for quick conversions
- ChatGPT for itinerary ideas and planning
- Uber for transport
travel essentials that can transform from day to night
Getting Around
We travelled by bus, train, ferry and rental car. Public transport is excellent, and ferries are one of the most enjoyable ways to move between places.
We also hired a car — which, driving on the opposite side of the road, made for some interesting moments… particularly in tight alleyways (and reverse parking!). It was worth it for the experience — but you absolutely need a good navigator.
Sirkeci Station in Istanbul - famous as the final stop of the Orient Express.
What to Pack
Travel light — but thoughtfully. Türkiye is modern and diverse, but modest dressing is appreciated, especially in certain areas. I tend to pack pieces that layer, work together, and can move from day to evening effortlessly.
My essentials:
- Quick-dry underwear (easy to wash on the go)
- Comfortable pants for walking (I love cargos for the pockets)
- A silk slip (Otomo) — layers easily from day to night
- A Silver Cocoonz knit — perfect for flights and cooler evenings
- A Silver Cocoonz chic jacket — reversible, which doubles your options
- A large scarf — for mosques, warmth and styling
- Comfortable shoes with grip (cobbled streets are everywhere)
- Eye mask and ear plugs — essential for long flights and light sleepers
- Jewellery to elevate outfits — and always leave room to bring more home
A scarf is one of the most useful items you can carry — practical, respectful, and instantly elegant. Many of our pieces at Taboo Fashion are designed with exactly this kind of travel in mind.
Practical tip: Wash clothes in the sink, wrap in a towel, and step on it to remove excess water — it works surprisingly well.
Cheers to silk layers! Istanbul rooftop bar.
Shopping & Bartering
Shopping in Türkiye is an experience in itself. Be friendly but firm. Know your price, and don't be afraid to walk away — but also remember this is people's livelihood. If you prefer a more relaxed experience, look for fixed-price stores.
Day 1 - walking to the Grand Bazaar
Favourite Places
Istanbul
A city spanning two continents, layered with history. Stay close to transport lines and expect to walk — a lot.
Ankara
Underrated and worth 1–2 nights, especially for its museums and history.
Ephesus & Selçuk
Walk the ancient marble streets of one of the world's best-preserved Roman cities — truly breathtaking. Selçuk, the charming town right next door, makes the perfect base. Stay a night or two and explore at your own pace.
Cappadocia
Magical and completely otherworldly. By far my favourite destination — the hot air balloon experience is unforgettable.
Kaş
A beautiful coastal town with relaxed European charm and stunning water.
Gallipoli Region
Deeply moving, especially for Australians and Kiwis. A place to reflect and remember.
What I Wore & Loved
Packing for Türkiye taught me something I already suspected — fewer, better pieces do more. These are the ones that earned their place in my bag every single day.
The Otomo Silk Slip was endlessly versatile — worn alone on warm evenings, layered under the Kashmiri jacket when the temperature dropped, and always effortlessly elegant. The Otomo Daisy Shirt became my go-to for long days of sightseeing — light, easy, and polished enough for dinner without changing.
The Silver Cocoonz Chic Jacket was the quiet hero of the trip. Reversible and beautifully cut, it doubled my options without adding weight. The Silver Cocoonz Kashmiri Jacket came into its own in Cappadocia — cool mornings, open skies, and a jacket that felt as special as the landscape.
And the scarves — both large and skinny — were worn every single day. Over the shoulders at a mosque, knotted at the neck in a bazaar, draped loosely at dinner. A silk scarf is the most elegant travel companion you can pack.
Final Thoughts
If I were to do this trip again, I would spend more time in fewer places. Trying to see everything can be exhausting — the most memorable moments were often the quiet ones, sitting, observing, talking with locals.
Travel refines how we dress. We begin to value fewer, better pieces — clothing that moves, layers, breathes and lasts. You don't need to default to leggings and t-shirts to travel comfortably. There is something powerful about feeling put together, even on the road.
That philosophy sits at the heart of what we curate at Taboo Fashion — alongside our Silver Cocoonz collection and our jewellery partners.