Secondly, do your research carefully into the likely weather conditions, services and facilities available locally, the nature of the countryside and terrain over which you will be travelling and the local culture. All of these will have a bearing on your luggage requirements.

Thirdly, bear in mind the fact that there is always a compromise to be make between packing every single item that might come in hardly and having a limit on what can be carried by you on the airline.

Whether you are back-packing and carrying all your luaggage with you or being transported from place to place, the some general principles apply. Pack that items needed first are packed last i.e. are reality available.

Climate and Weather

1. When visiting an area where very hot, sunny weather is likely, sun cream, sun glasses and appropriate headgear will be necessary as well as the appropriate light clothing. If the temperatures are likely to drop in the evening, warmer clothing will also be needed and perhaps hat and gloves.

2. Wet weather protective clothing will almost be certainly needed.

3. Consider footwear carefully; comfort in this area is vital. Sturdy walking boots and thick socks will be necessary for trekking in the hills, but you will also need soothing lighter while off the trails. Similarly, flip flops are ideal for the beach but something heavier will also be needed. Allow for your feet becoming too hot, too cold, and sometimes wet (don’t forget to pack a pair of slippers, even though these are usually provided by hotels.)

Personal toiletries and medicinesToiletries are a matter of personal choice. They can often be purchased locally but not always in your preferred brand. Be sure to pack sufficient prescription medicines and OTC drugs if required. A supply of toilet paper is a “must” laundry. This can usually be done at hotels and there may well be facilities locally, Washing prowder can usually be bought locally but a small amount carried with you comes in handy in more remote areas.

WaterIt is inadvisable to drink local tap water and, if you are travelling in an area where bottled water is unlikely to be readily available, consider taking a water filter with you.

Having your family holidays at Hokkaido is going to give your family the well deserved holidays of their lifetime.

Hokkaido being the 2nd largest and least developed of Japan’s 4 main island had attracted millions of visitors from around the world. With its spectacular scenery, cool weather and endless food trails. Here are some hotspots for your luxury family vacation to Hokkaido:

1) Noboribetsu is a favorite hot spring destination for Hokkaido tourist. Hokkaido’s most famous hot spring destination, surrounded by forested hills, Noboribetsu is easily accessible by road or rail.The area’s oldest hotel is the Daiichi Takimotokan. Established in 1858, the hotel has delighted many tourists with its baths, pools, rotenburo (outdoor baths) and waterfalls.

There were separate indoor hot spring baths for men and women (17 for men and 12 for women). The men’s bath can hold up to 600 bathers and the women’s bath, 400 bathers.Then if you go hungry, head to the rows of restaurants serving a wide range of Hokkaido cuisine at one of the blocks

3) Mount Hakodate is famous for its best night view. It is the right place for your family to breath fresh air, and you’ll be able to capture a bird’s eye view of Hakodate city.

The best time to visit is just before sunset, when the natural light dims and the city comes alive. It’s a breath taking scenery for your family, a good environment for relaxation for your family.

4) Sapporo – capital of Hokkaido is Japan’s fifth largest city. It is also one of the nation’s youngest major cities looking at its noisy traffic and tall buildings today; it is unimaginable those 150 years ago.

5) Take a look at Farm Tomita. Take a leisurely drive to Ferano in central Hokkaido. Make a stop at farm Tomita, one of Hokkaido’s premier flower farms originally a lavender farm, it has now expanded to include flowers of all sorts, including poppies and French marigolds.You’ll love the fields of lavender and its sweet fragrance. Finally, get a taste of lavender flavored ice cream a must-have to put a sweet ending to your luxury family vacation.Isn’t it great? Isn’t it luxurious? I think it is. Going for a family vacation, requires a lot of preparation, in terms of financial matters. What matters most is the spirit of being together in the same place.

“No success in public life can compensate for failure in the home”.

By having the appropriate research, you should be able to enjoy a great family vacation at a luxury destination of your choice. Stop and take a proper look around – you’ll be glad you did. Fuji Rock Festival For the music lovers out there, if you’re in Japan towards the end of August, head out to Niigata for the Fuji Rock Festival. Bring your suntan lotion as it gets hot in the hills at this time of year.

Personal Care, General Health

Being in Asia means being in the tropics, and temperatures rise here well above 32 degrees on a daily basis. During the day loosing a lot of fluids is normal, proper hydration with 2 to 3 liters of fresh water per day are a must for every person. At these temperatures bacteria thrive and the general advice is to treat all your wounds large or small, with utmost care. Do not leave any food lying around your living spaces, it will attract insects and little critters, which are not easily to get rid of once they have arrived.

