1. Learn a couple of words before you arrive in a country. The essential two are “hello” and “thank you.”

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2. Travel with a debit and credit card and some American money. Ask your bank if they have a debit card service that will reimburse you for international ATM fees. Additional considerations may be to get an international drivers license ($25 at your local AAA), which would cover automatic scooter rental.

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3. Make and carry copies of your passport. Prepare for countries that require an entry or trekking visa by carrying small passport photos (standard size is  2” x 2”). You can get your photo taken and copies printed cheaply at any pharmacy with a photo center. Most countries that require visa photos will require two so research visa requirements ahead of time and plan accordingly. 

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4. Most flights between countries in SEA are $40-50. Find flights through sites such as Air Asia (which provides calendars with flight cost depending on day), Kayak, and WeGo. Beware of excess luggage, as carry-on baggage for these flights often costs an additional $25-$70.

 

5. Must-have apps for backpacking the region include Maps.me (offline map service) and Grab (the Uber of Asia, cheapest way to and from airports when local transport fails you).

 

6. Don't be afraid to bargain. Learn what things should cost (such as taxi fare, tours and souvenirs) by asking locals or hostel workers and don't be scammed. My method is to have an amount I’ll pay in mind but ask for a quote. Whatever cost they ask I say I'll only pay half their request, then we bargain up from there. If someone is being persistent, start walking away and say you'll find someone else. Even when things have a price tag there is often opportunity to bargain, but do conversions in your head and see if that $1 is really worth it to you.

 

7. Many Asian countries are modest. Research acceptable clothing and custom before arriving in a country, including views on PDA or partial nudity (wearing a bikini to the beach, etc.). Hostels staffed by locals are a great resource for cultural information. 

 

8. Backpacking blogs and speaking with other travelers weigh less and are more useful resources than Lonely Planet books. Instagram also proved useful for scouting out potential travel spots and general inspirations.

 

9. If you meet cool people get their contact information, either through social media connection or Whatsapp. Getting real life travel advice is great and seeing a familiar face down the road is even better.

 

10. Don't overpack (keep in mind that living off your back requires carrying everything on your back). Asia will have everything you need, for much much cheaper than if bought in the states. Yes, quick dry clothing is super useful but also bring clothes you actually like wearing. You're also going to get sick of everything you own so maybe not something you love wearing. Essentials include: rain coat, good shoes (hiking boots and sandals), copies of passport photo for visas (print your own at a Walgreens for cheap), bugspray and sunscreen (preferably coral safe! also, the beauty products in certain countries contain whitening bleach so check labels), portable charger, headlamp

 

11. Asia has major plastic problems. Be a conscious backpacker and travel with reusable straw and silverware. Avoid plastic bags at convenience stores.

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12. Be self-aware. Lock your passport and valuables at the hostel. Do not wear excessive jewelry or flaunt money. Use locks on baggage when storing them on the bus and keep valuables in hand and backpacks off bus floors during travel. Consult locals about safe neighborhoods before exploring.

 

13. Many Asians have a culture of preserving face. They would rather give you a wrong answer than admit they do not know something. Be wary of this when asking for directions.

 

14. Visit a travel clinic for updated CDC recommendations and vaccines. If traveling for more than two months consider travel insurance...I used World Nomads and have gotten reimbursed for medical expenditures and stolen belongings.

 

15. In addition to Hostelworld, check Agoda for cheap deals. If you book through them frequently you will even get monetary rewards for future stays.

 

16. Netflix lets you download shows and movies offline. Spotify has podcasts and audio books for download offline. Cue the overnight bus rides.

 

17. If traveling on a vegetarian or vegan diet, consult apps such as HappyCow for recommendations in new cities.

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18. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Everyone is super friendly and unless you're missing all your teeth a smile goes a long way. The capacity for kindness in strangers is astounding. 

 

19. Try new things! This is the reason you are traveling. Get off the beaten path. Some of my best experiences have been riding city buses, eating in hole-in-the-wall noodle shops, and having beach bonfires with rum-bearing locals. Cultural perspective is gained through immersion. Eat a local food, participate in a local celebration. Enjoy testing the limits of your comfort zone and realizing you are more full because of it.

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Additional Resources:

https://southeastasiabackpacker.com/