Booking early
I travel all the time so plan in advance where possible. Make sure you are up to date with the best low cost carriers, understand the routes they travel and how cheap you can get to your destination. Realize that now, there is such an advanced network that can carry you from the bottom of NZ to northern China and will not break the bank. Everyone knows that airlines sell the cheap seats first then on to the expensive one’s. When traveling, consider doing so lightly and that will save you a day’s budget too. Light fares are available on most low cost carriers such as Jetstar and AirAsia. Packing lightly also reduces how much petrol it costs to carry your heaviness across the indian ocean.
Compare flights, airlines and hotels
There is plenty of competition these days in the entire tourism sector. Great news for you for sure, but you sometimes still have to hunt around for those deals. Always compare your dollars vs value when booking something online. There’s tonnes of booking engines and lots of choices but you want to make sure you choose the right one. Being flexible helps so if you can get you annual leave around say a 3 month window, the better for your pocket.
Look at the difference between budget and midrange properties to get an idea of what you can handle, or afford. Asia is generally a cheap destination and cheap, goof quality accommodation can be found.
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Research your destination
There is no need to be paranoid but it makes good sense to explore the happenings in the country you are going to. Sometimes you have already booked like we have several times, before disaster strikes, allowing you to choose if you still want to go.
It pays to look at our scams and shady deals section to understand the psyche of a country. There are allot of hidden dangers you should always be aware off. Consider all your options with single, couple, Gay & Lesbian, family style trips and make sure you are aware of any issues that may prevail.
DFAT offers free warnings and latest news advice and is a good idea to check before you go
links: smartraveller
Get up to date with your doctor
The health comes before seeing the Temples at Angkor, so wise to get yourself checked for everything before you go. Allow about 8 weeks if you have the time and spend it getting a thorough exam. Makes good sense to check your immunizations are up to date and find out what you need for a certain country. Malaria tablets can make you sick so find out what options you have available. There is noting worse then being in a third world country and having to go to hospital.
The most important, your passport or exit out!
Make sure you have renewed your passport and have at the very least 6 months validity. If you are traveling for over a year, you would want at least 1.5 years validity. If it looks in tatters like mine once did, don’t risk crossing borders. There would be nothing worse than being stopped at border control because your passport is scruffy. Photocopy your passport and travel documents and give to a relative/friend. This way everyone knows where you are and if anything goes wrong, much quicker access.
Duty Free Allowances
Make sure you know before you go what you can bring in, and all allowances available to you. Don’t try and be greedy and take in more if get caught you will pay duty or lose the items. General rule is 250 cigarettes or grams of tobacco. 1 ltr of spirits give or take and sometimes 6 bottles of wine. Perfumes and other items are of a reasonable quantity. Make sure you check your limits first.
Consider only essential items
It pays to travel lightly when you are stuck on a train in Sri Lanka and need to carry your bag. You really only need about 7 kgs to travel, and ladies, makeup in tropical heat doesn’t work. I take 3 pairs of underwear, 2 pairs socks, one pair shoes, thongs (Sandals) I pair light trousers, 2 tee shirts, toiletries, singlet and ipod and towel. A small medical kit also comes in handy with antiseptic, bandages and band aids. Painkillers and medical items as required.
Understand the law
The Asian region has some of the toughest laws for offences such as murder or drugs. Don’t be silly and try and take something over the border for anyone for anything. It is not wise to partake in any form of drug usage, conversations, dealings or otherwise. Asia can be pretty relaxed or sometimes tense so always stay on your guard, trust your traveling partner or instinct and trust no one! This does not mean go and be paranoid, just keep safe and do not get stupid.