The general recommendation by the Ministry of Health Malaysia, Public Health Department(Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia) for 2009 are.

Influenza A (H1N1)

H1N1 as it is most commonly known is at this moment the hottest health issue around the globe. Swine flu did not pass on Malaysia and is front page news nearly everyday. With nearly 2000 recorded case and 32 deaths at this moment, the treat of this aggressive flu virus is felt in this country too. The virus is contagious and is spreading from person to person. When you arrive at any border or airport, infrared heat sensors scan the incoming stream of visitors for detectable signs.

Health warnings can be found in almost all buildings and many portable doctors stations are set up in office areas and public buildings, for the public to easily find a doctor during work hours. People in the streets and trains are seen with mouth protection. Mainly germs spread the disease, wash and sanitize your hands on a regular basis, wear facial protection for mouth and nose, to avoid infection.

The symptoms of H1N1 are very similar to normal flu but more severe, coughing, chills, headaches, fatigue, overall body and muscle pains. Seek immediate medical attention when in doubt.

Dengue Fever

Dengue is a viral infection transmitted by female mosquito’s and occurs in tropical and sub-tropical parts of the globe, people are more prone to attracting the infection during wet and humid months of the year. High fever, chills, headaches, joint and muscle pain are among the main symptoms. There is no real cure for Dengue, take plenty of rest and paracetamol to relief pain. Seek doctor’s advice.

Sun and Sunburn

The sun stands high in the sky all day, even when clouds are blocking the sun light, ultraviolet rays are still burning down on your skin, wear protective clothing and when exposed use crème with a minimum SPF 15 (Sun Protection Factor), wear head gear if possible. Drink lots of fluids, preferable plain water.

Malaria

Malaria exists throughout Sabah. Malaria transmission in the rest of Malaysia is mainly confined to the rural areas, during daytime hours risk of exposure is minimal.

Vaccinations

Because of the tropical climate it is wise to vaccinate. Depending on the area’s you may visit various cocktails are available.

Non rural areas – minimum of Hepatitis A and B

Rural areas – Malaria, Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A and B, TB, Rabies, DTP.

Food

Tap water in cities is safe to drink, and most houses, hotels and community buildings have double filtered water, you are advised to use bottled water if in doubt. Food outlets can be considered safe, even the local and road side stalls, try to avoid uncooked meat and fish.

Doctors and Hospitals

Doctors and Hospitals are widely available, well equipped, and payments are normally done in cash but credit cards are accepted everywhere Most offices or “kliniks” as they are called locally have their own medicine bank and pharmacy.

Health Insurance

Insurance is recommended when traveling around Malaysia. Proof of any foreign insurance is generally accepted.

Malaysia is a largely safe area to travel without complications, however be aware of high temperature which can cause infections and dehydration fast.

First, we’ll jet you off to Bangkok, the hub for your Southeast Asia travel adventure. It is also a great place to start as the city is one of the world’s great metros, combining tall shimmering skyscrapers and glittering temples. You’ll visit the country’s most famous structures at the Grand Palace, a network of temples and traditional buildings which serves as the official residences of the Royal Family since the 18th century. Nearby Wat Pho, the birthplace of traditional Thai massage and home of a large reclining Buddha image will also be visited. The city is also open for recreational time. Be sure to enjoy Bangkok at leisure as well.

Prepare for a complete change of scenery! Let the laid back Lao atmosphere soothe you at Luang Prabang, Laos’ former capital. This UNESCO Heritage Town is known for its beautiful mix of temples, colonial structures, tree-lined streets and overall cleanliness. See it all on Phousi Hill during sunset before individually inspecting the town yourself. Yes, Luang Prabang feels more like a town than a city. While here, you’ll have the opportunity to cruise the Mekong and experience the Buddha-filled caves of Pak Ou and the majestic falls of Kuang Si.

From past to present, head to Vientiane, the current capital of Laos. Again, another town-like Lao city with the renowned Lao laid-backness sprinkled in. Stroll along the river and just soothe in the environment. Learn about the city’s history at the famed temples of Wat Sisaket and That Luang as well as through the capital’s quiet neighborhoods and local markets. You’ll also partake in a special Lao ceremony called the baci, which is deeply rooted in Lao history and culture (it was around even before Buddhism arrived in the country), giving you luck on your travels.

From capital to capital, you fly onwards to Phnom Penh for the Cambodian section of your Southeast Asia tour. Once called the Pearl of the East, you will venture through the tree-lined streets, explore temples and visit the Royal Palace, Wat Phnom and the National Museum.

