Southeast Asia has long been a popular destination for backpackers and other budget-conscious travelers who want to stretch their dollars to the fullest. For the most part, traveling throughout southeast Asia is safe for everyone, including woman travelers.
However, have you ever the saying better be safe than sorry? Underneath are some tips that you can exercise once you arrive in any country in southeast Asia:
Street Safety
This is especially for women traveler. You can sometimes attract unwanted attention, whether from other women, men or children. The locals usually Habor harmless curiosity and sometimes involve in starting, a request for a photograph even for a quick chat. Most of the time, interactions are pleasant and brief.
There are instances where men continually follow or request for a photograph, and if declining them does not work, then you can just enter any cafe or restaurant. To better ensure your safety, then having a mobile phone ( 8 Genius Ways to Preserve Your Phone’s Battery Life While Traveling )with a workable SIM card is better. This means that you can constantly be intact with people.
Pay attention to the custom
There are a lot of countries in Southeast Asia where wearing short and revealing clothes are taboo. Even tho southeast Asia is full of beaches, and some are welcome to bikinis. There are also regions where are more modest and conservative. They also have certain areas in which dressing scantily is not appropriate for examples temples, and certain traditional ceremonies. It is best for you to research the area that you are going to before you leave so you can dress more appropriately.
Assaults
Violent assaults in southeast Asia is not common. However, travelers should exercise basic street smarts; try to avoid quiet areas at night, avoid excessive drinking and avoid getting into a heated argument with the locals. In most of these countries, police enforcement of local laws and investigations are often inadequate and there are some cases in which the police was proven to have colluded with the criminal.
Motorcycle safety
In southeast Asian countries like Thailand and Indonesia, traffic accidents are a leading cause of death. Motorcycles riders are everywhere in these countries and they are the most vulnerable road users, especially because of the lack of strict laws that regulates helmet usage, reckless driving, poor road conditions, and inadequate emergency health care.
Unfortunately, in these regions, it is very easy to get access to motorbikes, and there are plenty of foreigners who use it as a transportation mode. There are many cases in which these foreigners would get injured or hurt because of their lack of experience in driving a motorcycle.
If you are going to get a motorcycle during your vacation ensure that you always wear a helmet and appropriate clothing. Drive carefully and defensively, and be aware of the oncoming vehicles in the middle of the road. When it is the rainy season, ensure that you drive slowly and be aware of the potholes, loose gravel and debris on the road. The most important thing is to learn the road etiquette. Ask the owner of the motorcycle to explain the road etiquette in that country to you.
Scams
Unfortunately, there are many cases of scams in Southeast Asia. It often happens a lot with taxi drivers that will try to extort you, tuk-tuk drivers that will tell you the place is closed and try to take you somewhere else where they can earn a commission, even border guards can try to force you to give them some money.
Most of the scams cases exploit the gullibility of travelers. Rip-offs are usually done at border crossings, popular tourist attractions, bus, and rail stations, and anywhere else newly arrived travelers might have become an easy target for con artists.
Be politely suspicious of over-friendly locals, are one of the tips that can help you avoid scam. Avoid super cheap inclusive transport packages, and try to avoid accepting invitation to play cards or to go shopping with a stranger.
Theft
Most of the theft cases in southeast Asia are usually by stealth rather than force. Violent theft is a rare case. It usually occurs at night time and often after the victim has shown signs of being drunk. Bag snatching occurring more often of late in countries like Vietnam and Cambodia. Traveling in groups at night is better to ensure safety and be wary of friendly seeming locals gathering around you.
There are many cases of clandestine theft as well, where the thieves would have scoured to check into a guesthouse and rob another guest in the middle of the night.
Little things that you can do in order to avoid theft is by keeping your money and valuables in a money belt and do not carry your valuables in a bag that can easily be grabbed. Be careful of your belongings and ensure that to avoid using your phone excessively while you are walking.
Drugs
Drugs such as marijuana and heroin are widely available in Southeast Asia, but it is illegal to even when the authorities appear on the surface to turn a blind eye. Most of the countries penalties are severe, large numbers of foreigners have been charged for years in prison for petty drug offenses and the penalty of trafficking is typically death.
