I've never been to these places, but as a frequent traveler, I just had to speak up! :)
1) On the subject of money: ATMs are the best way to go, especially if you are banking with a big bank, like Citi or HSBC. Even if you're not, the conversion rates are pretty decent, much better than credit cards and definitely better than most money lenders. The trick would be to know how much you plan to spend in one place, so you only have to draw the money once or twice. If you keep drawing money you'll be hit with fees, and that would be really defeating the purpose.
2) On accommodation: I don't know what you're budget is, but I would check out backpacker hostels that offer private rooms that are a step up from shared rooms. Shared accom is all good, but when you're tired and grimy at the end of the day, you would wish that you had paid for that extra privacy.
I would also pay a premium for location because when I'm touring and have limited time, I don't want to have to commute back and forth from a hotel in BFE.
3) On luggage: Bring a lightweight backpack for anything, and something like a fanny pack or a small sling pouch for your documents and money. Be really, really tough on yourself when packing. You don't need lotion, hair conditioner, hair dryers, bath towels, baby powder, four pairs of shoes and several books "to read when I'm bored." THESE WILL WEIGH YOU DOWN. There's no argument at all. You are traveling with your niece you will not be bored and will not need those dress shoes and that hair gel in the event there is a nice fancy party to go to. You will not be bored because in the plane you will be tired and zonked out, and the rest of the time you will be touring.
Bring: one or two sets of lightweight pants with LOTS OF POCKETS, a couple of shirts, underwear, and some socks. If you have a sari/sarong or a similar sized piece of cloth, bring it. These are immensely useful and multipurpose (some uses: sling, sling shot, blanket, divider, net for catching fish, hammock, blindfold, trap for enemies, skirt, towel, religious headgear, makeshift parachute, etc.)
And don't ever bring a duffel bag as your luggage. You will ruin your shoulders and get mad at yourself for not listening to me. I can't be more emphatic about this and will tell you I told you so if you don't listen!!!!
4) On food and drink. Ask if the country you are going to has potable tap water. You should ask this way: "do you drink water from the tap?" and not in some vague random way like "is water here safe?" If they drink from the tap, then buy/bring a bottle and drink from the tap as well. Take this advice with a grain of salt because I am now living in Singapore where stuff are super clean or the really long arm of the law will do something about it.
Strive to eat as local as you can. Ask the cab/bus drivers where they have their lunch, and eat there. Cabbies have the best inside info on the city, trufax.
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branchandroot
no subject
Date: 2010-07-05 01:09 pm (UTC)I've never been to these places, but as a frequent traveler, I just had to speak up! :)
1) On the subject of money: ATMs are the best way to go, especially if you are banking with a big bank, like Citi or HSBC. Even if you're not, the conversion rates are pretty decent, much better than credit cards and definitely better than most money lenders. The trick would be to know how much you plan to spend in one place, so you only have to draw the money once or twice. If you keep drawing money you'll be hit with fees, and that would be really defeating the purpose.
2) On accommodation: I don't know what you're budget is, but I would check out backpacker hostels that offer private rooms that are a step up from shared rooms. Shared accom is all good, but when you're tired and grimy at the end of the day, you would wish that you had paid for that extra privacy.
I would also pay a premium for location because when I'm touring and have limited time, I don't want to have to commute back and forth from a hotel in BFE.
3) On luggage: Bring a lightweight backpack for anything, and something like a fanny pack or a small sling pouch for your documents and money. Be really, really tough on yourself when packing. You don't need lotion, hair conditioner, hair dryers, bath towels, baby powder, four pairs of shoes and several books "to read when I'm bored." THESE WILL WEIGH YOU DOWN. There's no argument at all. You are traveling with your niece you will not be bored and will not need those dress shoes and that hair gel in the event there is a nice fancy party to go to. You will not be bored because in the plane you will be tired and zonked out, and the rest of the time you will be touring.
Bring: one or two sets of lightweight pants with LOTS OF POCKETS, a couple of shirts, underwear, and some socks. If you have a sari/sarong or a similar sized piece of cloth, bring it. These are immensely useful and multipurpose (some uses: sling, sling shot, blanket, divider, net for catching fish, hammock, blindfold, trap for enemies, skirt, towel, religious headgear, makeshift parachute, etc.)
And don't ever bring a duffel bag as your luggage. You will ruin your shoulders and get mad at yourself for not listening to me. I can't be more emphatic about this and will tell you I told you so if you don't listen!!!!
4) On food and drink. Ask if the country you are going to has potable tap water. You should ask this way: "do you drink water from the tap?" and not in some vague random way like "is water here safe?" If they drink from the tap, then buy/bring a bottle and drink from the tap as well. Take this advice with a grain of salt because I am now living in Singapore where stuff are super clean or the really long arm of the law will do something about it.
Strive to eat as local as you can. Ask the cab/bus drivers where they have their lunch, and eat there. Cabbies have the best inside info on the city, trufax.
5) I can't think of a number 5. Sorry.