One Week in Asia

What You Should Know Before Going On A Asia Tour

Best Time to Travel in Asia

Pick any time of the year and you will be able to visit one part of Asia. With Asia covering so much space and a variety of landscapes, you will be able to find a time of year that fits. 

However, some areas of Asia during certain times of the year should be avoided. It’s recommended that you coordinate the time of year with the region of Asia you want to visit before booking. Some tours to Asia may be hindered or itineraries may change because of weather or water levels. 

There are a few times of the year you should keep in mind when doing your research. South Asia during the summer months sees high rains during its monsoon season. November through March is monsoon season for many parts of Southeast Asia. Western Asia is very warm during the summer months as much of that area is desert. Central Asia can get very cold during the winter months. 

However, the months of May and September are probably the safest for most of Asia. Temperatures may still be warm in many areas, but you will see less rain and the crowds will be smaller. 

Asia Luxury Travel

There are plenty of Asian luxury tour operators you can choose from. Luxury tours of Asia typically provide premium accommodation in 4 and 5-star hotels in the central areas of the major cities. If you are visiting Asia on a river cruise, you’ll see high-end cruise ships and fine dining options. 

What makes luxury travel in Asia special is the private and personalized experiences. Whether it is a private hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia, Turkey, or a special photo opp with the Terra Cotta Warriors in China, Asia luxury travel is about those personal and exclusive touches to get you up close and personal with the diverse Asian cultures. 

Asia Budget Travel 

Asia is one of the best places to travel on a budget. Asia, and specifically Southeast Asia, is the epicenter of the backpacking world. 

There are many budget airlines and hostels throughout Asia. In places like Vietnam, you can pay $5 a night for a hostel dorm room and $10 for a bus ride. It can be easy to stick to a budget in Asia as there are many affordable options for travel and accommodation. 

There are plenty of Asia tour operators that provide budget tours or shoestring itineraries. Many of these tours will book you at hostels or homestays where you can meet locals and get to know other travelers.

You’ll also be traveling by local or public transportation to save money. These tours also often include more free time than luxury tours to keep the budget down and allow you to choose what to spend your money on. 

Asia for Older Travelers

While traveling through Asia may be intimidating for older travelers, there is plenty of opportunity to explore this diverse continent. 

However, it’s highly recommended that you do your research of the tour operator and countries you are looking to visit. For example, older travelers may have a harder time in some of the more rural areas of Cambodia and Laos with the dirt paths and trekking.

However, many tours take into account activity level and if you suffer from previous injuries or have a hard time getting around, a less strenuous tour may be the best. 

Much of Asia is mountainous, both in the cities and in the more rural areas. Cities like Istanbul with its very rugged streets and Kathmandu’s high elevation may make walking around difficult. If you are concerned about getting around, going with a more luxury, low intensity tour may be the best. 

Choosing a Southeast Asia Tour

Southeast Asia covers some of the most visited countries in Asia, however, trying to fit all of those countries into one trip will be overwhelming. 

Pick a few countries that you want to visit and find the tour that covers all of those countries. Many of the Southeast Asia tours group together a few countries in their itineraries. Vietnam is often included with Cambodia and Laos whereas Thailand can be combined with Singapore and Malaysia. 

Some of these countries do require a visa to enter the country, like Vietnam. Try to find a tour operator that helps or can direct you to where to get a visa because you will not be allowed into the country without one. 

Southeast Asia has some very interesting and colorful cities, but also some of the most breathtaking and beautiful landscapes in the world. Try to find a tour operator that includes both city life and rural destinations in their itineraries so you can see all that this amazing part of Asia has to provide. 

Street Food in Asia

Asia’s cuisine is vast and different, but one of the best types of food you’ll find everywhere is street food. In places like Bangkok and Hanoi, street food is part of the culture and is enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. 

Much of the street food you’ll find are quick bites like samosas in India or gua bao buns in Hong Kong. The food stands will also have small chairs and tables for you to sit at if you are eating bigger dishes like pho. Street food in Asia is a great way to get a look into the food culture and ingredients while also saving some money. 

However, it is important to protect yourself. If the food stand doesn’t have any locals buying from it or the food they are serving has been sitting out all day in the sun, don’t eat there. Go where the large lines are and the food has been cooked recently or fried.