Ask the Readers: Tips for Keeping Travel Simple

Amanda Says:

March 17th, 2008, 8:45 am

Always, ALWAYS keep an itinerary handy. You never know when you will need it, and it’s better to have it close to you than to dig through all your bags and become stressed out. This is from experience!! :)

Israel Says:

March 17th, 2008, 8:49 am

Take baby wipes. (Military trick when on the road)

Clay Collins | The Growing Life Says:

March 17th, 2008, 8:52 am

I have two suggestions…

The first is a little tongue in cheek:
You should never buy shady anti-malaria drugs from street vendors or believe that you’ll never any sleep while camping in a jungle filled with howler monkeys.

The second is that you shouldn’t try and see everything in a given place. In fact, I’d almost go so far as to say you’ll have a better time if you focus on meeting great people (instead of going to great places): visits to great places will naturally following if you meet the right people during your travels.

Sounds like a lot of fun.

–Clay

Paul D. Watson Says:

March 17th, 2008, 8:53 am

Hey Leo,

Just got back from Thailand yesterday. Spent a week in Chang Mai. Loved it. I grew up in that part of the world. Here are some traveling tips:

1. Don’t travel with anything in your pockets except your passport and wallet. You won’t have to dig everything out of your pockets every time you go through security. Sitting in the plane is a lot more comfortable as well. Make sure your wallet is in your front jeans pocket. Sitting on your wallet for long periods of time will put your back out of alignment.

2. Make sure and have the airlines print you a receipt/itinerary. If you lose your tickets, this is your proof of purchase. When you leave Thailand they will ask for your itinerary. You have to have it or they will give you a hard time. Once my dad had to re-purchase tickets in Germany because he didn’t have his itinerary. Spending an extra thousand dollars is definitely not a zen way to travel!

3. Eat local food. Finding vegetarian stuff won’t be difficult unless you don’t eat eggs. There are eggs in just about everything. Six of us went out for a local food on night. We ate our fill and the bill came out to about $20 USD.

4. Change money at the airport. You get a better exchange rate than at the hotels, at least in Thailand.

5. Take a shower. If you have a long layover in Tokyo, use the opportunity to take a shower and change clothes. Pay $50 for a day pass to the Admirals Club or rent a room with a shower by the hour. The expense is worth it. You will feel so much more rested when you hit the ground.

Hope that helps!
-Paul.

Trillian Says:

March 17th, 2008, 8:55 am

Eat where the locals eat… if the place is full you know the food is good. In Thailand most places will do fresh veggie only food - you only need ask.

I spent a few months in Thailand and they are some of the most laid back and friendly people (on the whole). I’d recommend visiting the northern jungles if you get a chance! Enjoy yourself - you’ll have a blast! (am looking forward to your tales!)

Neil Cocker Says:

March 17th, 2008, 8:55 am

Rather geekily, I developed an acronym for the absolutely vital things I need to make sure I have with me at all times. As a touring musician of sorts I’ve often left venues in the early hours with a few drinks inside me. But no matter how tired, jetlagged or drunk I am I can always remember “CWIPP”.

Camera
Wallet
iPod
Phone
Passport

This little trick means that I’ve never left anything valuable or vital behind in a restaurant, hotel, museum, pub or club.

http://www.neilcocker.co.uk

David Says:

March 17th, 2008, 9:01 am

Get one of those Tempur-pedic eye masks.

They’re really comfortable and block out every single bit of light so you can relax and sleep. There’s nothing worse than lack of sleep, especially when you’re crossing time zones or staying in hotels where the shades don’t block out the light very well.

Another must is are noise-canceling headsets. They’re more of an investment, but are very good to offset the stress caused by airline engine noise and other noises.

Mark - Creative Journey Cafe Says:

March 17th, 2008, 9:10 am

I recently experienced lost luggage en route to a cruise to Greece. I had nothing but the clothes on my back, and sandals on my feet. I bought 1 pair of shorts, a few small-size toiletries, did laundry once, and survived just fine for 3 days until my luggage arrived. When it did, it seemed like a mountain of unecessary clothing.

I suggest packing 1/3 of what you think you need. For toiletries, just stick ‘em in a simple plastic bag or extra-small carry case.

Have a great trip!

Jacki Hollywood Brown Says:

March 17th, 2008, 9:17 am

Take a photocopy of all your credit cards, passport and any other valuable document you have. Write down the emergency phone number for each credit card beside its photocopy. Leave this with a neighbour or family member along with your itinerary.
Should you have your wallet and bags stolen and be only allowed to make one phone call, call this contact person who would be able to cancel your credit cards etc. for you.
And I hope you NEVER have to use this piece of advice.

Jimi Says:

March 17th, 2008, 9:20 am

I grew up in the Boy Scouts and have been on many camping trips. The Boy Scout motto is Be Prepared, and that is something I try to take to heart. Now this doesn’t mean you have to bring everything, just be ready for anything.

Things to bring/buy when you get there:
Swiss Army knife
Small First Aid kit
Lonely Planet Guide Books (My friends who recently traveled the world swear by these books)
Digital Camera
Finally, bring along a great attitude. You are traveling to somewhere amazing, enjoy yourself!

Noel Says:

March 17th, 2008, 9:21 am

Don’t put all your cash and important documents in your wallet or in one place. Distribute and split them. Everytime I travel abroad, I put a small amount of cash in my wallet so in case I get held up by some thief or a pick-pocket, I won’t have to worry that I’m loosing everything.

Leo Says:

March 17th, 2008, 9:25 am

Great tips so far, guys! As for packing light, that shouldn’t be a problem for me. I’m only packing a camera, a couple shorts, a couple shirts, some underwear, deodorant, and a book. I will want running shoes, but I figured I could buy some over there. I’ll also buy a book or two over there instead of packing them. Anything else I might need, such as swim trunks or a toothbrush and toothpaste, I can buy in Bangkok.

I’m leaving the laptop behind. :)

carolina Says:

March 17th, 2008, 9:27 am

Go with the expectation that things will go wrong.

Nestor Says:

March 17th, 2008, 9:29 am

Instead of photocopying your important documents consider scanning them and mailing them to yourself. That way you can always access these documents.

Vincent Says:

March 17th, 2008, 9:31 am

Hi Leo, just a few tips from the last few times I’ve been to Thailand:

1) Carry a money-belt that’s hidden under your clothes and keep extra cash and your passport there

2) Avoid using your credit card as much as possible (keep to cash)

3) Bring along hand-washing liquid

4) If any locals come up to you and tell you a tourist attraction is not open and offer to take you somewhere else - do not listen/follow them!

