Whether you are planning to go to Asia for business or pleasure, chances are you might find the whole experience a little daunting. It can be a long way to travel, and if you have never been to a place where English is not spoken, it can be a little unnerving. However, traveling to Asia can be quite straightforward when you are prepared.
1. Check the weather.
In many Asian countries, including Vietnam, Thailand, and some parts of China, you will see a wet season and a dry season. While light clothes might be appropriate in any case, sometimes packing rain gear can save your trip! This is especially true if you intend to visit different parts of a country.
For example, the west coast of Thailand may experience a different season from the eastern side at any one time. So if you find resplendent sunshine in Phuket, it might possibly be raining in Koh Samui. Don't be caught out.
2. Use plastic.
When you are planning your trip, think about putting the majority of your expenses onto a credit card. This way, not only will you be able to have a paper trail of your spending, you can also stop payment if your card gets skimmed. It is also a very portable way to pay for things.
3. Learn a bit of the language.
Even if you are only visiting for a short while, it will help you to learn some basic phrases.
When you try to use the language native to an area, the people are much more likely to look on you kindly. So try to learn the basics like "please" and "thank you". You'll also want to learn directional words like "left" and "right", which can be quite handy for obvious reasons. The local words for numbers will also be useful if you intend to shop. Pick up phrases for bargaining, especially, and practice them at the night bazaars.
Knowing a few local words may make your Asian vacation so much more enjoyable.
4. Think about your e-mail.
If you are going to a metropolitan center, you'll probably have no problem finding a wireless connection. But remember that some parts of Asia still do not give you immediate access to your email. Ask your internet service provider about roaming service, where you will be able to use the local telephone lines to dial up. This is a great way to make sure you can get to what you need.
5. Think about your luggage.
Remember that you'll be dragging your luggage behind you for the entire trip, so make sure that it will last! There are other ways to save money but invest in durable luggage. To ensure that no one walks off with you luggage by mistake, think about personalizing your suitcase with stickers or labels.
It is also a good idea to change the number setting if you are using combination locks. Far too many people leave the combinations set to the default 000 or change it to 123, which are not too difficult for a crook to guess. Take your time and come up with a good combination.
Note also that many countries in Asia scramble to call themselves the 'factory of the world', being the outsourced manufacturing centers for many MNCs. As such, you'll find better deals for souvenirs in Asia than you ever will in South America or Africa. So prepare for the unexpected shopping spree. Make room in your luggage for your shopping. Or take a spare foldable bag that can be slipped into your luggage easily.
Putting your shopping into a carton and sealing it with cellotape is no go. Neither is using those $1 plastic cheapos you find at many Asian bazaars. You don't want to surprised by a burst-open carton or plastic bag when your return home.
So consider these pre-trip ideas and enjoy a great Asian holiday.
Gabriel Tan writes about his home city at http://www.etour-singapore.com. He invites travelers-to-Asia to consider Singapore as a destination.
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