Tips for shopping in duty free shop

Let's face it there is not much else to do at most airports than wander around looking at the shops and occasionally getting the wallet out. Most of us tend to know exactly what we need to get, whether it be some aftershave, perfume, bottle of whatever or perhaps some cigarettes, but for these more regular items where is the best place to buy them ?

After all any traveller on an International flight will generally have three choices when purchasing his/her's duty free. There is the airport of departure, the plane and then the airport of arrival. Logically some may think that the prices would be similar, not worth bothering about comparing, but how wrong they could be. Sometimes the price difference for exactly the same size, brand and product can be quite large and it is definitely worth doing some homework before you spend your hard earned cash.

Don't believe us? Well let us give you an idea of what you could save on a trip from Hong Kong to Bangkok. We have listed a few regular items with the prices at Hong Kong International Airport, China Airlines inflight Duty Free and the arrival Duty Free at Bangkok International Airport.

Product	Hong Kong Airport	China Airlines	Bangkok Airport
Mild Seven (200 x cigarettes)	HK$ 100	US$ 11	THB 480
Dunhill Top Leaf (200 x cigarettes)	HK$ 200	US$ 20	THB 980
Marlboro (200 x cigarettes)	HK$ 110	US$ 11	THB 480
Davidoff Magnum (200 x cigarettes)	HK$ 225	US$ 27	n/a
Black Label Whisky (1 litre)	HK$ 198	US$ 22	THB 850
Macallan Whisky 12yo (1 litre)	HK$ 288	n/a	THB 1,620
Chivas Regal Royal Salute (75cl)	HK$ 800	US$ 62	THB 5,320

See the differences? Of course with the cheaper items such as the cigarettes the differences are quite small but still worth thinking about. Take the Mild Seven cigarettes as an example inflight they are only US$ 10 at HKIA they cost HK$ 100 which is roughly US$ 12.8 and at BIA they are THB 480 which is roughly US$ 12.2. By purchasing them online you save yourself over US$ 2 per carton of 200.

If we then compare the more expensive item such as the Chivas Regal Royal Salute bottle inflight it costs US$ 62, at HKIA HK$ 800 (roughly US$ 103), and at BIA THB 5,320 (roughly US$ 136 !!!). This really is staggering as you could buy two bottles inflight for less than one bottle at the Bangkok International Airport.

Now we hope you understand why you need to check out your options before you buy your duty free next time. This section of our site will be devoted to bringing you as many airport and airlines comparisons as possible to ensure that you know of the best place to buy. We will offer charts, and show you what allowances you are legally allowed for each country to ensure that you get the most out of your trip.

It must be understood that buying duty free inflight does pose one small risk and that is that the airline may not have the item you want in stock, which would leave you with no other option than buying on arrival.

All our extensive reviews and analysis will be added here shortly so do check back and save yourself some cash!!

Please note that due to much tighter restrictions and laws in Thailand very few cigarettes are available on arrival. We would advise you to buy them on the plane or in the Duty Free shops on departure. Cigarettes are widely available however on departure from Thailand's International airport.

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.

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.