Tips for first-time travellers
www.roughguides.com
Theres no denying that travelling around South Asia can be a culture shock, especially on your first trip. Its a huge and bewildering region, with many different religions and cultures, and cities that roar with traffic and bustle with activity non-stop. At Rough Guides, we reckon that if you want to get the most out of your holiday, its best to follow some essential rules.
Avoid burnout
By far, the most common complaint reported by first-time visitors is fatigue simply trying to do too much in too little time. Have realistic expectations about how much you can see. A wisely planned visit to a particular area can deliver far more of the unique texture and spirit of the place. And remember, the place isnt going anywhere you can return time and time again.
Get out of the city
Though perhaps a clich, the only way to get a true sense of a country is to visit smaller villages. The real benefit is that itll get you out of the sprawling and vastly overpopulated cities. Once youve cleared your head, say with a trip to the mountains or coastal areas, youll be far better placed to enjoy the famous hospitality of the urbanites.
Watch what you eat and drink
A dodgy stomach is pretty common for first-time travellers. That doesnt mean you should rule out street food, but try to stick to peeled fresh fruit and foods that have been either boiled or fried. Stay on the bottled water and avoid salads or ice.
Dont be too precious about your personal space
This isnt really a popular concept. You will be squished on public transport and squashed in lifts. People will ask seemingly intrusive personal questions that you may find intimidating. Remember, it is a wholly different culture and the questions are merely indicative of the locals polite interest in you.
Dress appropriately
Be aware that the region has a relatively modest culture. Covering arms and legs is a simple step toward respecting this. People are usually forgiving of those who arent familiar with their culture, but you can quickly make a good impression by, for instance, removing your shoes before entering someones home. This is particularly important when entering a sacred space, like a mosque or a temple. Also, if you see shoes outside a shop, its a sign to remove your own.
Watch those feet and hands
Feet are considered to be unclean, so if you touch something with your feet, swiftly apologize. Similarly, eating or passing objects with your left hand is considered unpleasant. If unsure of local customs, keep an eye out for what others do and imitate.
Remember that time is relative
You may well find yourself waiting half an hour or more when a friend has assured you they will be five minutes. Traffic and other interruptions can also mean that getting around can take a lot longer than expected. Build in plenty of room for unexpected waits and make sure to check opening hours.
Stay safe
While dont go down dark streets alone might seem a bit obvious, there are plenty of straightforward ways to avoid subtle dangers. Carrying huge quantities of cash isnt a good idea anywhere, but in crowded cities, pickpocketing is a very present problem. Equally, haggling at a market can, at times, become an unpleasant, heated exchange. Inexperienced visitors are advised to try to stay cool. Be pleasant but firm, and dont allow yourself to be irritated.
Avoid deals that seem too good
Government shops are probably the easiest way to avoid running foul of scams, but simple rules like paying for things with cash, to avoid card cloning scams, may save you a lot of unnecessary trouble later in your journey. You should also pay particular attention if youre arranging to have things sent home by post, as its not unknown for shops to take your payment and send worthless items instead.
