Hairstyles

Packing Tips for Your Lao travel

Now that you have done your travel plan. You have your itinerary, and you paid for your air ticket. The travel day is coming closer and you count the day until you get on that airplane.

The only thing to left is packing your bag. Before you do that it’s a good idea to list all the necessary things you need to take so that you don’t forget. With weigh constrain in mind, make two lists and tick each item off as you go.  Here are the lists.

Necessary/essential items

1. Passport. Put your passport in your hand bag or in money pouch and keep it with you at all times.
2. Air ticket. The air ticket should be in the same place as the passport. It is easy to take them out from one place at check-in counter.
3. Traveler check or credit card and some cash. Keep your traveler check and passport separated from your cash. It helps to carry some small notes when you need to buy things like bottled water and snacks during your journey. Put cash in money pouch preferably in different section from the passport and the ticket. This helps avoid messing up with it unnecessary when you take out the passport and the ticket.
4. Your medicines (if you’re on medication). Keep your medicines in their original packages and put them in your hand bag where it is easily accessible whenever you need it.
5. Toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss. Teeth are the road to wellbeing. They need to stay hygienic and healthy. Some upper market hotels provide toothbrush and toothpaste but it’s best to take your own.
6. Shampoo. Most hotels provide shampoo, but I would avoid changing from my regular shampoo as it can cause hair loss.
7. Sun Cream. In Laos the sun is always shining and it can be very strong especially during March-May, so it is necessary to wear sun cream to prevent sun burn.
8. Shades. When the sun arrives you need sunglasses or a hat/cap. They shield your eyes, make sure you look decent at all times and are appropriate for all places.
9. Underpants. If you travel for a long period make sure you take enough (at least one clean underpants per day) for a certain period of time until you get a chance to wash them or get them washed.  They contribute to healthy living.
10. Pack a reasonable number of clothes. Though light clothing is recommended, you should pack some thicker clothes as well (a light jacket and pair of jeans) if you plan to visit provinces in northern Laos during November-February. Laundry service is available in areas where tourists frequent and it’s cheap.

Useful Items

1. Books. Books are good for time killing. Break tedious extended journeys up by reading a junk of books. Any book will do, but those you enjoy reading will do a better job.
2. Hair dryer. You can go by without one, but if you have some space left after putting everything in the bag, then it is useful to throw in this extra item. It is a good practice to blow-dry your hair every time after washing it. It makes your hair look better, smell fresh longer and healthier.
3. A nail clipper.  Nails grow long and sometimes can break. It can hurt to tear broken nails. The nail clipper is just a small item that doesn’t take much room at all, but it is very useful at times like this.
4. A pair of flip flop. For long journey especially if it involves walking, it is nice to change to different foot wares once in a while to put the feet at ease. Flip flops are good alternative. Again you can go by with out them, you can buy some in Laos and they are cheaply available, but it’s always nice to have everything ready for use whenever you need them.
5. Mosquito repellent. In tropical countries dengue fever caused by mosquitoes is common so apply/spray mosquito repellent when you spend time outdoor to prevent mosquito bite.
6. Antibacterial ointment. You will want it for all sorts of events. Tropical infections kill even from small cuts.

About the Author

D. Rasavong is the owner and author of www.Laos-guide-999.com.  She loves traveling and tries to see as much of Laos as she can. For her love of traveling as well as her country she shares, on her website, what she’s learnt through her travels and growing up in this culture rich country.

