Credit/debit cards
- Credit/debit cards work just about anywhere in the world, depending on the financial institution and their agreements. Call ahead of time so that you don’t have any transaction issues when you’re out there.
- Bringing large sums of cash is not advisable; you might find yourself in a pickle if you ever get robbed. Having multiple cards hidden in different places will help. That being said, I once lost my debit card in a taxi, it was my only source of income. Luckily, the restaurant was able to contact the driver and I got my card back. This was in Bali.
Backpack/suitcase
- Pack it light if you’re planning to move around a lot.
Money pouch
- I have a money pouch made out of hemp which I wear around my neck. Unlike the ones that wrap around your waist, it’s easier to pull out if you are wearing a dress, and it’s breathable.
Toilet paper
- Bathrooms in Asia for the most part do not have toilet paper. They have little hoses or faucets which one can use to clean themselves with. It’s good to bring toilet paper with you just in case.
Hand Sanitizer
- Bathrooms in southeast Asia sometimes don’t have soap either.
Camera
- Unless you’re a professional photographer/graphics type of person, don’t bring your giant camera(s). It can be tiresome to lug around and it makes you look like a tourist with big bucks, meaning people will milk you for whatever you got.
Clothes
- We are going around monsoon season, so there is bound to be some rain.
Hair straightener
- I like my hair to look nice in my travel photos. So I have two straighteners (one for North America one for Asia). Since I am from North America, both of mine plug into 120V.
- My fancy digital Croc straightener does not/will not work even with the adapter. I know this because I tried it in Iceland and it fried and died.
- I have a non-digital/simple straightener which I bought off EBay eons ago and work fine when use with the adapter abroad.
A Good Book
- To keep you entertained. If you don’t like your book you can always exchange at a book exchange in the major tourist areas.
An Electronic Device
- It is not necessary to bring an electronic to Asia since here are numerous internet cafes and are cheap to use. However, I plan to take my netbook since I intend on writing along the way.
- If you feel you need to bring your iPad, iPhone or laptop, just remember to be cautious. I once left my iPhone at a jewellery store in Delhi, India; I got it back along with a lecture on taking care of my valuables from the store owner.