travel essentials · Just You Community

Scotlin
8 years ago
(Member) (Topic Starter)

(Member) (Topic Starter)

8 years ago

Hi as a newbie about to embark on my first trip in a few weeks to Vietnam and Cambodia I would like to ask advice of all you well travelled Just Youers as to what you find essential and helpful to have with you . I have gleaned a few ideas from Micks hand luggage post but would welcome any further advice especially with regards to over the counter medications , first aid items , adapters and anything else you can think of

Thank you for your help

Linda 🙂

SarahS
8 years ago
(Member)

(Member)

8 years ago

You've picked a great trip. Luggage is largely a matter of personal choice. I personally use a good quality lightweight wheeled suitcase for my main luggage. I find the newer four wheeled ones are much easier to maneuver round busy airports. There are a number of internal flights on this trip, so when you pack, remember the weight limit for those will be less than for your long haul flights. I wouldn't argue with Bob's comments on hand luggage, but again it's what you're comfortable with. I don't like backpacks, just cannot get on with them. I use a very small lightweight wheeled cabin bag, with a small shoulder bag for medicine, passport, money, and cameras. Again, it's what works for you, but do bear in mind that you may have to tow/ carry luggage fair distances at some airports, or even carry hand luggage up steps onto aircraft at some provincial airports. Have a wonderful time

Jaya
8 years ago
(Member)

(Member)

8 years ago

Hi Linda

As for over the counter medication, I always take paracetamol, strepsils, immodium, rehydrating packs, tiger balm, plasters, cough sweets etc. Have not needed to take immodium to date, but it is always good to have some just in case. Don't forget to pack the travel adaptor otherwise you will not be able to charge anything!

Jaya

nixon
8 years ago
(Member)

(Member)

8 years ago

Small note pad and pen, plenty of camera memory cards and charger, hand wipes and gel, travel packets of tissues, comfy shoes, I pack a basic spare outfit and tooth brush a small paste etc which go in my hand luggage just in case the main case goes missing, it does happen! Take a photo copy of your passport and travel documents, just in case something goes missing and I leave a set with someone at home just in case.

Have a great time

Cindy

Scotlin
8 years ago
(Member) (Topic Starter)

(Member) (Topic Starter)

8 years ago

Thank you everyone your replies are really helpful there are a few things I would never have thought of . Although I have traveled a lot I've only ever to places I could nip out to a shop if I had forgotten anything !!! I don't think that will be an option on this trip - I knew I could depend on your help - my to do list is getting longer and longer !!!

Gillian2011
8 years ago
(Member)

(Member)

8 years ago

Hi, I really enjoyed both Vietnam and Cambodia it was a brilliant trip, you will love it. I took only US Dollars with me, they were taken everywhere and almost all prices were marked in both local and US Dollars even in street markets. Also, ask for US Dollars when given change or you will have handfuls of local money which after leaving you will be stuck with, it's also difficult to make sure you have the right change. I was advised to take mainly small notes 1's and 5's. It seemed like a huge bundle of notes but it was VERY good advice.

Enjoy your trip, Gillian

Scotlin
8 years ago
(Member) (Topic Starter)

(Member) (Topic Starter)

8 years ago

'Gillian2011' wrote:
Hi, I really enjoyed both Vietnam and Cambodia it was a brilliant trip, you will love it. I took only US Dollars with me, they were taken everywhere and almost all prices were marked in both local and US Dollars even in street markets. Also, ask for US Dollars when given change or you will have handfuls of local money which after leaving you will be stuck with, it's also difficult to make sure you have the right change. I was advised to take mainly small notes 1's and 5's. It seemed like a huge bundle of notes but it was VERY good advice.
Enjoy your trip, Gillian

Hi Gillian thanks for your reply I'm really looking forward to my trip as everyone that has done it seems to have really enjoyed it . That sounds like a good idea to take lots of small notes I will certainly do that . Can I ask did you buy any souveniers on your trip , where was the best place to buy these ? I especially hope to get some silk scarves for pressies .

Thank you

Linda 🙂

Gillian2011
8 years ago
(Member)

(Member)

8 years ago

'Scotlin' wrote:

'Gillian2011' wrote:
Hi, I really enjoyed both Vietnam and Cambodia it was a brilliant trip, you will love it. I took only US Dollars with me, they were taken everywhere and almost all prices were marked in both local and US Dollars even in street markets. Also, ask for US Dollars when given change or you will have handfuls of local money which after leaving you will be stuck with, it's also difficult to make sure you have the right change. I was advised to take mainly small notes 1's and 5's. It seemed like a huge bundle of notes but it was VERY good advice.
Enjoy your trip, Gillian
Hi Gillian thanks for your reply I'm really looking forward to my trip as everyone that has done it seems to have really enjoyed it . That sounds like a good idea to take lots of small notes I will certainly do that . Can I ask did you buy any souveniers on your trip , where was the best place to buy these ? I especially hope to get some silk scarves for pressies .
Thank you
Linda :)
Hi Linda, I have just been looking at my photo album of the Vietnam/Cambodia trip and just how brilliant it was has come flooding back. It makes me want to do this trip all over again! There are loads of textiles available, both genuine and otherwise if you know what I mean. There are many small shops and street markets wherever you go selling mens, ladies and childrens things. I also really enjoyed the Vietnamese coffee both hot and iced so I brought some back with me. Trung Nguyen is their version of Star Bucks and their coffee is very good but there are lots types available. I also carried home several small one cup stainless steel filters. They are good but if weight/space is a problem the exact same ones can be bought on ebay for a couple of pounds.
We also visited some very good craft villages where people damaged by Agent Orange, used in the Vietnam War, can earn a living. They make statues large and small, embroidered textiles and many, many more crafts.
Just in case you are interested, on the last day of our holiday in Seim Reap a group of us went for a quick lunch at Raffles Hotel [ Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor] very posh but very relaxed, no major dressing up required, smart casual. I had an amazing Club Sandwich and a Singapore Sling cocktail [37 US dollars]. It was a great treat at the end of such an amazing holiday.
I am so envious of you, it is a wonderful trip. If I can help further please get in touch. I tried to attach a couple of pictures of the shops etc but the message said they were too big.
kind regards
Gillian

Scotlin
8 years ago
(Member) (Topic Starter)

(Member) (Topic Starter)

8 years ago

Hi Gillian

Thank you so much for your reply the more I hear about this trip the more I am looking forward to it . I too love coffee so look forward to trying it - the filters sound a great idea I much prefer real coffee but never make it at work as I cant be bothered with the faff !

I am glad there are visits to the craft villages I would much rather buy locally made items rather than mass produced .

I was looking at some pictures of the markets in my guide book I love the paper lanterns and would love to bring one home if I can - maybe better leave some weight allowance for all these goodies 🙂

I would love to go to Raffles I hope some others in the group would too ! I have been to Raffles in Singapore and really enjoyed the granduer and of course the mandatory Singapore Sling :heart:

Thanks once again for all your help Linda 🙂

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