5) Don’t leave your food/drink unattended and eat/drink it. One of our friends had his food drugged and had his stuff stolen (and he’s a big guy)

6) All taxis run by the meter - don’t let them tell you otherwise

7) Have staff at your hotel write your destinations in Thai for you so you can give it to the taxi drivers (some will actually pretend they don’t read Thai…)

8) Travelling to any foreign place, just be aware of your surroundings and your belongings and you’ll have a safe trip

9) If you need to ask for directions, always ask people at a shop or establishment. Don’t ask people on the street.

10) Leave your itinerary with someone you trust so someone knows where you are and will be at all times

11) Lastly, just enjoy the great country and enjoy the local food - go to places where there’s lots of locals (they know where the best places are)

Cheers

Drew Says:

March 17th, 2008, 9:32 am

You’ll need to take a pair of long pants if you plan on visiting any temples or palaces.

els Says:

March 17th, 2008, 9:33 am

honestly the best thing you can do for yourself to keep it simple and easygoing is to BE just that yourself. it’s sort of like carolina’s comment - if you just go with the flow and let things happen and realize that every moment is an experience you may never have again, whether you planned it or not, then i guarantee you will have a good time. having an itinerary, etc. IS good, but don’t feel like you have to stick to it or everything is ruined. sometimes the best things can happen that way.

Scramblejam Says:

March 17th, 2008, 9:34 am

Leo, if you haven’t already seen it, make sure you check out http://www.onebag.com - It’s Zen Habits for your luggage!

I also recommend the Mindfold for getting some serious in-flight shuteye…

Lynn Says:

March 17th, 2008, 9:35 am

I travel very often and everyone else so far has covered the big things (passport etc.) so here are some clothes tips:

- Stick with darker colors and patterns (doesn’t show spilled Thai chili sauce)

- Pack only high-tech fabrics, the kind that dry quickly so that you can do a wash in the sink. I have gotten away with 2 pairs of socks for a 2 week trip by rinsing out the dirty pair at night. High tech fabric means it’s dry by the next morning. Cotton will stay soggy for days.

- If you roll your clothes instead of folding them, you can fit them into a smaller space.

Have fun!
~Lynn

Nico Deblauwe Says:

March 17th, 2008, 9:41 am

Couchsurf some days! Its the best way to get to know locals in a non-commercial context. If you are willing to make time to talk and listen, you’ll receive more “Thailand experience” in some days than you would ever be able to get in months of old-fashioned travelling.

http://www.couchsurfing.org/; it’s a rather old-fashioned looking website, but the service that is offered by this global network of friends is amazing!

Jeff - Science Says Says:

March 17th, 2008, 9:45 am

Leo-

I’m a HUGE fan of traveling with backpacks, and if you think a small one will work, cool - however: the best decision I ever made as a traveler was selling my heavy hard-frame trekking pack (the big metal bars) and buying a large soft-pack - it’s big, but very light, and exceedingly portable. I bring a small pack along for day trips.

The other sentiment I would echo is not to waste your time shuttling about - the best is to pick one place and thoroughly absorb it at your own pace (I’m a nature guy, so I pick one area or park and take up residence - you see so much more detail that way, and the best animal encounters of my life came following this principle)

If you do have a lot of things you want to see, though, try to find a place smack in the middle of them and spend the week there so you limit your time to each site. If you never stay more than a night or so in any place, you don’t get the joy of feeling familiar in such a foreign place.

Rob Parker Says:

March 17th, 2008, 9:47 am

Buy a Lonely Planet Guide. They are excelent and have very “non-tourist” information as well so you can be authentic. Eating local food is another good recommendation, in Thailand there are a lot of street restaurants, such a good experience and very very good food.

Jim Says:

March 17th, 2008, 9:51 am

Don’t scan and send documents to yourself unless they are encrypted!

I agree with you - buy what you need there!

Zviki Cohen Says:

March 17th, 2008, 9:52 am

1. You really don’t need a wallet. Have a money belt for your passport and credit card and keep a small amount of cash in your pocket. Leave all unnecessary cards behind (bring your driver license, you may want to rent a scooter).

2. Used books can be exchanged and bought in most guest-houses.

3. Don’t bring any expensive electronics (like noise canceling headphones).

4.Bring a camping towel - it’s very light and it dries fast. It’s worth the investment. Most guest-houses don’t provide towels.

applegrass Says:

March 17th, 2008, 9:54 am

i’m assuming you’re leaving the kids at home? :)

seriously, traveling w/o kids will exponentially simplify your experience. you can do minimalist (relatively), enjoyable travel w/ kids… it just takes a lot more planning, foresight, and paradoxically, a willingness to abandon all your planning and foresight at a moment’s notice.

Stacy Says:

March 17th, 2008, 9:56 am

Be flexible with your itinerary and leave room for just hanging out (and for opportunities that might come up later.) Don’t over plan your days and avoid the stress that comes from not having enough time to enjoy what you are seeing.

Kyle Says:

March 17th, 2008, 10:01 am

Try to stay away from big tourist spots (unless there’s something you REALLY want to see). meeting locals, doing the things they do, and eating the things they eat always makes for a better stay. If you have any friends there, ask if you can stay with them for a short while; that would give you a true local experience.

Corey - Simple Marriage Project Says:

March 17th, 2008, 10:02 am

Ferriss recommends the Victorinox E-motion bag, which I am planning on using when traveling to Scotland this summer. It’s rolling and can be a backpack, best of both worlds.

Chet Says:

March 17th, 2008, 10:07 am

Wet wipes and ziploc bags. Lots of ziploc bags. You’ll need one for carrying small bottles of your usual toiletries to take on board (it’s the regulation now).

Between now and your trip, try and get hold of an AlphaSmart Neo to bring on the trip. It’s a light, battery-operated word processor that’ll give you 700 hours of writing. And you can plug it in to any computer to upload your writing.

Ksyu Says:

March 17th, 2008, 10:12 am

Been in Thailand too last year and it was terrific! You should try going to Kanchanaburi and Ayuthaya which are probably a few hours from Bangkok for a change of scenery and they also have a lot to offer. How long are you going to stay in Thailand?

