Phylicia StitzelOMG, can you feel the wanderlust vibes? 🌍✨ Time to dive deeper by using my Ultimate Guide to Traveling to Asia as a US citizens. Get ready for more juicy details, tips, and more!
Table of Contents
📚 Research and Planning:
Before you jet off to Asia, it’s time to put on your research cap. We’re talking visa requirements, entry restrictions, and travel advisories and understanding the local culture (so you don’t accidentally wear a bikini to a temple! 😅). This is when you need to be choosing the destinations that aligns best with your personal interests and your budget.
🚨 Safety and Security:
Your safety is always top priority! Things to think about before traveling to Asia is stuff like registering with the US Embassy so they’ve got your back no matter what. 💪🏽✨ And don’t forget about travel insurance. It’s like a superhero that’ll protect you from any unexpected mishaps.
🍜 Cultural Etiquette and Customs:
Time to embrace the local vibes, my friend! 🤗 When traveling it is VERY important to understand the world of cultural etiquette and customs.
Like not wearing your shoes into a shrine or a house, bowing as a greeting instead of shaking hands, slurping foods, using your right hand when eating (when not using a fork), dress codes (no shirt, no service, but let’s avoid bringing out the full tuxedo too!), being respectful, chewing gum (yes that’s a real thing in Singapore where it is illegal for you to chew gum in a public place in Singapore), not leaving a tip (again, a real thing in Japan). This is why we research first before becoming a “stereo-typical Ugly American” when traveling internationally)
💉Health and Vaccinations:
Nobody wants to get sick on vacation, right? We’ve got your back, my friend. I always check the CDC website for any necessary vaccinations and health precautions for planning a trip to Asia. This way you’ll be prepared to face any health risks head-on and come back feeling like a superhero (just without the cape). 💉💪🏽 Don’t forget to pack those essential medications and remember to wash your hands like a champion! When traveling, I always carry a travel pack of baby wipes and hand sanitizer. You never know when you might need them! These tools have been a lifesaver for me countless times (before I was traveling with a baby too!)
💸 Money Matters:
Time to talk dinero, my friend! When traveling to Asia as a US citizen, plan a head! Tell your bank you’re traveling internationally, use credit cards that don’t have international fees (or at least lower) and then have cash. Though most countries in Asia accept cards with no issues (especially after COVID-19) there are still situations like food/night markets that will be cash only situations. Best to be prepared for all situations and avoid having your card declined by planning ahead! So, I suggest carrying a mix of payment options, because who knows when you’ll need to flash your credit card like it’s a magic wand (cue the Harry Potter theme song)!
🗣️Communication and Language:
Lost in translation? This is one thing that I hear from A LOT of people when they want to travel internationally. I’m telling you, don’t over complicate it! There is a TON of translation apps that you can download for free. For all the things that people stress about when they are traveling internationally, this one is an easy one to check off the list. Do a little research on the easiest apps to use in the country you’re traveling to, check with your cell phone provider to ensure you’ll have service and “Wham, bam, thank you ma’am!” You’re off! See? That easy!
🚗 Transportation and Getting Around:
Time to hop on board the adventure train (or bus, or maybe even a tuk-tuk)! 🚂 From bustling public transportation systems that’ll take you to all the hidden gems to hailing a colorful taxi 🚖🎥. This will vary depending on what kind of travel plans you have for your trip to Asia.
There are so many ways to explore throughout this continent but again, that will change vastly depending on what your plans are. If you’re planning on staying around large cities – public transportation all the way! But if you’re wanting to get into a more rural setting, I suggest hiring a private driver or setting up excursions with a tour company, so they handle all the transportation details.
