Thursday, March 8, 2007

What to buy as souvenir in Asia

Whether you are travelling for business or leisure you will often be required to purchase a gift for either friends or perhaps business colleagues. Choosing what gifts to buy can be tricky, below we give you some tips on some gifts that people in different countries within Asia may well appreciate.

Eventually we will devote a separate page to each of the different countries listed below but for now we will keep everything on this one page. We have two separate gift ideas per country one if you are travelling to that country and another giving possible examples of gifts if you are leaving that country.

Hong Kong - To: If you are travelling to Hong Kong you may appreciate knowing that it is illegal for Hong Residents and Nationals to bring cigarettes and alcohol into the country. Therefore a gift of such goods can often be appreciated. Prices of alcohol and cigarettes in Hong Kong are expensive. Depending on where you are travelling from food can also be an appreciated gift, perhaps something local to where you live that may be difficult to get in Hong Kong. From - Some unusual gifts can be bought in Hong Kong such as different types of Chinese Tea, herbal teas or medicines, or some Chinese style antiques.

Singapore - To: Again another country where alcohol and cigarettes are expensive, even though the arrival Duty Free at Singapore's Changi airport has some cheap rates. It is illegal for anyone to take cigarettes into Singapore so you may want to forget that as you will be fined if caught. From - similar to Hong Kong gifts that could be appreciated when travelling from Singapore could include different Teas, some local foods such as Chicken Rice, Chinese style antiques etc.

Thailand - To: this is quite tough as most things in Thailand are very good value for money if not cheaper than in the country you are originating from. Again alcohol and food gifts can make nice gifts and are normally always appreciated. Cigarettes are not so expensive in Thailand so such a gift would not be worth as much. From - Most packable food stuffs from Thailand, such as noodles can be purchased very affordably and can make a great gift. Other ideas could be Thai pottery, silks, clothes, DVD's (check regional setting), furniture etc. Because things in Thailand are excellent value for money then many things can be regarded as a bargain.

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Friday, March 2, 2007

Beginners Guide to Independent Travel

Planning and Preparation

What to Take

The biggest mistake the new independent traveller ever makes is taking too much. Trying to be prepared for everything you will encounter in an extended period away, will mean that you have too much in your pack and are not prepared for the everyday reality of travel, when you have to carry that pack. Even if you are strong, a heavy pack will dig into your shoulders causing pain and backache a lot faster than you might imagine.

TravelTip! - 15Kg (33lbs) should be your maximum. To weigh your pack, stand on some scales, note the weight, put on your pack, and stand on the scales again. Subtract the first number from the second and you have your pack weight. Or you could simply put your backpack on the scales and get its weight without having to do the maths.

Now that said, some people will of necessity carry more. The photographer, musician, or diving instructor will often take extra heavy but essential equipment. That's a decision for them and no doubt there will be days when the extra weight is quietly cursed.

Essentials:

  • Clothing;(Hot/Normal Destination)
  • Wind and waterproof jacket - try to get one that is breatheable.
  • Fleece, designed for under the jacket when cold and wet, or used on its own when just cold.
  • 2x Lightweight shirts/blouses - long sleeves - for warm nights with mosquitos about, and which can double up as slightly smarter wear.
  • 2x Light weight travel trousers, long legs, suitable for trekking. Consider zip off trousers/pants that turn into shorts.
  • 3x Tshirts
  • 2x shorts/skirts.
  • Socks and underwear - matter of some debate, between 5 and 10 pairs.
  • Shoes - designed for hiking/walking, but also not so shabby as to look out of place in a restaurant.
  • Sandals - for when you're not wearing the shoes.
  • Plastic slippers - known as thongs, flip flops as well, for use in showers or just lounging around.
  • Second bag - light weight, collapses down to a small size, designed to be packed away 90% of the time
  • Duct Tape - essential, massively strong tape good for fixing just about anything. Black electrical tape, slightly different uses.
  • Guidebook - maximum two - one for your destination and the next area, you'll have to pick up the rest as you go, carrying too many is crazy.
  • First Aid Kit - bandages, disinfectant wipes, antiseptic cream, pain killers.
  • Sun glasses - get a good quality pair that protects against UV in your home country, those on the streets often come from dubious origin and may not protect your eyes again harmful UV rays.
  • Swimsuit
  • Sleeping bag - for the occasions where you don't have bedding provided, or you don't trust it.
  • Silk or cotton sleeping bag insert.
  • Earplugs - if you can wear these, they are an essential. You will be in dormitories where someone snores, where the doors bang, where the sound of the motorway next door is too loud for sleep. Earplugs will allow you to sleep when otherwise you can't.
  • Nice to Haves:
  • Fiction books - take two paperbacks, when you've read one, trade it for another - hostels often have a trade bookshelf.
  • Music Player - CD Player, Ipod, Cassettes, Minidisk - what you take is up to you. (See the techie part of this guide).
  • Camera - SLR or digital - as long as you have something to record your adventures. More in the toys section.
  • Torch - small one - a LED head torch is perfect, as it allows your hands to be free when in use.
Onebag.com - a great site with lots of packing tips aimed at getting down to that one carryon.

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