Bring a small medicine kit. I have a small pouch with me to store receipts, photocopies of my itinerary, passport and other important docs. And this is in my experience, I often change money in the foreign exchange counters in the city than the airport. Some of them have great exchange rates.

I traveled to Thailand on a tight budget so I had to keep my baggage light because I wanted to be mobile when searching for hostels or moving from one city to another. I didn’t join a tour or anything so my only friend was the ever trusty LONELY PLANET (a DEFINITE must-have. travelers should get this guidebook). Thailand was my first solo excursion and I haven’t looked back since.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:
1. For cheap tours (if you don’t want to go through all the hassle), you can check out the numerous travel agencies at the backpacker’s street of Khao San Road or Soi Chana Songkram which is near it. They’ve got nearly everything that you want plus cheap, cheap second hand books. =)

2. Never ever accept an invitation for a free tour. Thailand, although friendly has a lot of people who will scam you. It is not FREE. They will lead you to a jewelry shop that sells stuff at outrageous prices. And don’t believe anybody who says that Wat Pho or the Grand Palace is closed. Because then they’ll offer you a free tour.

3. Not most people can speak English in Thailand and a lot of signs are in Thai. But in Bangkok, which is very touristy you won’t have that much of a problem.

4. They are CRAZY about their king. They worship him so do not do anything that will insult the King.

5. Thais believe feet are bad so do not point at anybody with them. It is a rude gesture. I made this mistake in Indonesia -which is a bit like Thailand and people were horrified.

If you’re planning to stay in Thailand longer and up for more adventure, you can easily cross borders over to either Cambodia, Laos or Vietnam (there’s also a bus that will take you from Vietnam to Guangxi Province of China ). And there’s also a train that takes you from Thailand down to Singapore. Best of all, they’re usually affordable. Lots of travel agents can arrange these kinds of tour for you down at Khao San (make sure they’re reputable!).

I’m hoping I can write some more of this stuff but due to recent *cough* massive frustrating blockage of numerous sites here in China because of sudden disturbance in its western part, it might have to take a while.

Enjoy your trip! Can’t wait to read about it!

Tom Says:

March 17th, 2008, 10:12 am

1) if an offer is too good to be true it probably isn’t true

2) I have scanned my important documents (passport, dr. license, credit cards etc) and saved the copies in gmail. Never needed it, but I know where it is if I do

3) Remember you are on vacation - relax

4) do as the locals do. Eat their food, and share their behaviours. e.g. no running at midday in Bangkok (or outdoors at all for that matter)

5) keep pen and paper ready to scribble down brief notes

6) Not many Thai speak english. get your hotel’s address written down in Thai and take it with you so that you are able to tell your driver where to go

George Peattie Says:

March 17th, 2008, 10:20 am

This has probably been covered a couple of time but it’s worth repeating.

Don’t over plan and don’t try to “Do Thailand”

If you try and plan a full trip you will never relax. Better to have a rough idea then improvise to fill in the space. You may only see fifty percent of the sites that you could have visited on a box tickers itinerary but you will enjoy them and avoid a lot of stress.

You can always go back again.

Dot Says:

March 17th, 2008, 10:32 am

Although your trip plan sounds minimalist, the reading and investigating you’re doing doesn’t sound minimalist at all. Maybe that’s the way it works.

My tip is for people traveling anywhere, especially on longer trips, bring photos of loved ones, plus some photos of pets and even favorite items, just to make your hotel room seem more like home and not feel so lonely.

Sarah Says:

March 17th, 2008, 10:34 am

Super-smart to travel light in Thailand - it’ll be hot that time of year, plus, anything you forget, you can buy (more cheaply) there.
Do bring a small, collapsable travel umbrella, because it’ll be the beginning of the rainy season and it’ll be nice to have (in the rain or the sun). Don’t bring a raincoat, though, because most raincoats are way too heavy/unbreathable for Thailand in the summer.

Other tips for packing light:

Going off my earlier comment, if it’s something you think you can buy there more cheaply than at home, then don’t bring it (especially if it’s something you don’t already have). In semi-industrialized countries like Thailand, most things are available and everything is cheaper. In Europe, you might want to bring more because the dollar sucks, and in less-developed countries you may want to bring more because certain necessities may be hard to find.

When you get there, buy a flat, foldable bag as a souvenir. This will also be your souvenir-hoding bag. This is good because you can only biy as many souvenirs as will fit in the bag.

Bring one book, and when you’re done, find a book-exchange (they’re all over the place on the Asian backpacker circuit) and trade it for a new one.

If you’re a guy (or a woman with very short hair), you can get away with bringing all-in-one soap, for your body and hair. Us ladies (or guys with long hair) aren’t so lucky. But when I’m traveling, I just bring a light conditioner, instead of shampoo and conditioner. It gets my hair just as clean. You can also use it instead of shaving gel.

A pair of Chacos or Tevas are the traveler’s best friend in the tropics. They’re sturdy enough for sightseeting all day, or even low-key hiking, but they’re waterproof and let your feet breathe. Shoes are heavy, so it’s nice to only have to bring one pair. If you think you might want a pair of nice shoes for going out in a place like Bangkok, bring a nicer pair of flip-flops or, for women, a light pair of cloth flats. Unless you’re planning on going to some super fancy event (in which case your travel style is really different from mine), these should be enough.

Sarongs are a traveler’s best friend! I traveled through Asia for six months without a towel - I just had a sarong. A sarong works as a towel, a skirt, a makeshift bag, a scarf, a sheet. They’re especially good to have if you’re traveling low-budget, staying in hostels or guesthouses, which often don’t offer towels or even top sheets. The best thing is that they dry really, really quickly, even when it’s humid. A wet towel can take all day to dry in the tropics, and if you have to stuff it in your bag before it’s dry it can get all dank and midewy, and so can all your stuff. Yuck.

And of course, for Thailand, you can just wait till you get there to buy one. You’d probably be able to buy one right outside your hotel the first night!

Sarah Says:

March 17th, 2008, 10:39 am

Oh, and another use for the sarong: when I was traveling in India in June, and it was mind-numbingly hot, and I couldn’t afford a hotel with AC, I would jump in the shower right before bed, and bring my sarong with me, getting it just a bit damp. Then I would get right into bed without drying off, under the fan and the damp sarong. This would keep me cool long enough to fall asleep. It’s also probably why I got a horrible cold, but hey.

