First, lighten your load. You’ll be living in T-shirts, shorts, and flip-flops most of the time, but cheap clothes are easy to come by in Southeast Asia.
Of course, you don’t need to bring a coat, but if the air conditioning is set to 11 degrees (e.g. in a shopping mall, bus, restaurant, etc.), a long-sleeved shirt will come in handy.
You’ve already earned your first Backpacker Merit Points by booking on a low-cost airline rather than buying an expensive ticket on a flag carrier. With the money you save, you can buy lots of tie-dyed clothes, ethnic bangles, beer, and more.
Avoid eating street food or scenic spots: Tips from travel experts
Be sure to make copies of your passport and other important documents before you depart. As an additional backup, take a photo of these items and email it to yourself.
Another thing to note is that while airport currency kiosks are convenient, the rates are far from competitive. Also, stay away from exchange operators that advertise zero or no fees; they catch inexperienced travelers by offering poor exchange rates. Use an ATM card when you arrive.
It’s a good idea to book an aisle or window seat (middle seats aren’t much fun on long-haul flights). Once you’re on board, please charge your phone. Each seat has an electrical outlet.
You will also want to use your mobile phone as soon as you arrive in Bangkok. Even if it’s just to send a selfie to dad from the baggage carousel.
The author’s son Sam on the baggage merry-go-round in Bangkok.
Thefts on airplanes have increased in recent years, so be wary of people rummaging through overhead lockers.
I’m sure you’re too smart to wear a fleece mid-air, but don’t let your guard down once you arrive. Tourists are more likely to be pickpocketed or scammed within hours of their arrival than at any other stage of their trip.
Scammers and scammers are especially at risk at airports, bus stops, and train stations, as they gravitate to areas where jet-lagged and disoriented travelers congregate.
In Southeast Asia, backpackers spend most of their time in T-shirts, shorts, and flip-flops.Photo: Shutterstock
Once you’ve settled into your hostel dorm (backpackers don’t stay in hotels), checked for bedbugs, and politely asked the guy on your bunk to wash your socks, it’s time to get out and meet people. is.
Please note that Southeast Asians usually do not approach foreigners on the street. If someone comes up to you with the charisma of a game show host and asks you what country you’re from, they’re probably trying to sell you something.
Smile, say “no thanks” and keep walking.
If your hostel doesn’t have a safe, carry your valuables in a money belt or a neck pouch that goes under your clothes. Don’t buy a waist bag that beginners wear outside. Just waiting to be snatched.
Always haggle politely in shops and markets. It’s not a good look to haggle as if your life depends on saving a few coins.Photo: Photo: Shutterstock
Refuse food or drinks offered by strangers, at least while you’re looking for your feet. Although it’s unlikely that your coffee will be laced with drugs, it makes sense to be careful.
The problem is, if you never accept offers of hospitality, you miss out on getting to know people. That’s one of the reasons I booked a round-the-world ticket in the first place.
You can get more out of your trip by reading up on responsible tourism. Informed travelers are in a better position to make ethical choices.
Should I ride an elephant or visit a tiger reserve? Is it best to ask before taking a photo of a monk? Also, what are the rules for tipping?
Find out what behaviors make locals uncomfortable and what makes them smile – for example, don’t raise your voice or throw a tantrum in public, but learn a bit of the lingo and try the cuisine.
When paying your bill, don’t take a large wad of denomination bills out of your pocket for everyone to see.
Always haggle politely in shops and markets. It’s not a good look to haggle as if your life depends on saving a few coins.
When it comes to food, avoid restaurants in prime locations near major tourist attractions. Since you have a limited budget, there is no need to eat out your savings by eating at expensive restaurants.
There’s no need to look for the cheapest noodle shop. Food poisoning is no fun. Look for clean shops with friendly staff that are popular with locals.
Go to the same restaurant several times and watch the smiles become more genuine, the portions of tom yum goong increase, the number of shrimp increase.
Once you’re settled into your hostel dorm, it’s time to get out and meet people.Photo: Shutterstock
When it’s time to pay, don’t pull a wad of denomination bills out of your pocket for everyone to see.
Thais think that all tourists are rich, so there is no need to emphasize that idea. Plus, you don’t want to signal to those handy assholes that you have a lot of cash.
You’ll probably want to rent a bike at some point, but have you ever noticed how many of your tie-dye friends have bandages on their elbows or knees? If so, ask the rental car company exactly what their insurance covers.
If you can borrow a set of powerful wheels using an old library card rather than an international driving license, that insurance isn’t worth the paper it’s written on.
Why are there so many classic Land Rovers in this small Indian town?
Take photos of the bike from all angles – you’ll need to sign a form acknowledging liability for any damage – it’s strange how often you find dents that staff claim weren’t there when you rented the vehicle.
Oh, and under no circumstances should you leave your passport as a deposit or collateral.
One final warning: Driving in many parts of Southeast Asia is not the same as driving domestically. You can follow traffic rules as much as you like, but don’t expect others to follow them either.
Will Bali’s tourism tax have an impact on Thailand, along with lower alcohol taxes?
Many of my fellow bikers don’t care about driver’s licenses, helmets, lights, etc. Some people routinely run red lights while racing, and many people drink and drive.
There is no precedent for ensuring sufficient braking distance between cars, and the only time the indicators flash is during festivals.
Yes, that’s enough to drum up fear from me. In reality, the chances of suffering any kind of accident are very low. have fun. We look forward to traveling with you in the coming weeks.
However, don’t expect me to stay in a hostel dorm.
