Southeast Asia, known for its intricate tapestry of cultures and traditions, has become one of the most coveted travel destinations in the world and literally a dream for your wallet for most visitors.
From the shimmering temples and floating markets of Thailand to the modern jewel of the East, Singapore, each destination has its own unique culture, climate and customs that all go into Southeast Asia, a dynamic place to explore.
While many people choose these destinations because of their value, it is easy to get over excited and see your holiday budget gone in a day. Be it land tours or cruise, here are some tips which will help you save money on a trip to this region.
Consider a Land/Cruise Vacation
Avoid the hassle of packing and unpacking, stay in well-appointed accommodation and choose shore excursions that tick off all you want to explore on each port of call by sailing through southern shores on a cruise ship.
Moreover, given the number of cruise ships which ply these waters, cruisers can choose from a wide range of itineraries with ports of call like Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Singapore etc. and visit several countries on a single voyage. Also, when it is the time to disembark, the process is very simple.
Carry the Local Currency
Credit cards are acceptable in the large hotel and restaurants, but for the smaller establishments carry sufficient notes in all denominations in local currency(except in Vietnam, where US dollars only rule).
If you are traveling to remote areas there may not be any ATMs around, and even if you do find one, be prepared to pay a charge for withdrawing cash. Plus there is a limit on how much you can withdraw, which could be annoying at times.
Use Grab
Just like Uber, Grab is the Southeast Asian version of the popular travel app company. It has both car options for multiple passengers as well as scooter options if you are traveling by yourself. Moreover, the risk of getting cheated or overpaying is eliminated as you can pay with a credit card.
In some areas, especially Bali, the local taxi drivers resent the operation of Grab, so inquire beforehand which areas are Grab-free in order to avoid conflict.
Eat Street Food
Street food in Southeast Asia is not only delicious but very affordable as well. A few dollars can provide you with the best local delicacies, cooked fresh in front of you so you know you are eating good stuff.
At times you may be craving for a steak or two, but avoid ordering one in Southeast Asia as it won’t taste half as good as the one you get in Western countries, plus it will be much more expensive than any other item on the menu.
Get travel insurance
Most people make the dumb decision of not taking travel insurance and regretting it later on. It is highly recommended to take suitable cover for unexpected hospital visits in case of illness or injury. Trip cancellation, baggage loss and delays can also be covered by travel insurance, even though they may never happen.
Have any other money saving tips for when you travel, tell me in the comments!
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