Woman wearing a Turkish towel as a sarong on the beach

All the Ways I Used My Turkish Towel to Travel

Written by Cristina Pissarouk 2023

 

Throughout my journeys across the globe, I discovered a reliable companion that revolutionized the way I travel: my trusty Turkish towel. It’s remarkable versatility and multi-functional nature have allowed me to adapt to various situations and make the most of every adventure.

From the sun-kissed beaches of Cuba to the rugged terrain of Vegas, this piece of cloth has proven itself indispensable time and time again. Join me as I unveil the countless ways I've utilized my Turkish towel, transforming it from a simple travel accessory into an essential tool for exploration and relaxation.

Woman on a beach with a Turkish towel at sunset

They are Easy To Pack!

One of the most remarkable features of Turkish towels is their ability to fit into small spaces, making them incredibly easy to pack for your travels (Brooke). Traditional towels can be bulky and take up valuable real estate in your suitcase, but Turkish towels are designed to be lightweight and compact, allowing you to maximize your packing efficiency.

Their thin yet durable construction allows Turkish towels to be easily rolled or folded into a small and manageable size. This means you can tuck them into the corners of your backpack, squeeze them into a tight spot in your carry-on luggage, or even slip them into your daypack without taking up much space (Theriot, RL).

Whether you're a minimalist traveller who prefers to pack light or someone who likes to have a backup towel on hand, Turkish towels offer a practical solution. Not only do they save space in your luggage, but they also leave room for other travel essentials. You can easily fit multiple Turkish towels into the same space that would accommodate just one regular towel, giving you more options during your journey.

Their compact nature allows you to have a towel readily available for various purposes, whether it's drying off after a refreshing swim, using it as a picnic blanket, or simply having a clean and comfortable surface to sit or lie on (Eleanore).

With Turkish towels, you no longer have to compromise on your packing list or sacrifice valuable space for bulky towels. Their ability to fit into small places makes them an ideal choice for travellers seeking convenience, versatility, and efficient use of their luggage space.

Woman wearing a Turkish towel as a sarong on the beach

Great for Outdoor Use

Turkish towels are woven from lightweight and highly absorbent cotton, allowing them to dry much faster than traditional towels. This feature is especially useful for outdoor activities where you may get wet, such as swimming, water sports, or hiking near bodies of water (The New York Times).

The quick-drying nature of Turkish towels prevents them from staying damp for too long, minimizing the risk of unpleasant odors and mold growth. Turkish towels are thinner and less bulky compared to regular towels (Brooke). This makes them easy to carry around during outdoor adventures. They take up less space in your bag or backpack, leaving room for other essentials. Their lightweight nature also reduces the overall weight you need to carry, making them ideal for hiking, camping, or any outdoor activity where weight and space are crucial. Turkish towels are incredibly versatile, as I mentioned earlier. They can be used as beach blankets, picnic mats, sarongs, scarves, and more (Theriot, RL).

This versatility allows you to pack fewer items while still having a multi-functional and practical accessory for various outdoor situations. Whether you need a towel, blanket, or cover-up, a Turkish towel can fulfill those needs.

Turkish towels are woven using a flat weave technique, resulting in a lightweight and breathable fabric. This feature is particularly beneficial for outdoor use, as it allows for better air circulation and keeps you comfortable even in hot and humid environments (Eleanore). The breathable nature of Turkish towels prevents them from feeling heavy or suffocating against your skin.

Woman carrying her Turkish towel in a small bag at the beach

Use Your Turkish Towel as a Luggage!

While Turkish towels are primarily designed for their use as towels, they can also be beneficial for transporting things on vacation. Turkish towels are large and lightweight, making them ideal for wrapping fragile items such as souvenirs, delicate clothing, or electronic devices (Eleanore).

You can use a Turkish towel to create a protective layer around these items, preventing them from getting damaged or scratched during transportation. If you have items that are prone to breakage or need some additional cushioning, you can fold a Turkish towel and use it to provide extra padding within your suitcase or backpack. This can help protect the items from bumps, impacts, or pressure during transit. Turkish towels can serve as dividers or organizers within your luggage (The New York Times).

You can fold them and place them between different layers of clothes or items to create separation and prevent them from rubbing against each other. This helps keep your belongings organized and minimizes the risk of wrinkles or damage.

Instead of using a traditional beach bag, you can use a Turkish towel to carry your essentials to the beach or pool. Fold the towel in half, place your items in the center, and then fold or roll it up tightly. This creates a makeshift bag that is lightweight and easy to carry (Eleanore).

Plus, once you reach your destination, you can unfold the towel and use it as a beach blanket. When traveling, it's important to keep your valuables secure. Turkish towels can be used to conceal valuable items within your bag. For example, you can wrap your camera, laptop, or other valuables in a Turkish towel to make them less conspicuous and deter potential theft (Brooke). If you need a temporary laundry bag during your trip, a Turkish towel can be a practical solution.

Woman wearing her Turkish towel as a sarong at the beach luxury

Conclusion

In conclusion, Turkish towels are an excellent choice for travel due to their numerous benefits. Their quick-drying nature ensures that they won't stay damp for long, making them ideal for beach visits, water sports, and outdoor activities.

Their lightweight and compact design make them easy to carry and pack, leaving more space for other essentials. Turkish towels' versatility allows them to serve multiple purposes, such as beach blankets, scarves, picnic mats, or even makeshift bags.

The breathable fabric ensures comfort in various weather conditions, while their durability ensures they can withstand the rigors of travel. With their stylish designs and patterns, Turkish towels add a touch of elegance to any journey (Eleanore).

Whether you're heading to a tropical paradise or exploring new destinations, Turkish towels are a practical, versatile, and fashionable companion for all your travel needs.

Works Cited

Theriot, RL. “Turkish Towels Are Just as Light and Fold up as Small as Microfiber Travel Towels, but They’re so Much Better.” The Daily Beast, 19 May 2021, www.thedailybeast.com/quick-drying-turkish-towels-are-better-than-microfiber-travel-towels.

Brooke. “Best Travel Towel: We’re in Love with Turkish Towels for Travel.” Her Packing List, 4 Mar. 2023, herpackinglist.com/turkish-towels-for-travel/.

Eleanore. “Pros and Cons of Turkish Towels, We Review the Facts.” Greenerlyfe, 30 May 2023, www.greenerlyfe.com/blog/pros-and-cons-of-turkish-towels-we-review-the-facts/. Accessed 12 June 2023.

“The Best Packable Travel Towels.” The New York Times, 19 July 2017, www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-packable-camp-towels/. Accessed 12 June 2023.

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