An Independent Clause vs. a Dependent Clause

AN INDEPENDENT CLAUSE	A DEPENDENT CLAUSE
An independent clause expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a grammatical sentence. It has its own subject and verb.	A dependent clause has a subject and verb, but does not express a complete thought and may sound like nonsense as a stand-alone sentence. A dependent clause often begins with an verb or a connector  (before, after, because, while, though, and, but, so, etc.) and requires attachment to an independent clause to complete the rest of the thought.
Istanbul is an amazing city to visit.	and we are going there!  (and – coordinating conjunction)
We are going to apply for visas.	before we leave on our trip.  (before – subordinating conjunction)
We are going to take raincoats.	though we don't know if we will need them. (though – subordinating conjunction)
We exchanged our money for Euros.	which is the common currency in much of Europe.  (which – relative pronoun)
We take electrical outlet adapters with us.	whenever we travel overseas.  (whenever – subordinating conjunction)
It is important to have a good pair of walking shoes.	as long as there is room in the suitcase.  (as long as – subordinating conjunction)
We carry an umbrella.	if rain is expected. (if – subordinating conjunction)
We pack lots of sunscreen.	because we don't want to get burned.  (because – subordinating conjunction)