Thorn Tree travel forum

1

Well, you have to dream, so I suppose you need to follow through. The first thing you need to do is get yourself a guidebook. If you are touring all over Southeast Asia which I presume you are with 12 months, I would get Southeast Asia on a Shoestring. This will give you an idea of costs. Keep in mind that these things change over time, but a guidebook will give you a sense.

Well, when you first get to Bangkok, you get into a taxi! Then you will probably want to head to Khao San Road and find a guesthouse. There are so many it is ridiculous. Some people like to book the first day or two ahead of time, but I didn't on my first trip.

Take only what you need! You can get pretty much everything while you are on the road. Besides, you will need the room for things you pick up along the way.

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2

i couldn't have said it better than losing touch above: get a good guidebook, and upon arrival to bangkok head to the Khao San Road area of bangkok and take up a guesthouse of your liking- there are dozens upon dozens to choose from within walking distance. then relax, have fun, and absorb. the rest will take care of itself. remember, your journey is your own personal experience, and will inevitably be a growing experience as well. i expect you after a couple of months travelling to log on hear from some internet cafe and give advise to others!

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3

start by reading Travelfish.org. The buy a guidebook. Frommers.com is helpful too. Read suggested itineraries.

4

I agree with the above but for the first few nights accommodation book ahead just for your piece of mind. I would probably use www.hostelbookers.com. They will charge 5 dollars but take that off your first nights accommodation so its really a free service. The rating system for the hostels is usually very accurate. I presume you have all the necessary shots and dont forget to take a worldwide adaptor and your charger for your mobile. I lost my charger and had to buy 3 different ones as i travelled through different countries in south america. I find ear plugs useful for noisy hostels, a few pills -anti diahorettics etc (a little first aid kit). Have plenty of sounds (MP3-ipod), a few books,condoms (i sound like your mother).

Have a great time. Just go with the flow and allow yourself time to get into the travelling frame of mind.

5

What you will need? This varies from person to person, but basically
--a few changes of clothing, shoes you can walk in (you'll prob end up in sandals after a short while anyway in this part of the world, but, hey)
--a towel,but the smaller the better
--toiletries. this should be self-explanatory, but don't forget things that would seem obvious:soap, shampoo in a small container, nail clipper, a knife (which you have to buy there or pack in your check-in, which you prob won't have), a razor (if you shave)toothpaste, brush, floss, etc., etc. Tampons/pads for women.
--a flashlight can be cool, although I rarely take one
--band-aids and health related stuff...medicines for the runs and a pain killer for any accidents.If you have some meds you need regularly, make sure they are stocked.
--sunscreen if you are white. This one will probably be much cheaper at home than in Thailand.
--mosquito repelant
--a guidebook (LP is still good in my book) the people who gripe about LP and other guidebooks here are probably similar to me:have been on so many trips to so many different places that we have seen were the books are useful and where they are crap. Also, extended exposure to places gives you more knowledge and that makes the books seem inadequate at times. I remember being in Niger one time and the guidebook said that if I sat at one bridge at one specific time, I might be lucky enough to see someone crossing with a camel. Once I arrived, it was all camels all the time, even in th city. So, of course, on that point, the LP seemed a bit contrived. Still, they are good books or I would definitely go to another site.
--maybve a phrasebook, depending on how keen you are. There will be a short language section in the gudiebook, but a phrasebook or a language book will ive you a much deeper description
--a bag to put everything in
--imagination, courage and caution. These are the most important things you can take, in my book. Use the book, but feel free to go with something better if it comes along. This requires courage. Also, it requires courage to face the culture and not judge...try for understanding. Finally, the adventures you go on should be evaluated cautiously. Make sure you are thinking clearly about what you are doing and that you are as informed as you can be in the moment.
Well, that was longer than I wanted it to be, but it is a beginning. I am actually excited for you. I remember when I was heading out for the first time at the tender age of 18. The trips get easier as time goes by and you get better at travelling.
One last note: all the things above can be procured in country, with a few exceptions. Most of the exceptions are based on personal preference as opposed to lack of availability. Only remote areas will have fewer choices. You can use the first few days in BKK or wherever to get adjusted and decide if you have missed anything. Of course, that will depend on you. I am a minimalist, and every trip I take always includes an encounter with someone who cannot believe how little I am taking. It is all up to you.
Have fun and keep us up to date on how you progress! Good luck.

tengo billetes como de octava clase, pero asi viajo, contento de ir de viaje.......