WHAT TO PACK

What to pack : SOUTHEAST ASIA ISLAND ADVENTURE

Clothes, gear, supplies, medications and other suggestions.

General:

We will provide –  copies of passports, emergency contact info. etc.,

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One large piece of luggage roller bag/ backpack/ duffle bag

1 carry on/day pack

2 pairs zip off pants (zip off pant legs for shorts)

5- 7 short sleeve shirts (dry wicking is best)

1-2 long sleeve dry wicking shirt

1 sweatshirt

1 lightweight jacket

1 pair cross-trainer/tennis shoes w/ good tread

1 pair of comfortable shoes, sandals, crocs etc.

10 pairs underwear and socks

Wristwatch

Small LED flashlight/headlamp

Alarm clock

Toiletries, emergency meds, advil etc., hand sanitizer, extra deodorant!

Feminine hygiene products

Sunglasses, hat with brim, sunscreen

Swim suit/ travel bag for it when it’s wet

Various sizes of durable zip-lock bags (for swimsuit/ muddy shoes, etc.)

Travel towel

Most hotels have an efficient and cheap in-house laundry service so you don’t need to bring many sets of clothing.  Lightweight shirts: some people find even tee shirts a bit warm.  Long sleeves are useful to guard against mosquitoes in the evenings and light colors assist in keeping them away.

Ladies, please bear in mind when choosing your trip clothing that Southeast Asia is a very modest country and the women cover up.  Please avoid low cut or sleeveless tops, shorts and see through material.  It is good to blend is as much as possible with the locals and dressing appropriately helps us do that.

You will be able to purchase local ladies wear, at various places along the way.  If you are visiting ashrams or temples you need to cover your arms, at least short sleeves, and legs.  Men also need to cover their legs.  A pair of socks can be useful for walking on hot floors.

For our visits to wildlife sanctuaries and the rainforest, keep in mind that dark colors such as green, brown and black are the best to wear when out walking looking for animals.

Bring comfortable walking shoes for the wildlife sanctuary.  Slips on sandals are useful for the days when you visit temples where footwear is removed.

Bring a basic first aid kit.  This often ends up being the heaviest thing in your bag and people tend to be very over supplied.  You need some antiseptic cream or spray, mosquito repellent, painkillers and Band-Aids.  You can purchase most medical requirements easily over the counter. 

“Wet Ones” / moist towelettes are very handy for washing your hands before eating as we come into contact with unfamiliar bacteria along the way.  Ladies, tampons are difficult to find in Southeast Asia (pads are common but tampons are not).

An inflatable pillow can be useful for longer portions of the journey – general bedding, including a small pillow is provided on train journeys.

Earplugs for lights sleepers - as street noise tends to go on and on into the wee small hours.

Toilet paper is supplied in all hotels but it is useful to have some in your bag also - especially if you are caught unaware.

Sunscreen is difficult to find.

A journal for noting your varied experiences.

Travelers have found Essential Oils have assisted them on long journeys:

Ginger oil for nausea, Lemon oil for clearing the head in big cities and heavy traffic.

A 10 oz plastic bottle of clothes-washing liquid will be most useful for those times you wish to do your own washing and rinsing. At least it will be good for the early days of your journey.

Please keep your luggage to a minimum.  You will find many wonderful things to buy along the way so leave room for them when you start out!

A small daypack is handy to carry your camera, water bottle and daily needs.

Clothes:

Bring as little as you can. Clothes, should you need them, are cheap and readily available wherever you are. There will be time throughout the journey to make purchases.  Ladies, remember to provide for your special personal needs.

 

 

GENERAL MEDS FOR TRAVELERS:

CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR OR VISIT PASSPORT HEALTH PRIOR WELL IN ADVANCE

                                            MEDICATIONS FOR TRAVEL

When traveling out of the country, it is wise to raid the drugstore prior to departure to make sure that you have supplies in case of injury or illness.  Those marked with asterisk (*) require a prescription.

Antibiotics:    

1.    CIPRO*250 mgs taken twice a day for 3 days will be useful for diarrheal, urinary tract, and some upper respiratory infections.  Dose may be doubled for severe infections.

2.    Amoxicillin* 250mgs taken three times a day for 5 days can be used for ear, urinary tract, skin and diarrheal infections.  Dose may be doubled for severe infections.  Must not take if allergic to penicillin.

Note:   these can be taken in sunlight and are not diminished by alcohol.

Antimalarial:

                  Malarone* (antimalarial prophylaxis): combination of Atovaquone 250mg and proguanil 100mg.  This pill is taken once daily starting 2 days before reaching endemic area, throughout the time in the endemic area, and for 7 days afterwards.  This should not be taken with tetracycline drugs and should be taken right after eating food.

General Medications and Supplies:

1.    Lomotil*(diphenoxylate HCl/atropine sulfate), Imodium, Pepto-Bismol for diarrhea (Lomotil stronger than Imodium, but may cause dry mouth and drowsiness).  Note that Pepto-Bismol, a substance like aspirin, should not be taken by those allergic to aspirin.

2.    Eye drops:

a.     Naphcon A, or Vasocon A: antihistamine drops for allergy

b.    Tears as lubricant,  important for very dry or dusty climates

c.    Tobrex*(tobramycin) antibiotic drops for infection (red eye, crusting): 2 drops 4 times a day for 4 days in affected eye

3.    Sunblock: use a lotion that is at least 15 SPF and a lip balm with SPF of 15 or more

4.    Lotrisone*(betamethasone and clotrimazole) cream for (fungal) rashes

5.    Bandaids, thermometer, antibacterial wipes(e.g. “Wet Ones”), alcohol wipes and needle for splinters

6.    Elastic stockings for long flights: this truly helps to prevent the swelling that often occurs after sitting on a long flight.  It is good for the circulation as well.  (usually can be bought at surgical supply stores).

7.    Ambien*(zolpidem tartrate) 5 mgs (1-2 at bedtime) as sleeping aid for  long flights

8.    Insect repellant: the repellant must contain DEET in a concentration of at least 30-35% (for adults) to be effective against mosquitoes that transmit the malaria parasite.  Deep Woods “Off” meets this requirement.  “Ben’s”is a high concentration repellant for serious wilderness trips (95% DEET).

9.    Westcort*(hydrocortisone valerate)  cream (corticosteroid) for itchy insect bites

10.   Advil, Tylenol, or aspirin for pain, headache.

11.   Antihistamine: Clarinex* 5 mgs (non sedating)for sneezing, runny nose)1/day

Travel Medications and Advice (continued):

12.   Decongestants(use ½ hour before take-off and landing) if you have any symptoms of congestion in the ears, nose, head::

a.    Sudafed for blocked ears, for flying to prevent perforated ear drums

b.    Afrin nasal spray (short-acting) before taking off and on landing

13.   Anti motion sickness: meclizine or dramamine

14.   Indigestion: Mylanta antacid/antigas tablets

Immunizations: CONTACT YOUR LOCAL DOCTOR OR VISIT PASSPORT HEALTH The hepatitis vaccinations, ideally, are given over a span of 6 months (although accelerated schedules are available).

Up-to-date reports are available to determine what is needed from the CDC (Centers for Disease Prevention and Control) and their web site is very informative (www.CDC.gov).  Hepatitis A vaccine:  useful for any country where the water is questionable (most places outside of the US, Canada, and Western Europe) given as a series of two injections 6 months apart. We recommend the hepatitis B vaccine for frequent world travelers. Other routine vaccinations should be up to date (tetanus-diphtheria, polio, typhoid).