Political conflict
There are a lot of cases of political conflicts that happened in southeast Asia and it happens quite easily. Ensure that you keep check of the local news report and avoid political demonstration. Mass rallies can quickly turn into violent clashes in most of these countries.
Most of the cases of the demonstration would be only local, and will only affect certain places, most of them are major cities. If there is something that happens, your embassy would send a notice.
The etiquette of tipping is different from one country to another. In some countries, it is widely accepted, however in other countries, it could of source of consternation. There are a lot of people who told us not to be stressed over tipping. However, if you are not used to doing it, it will become a stress point because you would want to adapt to the culture of the country that you visited.
Underneath is the list of countries and how much you should be tipping accordingly:
United States
The united states is a complex country with a complex system that does not have the same say in the term of tipping. However, there are a lot of people who are not paid appropriate wages, especially those who wok in the tourism industry. Tipping in United states is generally 15% to 20% of the bill after you have added the sales of the bill.
However, not all states have sales tax and sometimes the sales tax is already included and sometimes the tip is already included and sometimes it is not.
Special note: Tip bellboys $2-$5 per piece of luggage, doorman = $2
Australia
In Australia, they have a custom of rewarding good service not because you have to. Tipping a cab driver as an example is not done out of the norm but only if you feel like you want to do it. In general, you do not have to tip in Australia, unless you have a fantastic dinner and a fantastic service.
Canada
In Canada, it is custom to tip 15% to 20% of your bill, depending on the quality of service that you get. There is also additional 10% tax that will be levied, on the top of the total bill of your dinner or lunch.
Still, tip at least $10 – $20 dollars to concierge, $1 to $2 for each bag, and $5 dollars for housekeepers. Taxi drivers generally get about 10 % to 15% of the tip.
Europe
In general, tipping in Europe is not expected. Paris however, is a little bit different. In Paris, you are still not expected to tip. However, if you find the service or food not to what you expected, you can tip them in a foreign currency. However, if you shop at a cafe for wine or coffee, it is expected that you leave a small amount of money despite its currency.
In London, however, it is customary to tip 10% – 15% when you are eating put. However, most restaurants add a service charge of 12,5%. It is much more polite to tip the taxi driver for black cabs and licensed minicabs in London about 10% to 15%.
Japan
Tipping is not a common culture in Japan and can often be seen as an insult. This is because of Japanese pride themselves on meticulous attention to detail and to please the customer.
South Korea
Tipping is not necessarily required in south of Korea. Most of the hotels and establishment levy compulsory 10% service charge to the bills. This is on the top of 10% of value-added tax. Taxi drivers are south Korea appreciates if you tell them to keep the chance, however, it is still not compulsory to tip them.
7. Thailand
Officially tipping in Thailand is not expected. However, the reality is that most of the workers in Thailand are working long hours with very little money. It will help them to give a little bit of additional income. It is normal to tip about $1 to $2 per bag for the porter and about $1 for taxis.
8. Malaysia
In Malaysia, 10% of tips are included with locals rounding up the bill and leaving the change. You can do the same or leave 10% to 15% percent if you are inclined. In Malaysia, tip the bellboy $1 per bag and cleaning staff $1 a day. Private guides and drivers should get at least $5 – $10 per day.
9. Philippines
There is various system that is implemented in restaurants. You can go ahead and check the bill with a 10% percent service charge may be included in which case you might leave an extra $1 to $2. If not included, leave a 10% percent tip or a bit more. There is a 10% service charge that is usually included, but you should give porters $1 per bag. You can even tip cleaning staff if only you see them by writing their names in the envelope.
10. China
On a general basis, no one tips anyone in china, with some exceptions. Which means foreign visitors are encouraged to give more. There is an etiquette issue here too. The guide gets a larger tip than the driver. The one that is much more senior should get more tips than the other.
11. Vietnam
Tipping is not expected in Vietnam, but it is very much appreciated. It is similar to Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and a lot of Asia, where wages are so much less than in the western world.