Update &August 2010 Favs

Hydrating Shampoo – Travel Size $3.96 Hydrating Shampoo – Travel Size by Biosilk for Unisex – 2.26 oz Shampoo

Thickening Shampoo – Travel Size $3 Thickening Shampoo – Travel Size by Biosilk for Unisex – 2.26 oz Shampoo

Silk Therapy Shampoo – Travel Size $2.99 Silk Therapy Shampoo – Travel Size by Biosilk for Unisex – 2.26 oz Shampoo

Victorian Wildlife and Parks $540 Enjoy a coastal drive near Melbourne, Explore the beaches of Phillip Island, Travel to the Australian mainland’s southernmost point, Discover why Victorian’s love Wilsons Promontory, Be charmed by picturesque Healesville, Visit wineries in the Yarra Valley

South Morocco Discovery $1225 Travel through the Sahara desert in a camel convoy, Investigate ancient manuscripts in Tamegroute, Learn to master Moroccan couscous, Enjoy the spoils of Essaouira beach, Trek into the High Atlas Mountains, Experience the colour and chaos of Djemaa el-Fna, Travel through the Sahara desert in a camel convoy, Wander the winding alleyways of the grand Ait Benhaddou kasbah

Chitwan Extension $320 Uncover remote and wild Nepal, Live it up in a jungle lodge, Explore the streets of Kathmandu, Count up to 400 bird species, Travel to Nepal and explore Chitwan National Park, Discover the beauty of a jungle paradise, Enjoy a traditional Tharu tribe dance performance

Buenos Aires to Rio Unplugged $2235 Travel to funky Palermo in Buenos Aires, Experience farm life during a Uruguayan estancia stay, Visit Rio de Janeiro and party with the locals, See the Iguazu River crash into the Garganta do Diablo, Enjoy the laidback city of Montevideo, Discover Brazil’s most beautiful beaches on Ilha Grande, Get lost in the backstreets of Colonia

Amazing Southern Africa $7195 Interact with friendly villagers, Sleep soundly on a houseboat, See the power of nature channelled through Victoria Falls, Spot crocs on the shores of the Chobe River, Enjoy fresh seafood in Lamberts Bay, Travel to South Africa and be captivated by Cape Town, Be thrilled by Southern Africa’s wildlife on a game drive, Canoe down the Orange River

Hiking Yosemite & Canyons $2140 Enjoy a hike in Havasupai Canyon, Be blown away by the size of the Grand Canyon, Spend time on a Native American reservation, Revel in the cosmopolitan city of San Francisco, Check out the view from Yosemite Park’s Half Dome, Travel across the arid plains of Death Valley

Discover Egypt $1385 Climb Mt Sinai, Marvel at the Temples of Karnak, Experience the chaos of Cairo, Stay in beach huts on the Red Sea coast, Enjoy a homestay with a Nubian family, Wander among the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx, Travel to the Valley of the Kings by donkey, Cruise the Nile on a felucca

Santiago to Ushuaia $1495 Discover the spirit of cosmopolitan Santiago, Travel through the heart of Chile’s wine country, Enjoy action-packed fun in Pucon, Camp in the wilds of the Chilean Fjord Coast, Watch the creaking ice at the Perito Moreno Glacier, Hike through the Torres del Paine National Park, Visit Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city

Manaus to Salvador $1435 Travel on a slow ferry through the abundant Amazon Jungle, Dance, eat and be merry in historic Salvador, Enjoy a 4×4 tour into Lencois Maranhenses National Park, See prehistoric footprints in the Vale dos Dinossauros, Camp under the starry South American sky, Chill out on the beach on Brazil’s north coast

La Paz to Santiago $1165 Quaff locally produced wine in Cafayate, Opt to explore the Pampas on horseback, Tantalise tastebuds at a traditional Argentine barbecue, Travel to Chile and stroll the streets of Santiago , Visit Bolivia and enjoy the colours and culture of La Paz, Marvel at Bolivia’s surreal Salar de Uyuni

Kimberley Safari Southbound $1620 Marvel at the striped rocks of the Bungle Bungle , Discover the history of Darwin , Experience the untamed outback wilderness of El Questro, Take a dip in a swimming hole, Go underground at Tunnel Creek, Travel the rugged Gibb River Road, Enjoy the beaches of Broome