Arnold Says:

March 17th, 2008, 10:40 am

Looks like everybody has given you all the advice that you would need. Have a great time in Thailand. If you have the chance visit the beaches in the South. And oh, if you still have time, watch The BEACH!

Have a safe trip.

And you might want to do a sidetrip to Manila. :-)

Carla Says:

March 17th, 2008, 10:45 am

Leo and All,
Visit Whereinthehellismatt.com . Written by a great guy, Matt, that has traveled the world. Love his journal. You can search for different loactions and read about his adventures and misadventures. Check out the videos also. The world IS small and wonderful. Happy Travels !!

PS: Gauze pants/shirts work well in humid places. They provide coverage for the spiritual locations that require it, but very airy and comfortable.

tim woodhead Says:

March 17th, 2008, 10:46 am

A little medicine /first aid kit is a good idea .Being able to get hold of a plaster or a headache pill when you need one is great.
Ziploc bags are great as well .And baby wipes have a good trip.

Maria @ Never the Same River Twice Says:

March 17th, 2008, 10:50 am

Take time for naps.

Seriously.

The reason people tend to get cranky and short-tempered on trips is because their sleep patterns are interrupted. Build in some downtime during the afternoon and have a siesta. At the very least, sit around and read or linger over a cool drink for a while.

Malin Says:

March 17th, 2008, 10:53 am

A note on money. I used my creditcard all the time when in Thailand last year - but only to withdraw a suitable amount of cash from ATMs, once or twice a week. The rest of the time my card was stored in a money belt with most of the cash, my passport and any medical documents I needed. I just kept a smallish amount of cash in my wallet, large enough to last me the day and not a huge loss if stolen.

Dean Johnson Says:

March 17th, 2008, 11:01 am

A big secret to making packing stress-free is to not have to pack much. Our bags are pretty much packed, except for clothes. Everything from cellphone chargers to shampoo and cream rinse are sitting in our luggage at all times. Throw in some clothes and go!

Utopiah Says:

March 17th, 2008, 11:12 am

Keep it simple.
You go in a TRIP not a MISSION. People abroad are people like you, you bear more similitude than differences.
You don’t have to prepare too much especially if you go there to have an experience and like the freshness of novelty.
What then if you miss this or that very famous place and will never be able to go back ? Don’t be a sheep, if it’s that famous you’ll find pictures, videos and anything else, it doesnt matter as anyway you will not have time to visit everything. Travelling is a life experience, not a return on investment based mission.

so… have fun and remember the ONLY thing that mattes : be open minded ! :D

Vered Says:

March 17th, 2008, 11:19 am

I absolutely agree with leaving the laptop, as well as blackberry and any other tech gadget, behind. I am a professed computer addict (trying to work on it) and the only times I manage to stay away from my computer are when I don’t have it with me. Since we love to travel, we make it a point not to bring our computers with us when we go on vacation. We also avoid the computer at the hotel’s business center. Being away from the internet’s constant flow of data for a few days recharges and relaxes me in ways that I never experience at home.

Lynn Says:

March 17th, 2008, 11:24 am

invest in rolaids or tums for the yummy (yet still foreign!) cuisine. :)

Utopiah Says:

March 17th, 2008, 11:25 am

Btw things you don’t need : ipod, mobile phone, laptop, book, clothes, etc…
Basically the only thing you need is yourself, an open minded spirit. If you want to be really prepared take your passport and your credit card, that’s more than enough ;)

PS : Im serious, 1=passport, 2=credit card, the rest is non material and thus is on the internet (emergency contacts, photocopies, routes, agenda) and in your mind.

Max Says:

March 17th, 2008, 11:28 am

I just read your comment about happily leaving the laptop behind, so maybe someone has already said this, but instead bring a travel journal. You might find that you miss writing as an outlet, and later on, re-reading what you did and saw will bring back rich memories. You can journal for yourself or maybe you can write zen habits posts longhand, because no doubt exploring another culture will inspire you and open your mind a little… that’s why traveling is so great.

F.Sharpe Says:

March 17th, 2008, 11:40 am

Vincent said:
> 4) If any locals come up to you and tell you a tourist
> attraction is not open and offer to take you somewhere
> else - do not listen/follow them!

The last time in Bangkok a tuc-tuc driver told us this and offered us a free ride through the city. We had a good time
and it was all free. Just don’t buy any of the diamonds they’re offering :-)

Liz Says:

March 17th, 2008, 11:44 am

Lightweight umbrella (the kind a woman might keep in her handbag): protection from the sun as well as the rain
Cotton/silk scarf: keep it damp and drape it round your neck to keep cool

abby Says:

March 17th, 2008, 11:50 am

buy your shoes now while you’re at home and have time to try them out for a few long walks. quite possibly the worst preventable travel mistake i see people make is buying a new pair of shoes right before the trip and then suffering with blisters for the whole rest of the trip. if you wear them around for long periods of time now, you’ll know if they’ll make for good traveling shoes. make sure they don’t pinch, chafe, etc. and pick the right socks to go with them–before you leave. i love my Keens for travel and someone above suggested Chacos/Tevas–also good choices.

Bruce Says:

March 17th, 2008, 11:52 am

Leo,

Have a great trip! I would recommend a wide-brimmed crushable hat. (like a boonie hat)

It will keep the sun off your forehead and neck, and if you get real hot - just get it wet and put it back on!

A long sleeved synthetic shirt is also recommended (for protection from both sun and insects)

Liz’s suggestion for the scarf is also a great one - have a wet scarf against the artery on your neck will cool you down fast!

Ed Kohler Says:

March 17th, 2008, 12:04 pm

Buy a murse (man purse). It frees up your hands so you can take photos and meet people and allows you to carry, comfortably, more than you can in your pockets, such as maps, passport, camera, and a book.

Delighted Scribbler Says:

March 17th, 2008, 12:05 pm

Kysu’s comment:

“Thais believe feet are bad so do not point at anybody with them. It is a rude gesture.”

I would point out that this includes unintentional pointing. Many western men are accustomed to crossing their legs by resting an ankle on the opposite knee. This puts the sole of your shoe pointing in someone’s direction or perhaps near someone.

I’d keep both feet on the floor, just in case.

Elena Says:

March 17th, 2008, 12:11 pm

Whenever I go backpacking I buy a bottle of top-to-toe baby wash before I leave (and maybe decant it into a smaller container if the bottle is too big) . It’s mild enough to use as face wash as well as shampoo/soap, but it can still double up as handwash liquid.

