Southeast Asia is one of the world’s most thrilling regions and you can find a wonderful mix of the ancient and the modern when you step into this part of the earth. Traveling to and across Southeast Asia takes a little more than just money and time, it takes skills and knowledge. Here are some tips that you should remember before traveling to any Southeast Asian country.
Do some research before you plan your trip
Traveling to a foreign country can be intimidating but if you put in the effort to do some research about the place you plan to travel to, it can ease your burden and ensure a more enjoyable trip. An important thing to look up is the travel requirements and restrictions. Most Asian countries will require visas and they can be easily obtained online so you can prepare them beforehand.
Another thing to research is about the country you plan on visiting, whether it be Malaysia or Singapore. Read up on current news about the countries and check on the weather. Southeast Asian countries are generally hot and humid all year long but if you made the mistake of planning your trip during the monsoon season, you might not be able to enjoy your trip the way you wanted to. You can also plan your trip according to fruit seasons to enjoy the local delicacies they are at their peak.
Make sure you have your essentials
This is an obvious tip but there is no harm in reminding because you will never know when you might just miss out on packing an important document. If you feel like there are just too many things to pack before your Southeast Asian trip, note down every single item on a checklist and pack according to the list. This way, you can reduce the chances of forgetting something before your leave for your travels.
Pack the usual passport and visa but also keep in mind to keep copies of your documents, preferably in a digital form. You can send the digital copies to your email so you can access them through your phone, if needed. With the physical copies, keep them secure by carrying them in a money belt. Losing such an important document can be scary and it is even more terrifying in a foreign country so always keep them close to your person.
Pack your bags according to your itinerary
Some travelers enjoy packing for a trip because it gets them pumped up, but some just loathe the process because it can get quite tedious at times. If you are the latter, here are some tips to ease your stress when it comes to packing your bags. We have already mentioned that Southeast Asian countries are hot and humid so one tip is to pack lighter clothes. Maybe add a couple of warmer items for the cold nights but you can surely survive the trip with just T-shirts and shorts.
Another thing to consider is your bag because if you plan to move around a lot, you might not want to drag something heavy all the time. Whether it is a basic backpack or a carry-on duffle bag, choose one that suits your itinerary and travel plans. In a lot of Southeast Asian countries like Singapore, you can find luggage lockers in major tourist hotspots, so if they are not at your accommodation, you can still bring them around and store them in lockers while you are sightseeing.
Be smart with your money
Budgeting when you are traveling can be stressful, especially when you are considering the foreign currency and exchange rates. While traveling to Southeast Asia may be considered cheap for most, you should always be wise about your spending while you are there. If you plan to stick to a budget, try reading about the average price for food and accommodation in the country to see if your budget will work for your trip.
Budgeting will also depend on your plans because if you want to go sightseeing, you can try to spend less on your accommodation since you will not be spending much of your time in your room. When it comes to food, try the local street food because you can get cheaper meals at hawker stalls instead of restaurants. Most of the shops in major Southeast Asian cities are duty-free so chances are, you will get a better deal when you shop there.
Consider different methods of transportation
Moving around in any Southeast Asian city is easier than you expected. Some Southeast Asian countries have an efficient public transportation system, such as Malaysia and Singapore, and even a day pass is available in several tourist-driven cities like Kuala Lumpur which offers endless daily transport on trains and buses. Another thing you can do is to get prepaid transportation cards that you can reload a certain amount and that will allow you to use the city’s public transport.
Walking around the city is great because you get to explore the city and see everything up close. However, it can get tiring after walking for a few hours so when that tiredness comes, try looking for other tourist-friendly transportation options. In the city of Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, a trendy way to getting around the city is with electric scooters and bicycles because of the traffic. Not only are they more efficient and a low-cost method of traveling in the city, but they are also better for the environment, which is why they are highly recommended.
Southeast Asia is filled with inspiring cultures and exciting activities and there is just so much to explore there. If you want to ensure a successful and rewarding trip to any Southeast Asian country, just keep in mind these tips. Another important thing is to relax and enjoy every moment of your travel.