Explore Northern Thailand $905 Soak up the dynamic vibe of Bangkok city, Try fried bugs at the Sukhothai night market, Explore Lampang’s enchanting ruins by bike, Watch elephants bathing in the jungle, Enjoy a traditional khantohk dinner , Discover adventure and relaxation in Chiang Mai, Travel from Chiang Mai to Bangkok on an overnight train

Rome to Marrakech $9815 Explore the ancient attractions in Rome, Cycle through the rolling countryside in Lucca, Be wooed by provocative Paris city, Experience the magic of a Cinque Terre sunset, Enjoy a Reims champagne tour, Be charmed by the Swiss Alps, Sample French cuisine in Paris, Hike in the Pyrenees and enjoy spectacular mountain panoramas, Visit Madrid and walk along the vibrant streets, Frolic on the golden sands of the Algarve beaches, Travel to Marrakech and roam the labyrinth of souqs

Mayan Encounter $1160 Travel south through legendary Central America, Enjoy sand, sun and fun in Playa del Carmen, Learn the history of ancient Guatemalan ruins, Experience traditional Guatemalan life in San Jorge La Laguna, Kick back on the beautiful coast of Belize, Be awed by the towering Tikal pyramids, Enjoy colonial buildings and surrounding volcanoes in Antigua, Haggle in the markets of Chichicastenango

Explore Southern Africa $1690 Embark on a game drive through Elephant Sands, Cruise the waterways of the Okavango Delta, Admire sweeping views of the Blyde River Canyon, Be blown away by the power of Victoria Falls, Safari through the savanna of Kruger National Park, Travel along the Chobe River at sunset, Enjoy a game drive on the fringe of the Kalahari Desert, Spot rhinos in the Khama Rhino Sanctuary

Delhi City Break $230 Dive into Delhi’s heady mix of noise, colour and smells, Stroll through busy Connaught Place, Sip a cup a sweet chai, Learn about puja at the Hanuman Temple, Travel on the city’s metro, Gain insight into the Hindu religion from a local guide, Shop for colouful souvenirs, Sample India’s unique cuisine, Enjoy free time to explore at leisure

Best of Turkey $1595 Discover lesser known sights on an Istanbul city walking tour, Visit Konya, home to the mesmerising Whirling Dervishes, Explore the ruins of Ephesus, Soak away worries in the Hierapolis hot springs, Taste traditional Turkish fruit wines, Admire the travertine pools of Pamukkale, Trek along part of the Lycian Way, Sail over a sunken city on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, Enjoy a home-cooked meal with a Cappadocian family, Travel across the Turkish plains to the Anatolian Steppe

Ushuaia to Santiago $1495 Hike through stunning Torres del Paine National Park, Watch the creaking ice at the Perito Moreno Glacier, Explore the rugged landscape surrounding the imposing Mt Fitz Roy, Camp in the wilds of the Chilean Fjord Coast, Enjoy action-packed fun in Pucon, Discover the spirit of cosmopolitan Santiago, Travel to Tierra del Fuego to spot sea lions, Visit Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city, Journey through the heart of Chile’s wine country

Canadian Rockies Highlights $2589 Take a cable car for a bird’s-eye view of Whistler, Be calmed by Jasper’s lakeside scenery, Snap a photo of Mt Robson, Canada’s tallest peak, Enjoy a cosmopolitan tour of Vancouver, Chill out in Caribou country, Discover Kamloops â�� the gateway to the Rockies, Sip coffee in smart Seattle, Travel along the ancient Icefields Parkway, Relax in Banff’s sensual hot springs, Marvel at the Valley of the Kicking Horse in Yoho

Vietnam Getaway $335 See the ancient citadel of Hue, Float down the Perfume River on an evening cruise, Enjoy a home-cooked seafood feast with a local family, Glide over the Tam Giang Lagoon in a sampan, Travel through spectacular Hai Van Pass, Test culinary skills in a cooking class, Take a bike ride through the countryside surrounding Hoi An