A Cambodia trip wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Siem Reap and its Angkor temples. Yes, in case you were wondering, this is where Angkor Wat is. But this is just one many temples you’ll see. Some are even covered in jungle, just like how explorers first saw them. Vary your touring experience a little bit with an optional helicopter flight over Angkor Thom. We promise a spectacular and breathtaking experience.

So, now you know a lot more about Southeast Asia with a tour through some of its current and past capitals. If you can’t get enough of the region, check out our multi-country tours page. You can always contact us if you need questions or further assistance.

Traveling around your country can be done anytime because it’s easier. You don’t need a passport and it doesn’t cost a lot and you can do it and come back to your house within one or two days therefore you can do it on the weekend. Traveling to another country requires time, money and paperwork, therefore, you should dot it whenever you get the time off and the money to do it. You won’t regret that you can tell your date that you have been to France, Italy, and China. Traveling abroad will change you from the inside out. The memories and experience are priceless.

There is no other feelings that can be equate with hoping on an airplane for three days and walk out into a totally different settings of nature and people. You will amaze for sure and there won’t be any feeling like this. It’s like the feeling of seeing a hundred thousand dollars check giving to you on your birthday. The feelings are indescribable. There is nothing like experiencing the real thing. It’s like eating ice cream instead of having people eat in front of you and tell you how delicious it is.

When you travel abroad you can do some shopping too. The price in some Eastern country is very lower than in America. This is true in Asia, hotels there only cost between -30 dollars a night. You can buy a pair of jeans for and you can’t do that in America. You can also buy gold and silver at a very low price. Beside shopping there is nothing more refreshing than the fresh air of a new country. It will sure be very different than the air in the US. The smell of the rice fields, the dampen road, the cow aura, these senses are the best that you can give to yourself.

The photos you will be taking, the recording you will make of all the chimpanzee you see on the street of Asia, you can’t do this in your own country. When you are over sea you will learn a lot about how things can be improve in your own home land. There are better things at every single place that you will visit that you can learn from. Traveling over sea is a priceless experience. It’s something that you will be glad that you did.

Thailand

The country of Thailand receives millions of tourist visits every year. Despite some troubles affecting its current government, visitors and travelers are not affected with it since all they want is to have a place to relax and enjoy a perfect holiday. Spots like Phuket and Bangkok are two of the most visited regions in Thailand that boast their rich and crystal clear beaches.

Indonesia

People most associate Indonesia with the devastating tsunami that hit the country and few of its neighbors in 2004.

But honestly, Indonesia is more than what we think it is. The country prides hundreds of world renowned tourist destinations such as beaches, live museums, and magnificent scenic beauty.

The towering temples and grand pagodas in the country are among the most popular destinations in Indonesia that continue to receive millions of visitor each year. Travelers, historians, and other visitors never miss to take photographs of these places during their visit.

Adding to that heritage are the enticing beaches populating the country. Bali in particular is a world class destination where pristine beaches are abundant. Hollywood movie stars often spend their vacation here and many newly webs are also taking pleasure in the island.

Philippines

Dubbed as the Pearl of the Orient, Philippines dearly proved that glory by showcasing tons of tourist attractions present in the archipelago. The country is not just home to luxurious beach clubs such as those built in Boracay, but also to compassionate and loving citizens. The country is also a sanctuary of several endangered species as the spotted dear.

For tourists who love to go by the beach, the country can provide many places to spend a fabulous vacation. Aside from Aklan where the famous Boracay can be found, places like Negros, Panay, Apo, and Palawan are also good places to spend a beach holiday.

An estimated 90% of tourists would use the railroad to reach Lhasa, Tibet. It is an unique ground expedition across clear cascading streams, spectacular mountain ranges, and the colorful landscapes almost untouched by modern civilization. It would be the dream of urban travelers to experience nature with such a panoramic vision, indulging and rejuvenating for a true getaway from the hectic city-life.

A Centennial Dream Comes True

From its initial conception in the early 1950s, the construction of Qinghai-Tibet Railroad went through a lengthy 50 years to build. The first section of 814 km, from Xining, capital of Qinghai Province, to Golmud began operation in 1984. The Golmud-Lhasa section commenced construction in June 2001. On July 1, 2006, the 1,956-Km Qinghai-Tibet Railroad started its full-length operation. Its 2 inaugural trains, “Qing 1″ and “Tibet 2″, started service from Golmud and Lhasa separately. China President Hu Jintao labeled the project as an unbelievable achievement both in China and the World’s railway construction. This completed mission also realized a centennial dream of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the pioneer of China’s democratic revolution.