When you are traveling, you can definitely feel that you are someone that is different. Starting from manners, appearances will make you feel different and apart from the local population. The way the local people live is sure as interesting as everything else. When you blend into the culture, you can gain an intimate experience of travel, and it may even help you be safe. Underneath are 10 simple ways to blend in with the locals:
Effort
The first thing before anything else is you have to want to make the effort. People are genuinely interested in someone who takes an interest in their cultures, experiences or services. The simple thing that you have to do first is open with the local people. Show them how their culture and language fascinates you. By showing that you embrace and accept the differences, and taking time to explore the language and history, it will work on your favor. We all know that it is far easier to communicate in English, a language in which most people would have known how to speak it. However, you can always make the effort to start learning a simple and basic phrase of that language. This can be as simple as “good morning” or “thank you” however, people usually appreciate it.
Dress
To be able to blend it, you have to look the part. Before you pack for your trip, ensure that you spend adequate time online researching about how people in that particular place dress. For example, in most of the Muslim country, it is a taboo to walk with shorts and revealing dresses. You can find tips in local street style blogs for inspiration. You can also search in Flickr using location tags. Do research on the country’s dressing etiquette. If you can really get the items, then try to dress with modesty. The point is, make an effort and research well.
Common Etiquette and customs
Another important point that you have to research before arriving is the common customs and etiquette. Know that each country has its own custom. Being polite to the local people will just help you adapt easier to the place. Examples of customs that you have to pay attention to; pointing with index finger in Asian countries, giving something from your left hand in most of the Southeast Asian countries are considered rude, and so forth. This way, you can reduce the chance of you causing a cultural faux.
Avoid tourist gear
There is nothing that can shout “a tourist” like the gears. You know what we are talking about. Yes, we are talking about water bottle holster, a vest covered in external pockets or a fanny packs and hand sanitizers. If you want to blend in properly as the locals do it, then before leaving, take a look at the items that you have packed. Ask yourself whether a local would actually use it.
New culture
In each place, there will be a new culture. Meaning, new food, new customs. And with all the global brands that are opening their stores in a lot of new countries, we fall under the native trap. Meaning, we would prefer eating something out of a McDonald’s rather than eating enjoying something local. Sure, sometimes the spices might not be suitable for your palate. There are even some countries that are safer for you to eat in an official establishment. But if you are really traveling to experience something new, then take the risk and get out of your comfort zone.
Touristy places
In some countries, there are packages that are provided to ensure you will be able to experience the country. The packages combine tour passes for museums, dining experience at a well-established restaurant, and so forth. The problem with these packages is you are more unlikely to blend in with the locals if you take them. If you want to truly live like a local, venture out of the touristy places. You can talk to them and ask which places are best to visit. Anyone would certainly point you in the right direction!
Find the locals
The next step is to find a place where a local person would hang out. Go to the internet and browse for cafes, restaurants, shops that are most visited by local people. You can go there and start conversing with local people. You are more likely to discover something new that is seldom discovered by any other tourist. Make a point to find out what is the nature of the city that you are visiting. There are cities that are seemed more alive at night, so adjust your schedule accordingly.
Eat
Increase your culinary experience by eating the food of the local people. If it is a well-known cuisine, you can even start preparing yourself before your departure. Try to eat your nearest local restaurants that sell that local cuisine. You will be able to get at least a rough idea of how the flavor would work in the cuisine, what kind of cuisine, etc.
Eating like a local means that you also have to find out the dining custom of that country. For example, it is well known that you should know plan your chopstick into a bowl of rice in both china and japan, and not to go out for dinner before 8 P.M in India. 10 Food Destinations In Asia Worth Travelling For
Pace yourself accordingly
Each country carries its own pace differently. There are countries and cities that are modern and fast-paced, there are countries that are slow-paced. Whichever country that you visited, ensure that you adjusted your pace accordingly.
Know when you have been beaten
Even tho you have spent a lot of effort into researching, there are some aspects of yourselves like skin 10 Foods that You Can Eat to have Glowing Skin that you will not be able to change. However, it does not mean that you have to throw in the towel, in fact when the locals know that you are making such a huge effort, they would certainly appreciate it.
