Planning a trip to Turkey? Whether you're enjoying Istanbul, exploring ancient ruins, relaxing on the Turquoise Coast or taking a hot-air balloon ride in Cappadocia, your trip can go seamlessly so long as you plan thoroughly.

This Turkey travel checklist covers the essentials you'll need before and during your trip, from important documents and budgeting to clothing, technology and useful travel apps.

Travel documents, money and insurance

First, make sure your essential travel documents are organised. Check your passport validity and make sure you keep digital copies of important documents in case the originals are lost.

Your pre-travel checklist should include:

• Passport and visa or e-visa if required – if you're a French citizen, you won't need to apply for a visa unless you're planning to stay in Turkey longer than 90 days.
• Travel insurance details.
• Flight and accommodation confirmations.
• Copies of important documents.
• Emergency contact information.
• Some Turkish lira (TRY).
• A primary payment card and backup card.

It's also worth planning your Turkey travel budget before departure. Estimate your costs for accommodation, food, transport, activities and shopping, while keeping some money aside for unexpected expenses. It's best to overestimate your travel budget and make sure you have access to both digital money and cash while you're away.

What to pack for Turkey: clothing and footwear

Turkey's climate varies considerably depending on where and when you're travelling. Istanbul can have very different weather from the Mediterranean coast or Cappadocia, so check the forecast for every destination on your itinerary.

For a versatile wardrobe, pack:

• Comfortable walking shoes or trainers
• Lightweight, breathable clothing for warm days
• Layers for cooler mornings and evenings
• Sunglasses and a sun hat
• Swimwear for coastal destinations
• A rain jacket or compact umbrella

If you're planning on visiting any religious sites, make sure you pack clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.

Travel apps and tech

Your phone is likely to be one of your most useful Turkey travel essentials. Before leaving home, make sure you have everything you need to stay connected and access anything important while on the go. Make sure you pack a phone charger, power bank and suitable travel adapter, and consider arranging an eSIM or international data plan. It's also a good idea to download important information for offline access, including maps, hotel addresses, tickets and reservations.

These days, there's an app for everything, from flight tracking to itinerary planning to expense tracking. It's worth doing a little research and installing any apps you need before you head off on your trip.

Everyday essentials

You never know what items might come in handy during a long day of sightseeing. Turkey is a destination where you may spend plenty of time walking, so comfortable footwear and a lightweight day bag will be useful – just make sure your bag is big enough to fit these everyday essentials:

• Any medication you need
• Basic first-aid supplies
• Sunscreen
• Hand sanitiser
• Reusable water bottle
• Blister plasters
• Portable power bank
• Tissues or wipes

Make sure you keep any valuables – such as your phone, wallet, passport and medication – in a secure and easily accessible place.

Before you leave for the airport, take a few minutes to run through your final Turkey travel checklist. With your documents organised, budget planned, apps downloaded and your packing list checked off, you'll be ready to enjoy your Turkey trip to the fullest.