Do's and Dont's

DO’S

  • DO make sure to make a copy of your passport and carry it with you at all times, while you leave your passport in your hotel safe.
  • DO bring extra photo storage for your camera. You will take many more pictures that you would have anticipated. (If you do not bring, it is possible to find, it is just a little tricky depending on the location).
  • DO come with an open mind. It is guaranteed you will see things you have never seen before and it is best accept things even though you may not fully understand. This is the beauty of traveling!
  • DO know Southeast Asia is a traveler’s destination; it is not a tourist destination. By this we mean that not some regions we visit are not as developed and in order to get the best of the experience you must remember that’s part of the magic, the undeveloped areas are the gems that are not like every other developed and saturated place on this planet.
  • DO talk to your physician about the areas you will be visiting in case you will need to take any travel medications/shots before you come.
  • DO make sure you have enough medications to last you for the duration of the trip as well as have extras if possible. There are pharmacies in this region but certain medications are not easily found.
  • DO compile a list of any food allergies or medical needs you will require along the way and please let us know in advance so we can organize everything for you.
  • DO make sure you are bringing clothes more for comfort and less for style. People typically pack much more than they really need and they typically end up wearing the same clothes over and over for the duration of the trip. (There is always laundry services along the way)
  • DO give the contact information of our company or any company you are traveling with, to someone back home, in case of emergency necessity.
  • DO make sure you are prepared for the different VISA entry requirements to individual countries. Please let us know if you require assistance with this.
  • DO be prepared to use local currency. It is very easy to exchange money once you are here. It is best to always use the local currency as well as US dollars. Traveler checks are not used much here and can be difficult to cash them at banks unless you have a local bank account.
  • DO keep in mind you are traveling and in a new place, no matter where you are in the world, always be aware of your surrounding and the things you are carrying with you, pick pockets are everywhere, even the safest cities in the world.
  • DO bring school and medical supplies to the countries you visit. They can always be used and distributed to the people that really need them. It is better than bringing candy.
  • DO make sure your entire luggage is labeled and identifiable with your information. This includes carry on hand luggage and purses.

DON'TS

  • DON’T bring things with you do not need. It is best to leave your expensive jewelry at home.
  • DON’T carry all of your credit cards with you, at most, take 1 that you know is working and leave the rest in the hotel safe. (Make sure to contact your credit card company prior to coming and letting them know you will be in this region so they can authorize its
  • DON’T fill up a backpack and carry it with you all the time. It is very hot and humid out here and its best to not have to carry the extra weight. We will provide you with water
  • DON’T run across the streets. In Southeast Asia, you will see everyone crossing the road everywhere, but its best to cross slowly and deliberately. If you run across the motorbikes will have a difficult time going around you. They operate like a school of fish so if you go slowly and in a group, they will go around you. (SE Asia is full of motorbikes on the road)
  • DON’T get sick! Avoid eating from street stalls especially eating anything that is uncooked and avoid eating the local ice and water. We will take you to restaurants where the food, water, and ice are purified and will be safe for you to consume at the same time experiencing the local cuisine!
  • DON’T take a photo of someone and then hide/act like you are not taking a photo of them. Instead ask them if you can take their photo, when possible, in advance and if they say yes, take the photo and then show them on your screen. This creates a beautiful moment, and the local kids love it!
  • DON’T be afraid, SE ASIA is an amazing destination that was once under fire and war, but that is in the past, and does not have any impact on the way things operate today. The locals are so happy foreigners are coming to visit and explore because it is not only bringing money to the economy but it is also expanding their access to the rest of the world.
  • DON’T let the fact that some of the governments in this region are communist governments deter you from visiting. These are socially developing countries and unless you are really looking, you would not notice they were communist at all.