What to pack

This will very much depend on the style of holiday you have chosen. After all a young family are likely to have very different requirements to twenty-somethings on an adventure and trekking itinerary.

Any holiday that requires you taking specialist or unusual equipment will have this information clearly marked in the itineraries. These following guidelines are relevant for all our trips - you will also be provided with a packing check-list before your departure.

Suitcase or kit bag??

We tend to recommend the latter, however this really comes down to personal preference. A large soft sided bag can prove ideal for stowing away in the back of vehicles, on trains and boat and under your hotel room bed. However, if you prefer a hard-sided suitcase then you are welcome to travel with this also - we always ensure that you are travelling in a vehicle with a realistic amount of luggage space for the size of your party.
We would also suggest that you bring a day-bag or small day sack. You will find it very useful for day-to-day purposes and can also be used whilst trekking. You will find them sold almost everywhere throughout Asia, incredibly cheaply, so if you don’t have one, wait until you arrive.

Pack with care: pack items such as suntan lotion, moisturiser and perfume into individual plastic bags, just in case the packaging gets smashed or the contents leak. Plastic or paper tissue folded around delicate clothes can help prevent creases.

Clothing

Consider the clothes you’re packing. Many developing countries in the region you are going to be visiting have very modest dress codes. High cut shorts, sleeveless tops and revealing bathers for both women and men can be offensive to the people in certain areas.
It is essential that you follow appropriate guidelines when entering any religious or official buildings….you will be causing great offence to many people if you choose to ignore them.

In most beach areas you will generally not cause offence if wearing a swimming costume, as in most cases local inhabitants have become used to our ‘weird western ways’. Whilst Asians do everything they can to remain as fair skinned as possible, many of their international visitors try to do the exact opposite!

Sandals or flip flops are a great help. Not only do they keep your feet cool and allow them to breath in hot weather, they also make access to temples and private homes much easier. It is not uncommon in Asia to be asked to take off your footwear before entering a building.

Extras

• Most developing countries don’t have any sort of waste disposal service. In keeping with our responsible tourism guidelines, try to leave as much excess packaging at home as possible. When possible stick to using biodegradable toiletry items.
• Take a torch and spare batteries. Many Asian streets are not well lit, if at all, and a good pocket-sized torch will be of great benefit.
• Consider leaving expensive jewellery at home - you will only run the risk of losing it. You’ll be surrounded by inexpensive and exciting trinkets on a daily basis to wear instead!
• If you need to take any form of medication, it may be wise to ask a travel partner to carry a few doses for you. In the unfortunate event of any loss or theft it will mean you have a few days until you need to find a replacement.
  Keep a note of exact prescription requirements somewhere safe.
• A small, basic medical kit can often be very handy. You can obtain a travel kit from most good chemists or at the airport. They contain the basics and pack away into a surprisingly small pouch.
• Money belts offer a good solution for keeping your money, credit cards, travellers cheques and passport safe. You keep these vital pieces close to your body and out of public sight. It’s a mobile alternative to a hotel safe and they have proved very popular with backpackers
• Take mosquito repellant with you. You can purchase it throughout Asia but the quality varies greatly. Always purchase a brand that contains a high percentage of DEET.