But be aware that most guesthouses in Thailand provide an inexpensive laundry service if you’d rather spend your time sightseeing!

Casey Says:

March 17th, 2008, 12:14 pm

From a back packing perspective Ray Jardinen’s “Beyond Backpacking” is a must read. I’m sure there is a lot of overlap between his backpacking advice and lightweight tourism. Most of his advice is simply based on critically open mined thinking and reflection.

Have a great trip!

blogrdoc Says:

March 17th, 2008, 12:14 pm

I elaborate on these tips more on my blog, but here they are:

1. Packed light.
2. Brought along my coffee mug.
3. Stuck to my regular diet.
4. Worked out an enjoyed the hot tub in the hotel.
5. Avoided a rental car.
6. Took advantage of the quiet time.
7. Enjoy the city by foot.

I should add the when you travel, there is a strong tendency to eat ‘convenience” food with a lot of packaging. Seek real food and this will definitely cause your travel to feel like less of a drag.

These tips are mainly for business travel. Obviously, if you are traveling for vacation, do whatever makes you happy.

Yakey Says:

March 17th, 2008, 12:30 pm

I’m located in southern california, so this may be more applicable to those in that region, but anytime i travel i try to make a quick run to tijuana (or anywhere in baja, mex) before, so that I can re-up on OTC antibiotics like Cipro. After a 20-hour flight to Israel next to an ill man, it was a lifesaver to not have to find a doctor and get an rx to get well again.

JC Says:

March 17th, 2008, 12:44 pm

I went to Thailand last year…if I could do my trip over…

1. Less time in Bangkok. It’s a huge sprawly city with horrible traffic and non-existent public transit. Found it rather stressful, actually.

2. Chiangmai. Much more pleasant and walkable. Great place. I would have gone to another smaller city in lieu of Bangkok.

3. Coconut or Immodium. I had a little run in with the…runs. Immodium worked great. Whew. However apparently coconut has some antibacterial properties and later I read that one traveller to Thailand always makes a point of eating something with coconut every day to avoid backend problems. Hee.

4. ATM Fees - I was being charged a rather hefty ATM fee per withdrawal. So depending on how comfortable you are carrying cash…you may want to make larger withdrawals to avoid being soaked by fees.

5. Souvenirs that pack flat. My generic travel tip is to buy souvenirs that pack flat and aren’t fragile. For me that means local textiles and inexpensive art. In Thailand, that means SILK!

Mike OD - IF Life Says:

March 17th, 2008, 12:45 pm

Always drink from a closed bottle….never a cup or other drink that someone can tamper with. (all those wonderful stories of people get slipped something and then robbed) That and don’t try and look like a tourist. Have fun!

Landlocked one Says:

March 17th, 2008, 12:56 pm

Yes, definitely a small medicine kit. (And make sure you have your insurance card and know the policy for overseas emergency care.) A mini sewing kit like the kind they give away in nicer hotels and some safety pins. Another tiny bag for carry on with whatever you will need to feel refreshed during the flight (toothbrush, eye drops, lip balm, etc.) As much quick-dry apparel as you can find. It packs small and dries in a matter of hours. Bring a tiny travel-size bottle of laundry detergent so you can wash in the sink. I love those Tide-to-Go sticks, too, for instant clean up. Extra memory cards if you are bringing your camera and can’t download to your laptop. Comfortable shoes and socks, since the best way to see most places is on foot (be careful of buying shoes there, unless you buy a model you are used to wearing). Blister block stick might be helpful. Adapters, if you need them, for any electronic devices. I always bring something that has an alarm clock function and a tiny flashlight, in case of any nighttime emergencies. Good sunglasses and a brimmed hat. Have fun!!!

Cameron Schaefer Says:

March 17th, 2008, 13:09 pm

It’s all about the compression sack: http://www.outdoorresearch.com/site/helium_compression_sacks.html

Tom Says:

March 17th, 2008, 13:10 pm

I’m Thai! Lived there all my life. Just recently moved to Orlando. If you got any specific questions, mainly about Bangkok, just give me a blast. I’ll be happy to point you the right direction.

- Tom

Pistolette Says:

March 17th, 2008, 13:12 pm

Having just had my first child only two weeks ago I’d say leave all those kids at home! If you’re taking them, please let me know how you’ve managed it stress-free because I’d love to know that secret!

Helen Sang Says:

March 17th, 2008, 13:24 pm

Some thoughts…
STUFF:
Buy a sarong when you get there. Use it as a lightweight quick drying washcloth, sun cover and beach blanket, sleep sheet, rolled up for a pillow. Camping towels don’t dry quickly in humid tropical areas.

Synthetic clothes are great but get smelly really quickly. You may want to bring a cotton gauze shirt as another person recommended.

I like to bring powdered detergent to wash clothes. My favorite is the kind that you wash lingerie with. It is concentrated, smells light and comes in small bottles. No worries about spilling.

A small flashlight is necessary if you are doing really budget (I chose to stay in small places with no electricity when I was at beach sites).

Leave the electronics behind as much as possible, Internet cafes are plentiful and great places to meet people.

Flip flops for the showers/night trips to the bathroom and for walking (Tevas/Chacos if you need more support but heavier and they don’t dry as quickly).

Lots of used book stores in the more touristed areas where you can trade or buy books in English.

An extra bag for bringing back presents and souvenirs is highly recommended.

You can get really good bug spray there but I highly recommend getting some powerful DEET in lotion form here if you go to the islands or trekking in Northern Thailand. Same with sun protection.

BEING IN THAILAND:
Someone suggested eating the same diet as at home. I would advise you do that only if you have intestinal issues. Thai food is amazing and different from that you can get in the States, even for vegetarians. There are plenty of places that cater to tourists who require a continental or heartier Western breakfast. Most Thais, however, have noodles or rice dishes for a first meal.

Try street food except anything not cooked.

DO spend time in Bangkok unless you are not a city person. People say terrible things about it but if you take some time to spend poking around, you can go to areas that are more residential and get a great idea of how people really live there, get their haircuts or bowls of noodles at 2 AM. So lively and varied.

Night markets are great!

Overnight trains are extremely organized and comfortable in Thailand.

Unfortunately, buying and drinking bottled water is the way to go. You can buy a new gadget for about $140.00 that you swirl in water to kill any bugs if you prefer from REI.

