BEFORE YOUR JOURNEY

Many countries that we visit require that your Passport  is valid for 6 months from  when you complete travel. Most also require that you have plenty of blank pages for VISA stamps on your passport. Note that not all the countries require a VISA.

 

Check here for the latest Passport and Visa requirements for the country(ies) you are visiting and allow plenty of time to take care of these matters prior to travel.

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Helpful Tip:

Bring a photocopy of your passport when you travel and keep it safe and separate from your passport.

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Enrolling in STEP program is recommended(not required). It is a free service that allows U.S. citizens traveling or living abroad to receive the latest security updates from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Contact your mobile carrier before you travel to make sure your mobile phone works in your destination country and for information on coverage and voice and data usage for that country.

You may need to turn on international roaming service before you travel. 

 

Also, check with your mobile carrier before you leave to make sure your phone can take a local SIM card if you want to use a local SIM card. Using local SIM cards in many Southeast Asian countries may help you save money and the strength and service are typically reliable.

The hotels and resorts we use have USB ports and many provide cables/adapters to keep your electronic devices charged. Check here to see if you need an electrical adapter/converter and the type of adapter to bring to your destination to keep all your devices charged when we are out and about. 

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Helpful Tip: 

Bring a portable charge pack with you to charge your devices when you do not have access to electricity.

Some countries may require 

travelers be fully vaccinated. Before you travel, check the country's vaccination and immunization requirements and allow plenty of time to comply with the requirements.

 

For the latest requirements, click on the link for your destination:

Bali, Indonesia

Singapore

Thailand

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Helpful tips:

Bring enough prescription medication to last the duration of the trip. Carry your prescriptions and over-the-counter medications in their original containers in your carry-on luggage. Pack medicines for motion sickness and mild upset stomach. As a precaution, use only bottled water.

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Staying hydrated with bottled or filtered water to help with the heat and fatigue. 

Many Southeast Asian countries are warm and humid all year long. Be sure to pack light/moisture wicking clothing, plenty of sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, and insect repellant.

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Helpful Tip:

Bring enough prescription medication to last the duration of your trip including travel time.

Many Southeast Asian countries are warm and humid for most of the year. There are basically two seasons, the wet and dry season.

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Check here for the most current weather and forecast of the country you are visiting. It can help you decide what to pack before you leave.

We require that everyone traveling with us purchase travel insurance to protect you if any unforeseen events happens. Also, your medical insurance at home may not cover you outside of the country. Please inquire with your medical provider if and what medical coverage they provide abroad. 

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You can use your own trusted insurance provider or we recommend

Squaremouth. This is an insurance comparison site that may help you find the travel and medical insurance that fits your needs and budget.

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Travel insurance can quickly get complicated and confusing. It's important you read and understand the fine print about what you are buying so there are no surprises.

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Tips and recommendations for shopping for travel Insurance:

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Generally speaking, there are two kinds of travel insurance: 1) Travel Medical insurance that provides reimbursement for medical expenses (often including evacuation) when you’re overseas, and 2) Trip Cancellation insurance that reimburses you for your trip expenses in certain circumstances. Make sure you’re getting the kind of insurance and coverage you need.

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Trip Cancellation insurance is usually when you can’t travel because of illness. (There are often other circumstances that are covered, such as a natural disaster or terrorist incident at your destination). But many circumstances aren’t covered, like “I changed my mind”, “I’m suddenly too busy at work”, “My daughter’s having a baby”, etc. For these kinds of situations, you need to purchase a “Cancel for any Reason” rider to your Trip Cancellation policy.

Bring credit cards that don't charge Foreign Transaction Fee if you have it to reduce costs.

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For purchases on your credit/debit cards, opt for the local currency when asked to avoid a conversion fee. 

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Avoid, if possible, using Forex ATMs as they typically charge high exchange rates. Use bank ATMs instead, if they are available.

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Before you leave for your trip, notify your bank and credit cards of your travel to avoid locked cards if the bank thinks the card is fraudulently used while you are abroad.

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If you bring cash to exchange at exchange counters at your destination, make sure the bills are new with no creases, tears, or marks because they will not be accepted. 

To view currency exchange rates of your destination, click here.

Most hotels, restaurants, and public places have free wi-fi so you will be able to stay connected.

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You may need to request for wi-fi password at some establishments or you may see signs with password information.

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