Documents (the non-negotiables)
Keep all of these in your hand luggage, not your hold case:
- Passport — valid for at least 150 days from arrival, issued within 10 years, with a blank page (see visa and entry rules).
- Flight details and your clinic/accommodation confirmation.
- Travel insurance documents and emergency assistance number.
- Your clinic coordinator's contact and any pre-op paperwork.
- A list of your medications and any relevant medical history.
- A payment card that works abroad, plus a little local currency for incidentals.
Recovery clothing
Comfort and easy access matter far more than style after surgery:
- Loose, front-opening tops (button or zip) — you won't want to raise arms over your head, especially after breast or upper-body surgery.
- Soft, loose bottoms — joggers or elasticated trousers, nothing tight on the waist after abdominal surgery.
- Slip-on shoes — bending to tie laces is awkward early on.
- Comfortable underwear; for breast procedures, follow any guidance on bras (often a soft, non-wired or surgical bra).
- A light layer for the flight and air-conditioned spaces.
Medications and health items
- Your regular prescription medications in their original packaging, with a copy of the prescription — and enough to cover delays.
- Compression stockings (flight socks) for the journeys, to reduce clot risk.
- Any compression garment you've been told to bring (the clinic may also provide one).
- Basic items: lip balm, hand cream, any usual toiletries in travel sizes.
Check before packing medicines. Some medicines available over the counter in the UK are restricted in Turkey, and some require documentation. Carry prescriptions for anything prescribed, keep medicines in original packaging, and ask the clinic if you're unsure about a specific drug.
Comfort items that genuinely help
- A neck pillow and eye mask for resting and the flight.
- Phone, charger and a European/Turkey adaptor — Turkey uses the two-pin European plug, so a UK plug won't fit.
- A portable charger for the journey and transfers.
- Entertainment downloaded in advance — you'll have a lot of resting time.
- Snacks for the flight, and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated.
- Wet wipes and dry shampoo — showering may be limited for a few days.
What not to bring
- A heavy suitcase. You won't be able to lift much after surgery, so pack light and use a case with good wheels — or have your companion handle bags.
- Tight or fussy clothing, jewellery and valuables you don't need.
- Big plans. This is a recovery trip — leave the sightseeing wardrobe at home.
A note on the journey home
Pack so the return is easy too: keep your compression stockings, garment, medications and documents accessible, and don't fill your case so full that you're tempted to lift it. If you're travelling with a companion, agree that they'll handle the bags on the way back.
If there's anything procedure-specific you should bring — a particular garment or bra, for instance — we'll tell you in advance as part of your pre-op information, so your packing matches exactly what your recovery needs.