Secure your valuable possessions in the hotel safe, if there is not one in your hotel room, the hotel front desk can provide the same service.

If you use traveller’s cheque, the suggestion is to write down the cheque numbers on a piece of paper, cross out the one after you use it to make your own record. Take pictures of the information of the credit cards you are going to use while travelling, leave the ones that you don’t need at home; print the pictures and bring them in your luggage.

Use the same common sense traveling in Indochina area that you would at home, don’t use shortcuts and try not to walk alone at night. If you have to go out after dark, let somebody know when you are expected to come back to hotel.
Don’t put your wallet or mobile phone in the back pocket of your pants or anywhere else that is easily reached, thieves can reach them easily too. Be vigilant in markets and crowded places.

Wear the shoulder strap of your bag across your chest, and walk with the bag away from the curb to avoid drive-by purse-snatchers. It is more of a problem in big cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Phen, but there are a few incidences in Vientiane too.

Don’t discuss your personal matters and travel plans with strangers while traveling in Indochina area. Traffic is chaotic in Indochina area, especially in Vietnam. It’s illegal to ride on a motorcycle without wearing a helmet, it’s not only required according to the local law system, but also made for your personal safety. When crossing the street on foot, walk at a slow and steady pace, looking up and meeting the driver’s eyes, the traffic will flow around you.
Monitor the media for information about possible safety and security risks.

There are special tips at different countries and regions in Indochina area:

Vietnam. Tourists are sometimes not authorized to travel to certain areas of Vietnam in deemed sensitive by the Vietnam Government.

Cambodia. The landmines are no longer a concern to regular tourists, but pay attention to them because the remaining mines concentrated in the border areas (particularly the Thai Border), some mountain areas, and other war zones.

Laos. Landmines are the main concern to travelers; make sure where you cannot go to with your guide or the local people.

Thailand: Bangkok is the capital city. In this country, you cannot avoid the beautiful beaches, do wear a life jacket when you hire a water scooter or a jet ski, and keep away from areas people are swimming (see: Travel Guide to Thailand).

Southwest China. This region is a well-developed tourist destination, while traveling in this area, you need to make sure that your driver is licensed and experienced, because of the complex terrain and road conditions.

Kids and Security Check

It’s good traveling with kids; this certainly would open their eyes to many of new knowledge and discovery. When you travel with kids, this will bring them closer to your heart and of course will make your kids aware to the world around him or her.

Well, when you travel with your kids you need to be more prepared because  they have special needs and we have to respond to such needs. With the tips below, it would surely help you get yourself prepared for the journey.

Travel with Kids - You have to bring useful things you could hold

• Band-Aids
• Antiseptic hand gel
• Small tissue packs
• Sun screen
• Dr.’s phone numbers
• Tylenol – children & adults
• A rubber doorstop can provide extra security for a hotel room door
• Small plug in nightlight – to help find the bathroom in the middle of the night

Travel with Kids - Things to bring to make activities together in other to get rid of if you are bored

• Crayons
• Mechanical pencils
• Highlighter – good for word search games
• Paper
• Deck of cards
• zip lock bags (collecting shells, storing food, wet clothes)

Travel with Kids - These are other things for travel uses

• Sun glasses
• hats/visors
• Light weight windbreaker
• Umbrella
• Camera with extra film
• keep a photo of your child in your wallet – in case you loose them in a crowed area
• Extra copy of birth certificates, photo id, travel reservations, airline tickets

If you remember these, you would not miss the adventure and the fun, also you could be well prepared in travel with kids and share it to those who need it.

It is true that traveling with cruise ship is fun, fun, fun… but it is much fun if you go out on a group trip. A unit of excitement, bonding and adventure waits you.
A group could be your family, friends, classmates, co-workers or relatives. It’s doesn’t matter how many people your group is, go make unforgettable adventure with these people and have fun.

It is harder planning the journey in groups instead of just one person. Nevertheless, you will get reward in the end of the sail.

How could one make the best cruise as an organizer?

• Search and select a reliable travel agent. Make sure that the travel agent has trusty credibility in handling group travel.
• After searching the possible ships, buses, cruises or other transportation that would meet majority of the needs of your group, you must compare the prices.
• Make sure to have a copy of the contract with the agent. Have the paper of itinerary and reservations and all the necessary information.
• When there are shore tours, have a copy of the list of buses, timetable of the tour and assign somebody to be responsible for the seating arrangements and if possible include drivers’ fee.
• Ensure that the cruise activities are exclusively for the members only. Outsiders must not be allowed to join and the ship provides the security the group deserves to have on the entire trip.
• If the group in a bigger number, ask for the help of those responsible and take a part of the ship where you all could sit down and talk.
• A list of all the important contacts in case there is problem and the list of room assignments must be secured too. All activities must be in coordinate with the Guest Relation Officer.
• For meals, the group must be in contact with the restaurant manager. Group leaders may be assigned for larger groups.

Above all – make the best GROUP TRIP and adventures in cruise ship!