The gap year is interesting and memorable moments in one’s life so it requires adequate, careful and proper planning. The gap year is a time when we ponder more on our life and the things we want to achieve or do later on in life. Usually, after a successful gap year, you will return feeling more refreshed, brand new and sure about what next you want to do.
Planning a successful gap year requires lots of goals and purpose you would like to achieve, though it doesn’t have to be that perfect. It is beneficial to anyone who did it because you get to learn about various cultures, languages, safety tips, etc. before you are set to do that either dependently or independently.
It also requires doing lots of research about where you want to do, what you need to take along with you, how to go about with your traveling etc.
Written below are tips that will guide you on how to plan a successful gap year:
1. Think about the places to go on a gap year
First and foremost, when planning a gap year you need to understand the goals you want to achieve during the gap year, doing this will serve as a guide when you want to select the country you want to travel to because not every country is fit for any goal.
Even after selecting the best destination, it is required of you to study the country’s foreign travel advice if they have one because of some countries that specific rules and regulations concerning foreigners.
Also, consider about the best time or season to travel to your selected country, make researches about the countries weather conditions as of the time you want to travel, will it be suitable for you or not. Don’t forget to know if they have any cultural festivals or religious beliefs or observances you need to know before you go there.
Request for helps either from people or online about things you can do during your gap year.
2. Who does want to travel with?
You can decide on who you want to travel with make sure they are people who have almost the same goals and interest as yours in other to enjoy your gap year.
Travelling with people during your gap has lots of advantages and benefits you will enjoy such as: keeping your company when you are bored, help you in the sharing of costs of the things you need to pay for, make you feel safer and secure whenever you go to a new place where you don’t really understand their languages.
Though at first the thoughts of going with people or friends may be discouraging, the more the merrier. Besides going with people or friends will help boost your self-esteem, increase your relationship and communication skills, and increase your networking skills by meeting new people.
3. Get Money for your expenses
There are different methods of raising money to pay for your gap year. You can either request for sponsors from friends and family, get a good paying part-time job, request for bank loans or loans from friends or family, selling of hand made things or things you don’t need anymore either online or garage sales or car boot sales.
Ensure that the money you’ve realized will be enough and sufficient for your travels. Based on the researches and inquiries you’ve done you can create a budget list in other to be able to manage funds and control your spending properly.
4. Book your travel ticket
What means of transportation do you want to travel with? Is it by road or by air or by rails? Whichever way it is you want to travel go ahead to book a ticket once you’ve already made up your mind about where you want to go to. You can go online to make inquiries about how to book a ticket with travel agencies then you choose the one that aligns with want you want and what you have.
5. Do the needful
Before you travel for your gap year there are essential things you must do and they include:
A visit to healthcare for various medical tests, vaccinations against some diseases like malaria, and also some medications.
Ensure that you have a valid passport that will cover the duration of your stay and also request for a tourist or holiday visas.
Ensure that the travel insurance got you covered in some areas.
Ensure that you are well grounded in the country’s customs, cultures, and traditions.
Let your bank know that you are traveling abroad and let them know the duration of your stay there.
6. Pack and Buy essential things
When planning on the things you need to pack and buy for your trip you can go online to make researches about the essential things you need to take along with you, buy backpacks that won’t hurt your back, towels, comfortable clothes and sweaters, and shoes for different purposes either for jogging or for party or for meetings.
7. Prepare for your gap year return
After enjoying a wonderful time during your gap year, you need to prepare well and plan-ahead in other to avoid post-holiday blues worries and troubles.
Ensure that you have enough money that will be sufficient for your flight back home, your upkeeps and rents before you can find another part-time or full-time job.
Besides in other to have an upper hand when you apply for jobs, you can upgrade your CV with the experiences skills and knowledge that you have acquired during your gap year travels.
You can also make temporary plans pending the time you are able to pick up a suitable job. You can apply for internship positions with companies you’ll like to work with. Another idea is to update your skills by learning to enroll for one or two courses online. Whatever your decisions are, make sure you are well-prepared for your return.
