Imagine: You’ve Won! What to Bring on Our Great Global Giveaway Adventure to Southeast Asia

Now imagine the adventure that you won is a journey to southeast Asia, where you’ll immerse yourself in the cultures, heritage and natural beauty of Vietnam and Cambodia. Get ready to learn about daily village life, grand temples, UNESCO World Heritage Sites and traditional artistry from the people who call southeast Asia home. When you’re preparing for an adventure of a lifetime like this, what you’ll bring is key. Here are some of our suggestions for what a Great Global Giveaway winner (or any Road Scholar) might want to bring on a program in southeast Asia.

A Variety of Clothing Options

Depending on the time of year you go, you might experience heavy rain, hot and humid weather and potentially mosquitos or other insects. As such, having a wide variety of clothing options can help you stay prepared for whatever you may encounter.

In general, lightweight pants and long sleeves can help protect from sun and bugs, and rain gear can help you stay dry. Another important thing to consider is the dress code that sites like Angkor Wat and Notre Dame Cathedral in Ho Chi Minh City may have in place, so we recommend bringing at least one outfit that will cover your knees and shoulders. Lightweight scarves are also a great way to follow etiquette, while not taking up much packing space.

Sturdy Shoes

Experiencing the cities and temples of southeast Asia can involve stairs, uneven ground and lots of walking. Sandals with a heel strap and strong soles can be helpful in keeping you cool. They can also dry quickly if you get caught in a rainstorm, or get splashed as you explore Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, by rowboat and Vietnamese junk. Having a good pair of sneakers or hiking boots is also a good idea, as these can offer more support for long days on your feet exploring the temples and vibrant city life of Siem Reap.

Bug Spray and Sunscreen

In southeast Asia, your travels are likely to take you outside for at least part of each day, making protection against insects and sun a must. Bug spray will be especially essential as you search for wildlife along the mangrove-lined waterways of the Mekong Delta. Insect repellent wipes and sunscreen sticks can make traveling with these items easier. You might also want to consider a small travel umbrella — it can block both rain and the sun’s rays.

Hand-Held Fan

A hand-held fan could be a practical addition to any learning adventure in a warm location, and that’s especially true in southeast Asia. You might enjoy both the impressive architecture and the respite of air conditioning in the Saigon Central Post Office in Ho Chi Minh City, but during visits to temples like Ta Prohm and Angkor Wat, a fan can help alleviate the effects of heat and humidity.

Electric Power Adapter

This is another item that could be used for several learning adventures. Many countries use different formats of electrical sockets, so adapters can be a good choice for this program and wherever you’re headed next!

A Journal

Between experiencing museums and temples, walking through the streets of bustling cities like Hanoi and Phnom Penh and attending local weaving workshops, you’ll have lots of memories and new tidbits of knowledge to reflect on each day. A journal is a great way to capture all the details of a once-in-a-lifetime adventure such as this one, so you can relive it even after you’ve returned home.

Before you go, it’s also a good idea to check and make sure you have all your required documentation and required medication. You will receive information about these requirements and other packing suggestions with your program information, but you can also learn more on the program page under “Travel Information” and by consulting with your doctor.

Enter our Great Global Giveaway for your chance to make this adventure a reality! Go to our website for more information and to enter.