10 Tips on Travelling in Asia

Have you just graduated or started your gap year? Are you thinking of travelling in Asia?  As exciting as this beautiful part of the world is, the prospect of the big trip can be very daunting. That’s why we’ve put together our best tips and advice for travelling in Asia.

Flight transfers

The first thing to keep in mind before you even leave is will you be able to get there in the first place? If you’re not sure when you’re coming back, then you won’t have a return flight.

Even if you don’t need a visa,  your airline can refuse to let you on the plane if you don’t have a return flight.

This is because you’re only allowed 30 days in Thailand without a visa. Be sure to book a transfer flight to a different country and be ready with the proof before you fly from the UK.

It’s also important to research the documents you need for other Asian countries before you depart. It’s easy to find this information on your airline’s website.

Water Awareness

It goes without saying that you need to be very careful with water in Asia. Don’t have ice in your drinks, don’t drink from the taps, and be sure the water you buy is in a sealed bottle, or has been through a filter.

You also need to watch out for what you eat. Be careful with street food. If you can see the food being continuously cooked, then you know it’s fresh and hasn’t been lying around. 

No matter how careful you are, you’re bound to get diarrhoea at least once while you’re out there. Prepare for this as well and make sure your suitcase is well stocked with imodium.

Speak to people

You’ll meet a lot of friendly people in Asia, whether that’s the locals or other travellers. Make sure you speak to them. Some of the best nights out I had in Asia were with people I’d only met five minutes before!

As well as this, you can’t find everything out in your guidebook or online. The best way to find the best places to go and eat and see is through word of mouth. Listen to where people have gone and the places they have most enjoyed and be sure to check it out. You’ll find some great hidden gems by taking advice from people who’ve already discovered them.

Budget and know your exchange rates

It’s a well known fact that travelling in Asia is very cheap, but don’t let this fool you. Eating out three times a day, accommodation, days out and drinks can add up worryingly quickly. Work out how much money you have for each day and make sure you stick to it.

Make sure you have the exchange rate correct too.You can easily find this out for different countries by googling it. Getting the exchange rate wrong can mean you can spend way more money than you think you are. This could ruin your budget and you many have to come back to dreary Britain far sooner than you’d like to.

Spend your money wisely. Simple things like not drinking beer at meal times can halve your bill. Don’t go straight for flights, when busses and ferries can be a much cheaper way of getting between countries.

And be picky with your day trips. Tourism drives the economy in Asia, so day trips can come with a hefty price tag. Accept that you won’t be able to do everything, and think carefully about what it is you really want to spend your money on.

Don’t stress about planning

It may be a stressful thought to not fully plan your trip and accomodation before you leave, but relax. Trust me, you will have a far better time if you leave it until you get there to decide where you want to go.

If it makes you feel more comfortable, plan and book up your first week propel, but try not to make detailed plans past that point.

This way, you’re not tied into anything. Asia is a big, exciting country with lots to do and see, so spontaneity works best. It’ very easy to get travel and accommodation just a day before you need it. This way, you can go where you want when you want depending on your mood.

Research for safety

Generally, Asia is a very friendly part of the world and you will be humbled by people’s kindness and willingness to help you out. However, it’s important to keep your wits about you in order to stay safe.

The simplest and most effective way to do this is by using the government’s online resources. This is updated every week with useful information of crime rates, places to avoid  and other dangers such as landmines, political unrest and diseases.

Remember to check this information before moving to each new location so you know how best to keep yourself safe while you’re in Asia.

Consider low season

If you’re worried about the expense of Asia, then it’s definitely worth considering going in low season, which is the British summer months. Flights are much cheaper in low season. You will also be delighted to know that accommodation, day trips and even food is far cheaper than in high season.

Another bonus of being a low season traveller is there are far less people about. If your idea of heaven is having a white beach all to yourself then low season is definitely for you.

Although this is Asia’s rainy season, don’t let that put you off. The sun still shines most of the time and when the rain comes, it passes very quickly and you are dry again within five minutes. Also, the rain can come as a welcome relief from the heat.

Don’t take drugs

Taking drugs is very dangerous in Asia. Countries like Thailand and Vietnam have very strict drug laws compared to the UK. If caught with drugs in Asia, at best you’re looking at a hefty fine and your passport being confiscated. At worst it’s a prison sentence, or even the death penalty.

There are also major health consequences. It’s likely you won’t be being sold what you think you are and sadly, especially in Cambodia, many tourist have died taking drugs.

Do as much as possible

Going to Asia is a long way away and will be one of the most exciting places you’ll ever visit in your life. You don’t know if you will get the chance to go again so make the most of it while you’re there. Be adventurous. Do and see as much as possible.

Go to as many countries, cities, towns and villages as possible while you’re out there. It’s impossible to see it all, but with so much on offer in Asia, you will be seeing something breathtaking every single day you’re there.

So make the most of it and have fun.

Rosie Fitzgerald is a freelance journalist, who studied English Literature and Creative Writing at UEA and has previously been published by The Tab, Babe and The Guardian.

Inspiring Interns is a recruitment agency specialising in all the internships and graduate jobs London has to offer.