Have a great trip.

phillippa Says:

March 17th, 2008, 13:32 pm

I only read a few comments, and they’ve pretty much got it covered. I thought I’d run a few other things by you.

TAXIS: It’s a law that all taxi’s run the meter for passengers. I’ve been to Thailand more than a handful of times, and always come across someone who doesn’t want to. I just tell them that I’m getting out of the taxi, and I find one that will. And there’s an overabundance of them.

Oftentimes, if you ask the taxi driver about (approximate) fares or what not BEFORE getting in, they usually take that as a negotiation and assume you don’t want the ride to be metered. A new acquaintance paid up to 4x’s more than I did for a ride to the same destination by doing this. If you need an idea, ask the concierge.

CLOTHES:
Sizes are not as they are in the US. Nor are they standardized amongst makers. For ex. I wear an XS in tops in the US, but ended up buying a Large T-shirt in BKK. I don’t rely on shopping for necessities there (shoes), for this and quality reasons, but do make optional purchases (like that t-shirt). I also don’t like to spend my time shopping, and looking for shoes is always difficult (comfort, quality).

Michaela Says:

March 17th, 2008, 13:41 pm

I love Bangkok - its a busy crazy city with so much to explore..

two things i wanted to comment on..
Walking!
I like to figure out generak areas I want to see, get dropped in a tuk tuk or taxi and just walk around for a couple of hours.. walk and walk and take photos and get lost and stop for some street food (the busy places are the best of course) and walk some more.. you get to see so much and it satisfies that intrepid explorer in me..

second things was..
someone mentioned naps above.. yes i am for sure PRO-NAP.. and i think the perfect bangkok city day would be breakfast of noodle soup in my room while getting dressed, heading out early to the riverside and temple area to see the early morning life.. finding a fruit stall and a water bottle about 10am.. walking more.. finding a lunch spot. then heading back to the hotel in the afternoon for a nap, some book reading and journal writing, shower and then out to check out some nightlife!
my bangkok recommendations:
- The bar ontop of the Banyan Tree Hotel for great cocktails and mind blowing views
- Chinatown for walking and lunchfood
- Chattachuk market for the most incredible shopping experience, a designer sofa to a pet squirrel, you can have it all
- get around by Sky Train, its so easy and fast
- stay on Sukhumvit Rd and only go to Khao San rd to meet other travellers / find a travel agent etc.. its not pretty.
- the temples in bangkok are definitly worth a visit

enjoy..
and drink a ton of water!

cheers,
kyla
-

sillahee Says:

March 17th, 2008, 13:45 pm

my favorite website - http://www.travelindependent.info - info on packing and various locations

Christine Chang Says:

March 17th, 2008, 14:07 pm

I was in Chiang Rai for about a month in December. Here are my suggestions:

1. Israel’s suggestion for baby wipes is good, since I was there for a month I got 500 and used them all; I was in the mountains and sometimes there wasn’t time to take a shower so I used baby wipes to clean myself.

2. Hand Sanitizer. Because I was in a really rural area I used a Steripen (from REI) to purify my water and even the water I brushed my teeth with on the spot.

3. Comfortable walking/hiking shoes

4. Immodium/Pepto

5. Immunizations from your doctor, depending on where you are going. A friend who came with me and didn’t get immunizations got typhoid. So it’s not worth it.

6. Extra batteries for your camera

7. Bug spray

8. Lonely Planet guidebook/phrasebook: this helps in the most rural areas where they don’t speak english; plus it’s always respectful and good to learn a bit about the culture instead of making them learn your own culture.

9. 3 copies of your passport, driver’s license, itinerary, flight info. One copy you keep in your luggage, one copy you keep with you at all times, and one copy you give to a friend in the States before you leave for Thailand.

10. If you’re taking a cellphone make sure the SIM card is international.

11. If you have renter’s insurance it will cover most of your personal belongings on the trip that you usually keep at home, like a camera, ipod, etc…so if you get a camera stolen on the trip you can recover that cost with renter’s insurance; but you have to have a police report or some sort of evidence stating that it was stolen and not damaged by you.

12. Energy Bars (I took Clif bars): just in case you get really sick and you can’t eat local food for a bit. In that case it’s nice to have something that came from home and is familiar.

13. For many other things, such as mosquito nets, soap, sandals, laundry detergent, even Oreos… I find that it is easier to get it in Thailand. They have a “Wal-Mart” type store there called Big C and everything there is relatively cheap.

Have fun!

Christine Chang Says:

March 17th, 2008, 14:09 pm

Sorry about #2 it doesn’t make sense: you should get hand sanitizer to clean your hands AND a Steripen for the water.

Matt Says:

March 17th, 2008, 14:11 pm

I would really suggest speaking or getting in touch with Holly Burns, since she went with her hubby about a year ago. She learned a lot along the way and would most likely have some fabulous advice!

stephanie Says:

March 17th, 2008, 14:26 pm

When I travel, I plan and pack the best I can, but when it comes down to it, I always figure that as long as I have ID/Passport and a credit card, I can get by. Not necessarily the most Zen thing financially, but the peace of mind knowing that I don’t need to stress over anything since I can always buy new stuff if needed makes my trips much more enjoyable! So my best Zen travel advice would be just to have a large enough budget for your trip that you don’t have to worry about any necessities you may buy while on vacation. And of course, anything bought on vacation, if duplicates are already waiting for you at home (laundry detergent, clothes, shampoo, etc.), can always be given to other travelers or new friends so you don’t have to worry about transporting it back!

Arvin Says:

March 17th, 2008, 14:30 pm

Not sure if anyone has expressed these yet, but seeing as how you have a family that may want to get in contact with you, or just know you’re safe I recommend the following:

1. Get an unlocked phone (I keep an old sony erricson W800 for it) and buy a prepaid SIM Card when you land. That way you can text or call your family letting them know you’ve reached safely.

2. Also if you have contacts or numbers you need to call within Thailand this can work wonderfully. It’s always nice to have a cheaper phone you wouldn’t cry over losing. But most phones today playback MP3s and have decent cameras, so if you spend the extra bit you can carry one device instead of multiple ones.

3. I recommend using a service such as Jaxtr (http://www.jaxtr.com/user/index.jsp) which will give your family a cheaper way of contacting you via cell phone. You’ll be limited to 100 minutes I believe.

