Travel Guide for Asia

No matter where in Asia you commence your travels expect to be instantly met with different cultures, languages and lifestyles. Taking in the sounds, smell and sights of Asia, you will never experience dull moment on your tour through Asia. Plan ahead if you expect to travel to more than one Asian country. Many Asian countries require the proper entry visa and certification prior to entering. Most Asian countries are predominately Buddhist. Temples throughout Asian nations can be toured or visited by westerns. Always remove your shoes when you are entering into the sacred grounds of a temple. There are no exceptions to this custom or rule. Therefore understanding the local protocol and local customs are a must. Respecting the local culture and costumes at all times will ensure that you arrive and leave Asia with little or no incident.

Where to Go

Nations to explore in Southeast Asia include Brunei, Cambodia, East Timor, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. This region is especially enriched with the diversity of Asian life and cultures. Visas are obtainable for Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia. However, Asian nations which require a visa upon entry are Laos, Cambodia and Indonesia. If more of the oriental flair catches your attention then planned a lengthy tour through China, Japan, North and South Korea and Mongolia. This would be an exciting and new experience altogether. Other areas of Asia to venture to are India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bhutan located in South Asia. But, if you have been curious about venturing to Russian then you should be able to include it in your itinerary fairly easily via the China to Russia train service. Russia is situated in both Europe and Asia regions. Purchase a detailed map and never leaving home without it as it will help you navigate your travel plans while ensuring that you are never too lost for long.

Where to Stay

Traveling in Asia is amazing in so many ways. Most hotels, even the high end luxury hotel, offer hotel stays at very low prices. Another great accommodation option is hostels as they are equipped modern amenities and facilities. For a more rustic stay during your time in Asia maybe a home stay with a host family in the country of your choice would be perfect. Home stays offer great accommodation options especially if you are on an extended journey and wish to conserve your financial resources and savings. Home stays tend to be free in exchange for light labor work of some sort. Committing yourself to just a few hours a day pays for your "free" bed during the home stay. This sort of home stay tends to also provide food free of charge for the length of your stay. Most Asian families run their very own business which you are expected to lend a hand be it rice farming, a clothing shop, restaurant or marker stall. Occasionally, your home stay will require you to volunteer teach for a rural community school. This can be an exciting way to interact with the local people of your host country. Packing a grand spirit of adventure for your Asian travels will ensure that you are well prepared for the Asian adventure of a lifetime.