How to Tour Asia

Asia is a wondrous region of the world full of diverse cultures and exotic people. More and more travelers are venturing to Asia for adventure and relaxation. Asia can be more intimidating to Western travelers than Europe. The languages and cultures are less familiar. However, most people find the apprehension far greater than the reality. Your journey to Asia can be smooth and problem free. Just follow these few simple tips that will help you have a trip of a lifetime.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. Decide where you want to go. Asia is not homogenous. There are dozens of different countries and hundreds of different cultures. Decide which region appeals to you and do some research. Understand that some countries restrict travel for Americans. Myanmar and North Korea probably wont let you in at all. China, India and Taiwan require visas. Other countries like Japan, Singapore and the Philippines have no travel restrictions.

2. Figure out a budget. How much do you want to spend? Asia is a financially diverse place to travel. Japan is one of the most expensive places in the world if you are spending American dollars. Thailand and the Philippines are quite cheap. It is important to include all travel expenses when calculating your budget. Don’t forget airfare, local travel, food, lodging, sight seeing and souvenirs. Also consider how long you wish to travel. If you don’t have enough money for your first choice country consider some of the less expensive nations.

3. Schedule your trip. When you travel to Asia is very important. Summer can be uncomfortably hot and humid. In winter there can be a lot of rain and snow. Areas around the equator are hot throughout the year but they have a typhoon season. Check weather details of your destination. Peak travel season can result in higher prices and bigger crowds.

4. Book your airfare. Asia is far away so flights are long. If you plan ahead you can find great deals on airfare. Check all the major online travel agencies then call the airlines directly to see if they can beat the price. You can often get a better price if you are willing to fly through a third country. Usually you can get a free stop over and see another city. If you plan to tour more than one Asian country consider buying an air pass. Most major airlines based in Asia offer them.

5. Map out your itinerary. Do you prefer a packaged tour or independent travel? If you want a packaged tour then follow the same procedure used to book your airfare. In fact, travel agents are eager to sell you packages that combine airfare and a tour package. If independent travel appeals to you then get a good budget travel book. Write down a tentative itinerary making note of lodging and transportation between locations. Independent travel often changes daily so you can be flexible once you get there.

6. Get your travel documents. If you don't have a passport you will need to get one. Do this several months before you depart. If the countries you are visiting require visas you will need to get them before you leave. Allow several weeks for each visa. Do not wait until the last minute to do this. You will not be allowed on the plane if your travel documents are not in order. There are many visa services that will get visas for you for a fee. You can also do it yourself through the appropriate country's embassy or consulate. If you are headed to a tropical region you may need to get vaccinations. Check with your destination country's website for information.

7. Go and have fun. While in Asia live like an Asian. Eat the local food, mingle with the local people, sample the local traditions. If you travel to Asia but stay in a Western style hotels and eat only Western style food you will miss an amazing experience. The more adventurous you are the greater adventure you will have.

Tips & Warnings

• It is always best to travel light. Carrying around a month’s worth of dirty clothes doesn’t make much sense. Instead take just a few day’s worth of clothes and hand wash your clothes often. Carry minimal toiletries. If you run out of something buy it there. Just about everything you buy at home you can get in Asia.

• Big cities in Asia are no more dangerous than big cities in North America. Use common sense and you shouldn’t have problems. Stay in well-populated and well-lit areas. Avoid high-risk activities and shady people. If you get drunk and get lost in an unfamiliar neighborhood with a pocket full of cash you are asking for trouble. Be aware of your surroundings and remain safe.