Idle banter forum

Random travel tips..

Sampan

traveller
Posts: 97

Hi all,

This probably falls under the category "not very useful threads" but what's your random travel tips?

One of mine would be;

- If you find yourself on Starbucks somewhere, remember to stock up on some high quality tissue paper..

//

#1 Posted: 17/1/2010 - 16:40
somsai

som tam seller
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Don't eat yellow snow.

#2 Posted: 17/1/2010 - 19:03
exacto

mahout
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with money, always use the largest denomination note you think the place can comfortably change. that way you'll keep a supply of small notes on hand for those places that have trouble making change.

#3 Posted: 17/1/2010 - 19:33
christay2009

adventurer
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'Think local'...but not too much

#4 Posted: 17/1/2010 - 20:51
womble86

longtail driver
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Take a mess tin to the beach for skinning up to help protect from the wind

#5 Posted: 18/1/2010 - 21:17
somtam2000

admin
mahout
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Pack a ball of string.

#6 Posted: 19/1/2010 - 13:32

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iPhone Apps for Southeast Asia
busylizzy

under-employed
Posts: 1257
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SBE (a TF poster) gets full credit for this idea, but it's been one of the most useful tips for me.

Bring a dry bag with you, which has the obvious use as... well, a dry bag - to keep your stuff (esp electronics) dry if you're spending a lot of time in or near water.

But SBE's suggestion was that it can also be used to do your laundry in. No more issues of bot being able to block the sink, etc. Just put the washing powder into the bag, add the water then your clothes. Seal it up, then shake it around. Works just like a washing machine! You can even let your dirty clothes soak for awhile without the water draining away.

#7 Posted: 19/1/2010 - 19:23

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As you grow older, you'll find the only things you regret are the things you didn't do.
KazAussie

tuk tuk driver
Posts: 219

Smile ... go with the flow .... I think the two most common words we used on our recent trip in Cambodia and Vietnam were "no thankyou" (or should that be three words). This was in response to "madam you buy somsin" and "I have many colours").

Be patient and listen to people... many of the locals speak English but you need to paraphrase things back to ensure you are really getting your message across or understanding what they are saying.

#8 Posted: 22/1/2010 - 15:26
Sampan

traveller
Posts: 97

This is a "Macgyver-style aircon unit" to help cool off a baking hot fan room.

Take your ball of string and stretch it across your room so that its in the airflow of your fan, the closer to the fan the better. Now, soak a big piece of cloth (towel, sarong etc.) in water and squeeze it so its moist but not dripping (doesn't really matter if it does drip, but its bloody annoying with puddles on the floor) and hang it over the string in the airflow. Splash with water from time to time to keep moist.

This will not do miracles, but it does help, at least a bit.

Oh, and remember that electricity and water together can be extremely bad for your health, do not try to cover the fan with a wet cloth!

Happy trails.

#9 Posted: 16/2/2010 - 12:43
francesstel-
la

traveller
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If you're not sure whether you'll need it, don't pack it. If it turns out you were wrong, you can buy in Asia for a fraction of the cost.

#10 Posted: 16/2/2010 - 16:47
travelsalone

flashpacker
Posts: 40
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Pack duct tape.

#11 Posted: 19/2/2010 - 23:00
tezza

under-employed
Posts: 844

Holidaying necrophyliacs can minimise disappointment by avoiding clubs with LIVE GIRLS signs out front.

#12 Posted: 26/2/2010 - 15:27

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Lots of beaches and islands info - http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/
Manticore

tout
Posts: 67

Dont forget:

a pack of pocket tissue for number 2's because there is no such thing as an asian public toilet that stocks toilet paper.

a stash of plastic shopping bags.

notebook and pen

extra passport photos

new looking USD for emergencies

pocket knife, but no need for the bulky 500 piece ones.

#13 Posted: 26/5/2010 - 16:55
Sophia_India

noodle lady
Posts: 45
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I have got one, its not important but it works!

If you order special food one a plane - eg: Veggie/Halal
You always get your food first!

#14 Posted: 2/6/2010 - 18:23