Asia has become a major vacation destination over the last few decades and in the main is reacting positively to the new visitors from the west. It is easy to find far out Asian places, but in the main, the locations most travellers choose are:

Thailand

India

Vietnam

Philippines

Indonesia

Malaysia

Each of these countries have so many differences from the other. The Thai food is highly rated where the Filipino dishes are not known to attract Western tastes. The Asian countries have stunning coast lines and in the main are much cheaper vacation spots for the traveller from the west.

It is very important to get medical advice when travelling as most of the countries in the list above suffer Malaria, Dengue, Yellow Fever and many more exotic and tropical diseases.

The truth is that vaccinations are only a precaution and the countries are very safe to visit and enjoy.

Probably the Asian country that really has adopted foreign visitors is Thailand. Most things are available to the many nationalities that are away from home, but the language written and spoken is something that causes concern when out of the main cities or holiday spots.

The Philippines has no such problem with language as they speak English, but the infrastructure is poor and travel services are hit and miss. The people are very friendly and happy, but as beautiful as the country can be they are not yet anywhere near understanding tourists and their needs. But, some of the unspoilt coastlines are a must see.

India has 1.2 billion people, and away from the throbbing cities can be found great buildings of times gone by along with an outstanding history.

Vietnam, although communist controlled, is a friendly place and surprisingly it has very good services and does it’s very best to help and attract tourists. The tourist areas are well controlled and clean and food is ample. Vietnamese food is great too and I recommend finding a plastic chair and table on the street and get served some excellent food.

Asia is huge and you need to do your research on the country or countries you need to visits. It is imperative that you research local customs as it can be very easy to offend without knowing you have done something wrong. For example, in Thailand you must never show the sole of your feet or tap anyone on the head.

In Vietnam it is not a good idea to say anything negative about the politics of the country and it is vital you ensure your visa is correct. The immigration police take their duties very seriously and I would suggest you get the visa before you travel which costs about $100 for 3 months.

Many Asian countries like you to play the game of bartering. Get the price as low as you can, after all that is part of the fun when travelling, learn a new skill.

This next bit may be a little controversial, but take it as well intentioned good advice. Asia has the loss of face syndrome. This means that if they do not know something they may make up a lie to prevent loss of face and sometimes the lies can be very convincing. Try your best to research thing before you go and make full use of Mr Google if you are unsure of anything.

Traffic is a huge killer in Asia many of the rules that are taken for granted by westerners do not apply in most of Asia. In short travelling by motorbike is the biggest killer in Vietnam as the rules there are find a space and stick to it.

Some common sense advice is not to wear valuable jewellery and don’t show off your expensive iPod/phone/clothes. Petty crimes happen a lot in Asia and can be more then inconvenient if your wallet or passport is lost.

Never lose your temper. You lose your temper, you lose your face and locals won’t speak to you again or will not respect you the way you wish.

Think twice before performing any acts of love in public since the people around you, especially in India, as it is very conservative and doesn't want to watch or do public displays of affection.

In India, it is generally not acceptable for men to shake hands with a woman until and unless she offers the same. If she extends her hand, you should reciprocate otherwise it is better to join your palms and wish her in Indian style.

Before you travel

1. CHECK YOUR PASSPORT AND APPLY FOR ANY NECESSARY VISAS.

While it’s not necessary to memorize your passport’s expiration date, it’s best to take a look at it—and to verify that you know where your passport is stored—before making any international travel plans. Generally speaking, you want your passport to be valid for at least six months after entering a foreign country.

Though not a universal requirement, tourist visas are needed to visit many nations around the world, and the application process varies greatly from country to country

2. GET VACCINATED AND STOCK UP ON MEDICINE.

Depending on where you’re going, you may need to get special vaccines or medications as a precaution against various diseases. For the most comprehensive and up-to-date medical recommendations check with your doctor.

3. CHECK FOR TRAVEL WARNINGS/ADVISORIES AND REGISTER YOUR TRIP.

4. PREPARE YOUR FINANCES.

Before you travel overseas, call your bank and credit card providers to let them know where you’ll be; if the companies see foreign charges with no notice that you’re abroad, they might freeze your cards, which can be quite annoying if you’re in a shop or trying to pay for dinner. Before you travel internationally, be aware of the exchange rate and know how much things generally cost wherever you’re going so that you get some sense of how much you’re going to spend.

5. MAKE COPIES OF TRAVEL DOCUMENTS.

Most importantly, have at least one color copy of your passport’s ID page stored somewhere safe and separate from your passport. You should also make copies of any visas that pertain to your current travels. Hotel reservations, train ticket confirmations, and all other travel documents should be copied as well.

5. MAKE COPIES OF TRAVEL DOCUMENTS.

The international road trip of your dreams isn’t going to happen unless you plan correctly.

7. GET ALL THE NECESSARY GEAR FOR YOUR ELECTRONICS.

Electrical outlets are different all over the world, so you’ll need to have adapters that allow your devices to plug into foreign sockets. Your best bet is to buy an adapter with different settings that adjust to most outlets, so you only have to worry about one adapter instead of one per country. You also need to check the strength of the electrical current wherever you’re going and make sure your devices are compatible—cell phones and computers often are. If you have a device that’s not compatible with a higher or lower current, then you’ll need to buy a transformer or leave that gadget at home

8. LEARN KEY PHRASES IN THE LOCAL LANGUAGE.

Of course it’s best practice to learn basics like “Hello,” “Thank you,” and “Where is the bathroom?”, but the more you can say in the local tongue, the better.

9. RESEARCH ENTRANCE AND EXIT FEES.

Regardless of whether a country requires you to obtain a tourist visa, it may levy an entrance and/or exit fee against you.

10. BUY HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE.

Before you travel, check your health insurance policy to see if it includes international coverage. If not, consider buying a short-term policy that will cover you while you’re abroad, in case something should happen.