Tanzania Lodge Safari $3870 Visit the towering Olduvai Gorge, Be astounded by the vast array of wildlife in Ngorongoro Crater, Shop with the locals at a colourful market in Arusha, Enjoy a guided tour of Mto Wa Mbu village, Try to spot a rare tree-climbing lion, Help out on a farm in Tengeru, Keep up with the pace of Nairobi, Witness vast flocks of birds descend on Lake Manyara, Watch a dramatic sunrise over the African plains, Travel across the endless grasslands of the Serengeti

Way to San Jose $1390 Travel through the heart of Central America, Covet local handcrafts in Antigua’s markets, Tour through the ancient Mayan ruins at Copan, Frolic into cool Caribbean waters off Roatan Island, Spot the world’s only freshwater sharks in Lake Nicaragua , Explore the steamy Monteverde cloud forest, Visit La Fortuna’s fiesty Arenal Volcano, Admire the dramatic scenery surrounding San Jose, Feast on fiery Central American cuisine, Enjoy a cruisy day sightseeing in Granada, Find a comfy patch of grass in Comayagua’s Parque Central

Explore Mexico & Guatemala $1135 Revel in the bold beach vibe of Cancun, Mexico, Explore incredible Mayan pyramids at Chichen Itza, Travel along Mexico’s amazing Yucatan Peninsula, Experience the great outdoors on the banks of Lake Atitlan , Trace the lines of ancient history at the Palenque ruins , Enjoy local hospitality at a San Jorge homestay, Sample classic Guatemalan fare in Antigua

Iconic Central Australia $1385 Travel across the sunbaked plains of Central Australia, Learn about Dreamtime culture on an Uluru tour, Enjoy a beer on the verandah in the middle of the Outback, Take a wander around Kings Canyon, Watch the midday sun light up Stanley Chasm, Have a special moment as the sun rises at Kata Tjuta, Get creative in an Indigenous art dot painting class, Feast on delicious barramundi or kangaroo

Buenos Aires to Manaus $3375 Explore trendy Palermo in Buenos Aires, Marvel at the mighty Foz do Iguazu, Take an unforgettable Amazon River tour, Spot native animals in the Amazon rainforest , Explore the vast Pantanal wetlands , Walk along Paraty’s colonial streets, Experience the rhythm and colour of Rio de Janeiro, Travel along the beautiful coast of Brazil, Tour the ruins of San Ignacio Mini, Snorkel with colourful fish at Bonito, Enjoy classic South American cuisine and hospitality, Walk the cobbled streets of Salvador

Vienna to Athens $6950 Visit Austria and explore the cultural history of Vienna, Cycle the Czech Republic’s countryside around Cesky Krumlov, Get a taste of Bohemia in Prague, Conquer the slopes of the Tatra Mountains through Poland and Slovakia, Visit Hungary and cross the Chain Bridge in Budapest, Stay overnight in a mountain monastery, Travel to Croatia and discover the medieval heritage of Dubrovnik, Enjoy the pristine beaches of Montenegro, Admire exquisite frescoes in Albania’s Et’hem Bey Mosque, Be captivated by charming Corfu, Visit Greece and lose yourself in ancient Athens

South American Explorer $8870 Travel to the heart of the Amazon, Join surfers and fisherman on the beaches of Mancora, Enjoy Peru’s fresh seafood in Lima, Unwrap the enigma of the Nazca Lines, Reach dizzying heights on the Inca Trail, Navigate Peru and Bolivia’s high waters across Lake Titicaca, Visit Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni, Unwind in Argentina’s Lake District, Visit Argentina and tango in Buenos Aires, Be awed by the mighty Iguazu Falls, Party in Brazil’s vibrant Rio de Janeiro

