I added here some travel information for you, to have some idea what to bring and what not
Southeast Asia has a climate that demands careful thought when planning a trip, but visitors to the Philippines should avoid taking a lot of luggage. Carting baggage
between buses, taxis, train stations and hotels can be hard work in the area's high humidity, so backpackers should pack as light as possible. Plus, almost anything you leave at home can be
bought in Southeast Asia for a few dollars.The tropical climate of Southeast Asia keeps the weather averaging about 86 degrees Fahrenheit around the year with a high amount of
humidity and rain. The weather, therefore, requires that travelers use a bit of planning and forethought when packing for a vacation to keep cool and comfortable throughout the duration.
What to Wear/What Not to Wear
Consider packing multiple swimsuits because the humidity of the tropics will mean that clothing might not always dry overnight. Bathing suits, shorts and tank tops are
appropriate attire for the beach or at your resort. If you are leaving the resort area to shop or sightsee -- especially if there are any churches on your agenda -- wear lightweight but
conservative clothing.
Clothing
Pack two bathing suits, since if you go in the water on the first day, that suit will still be damp on the second. A woman can pack a bathing suit cover-up or sundress to wear
over her suit, while a man can pack a T-shirt to wear with his. Pack one casual outfit to wear while walking on the boardwalk or in town, and a second that you can wear out to dinner in the
evening. One pair of beach sandals and one pair of dressier shoes is all you'll need.
Pack three pairs of underwear, just to be safe, and one set of pajamas. Pack
lightweight clothing to keep cool. Include enough shorts or skirts, and T-shirts to get through three to four days. Most areas have inexpensive laundry facilities. If you are traveling to a
more remote region of Southeast Asia, you may have to pack a larger supply of clothing.
Health and Safety
The tropics often means mosquitoes, making insect repellent a must. Some people prefer to buy bug spray when they arrive, thinking that a local repellent will be more effective
against local pests, but this is not always a good plan. Insect repellents in other countries can contain chemicals that have been banned in the United States. If your destination is host to
mosquitoes that could carry malaria talk to your doctor about prophylactic malarial drugs. It is not advisable to drink the tap water in tropical destinations. Stick to bottled
water and pack water purification tablets.
Weathering Your Trip
Tropical destinations tend to be equatorial, which means the sun is especially strong. Think about wearing a sunscreen with a higher SPF than you do at home and be sure to pack
plenty of it. Make certain to bring beach cover-ups and broad-brimmed hats and a pair of UV-protection sunglasses to protect yourself from sunburn or skin damage, but remember that its not
all sunshine in the tropics. Rainstorms can come on fast and furious, so pack an umbrella and rain slicker or waterproof poncho. Be prepared for rain with a lightweight raincoat
and an umbrella. A waterproof bag or pouch can keep your valuables dry in the event of unexpected rain. If your skin is particularly sensitive to the sun, you can find
UV-protected clothing to wear during long outings in the sun.
A Sporting Life
Water sports are a big part of life in the tropics. If you plan to explore the ocean, pack your fins, snorkel mask, wetsuit and scuba diving license. Pack your
snorkeling gear if you intend to indulge in some underwater adventure. In some cases, you can purchase or rent the equipment at your destination, but if you are thinking about leaving your
equipment at home, call ahead to make sure there is a good selection of items. No matter what you plan to do on the beach, you'll need sunglasses and sunblock. Pick a waterproof
variety and reapply it every few hours. If you burn easily, a hat with a large brim is a smart addition.
Personal Items
Bring travel-sized toiletries if your hotel doesn't provide them, as well as extra contact lenses, birth control and any prescription medications you need. Bring aloe vera gel,
which will soothe sunburns, and a first-aid kid. Stock your wallet with some cash for the beach-side ice cream stand and arcade games, and bring your insurance card in case of accidents. If
you're visiting a quiet beach town without much nightlife or are traveling with children, pack some games you can play in the hotel once the sun goes down. Finally, don't forget your camera
and extra batteries. Pack a toiletries bag of essentials. Many countries in Southeast Asia are unfamiliar with some feminine hygiene products, such as tampons. If you require
these on your trip, pack them in your bag. Add a first aid kit, pain relievers, gastrointestinal medication for emergencies, and any prescription medications you will require.
Pack a small flashlight to prepare for unexpected electricity outages, and for exploring caves and other natural environments.
Sample Packing List: Bring With You
Backpack -- between 30-50 liters
Sandals with ankle straps
Canvas shoes
Lightweight pants
Shorts or skirt
Swimming gear (or shorts that double as swimmers for men)
Quick-dry long-sleeved shirt/top
3x underwear
2x socks
Wide-brimmed hat
Clothes washing liquid/soap flakes
Sunblock
Anti-malarial tablets
DEET insect spray
Plug-in mosquito killer
Lighter
Sunglasses
No-peg clothesline
Guidebook
Camera and charger
Multiple-type adapter
Sample Packing List: Buy When You Get There
|
