The Basics

• If travelling South East Asia, Nepal, or India, travel light. You can purchase almost everything you need along the way, including clothes(but excluding fluoridated toothpaste. It makes moving and getting around much easier. If you plan to collect things, check out postal services in the country as soon as you arrive, and before you buy. Its much easier to mail the odd box or two than carry the extra weight.
  
• If you are traveling for only a short period -- 2 to 6 weeks -- try to arrange your visas ahead of time. It can often take a week or longer to have a visa application processeed in some countries. Even a two day wait can cut into your time.
  
• If you are travelling for an extended period, you don't need to have all your visas in advance. The visa for the next country on your itinerary can usually be picked up in the country your are in. This allows you flexibility to change your plans as you go without wasting visas due to fixed dates. Do visit embassies early in the day, and well in advance of the planned departure to your next country. It often takes several days to process requests. For more information on requirements this is a good site for Canadians -- http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/travelreport/menu_e.htm.
• Use travellers cheques (U.S is the acceptable standard). They are safe and dependable, and there is a negligible difference in exchange rates. Try to always carry some some extra cash in small U.S. denominations. It can help you at airports, embassies, and with taxis and other small purchases in virtually any country you visit. Salt your funds away in different places in case of theft.
  
• Plan well in advance of your trip for any shots or medicines that are recommended for an area. Also bring a simple medical kit with bandages, Tylenol and other simple items.
  
• If you like the Lonely Planet guides, pick them up along the way. Most of the larger cities have great book stores. Its also a pain to carry around more than two at a time. Trade in values are never great, especially on old editions. So you're best try trading with someone who's got what you want. There are often notices on bulletin boards at guesthouses.
  
• If you have definite arrival and departure dates for your trip try to book your airfares as early as possible, or plan to travel in the low season. If not, shop around as you travel. There are some good deals to be had. But give yourself time if you need to return by a certain date. Its very difficult, I found, trying to book a ticket back to North America for Christmas less then 6 weeks in advance. The best cities to fly from are Bangkok, Singapore, Kathmandu, or Delhi
  

What to take:

Along with the other basics, here are a few things I found useful:

• mid-size zippered back pack
• ziplock bags for money, passport, and other documents.
• a small lock
• summer weight sleeping bag or sleep sheet
• a Swiss army knife
• a few candles and a small flashlight for use during power outages.
• a lighter (even if you don't smoke).
• a basic first aid kit with bandages, iodine, rehydration powder, water tablets, Tylenol, etc.
• toilet paper (always resupply this one)
• a good pair of walking or hiking shoes
• a pair of durable sandals
• a fleecy or a light sweater
• one or two long sleeve shirts
• one pair of long pants or jeans
• a few pair of walking shorts
• a compass (very handy in a city)
• an AT & T calling card (accepted in most countries and can save hassle and expense)
• one credit card
• lots of extra passport photos for visa applications.

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