Ultimate Central America $4250 Dance to a mariachi beat in Mexico City, Chill out by the sparkling Caribbean, Try traditional Mezcal in Oaxaca, Travel to the Yucatan Peninsula and visit Merida, Swim within the walls of the beachside Mayan ruins of Tulum, Eat tamales in Antigua, Learn the lingo during a San Jorge La Laguna homestay, Bag a bargain at Chichicastenango’s vibrant markets, Discover the bizarre landscapes of Ometepe Island, Enjoy the urban buzz of San Jose, Be awed by the Panama Canal

Western Wildlife Experience $1615 Enjoy a camel trek in the Flinders Ranges, Swim with sea lions and dolphins off the Eyre Peninsula, Travel across the sunbaked Nullarbor Plain, Explore Margaret River and taste fine local wines, Camp in the tranquil and remote Cape Le Grand National Park , Journey across the iconic Great Australian Bight, Learn to surf off the coast of South Australia, Visit Adelaide, the city of churches

Total South Island Northbound $3070 Admire spectacular vistas of Mt Cook, Relax by gorgeous Lake Te Anau, Try to spot dolphins, seals and penguins on a cruise in Milford Sound, Travel along dramatic scenic coastline, Enjoy high country hospitality in Queenstown, Trek the magnificent Fox Glacier, Visit the quirky Pancake Rocks, Explore the scenic Abel Tasman National Park, Sample some of New Zealand’s world-famous wines

Great Western Safari Northbound $3645 Chill out on a Perth beach, Swim in turquoise rock pools at Karijini , Encounter dolphins in Monkey Mia, Tour through the wilds of Western Australia, Visit the bizarre Pinnacles Desert, Drift over the amazing Ningaloo Reef, Sip a fruity cocktail on Broome’s Cable Beach, Travel to through the rugged and remote El Questro station, Explore the mystifying Bungle Bungle Ranges, Enjoy a cold beer on a visit to Darwin

Cycle Nicaragua, Costa Rica & Panama $2800 Travel to Central America’s beautiful and lively colonial cities, Let worries ebb away on the heavenly Bocas del Toro islands , Experience rural life in the less visited parts of Nicaragua and Panama, Visit Lake Nicaragua, Central America’s wildlife Mecca, See active Arenal volcano light up at night, Enjoy croc spotting on Tenorio River, Sip tasty rum cocktails on the Caribbean shoreline, Ride along the iconic Panama Canal

Quito to Santiago $3420 Journey into the depths of the Amazon Jungle, Relax on tropical beaches, Visit the ancient Temples of the Sun and Moon, Delight in Peru’s colonial charm in Arequipa, Sample traditional Peruvian delicacies in Cuzco, Visit Bolivia and explore the desolate landscape of Salar de Uyuni, Travel to Argentina and enjoy a night out in lively Salta, Channel that inner cowboy on a ranch stay

The Best of Southern Africa $11095 Travel to South Africa and relax in Cape Town, Feast on fresh seafood in Lambert’s Bay, Cruise along the Orange River in a canoe, Visit Namibia and marvel at the Fish River Canyon, Climb the towering dunes of the Namib Desert, View Namibia’s seal colonies on the Skeleton Coast, Visit Botswana and enjoy a houseboat adventure on the Okavango Delta, Spot majestic elephants in the Chobe National Park, Hear the roar of Victoria Falls, Track rare rhinos in the Matobo National Park, Discover ancient ruins in Zimbabwe

Southern African Loop $17390 Search out the Big Five in Kruger National Park, Visit Swaziland and enjoy traditional song and dance, Dive into clear waters off the Mozambique coast, Travel to Lesotho and go wild in the highlands , Visit South Africa and unwind in the Stellenbosch wineries, Be captivated by Cape Town, Scramble up desert sand dunes, Marvel at elephant herds in Chobe National Park, Feel the power of Victoria Falls, Explore the ruins of an ancient city

