North to South India: Colours & Curry

Despite the initial fears of the Covid-19 pandemic, most Asian countries have managed to mitigate its effects. As such, many popular destinations throughout the continent are currently open for travelers with precautionary measures like mandatory vaccinations. A few countries, however, require newly arrived travelers to spend a couple of days in quarantine.

As of February 2022, countries like Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia are officially open for vaccinated tourists without the need for quarantine. Meanwhile, India and Indonesia are two of the countries that may require you to quarantine for up to a week on arrival. However, Japan, Vietnam, and Myanmar are yet to open their doors to visitors.

Asia is a relatively large continent, so there are a wide variety of destinations to explore. Therefore, if you are planning a multi-country trip to Asia, the first thing you need to prepare is the list of countries you are interested in along with your starting and ending points. You would also need to decide on the best time for your trip depending on seasonal variations that affect each country. 

After finalizing when and where to travel in Asia, you should make arrangements for all the necessary travel documents. These would include visas, insurances, Covid-19 test reports, vaccine cards, and so on.

Asia has more than enough destinations to meet every traveler’s needs and desires. If you are into adventure, look no further than the mighty Himalayas. Go on an exhilarating hike to the base camp of Mount Everest, the tallest mountain in the world, or head for the Indian states of Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh instead. Thailand, with its blend of dazzling nightlife, rich history, and striking monuments, is the perfect destination not just for those who wish to let their hair down but also for travelers looking forward to being part of a memorable cultural experience. 

Go on a tour to Cambodia, home to the monumental Angkor Wat, if you are into off-the-beaten-path destinations, or choose a Japan tour if you wish to discover how traditions and modernity can be seamlessly blended. The Maldives, with its numerous islands and beaches, is sure to provide you with countless opportunities to kick back on sandy stretches, swim in turquoise waters, and go island-hopping, while the rainforests of Malaysia and Indonesia are a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. 

English is a widely spoken language in Asia, which means that you would not have much difficulty conversing with locals during your trip. Singapore ranks the highest in terms of its proficiency in the English language. The Philippines comes second, followed by Malaysia. Other countries where you will not face much trouble if you can speak English are South Korea, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, China, Vietnam, and Indonesia. 

You will find that English is part of life of a section of the population in all these countries. They have road signs in English (along with those in their native languages) as well as English newspapers. Public announcements are often translated into English in these countries, and it is not difficult to come across store banners and product labels written in the language. In addition to all this, locals are also accustomed to tourists, which means they can at least carry out basic conversations in the language. 

However, please keep in mind that it is the urban population in the continent that has had the most exposure to the language and is better at communicating in it. The more you travel to the countryside, the fewer English speakers you will meet.  

There are several factors that determine the amount of money you will spend during your Asia tour. These include the countries you wish to visit, the length of your trip, the type of tour you have chosen (group, private, luxury and budget) as well as other expenses like insurance, visas, and transportation. 

Laos is probably the cheapest destination in Asia, with an average daily expense of USD 23 per person. India is yet another budget-friendly destination in the region when it comes to foreigners. Expect to spend between USD 35 to USD 40 per person, per day if you are a mid-range traveler. The average daily expense in Cambodia is slightly higher, at USD 50 per person. Japan and Singapore, on the other hand, are some of the most expensive destinations on the planet. On average, travelers should expect to shell out USD 130 dollars per person, per day while in these countries.