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Tips for taking a trip across southeast Asia

Written by Fiona

December 30 2015

Taking a trip across Southeast Asia is a unique and exhilarating experience. It is one of the most interesting and vibrant areas of the world and with proper preparation you can make your journey truly memorable.

So you do not strain your wallet too much you can use various coupons for Hotels.com and other services from Discountrue, which will allow you to save on the accommodation and travel.

Here are a few more tips that will maximise your enjoyment.

Be prepared for anything

Western travellers often struggle during their trips to Asia because they are used to things running on a certain timetable. Try to remain flexible and expect the unexpected! Work with local people and customs – as well as timetables that dn;t sem to make sense – for a better and more relaxed experience.

English is spoken sparingly

You may be fortunate enough to stay in a region where English is spoken on a regular basis, or you could end up in a spot where there are no English speakers at all. As a result, you should expect some form of miscommunication along the way. Get ready to play charades, as you will need to mime certain phrases. It wouldn’t hurt to learn a few key phrases in the local language before arriving. Don’t worry about proper pronunciation, as no one is going to mind a few slips of the tongue.

Getting ripped off happens

No matter how savvy a traveller you are, you will find yourself in situations where you are being taken for a ride. A tourist in any foreign country is going to be separated from their hard earned money in a variety of ways. There are obvious tourist traps to be avoided, but as far as the more subtle methods are concerned, be prepared for some breakage. A few lost dollars here and there is not going to ruin the trip.

Eat local food

Even if you have never eaten southeast Asian food before, it is bound to be tastier and much less expensive than any western options. Don’t be shy about purchasing food from street vendors. Just trust your nose and be sure to try as many new and interesting dishes as possible. Places that cook to order are your best bet.

Research the water

The water in the area where you are staying may or may not be safe to drink, so tourists should do their homework ahead of time. If there is any doubt whatsoever, use bottled water for drinking. You can also use filtered water for tooth brushing and any other important daily tasks.

* This post is written in collaboration with Discountrue.

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