Istanbul to Cairo $2655 Haggle your heart out in the bazaars of Istanbul, Experience local hospitality at a Sanliurfa homestay, Take a desert safari through Wadi Rum, Enjoy a Red Sea beach camp, Scramble up the slopes of Mt Sinai, Explore Cairo’s souqs, Marvel at the gleaming travertines of Pamukkale, Walk between curious fairy-chimney formations in Cappadocia, Travel to Petra and marvel at its rock-hewn beauty

Africa Encompassed Northbound $4860 Behold the beauty of Cape Town, Marvel at the immensity of Namibia’s Fish River Canyon, See the seal colonies of Cape Cross, Witness the stark beauty of the rocky Spitzkoppe, Meet the San Bushmen of Namibia, Canoe down the Okavango Delta in Botswana, Visit the mighty Victoria Falls, Take a game drive through the incredible Ngorongoro Crater, Relax beside shimmering Lake Malawi, Travel on safari through the Serengeti plains in Tanzania, Be a part of the lively atmosphere in Nairobi, Track playful chimps in the Kibale Forest, Cruise into a hippo haven on the Kazinga Channel, Enjoy a gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda, Experience peaceful wilderness in Lake Mburo National Park

Uluru and Larapinta Experience ex Yulara $1005 Experience the magic and mystery of Uluru, View ancient Aboriginal rock paintings, Camp under a star-filled sky, Hike Kings Canyon, Sample bush tucker delicacies, Get creative at an Aboriginal art class, Walk the Larapinta Trail, Delve into the heart of outback Australia with an active adventure through the red centre of earthy beauty and rugged terrain. Explore mystical Uluru (Ayers Rock), view ancient Aboriginal art and become immersed in one of the world’s oldest and most unique cultures. Experience camping under a sky of a million stars and enjoy all that nature has to offer. Hike a section of the Larapinta Trail and discover breathtaking landscapes. This is travel to renew the spirit, revive the senses and ignite adventure. Make a connection with the Australian outback and be changed forever!

Chobe & Vic Falls – Lodge $2850 Enjoy the serenity of the African bush, Cruise the Chobe River to spot wallowing hippos, Experience the power of Victoria Falls, Seek out elephants in Chobe National Park

South India Highlights $705 Learn about the maritime history of Fort Cochin, Experience the best of southern India, Cruise the Kerala Backwaters, Enjoy a homestay with a local family

American Crew Citrus Mint The Essentials Travel Kit 5 Piece Set $12.15 American Crew Citrus Mint Essentials Travel Kit Description:American Crew Citrus Mint invigorates your senses and skin with botanical extracts, natural citrus oils and a refreshing scent. Shower and Shave two steps form the backbone of any mans grooming ritual. The Essential Travel Kits were designed to provide a man with all he needs to start his day: shampoo, conditioner, body wash, shave gel and our newest aftershave product, Post-Shave Cooling Lotion.American Crew Citrus Mint Essentials Travel Kit Contains: Refreshing Shampoo; 1.7 oz. Enjoy the benefits of nature with lime and orange. A balancing blend of natural citrus cleansers work to gently remove dirt without stripping the hair of essential oils, while peppermint and spearmint stimulate the scalp. Safe for color-treated hair. Cooling Conditioner; 1.7 oz. A balancing blend of natural lime and citrus oils. Cooling Conditioner moisturizes and protects the hair without weighing it down. Peppermint and spearmint invigorate the scalp, while wheat protein increases hair strength and sheen. Ideal for everyday use on all hair types. Moisturizing Body Wash; 1.7 oz. Natural Lime and Citrus Oils blended with cool mint provide superior cleansing while stimulating the skin. Vitamins A and E aid in protecting and maintaining the skins natural moisture balance and elasticity. Precision Shave Gel; 1.7 oz. A modern, non-lathering formula where youll get all glide, no drag, and a tingling sensation that leaves your skin cool and refreshed. Post-Shave Cooling Lotion; 1.7 oz. A combination of aftershave and moisturizing lotion that absorbs quickly, closing pores, soothing skin, and protecting against everyday pollutants.