Asia offers visitors a dynamic selection of urban sophistication, rural tranquility, and seaside vistas to explore. Packing for these diverse destinations that can include days spent lounging on a beach, visiting centuries old temples, and exploring busy cities, in addition to taking into account the region’s humid climate is no small feat.
We’ve put together a checklist of our must-have items and a few suggestions to help you pack everything you need for your vacation through Asia.
Sun Protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, chapstick with SPF, and a hat are a must. Southeast Asia is warm year round, and even during the winter, visitors can expect lots of sunshine. Hats are also recommended, with a preference for something with a wide brim, which provide more protection than a baseball cap. These items are also for sale at local stores throughout the region, if you lose, run out, or forget anything.
Daily Essentials
A sarong or scarf, wet wipes, and bug spray are top items travelers recommend for daily use when visiting Southeast Asia. A small travel umbrella is also recommended to have on hand for rain showers or to shield you from the sun on hot days.
In respect to local customs, women should plan to cover their shoulders when visiting temples and religious sites. A scarf or sarong is a versatile accessory that can be easily carried and wrapped around your shoulders for extra coverage when needed.
Wet wipes are great to have for bathroom stops, cleaning your hands after stopping to enjoy some of the region’s great street food, and as a general way to cool and refresh your skin.
Bug spray is another item travelers prefer to have on hand when exploring temples and more rural areas, especially in the evenings when the mosquitoes are most active.
Clothing
Plan to bring clothing light in color and fabric to help your skin breath in the warm humid climate. Stay away from dark and heavy materials like polyester. A light jacket or sweater is also advisable for heavily air-conditioned stores and restaurants.
Footwear
Sandals, flip flops, and lightweight trainers or hiking shoes are ideal for traveling through Southeast Asia. Aim for sturdy comfortable shoes that you can walk long distances in, explore trails around temples, and easily slip on and off. In some regions, shoes are taken off when entering residences, some public places, and religious sites.
For more packing lists to help plan for your trip to Asia, visit Travel Fashion Girl or USA Today Travel.
From Singapore and the Malay Peninsula to Hong Kong and Vietnam, Windstar explores the best of Asia. Windstar features:
- Best value in luxury travel: starting at $3,599 per person, guests receive $1,000 airfare credit, complimentary transfers on arrival, one free hotel night, a spacious suite on Star Pride, Windstar’s first all suite yacht, and a spectacular Private Event, created exclusively for Windstar guests.
- In-depth local experiences: Windstar showcases local cultures and cuisines through expert guest lecturers and local entertainers who come on board every voyage.
- Acclaimed itineraries: recognized for unique itineraries and authentic experiences, Windstar’s Singapore & the Malay Peninsula was recently showcased by Fodor’s as one of the Top 10 New Cruise Itineraries in 2014. Additionally, the line offers exclusive overnight experiences in both Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and Da Nang.
- Special access of small ship cruising: Windstar can get close enough for guests to experience these extraordinary places. Star Pride docks in city centers where larger ships can’t go, including the center of Hong Kong, the center of Penang, and the center of Halong Bay where junks come right alongside for guests to board from the deck of the yacht.
- Convenience and ease of travel: Windstar’s combination of small ship luxury and world-class service on board and on shore brings peace of mind when exploring new countries.
To learn more about the featured voyages and take advantage of Windstar’s Asia offer, contact a travel professional, visit Windstar Cruises or call Windstar Cruises at 800-258-7245.