The Physical Deterrents

Geographical conditions from Golmod to Lhasa are especially harsh. Perennial icy soil as hard as steel, thick blankets of Winter snow and the high altitudes deterred and slowed down project progress through the many years of site execution. An American, Paul Theroux, prophesized that Kunlun Range was a definite impossible geographical barrier for railroad to get to Lhasa. But the inauguration of Qinghai-Tibet Railroad, now the world’s highest railroad terminating in Lhasa, has proven Theroux’s prophesy untrue.

Key Facts of Qinghai-Tibet Railroad

1. Qinghai-Tibet Railroad is the world’s highest.2. 960 kms of its tracks are located 4,000 m above sea level.3. The highest point is 5,072 m above sea level or 200 meters higher than the 2nd highest Peruvian railroad in the Andes.4. 550 kms of the route run on frozen soil5. Tanggula Railway Station is the highest railway station in the world (5,068m above sea level)6. Fenghuoshan Tunnel is the world’s highest tunnel on frozen soil (4,905 m above sea level)7. It is the world’s longest plateau railroad, extending 1,956 kms from Xining, Qinghai to Lhasa, Tibet.8. The Golmud-Lhasa section zigzags 1,142 kms across the Tanggula and Kunlun Ranges.9. Kunlun Mountain Tunnel is the world’s longest plateau tunnel built on frozen soil(1,686 m)10. The maximum design train speeds are 100 km/h in frozen zones and 120 km/h on non-frozen areas.

Environmental Friendly

Chinese authority responded actively to international call for environmental friendly and sustainable development. 8% of the total development cost was set aside for conservation of environment. Recommendations by the Academy of Environment Protection were taken seriously by the Chinese government before construction. Qinghai-Tibet Railroad was credited with the honor of being the first environmental friendly railroad in the world.

Train Schedule for Tibet

Tourists can join in this rail route from several different cities in China.

1. Western Beijing Train Station to Lhasa, the whole journey is 4,064Km and takes 47 hours and 28 minutes. The ticket fee is RMB389 (USD48) for a hard seat, RMB813 (USD102) for a hard sleeper and RMB1262 (USD160) for a soft sleeper. It leaves Beijing at 21:30 every night and arrives in Lhasa at 20:58 on the third day. Another train leaves Lhasa for Beijing at 8:00 each morning and arrives in Beijing at 8:00 the third day, via Xian, Lanzhou, Xining, Golmod and Nacku.

2. Chengdu Train Station to Lhasa, the whole journey is 3,360km. The ticket fee is RMB331 for a hard seat, RMB712 for a hard sleeper and RMB1104 (USD140) for a soft sleeper. It leaves Chengdu at 18:18 on the odd days and arrives in Lhasa at 18:28 on the third day. It leaves Lhasa for Chengdu at 9:05 and arrives in Chengdu at 9:55 the third day, Via Guangyuan, Baoji, Lanzhou, Xining, Golmod and Nacku

3. Chongqing Train Station to Lhasa. The whole journey is 3,654Km The ticket fee is RMB355 for a hard seat, RMB754 for a hard sleeper and RMB1168 for a soft sleeper. It leaves Chongqing at 19:20 on the even days and arrives in Lhasa at 18:28 on the third day. It leaves Lhasa for Chongqing at 09:05 and arrives in Chongqing at 09:55 the third day, Via Guangan, Dazhou, Xian, Baoji,Lanzhou, Xining, Golmod and Nacku.

Enjoy your Tibet trip and write to share with others your memorable adventures in this rugged part of China!

There are a few big cities such as Bangkok and HCMC can provide international standard medical care in Indochina area, but most part of this area is not, taking health precautions and vaccinations are prior to your travel plan. The following immunizations are suggested, you may consult your doctor or the local health department to discuss which ones you need:

Diphtheria and tetanus: Combined vaccinations for these two diseases are usually given in childhood and should be boosted every ten years.

Hepatitis A: Vaccination provides immunity for up to ten years and involves an initial injection followed by another six months to one year later.

Meningococcal Meningitis: This vaccine is only recommended for travellers making extended visits to rural, northern Vietnam. Protection lasts for three years.

Rabies: People making longer trips to remote areas should consider rabies vaccination, which involves three injections over a period of three to four weeks.

Bring your own medicine and prescription drugs in case you cannot get the same ones at local pharmacies in Indochina area . Many of the drugs sold in small pharmacies are copies or have expired. Stick to reputable Pharmacies that are easy to find in main cities around Indochina area.

Remember to drink a lot of non-alcoholic liquids, stick to bottled water and prevent using ice in the drinks in most part of Indochina area. If there is no bottled water, boiled water is acceptable. In Bangkok, Hanoi and HCMC, ice is general fine.