4. A writer from Lifehacker (http://lifehacker.com/) recently went abroad and had some great tips. There are plenty of internet cafes wherever you go, so you can manage to Skype if necessary. They also recommended carrying a small flash drive with Firefox so you don’t need to enter valuable information in unknown machines.

Good luck, I’m sure you’ll have some fantastic stories and pictures to share with all of us on your return. Looking forward to reading about them

oakling Says:

March 17th, 2008, 14:36 pm

What helps me when I’m traveling is to make a special spending plan (budget) for the trip, including things like meals, travel, hotels, souvenirs, gifts for friends, etc., as far in advance as possible. This not only helps me plan out where I’m going, and how to get there (I often forget to do some of the transportation research otherwise) but also helps me save up for the trip beforehand so that I’m not spending anything I’ll need at home or spending a lot more in interest fees by using a credit card. And everything’s a lot more fun when I know I have more than enough money for it and know what my options are for having fun in a new place!

Sarah Says:

March 17th, 2008, 14:52 pm

I just can’t stop commenting! :P

But I love traveling and I love Thailand, so:

I agree with the people who recommend Bangkok. It’s not perfect, but it’s a vibrant, exciting city with lots to see. Compared to many other third world cities, it’s amazingly clean and well-run (anyone been to the Central American captials?). It’s also remarkably safe, provided you avoid the standard tourist scams.

I also recommend staying in the Sukhumvit area, which is very central, with lots going on. The guesthouse Suk 11 (www.suk11.com) is really nice, with a quiet, laid-back vibe and a very professional management.

As for all the health warnings - it depends on your tolerance of risk. Most people will go to Thailand and have absolutely no problems. The water is safe to drink in the city and tourist areas (treated with Chlorine, though). There’s only malaria in a few border areas. Your biggest safety risk is probably burning your ankle on a scooter tailpipe.

Of course, you could be one of the unlucky people who gets malaria or drinks some bad water, and that would suck. But it’s sort of unlikely. Meaning, I wouldn’t be obsessed with avoiding ice cubes or using tap water to brush your teeth.

Jonathan Mead Says:

March 17th, 2008, 15:07 pm

My #1 travel tip would be don’t try to do too much. Relax, slow down and enjoy the trip. What’s the point of rushing around trying to cram everything in to one day if it ends up making you stressed out?

I hope you have a blast Leo!

themacmonk Says:

March 17th, 2008, 15:10 pm

I’m Thai and I go every couple of years to visit relatives. My family used to bring two suitcases full of stuff that we never needed. Now we pack one with essentials and bring an empty one for souvenirs on the return.

Thailand is still one of the few places where the dollar is still strong so you can survive on a a little cash.

Wear sandals! It’s comfortable and convenient for when you go to the beach and visiting temples since some of them don’t allow shoes. If you can find Exofficio clothing it’s worth it. Antibacterial, washable and dries quickly.

Every place is a tourist attraction so don’t worry about not hitting any of the major ones!

Bridey Says:

March 17th, 2008, 15:10 pm

I’m off to Thailand in a few weeks, so all these tips are great! It seems that most things have been covered.

A couple of other things I’ve heard to be careful of are:

1. Gambling. It’s illegal and people have been known to set up tourists who then have to pay bribes to keep out of trouble when the police show up.

2. Don’t keep anything you purchase in the markets in the bag provided by the stall owner. Sometimes they will have a colour code letting other vendors know what your bargaining skills are like and how easy it is to rip you off!

3. Always agree on a price before you start for any transport (including buses). A couple of my friends didn’t do this on one occasion and got taken to the middle of nowhere at night and had to pay a hefty sum to be taken back to their hotel.

Avani Says:

March 17th, 2008, 15:25 pm

Click pictures of maps and travel descriptions that interest you. It’s a great way to keep all your research with you and yet manage not carrying papers / travel books.

Beth Says:

March 17th, 2008, 15:37 pm

I’m also going on a trip to Thailand, but not until next February - I look forward to hearing how it went! We’re doing a community volunteering project, followed by a couple days of sightseeing. I’ll be hoping to travel light, too, and there are some great tips coming up here.

One tip I’d give, since I’ve just come back from a holiday to New York, is to take some paracetamol or other headache tablets with you for the journey, as long plane journeys can get you dehydrated - make sure to drink plenty of water too.

Curt Says:

March 17th, 2008, 15:44 pm

do not check your luggage - only take what you can have in your carry-on baggage! this means, one bag, two-three days worth of clothes, photocopies of important docs., a 2-piece coat, drugs (with prescriptions) esp. something to help your stomach and your head, good pair of shoes, sun-glasses, and a guidebook… past that everything else can be bought upon arrival - one of the best ways to overcome your first few days (jetlag, confusion, excitement, etc.) is to get your bearings with the language - find food & shelter, ask local advice, and DO NOT get frustrated, instead - enjoy your trip!

Courtney Moore Says:

March 17th, 2008, 16:17 pm

My notes to myself after four months in Europe:

*Pack light, choose luggage with wheels.

*Invest in a good travel guide (not Lonely Planet).

*Always get a map, and recommendations, from the TI…

*…But get lost as frequently as possible.

*Go for a ride on the city bus.

*Calculate splurges into your budget.

*Take salt. And a fork. And stain remover.

*STAY IN HOSTELS. Hotels are rarely the splurge they would seem to be. But take a lock and chain for your luggage in urban areas.

*Buy s-m-a-l-l, l-i-g-h-t, s-t-u-r-d-y souvenirs.

*Travel off-peak whenever possible (make it possible!), but leave the south of France by Halloween.

*Don’t make too many plans, and expect something to go wrong with the ones you do make.

ShaunMac Says:

March 17th, 2008, 16:17 pm

Hi Leo,

Tim Ferris has a good blog post for travelling.

http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/2007/07/11/how-to-travel-the-world-with-10-pounds-or-less-plus-how-to-negotiate-convertibles-and-luxury-treehouses/

Very useful info.

Peace

Brick Andrews Says:

March 17th, 2008, 16:18 pm

I agree with a lot of these comments - pack light and buy what you need there if necessary.

A note on taxi’s in Bangkok: They will often take you somewhere else besides where you asked them to go (e.g. some restaurant run by a friend, instead of the place you asked for). Like someone said, get the hotel to write the place in Thai so you can give that to the driver. Opt for a car over a tuk tuk (the drivers seem to be a little more trustworthy). Get the concierge at YOUR hotel to hail the cab and explain the destination (at least your hotel has some skin in the game of you getting to where you need to go). Carry a map of Bangkok - if you get lost you may need to help yourself a little bit - most people on the street cannot speak english.

