by Mark Walters

We may be in the depths of winter at the moment, but that doesn’t mean you can’t start planning your summer vacation! It never hurts to be prepared and sometimes a little forward planning can be just the ‘pick me up’ you need when it’s cold. One thing you should always make sure to pack for a summer break is a good pair of sunglasses. The bigger the better, really, as they will protect your eyes from both the sun and the glare. Don’t forget them just because they’re small.

You should also make sure to take a selection of T-shirts with you. Tees are great for use as cover-ups on the beach if you can feel yourself burning in the sun, as well as being useful if you’re heading off to a bar or restaurant. Take a selection of colors with you so you can mix and match your outfits, but be careful not to wear anything that clashes with the amazing tan you’re sure to get. Go with loose, breathable fabrics like cotton to stay cool.

To go with your great selection of tees, make sure you take a few pairs of board shorts on your vacation. These are fantastic as they can double up as bathing shorts, saving space in your luggage. They’re also great for going out on day trips or for a casual, laidback beach look. Go for a longer length down to you knee if possible. They also fold up really small and are made from breathable fabric, making them ideal for summer vacations.

You might think it’s only women who have need of multiple pairs of shoes, but it can be a good idea to take a couple of pairs with you on vacation. They shouldn’t take up too much room in your suitcase, though, so don’t worry. The two main shoes you should take are sturdy sandals and casual flip flops, which will cater to all your needs. Flip flops are great for the beach or casual exploring on vacation, while sandals are great if you’re planning on walking any distance.

Particularly if you have fair skin, it can be a really good idea to take a few casual long-sleeve shirts with you. These will be great for protecting your shoulders from the sun as well as for if you find yourself going out for any formal meals or events. Choose light colors that reflect the sun, such as white or pale blue, as this will ensure they keep you cool even with long sleeves. You could even wear a shirt unbuttoned for a cool, casual summer vacation look.

by Victor Smith

The ordinary Western tourist poking around in Asian cities is usually sorely in need of some Asia travel advice, especially as relates to local laws and customs. Apart from the language, the lack of knowledge about local culture is a big hindrance, and sometimes even a danger. Something that might be very common in New York or London may be a big crime in parts of Asia.

It’s not something to be alarmed about, or worth spoiling the trip over. But tourists should know that these things change quite a lot based on the city and nation in question. A couple of examples might help clarify this some more. Take Dubai and Thailand, two places which Western tourists might assume have a lot in common.

Actually, they’re so different that it is necessary to divide travel tips for both into two separate sections. Let’s start with the Dubai travel advice, and then list the Thailand travel advice, to demonstrate how different it is. For starters, the most important thing to remember about Dubai is that they have very clear laws about alcohol and exposure and affection displays in public places.

Alcohol consumption is strictly confined to licensed restaurants and clubs in Dubai. Those who buy alcohol from a store should remember to keep it under wraps in paper bags. Driving under the influence is a strict no-no and anyone found driving with even the smallest amount of alcohol in the bloodstream will be fined or locked up.

The laws are equally strict about making out in public and indecent exposure. Tourists going to the beach in beachwear can easily break the law if they get too frisky, and the same applies when couples wearing skimpy attire in public places like malls get too hands-on, or start making out in a car. Remember that this is not just friendly advice, but a clear violation of the law that has gotten tourists arrested and put on trial.

Thailand, on the other hand, is a whole lot more open and liberal about these things. Tourists have total freedom to go wild and enjoy the urban fleshpots in Bangkok and other beach resorts. But this has its own dangers, especially when tourists go a little bit too far and experiment with drugs. A small quantity for personal use is enough to land a tourist in jail for a long, long time.

Another thing to remember in Thailand is never to disrespect the monarch or his likeness in any form – it is also a crime. Third, tourists are required to carry their passports or risk being arrested. It is also not a good idea to show off the soles of the feet in public or touch the back of someone’s head.

It’s obviously not possible here to list tips like this for every major tourist destination in Asia. But the general drift of it is that each place has its own laws and customs, so the best Asia travel advice that can be provided here is that visitors should know beforehand what is acceptable and what isn’t. Most destinations are quite friendly and welcoming, but it’s important to show some respect for local sensibilities.