Vegetables should be thoroughly cleaned and preferably cooked. All meats and fish should be well cooked. To be safe, peel your own fruit. Yogurt, if refrigerated, is generally fine but avoid fresh milk and be wary of other non-sealed dairy products, especially home-made ice cream. If you are unsure, avoid it.

Tummy is common disease for travelers. If it occurs, maintain a diet of bland foods of fluids only. If severe, consult a physician. When you need medical care during your vacation in Indochina area, medical personnel outside big cities normally speak little or no English, so make sure your tour guide is beside you when seeing a doctor. Good communication is the criteria of correct diagnosis. Local hospital and doctors expect immediate payment for health services. Minor illnesses and injuries can be taken care of in most cities in Indochina area. If there are more serious health problems that require medical evacuation, please contact your tour company in the first time. Professional tour operator is experienced for emergency situation. You can visit http://www.indochinaodysseytours.com to get more information about this.

The houses are decorated with wood instead of carpet. You will rarely see carpeted house in Asia. They often leave the front door open. It’s just the nature of the culture. They welcome their friends. The little villages are small and they all know each other. They don’t dress up. They can be villagers who don’t have a lot of money. They will wear old, dirty clothing. The boys or girls can go without their tops. They might not wear socks, or shoes. They don’t wear a lot of ties in Asia. It’s not common to see men with shaved heads unless they’re a monk. They all grow out their hair and Asian men don’t go ball often. The women leave their hair very long. It’s just a tradition. They don’t wear a lot of makeup in the rural areas. They might wear makeup in the city. A lot of locals might have poor personal hygiene. They might have poor teeth, brown teeth from smoking or just no teeth at all. They can’t afford fake teeth sometimes there too. A lot of Asian cultures chew tobacco so they will have poor teeth. They chew a lot of tobacco in Asia. The local people smoke a lot too.

Tobacco is manufactured in China primarily so you would expect them to smoke a lot. People in Asia eat rice, vegetables and meat sometimes. They don’t have things like hamburgers or milkshake. It’s more like food from the west. You will see a lot of soul food too which you might not like to eat. They can eat the entire body of the animal like pork’s nose, legs, liver, heart, and so forth. They may also use the blood of the animal to make other food which you might not like. This is not healthy of course but they do it and that’s why the locals can have illnesses from eating these kind of food. Whenever you enter their home, they expect you to take off your shoes and your hat. It’s just a tradition. They bow too in Japan and China. If you’re not sure what to do, you can bow and they will take that as a hello. People in Asia rarely look directly into each other’s eyes. They look on the ground or somewhere else. If you stare directly into their eyes, it could be a sign of rudeness. Women are submissive in Asia.

Although Tibetan history can be traced back thousands of years, the written history dates back to the 7th century when King Songtsan Gampo, who united Tibet, sent his minister Sambhota to India to study Sanskrit. On his return, Sambhota invented the present Tibetan script based on Sanskrit.

The majority of Tibet’s population is native Tibetan, with good numbers of ethically related minorities and smaller numbers of ethic Chinese, Mongol and Kazakh. An agrarian society, farmers make up 90 percent of the population.

Mahayana Buddhism is the predominate religion of Tibet, though Bon is still practiced. The Buddhist faith is deeply rooted and encompasses all aspects of life in Tibet and to its people.

Tibet’s Main Festival: Losar, Tibet New Year (February or March) is one of the most important festivals for Tibetans as it is a time for family reunions and to convey greetings and best wishes for the coming new year.

The Monlam Festival ( First to the 15th day of the first month of the lunar year ) is the largest religious gathering in Tibet. It was introduced by Tsongkhapa, founder of the Yellow sect, in 1490 AD. During the festival, Lamas from the three largest monasteries gather in the Jokhang to recite scriptures and prepare to take an examinations for their next degree.

Saga Dawa Festival (May or June) is the holiest of Tibet’s festival. It celebrates Buddha’s birth and his enlightenment.

Gyantse Horse Race & Archery Fest takes place in May or June. Horse racing and archery are popular in Tibet and Gyantse enjoys the prestige of being the birthplace of both activities in Tibet. Conforming to the lunar calendar, Gyantse’s Festival offers equestrian and archery contests followed by a few days of other activities.

Shoton Festival is in August. Shoton, the Yoghurt festival is Tibet’s largest festival. In times gone by, pious people went into mountain hermitages to do penance. On the last day of penance, as rewarded, yoghurt was served and followed by entertainment. Nowadays, it has evolved into a music festival that usually lasts for seven days.