I hope you enjoy spicey food - I ate a papaya salad in Bangkok and I required medical attention to put out the fire in my mouth afterward!

Tyler Says:

March 17th, 2008, 16:46 pm

Other people have covered pretty much every major point that I was going to make, but I’ll just reiterate some of them.

- It’s good to hear you are planning on packing light. It would be my biggest suggestion. My wife and I travels for seven months last year, and that was probably my ibggest own going struggle. A heavy bag is never fun, and you really need less than you think… although, it looks like you’ve got a better idea than I had when I left.

- Like someone else mentioned, bring at least one pair of lightwieght slacks. You’ll need them for the temple.

- Beyond that, you probably have a leg up on most of us in North America, since you live in Guam. You’ll already be better climatized to the hot weather, and have a better idea about what you are comfortable wearing. I’d avoid loading up on “travel clothes.” Just wear what you like to wear. Dress in a manner that is natural to you, not how you *think* a traveller should dress. You’ll be more comfortable.

- My wife and I scanned our important documents and emailed them to ourselves. That cut down on a lot of useless paper work. Just make sure they are encypted, or at least don’t label your emails “my important documents” or something.

- We didn’t bring a computer with us on our trip, but kept a travel blog (strangebenevolent.blogspot.com). Some would argue that having a laptop would have made blogging easier, but we didn’t have any problem finding cheap internet cafes in any of the countries we visited. And, a lot of times those cafes were air conditioned and provide us with a good place to hide out during the hotest part of the day.

- Mix things up. Going to temples and famous locations is great. But, also try to mix up the types of activities you do. Some of our best times on our trips involved taking cooking classes, hiking, wine tasting, kayaking, swimming, renting camper vans and road tripping… not all those activities are ones you can do in Thailand, but the point is to do stuff were you participating and not just standing around looking at things.

Have fun! Thailand is amazing!

The New Inspirer Says:

March 17th, 2008, 16:55 pm

Great comments people! I would add (or repeat):

* medicine against flu & diarrhea. You can’t believe what a pain it is to find those in a country where you don’t speak the native language (let alone trusting whatever it is they give you).

* if you don’t take a laptop, consider taking a USB stick preloaded with the apps and data you need (also good for carrying copies of passports, credit cards etc).Don’t forget to encrypt.

* Whenever traveling somewhere hot, a pair of sunglasses, sun block and a bandanna are necessary survival gear.

* Other stuff I like to bring along: a set of earplugs (too many annoying sounds on a plane when trying to sleep), a small expandable bag, which can be used as a comfortable day pack (your travel pack is often too big & clumsy to take on day trips, and the additional bag makes a nice additional carry-on for souvenirs), a hipster pda (take notes of all those wonderful places you visit, or you’ll forget about them way too quickly) and a small front-pocket local wallet (only for the stuff you need in Bangkok, leave the other one with your backup credit card, U.S. dollars and usual junk in your hotel’s safe).

Have fun, Bangkok is an extraordinary place, i’m sure you’ll like it.

jenjenns Says:

March 17th, 2008, 16:59 pm

I just read Max’s comment about writing a travel journal. It made me think about a tip given to me by a friend before I went on my first trip years ago:

purchase postcards and write yourself daily.

The logic behind this includes being able to have a written record of your travels without having to carry a journal everywhere and selecting postcards with photos that have been taken by professionals in optimal conditions (which is good for me, as I’m by no means the best photographer.) My photos can then be reserved primarily for people I meet and interesting things I come across. Also, in case something happens to your luggage/journal, you still have some memories waiting for you at home.

I have done this for all my trips for the past several years. It’s fun to look back at the select postcards I sent home, and remember highlights of each day. The cards themselves also trigger memories.

Enjoy your Thailand!

Jennifer

camel Says:

March 17th, 2008, 17:18 pm

i found these links really useful

http://myprecisestaffing.googlepages.com/home23

Dale in Canada Says:

March 17th, 2008, 17:24 pm

I learned a variation on Caroline’s comment. I was told by an old travel sage prior to a trip to Brazil, that:
‘have NO expectations, and you will not be disappointed.”
-Do not think like a North American. There is no catsup.
-You are not in Palm Beach, deal with it.
-You are a guest in their country, don’t do stupid stuff.
-roll your clothes.
-ask yourself…what do the locals do when they wake up and go and experience that.
-sit and watch people not things…amazing perspective.
-journalize your thoughts, not your itinerary.

Have a great trip! (adventure)

Laurel Says:

March 17th, 2008, 17:24 pm

I hope people will visit my blog if I ever need advice! I haven’t done this, but a friend of mine buys cheap clothes from a second hand store to travel with, and then gives them away rather than packing them home. This makes room for him to bring new things home with him. Sounds kind of smart.

Laurel Says:

March 17th, 2008, 17:29 pm

Also, another good place to post documents you want to save while traveling, but not necessarily put on your blog, is google.docs. It’s a great program that you can share with others–but you probably already know about this. Never hurts to have a lot of back-up.

Rich Says:

March 17th, 2008, 17:31 pm

I learned this trick from my grandparents who used to travel extensively across Europe and Asia. For the few months prior to your trip make sure to hold on to older clothes that you might normally throw away. Use these clothes during your trip and then discard as you get closer to your departure to make that bag nice and light for the trip home.

Lisa Says:

March 17th, 2008, 17:39 pm

Pack Simply and get rid of things along the way! You can always buy things if you find you really need them. My family and I (2 adults and 2 kids) traveled around Europe for a month with just 3 backpacks (two were so small, they could hardly be called bags– we even had a booster seat for half the trip when we were traveling in a car!) It is very doable and the lack of luggage makes it a lot more enjoyable. I wrote about packing lightly here:

Lisa from DoLifeRight Says:

March 17th, 2008, 17:42 pm

My url was stripped from my message before. Hopefully it won’t be this time:
http://www.doliferight.com/blog/2007/10/08/travel-light-and-carry-a-camera/

Search for “travel light” on DoLifeRight dot com if the url is gone. Thanks!

Kemiso Says:

March 17th, 2008, 17:54 pm

I’ve been reading your blog from its early beginings. I don’t know why I have to write the following comment, but I feel I have to.

Travel as you are living. The same way you walk out of your hou