Asia
The Land of Many Contrasts
Asia is an accessible destination to explore and undoubtedly a bucket-list destination.
Southeast Asia will always be special in my heart, as it gives us a first-hand taste of unique, vibrant cultures and places you can visit repeatedly. Explore Asia with some of the world’s best beaches, lush jungles, beautiful temples, and bustling markets.
It is the largest and the most populous continent on Earth, divided into five geographical sub-regions: Central, East, South, Southeast, and Western Asia, and each area offers a unique experience. There are 49 countries in Asia with the highest mountains, the longest rivers and the highest plateaus on all the continents.
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT
Generally, the best time to visit Asia is between April and July, as most regions experience great weather.
Be mindful of the monsoon season, which varies from country to country.
Almost all of Asia is gripped by soaking rains and fairly extreme humidity between May and September, but some areas are certainly less wet than others.
The list below will guide you when planning your best Asia trips.
- Central Asia – Anywhere from April to May and July to October, depending on the specific country you visit.
- South Asia – From November to February – the weather is drier and more relaxed.
- Southeast Asia – From January to March and June to September.
- East Asia – From February to early April – moderate weather.
- Western Asia – It is either not too hot or cold from April to May and September to mid-November.
Culture:
Asia is the origin of all the world’s major religions; Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism (to name a few).
Asia’s cultural diversity and heritage encompass history, art, music, literature, religion, philosophy, and architecture, which gives one so much more meaning to life if you can embrace yourself in this rich culture.
Asian people are very hospitable and welcoming and will treat you to a warm welcome. Some Asian countries will also be deeply religious, so respecting people in the host country is essential.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Language:
Chinese (Mandarin) and many dialects, including Hindi and Russian, are the most common languages spoken in Asia (home to nearly five billion people and roughly 2,300 languages).
Currency:
There is no dominant national currency in Asia, as every country uses its money for internal payments and local commerce.
Banks & ATMs:
Asia predominately is a largely cash-based economy still relying on cash. Not all restaurants accept credit cards, so bringing cash with you wherever you go is a good idea, especially smaller notes. While travelling, you can find plenty of ATMs to dispense cash.
Plugs and Sockets:
Different plugs are used throughout Asia, so best to check before you travel and perhaps pack a universal adapter just in case!
Safety:
Asia is generally a safe place for travellers, but be mindful to avoid the following:
- Avoid scams – any deals that sound too good to be true normally are!
- The most serious risk is traffic accidents; take care of renting a car and always wear a helmet if renting motorbikes or scooters.
- Theft – keep your belongings secure and your valuables out of sight.
- Political violence is a risk in some countries; avoid major rallies on the streets.
- Be street smart, avoid quiet areas at night, avoid excessive drinking, watch your drinks, steer clear of drugs and avoid getting into angry arguments with the locals.
- Be aware of pick-pocketers and bag snatching.
- Mosquito-borne diseases are common in some areas and are probably among the most significant threats you need to be mindful of in Asia. Make sure you’ve had any relevant vaccinations before you travel.
Flight Connections: Skyscanner and WayAwa
Some major airlines in Asia are:
All Nippon Airlines, Malaysian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Air Asia, China Airlines, Air India and Etihad Airways.