It is a consensus that classroom learning is excellent but not enough to supersede the quality of knowledge that can be acquired through traveling.
When students visit a place that is different from where they have always been familiar with, they are not just likely to have the time of their life. But, they are also at liberty to learn new languages, be acquainted with new cultures, and get in touch with how things are done differently according to beliefs and values of people.
Whatever has been taught theoretically within the classroom walls can be made up for practically when student travel is encouraged. In-depth insights on art, science, commerce, and history among other things are dug out while on the journey to see the world. The educational benefits of student travel are numerous and not limited to the following;
Culturallearning.
Until other places are visited and other people are contacted, there may be a controlled believe that everyone has to behave the same way as you. Visiting other people and getting acquainted with other people’s cultures help much to see that just someplace near your state can have a different belief and cultural practice.
It is not only limited to acceptance. Traveling and having to live with people of different culture leaves you no choice but to learn their culture, especially if you will be staying long with them. Culture diversity should not have to mean social difference- some of the students may not learn this fact unless they travel.
Languagelearning.
This is another great benefit of traveling around the country. If any student has to go round the country, the student must be ready to not only learn different languages of each country but also be mentally and emotionally prepared to put the learned words into practice.
Traveling around gives students the chance to learn as many languages as possible, provided the words will be needed in the countries.
Imagine a student who has only been communicating in English all his life has a privilege to visit China. He does not need to love Chinese before he picks one or two Chinese words.
Culinarylearning.
Just as there are diverse cultures and languages scattered around the world, there are also different food types and method of cooking. Food is universally fundamental to human growth so you may have to adapt to the kind of food that they eat where you visit. Not only will you need to change, but you may also need to learn how to make the dishes.
Betterlearningexperience.
The fact remains that a lot more about what has been taught in the class is learned from traveling with the one that taught you and the people you have been learning with. There is a chance that some of the things you have talked about in class will be encountered as you travel with this set of people. It will be a lot easier to teach from the things that can be seen. It also serves as an excellent opportunity to share the same space with your superior and inferior. You all get to interact and learn more about each other’s strengths and weaknesses.
This makes you gain an amount of confidence that may be useful for a future relationship with your teacher and colleagues.
Improvesocialskills.
When students travel together, they are forced to be in the same place and within the same walls sometimes. If this happens for an extended period, even the shy ones come out of their shell out of no choice.
Before long, all the people that have been privileged to go on the travel become friends. The shy ones now see family and close friends in the stead of just colleagues. I think this is a huge breakthrough. It could even mean that an end has come to their timidity.
At the end of the journey, all of the people that traveled together, including the teacher would have learned to tolerate and relate with one another.
Improvesteamwork.
Traveling with someone or a set of people makes them my team member. If as a student, I have been chosen with two or three other colleagues of mine to go to another environment for whatever reason, they are the people I am familiar with. Hence, they will be the people I identify with either for a project, for shopping or as we go to a restaurant. Having people around that, you can call a team makes everything go even more smoothly than imagination.
Together, everybody achieves more.
This is also true for a group of students as it is right for a group of workers.
Increaseself–awareness.
This is particular to the students who have just reached adolescence. They are still at the initial stage of self-discovery and will need a lot of getting out and exposure to know the things they enjoy doing
If a student has only known the classroom walls and home all his life, he may be limited without even knowing his limitations. A getaway or student trip exposes this one to a lot of things out there, and they soon find out some basic things that they find pleasure in. Some of these things they find comfort in will make them more aware of themselves and ultimately help in the process of self-discovery.
Improvetravelskills.
Continuous getting away with your group is bound to expose you to some necessary travel skills.
When you are traveling, you learn how to take essential things over mundane things. You also learn how to pack light, how to brace yourself up for the means of transportation and how to make reservations in the place you are going to.
You learn more as you travel with your colleagues and teacher. Do not shy away from this adventure.
The following importance cannot be overemphasized. Getting better in all ramification is what real learning is about, and if traveling is a means to this end, then students should do more traveling.
