Planning a trip to South-East Asia and not sure what to carry?

Traveling light must be the first priority on the list as excess baggage on most flights means extra cost. Most budget flights allow 7 kg of inflight baggage and 20 kg for cargo. Extra baggage can be bought while booking your flight. 

I prefer to travel by budget airlines to Malaysia and Singapore as a three-month advance booking can bring substantial savings. Air Asia, Cebu Pacific, Malindo, and ScootFly are some budget airlines I have used in past.

I prefer to travel with a laptop bag that I carry in the cabin. A 20 kg backpack makes it easy to travel to the city and public transport as suitcases can be hard to carry. 

Must carry 

• A money pouch is essential to carry cash in a safety
• Waterproof pouch to save essential documents from getting wet
• Waist bag to carry essentials when traveling
• A lightweight cabin carry-on bag

Here is my favorite items for baggage and storage

• Inateck Cabin Luggage Carry-On Backpack for Travel, Flight Approved 40 Litre Business Travel Rucksack Hand Luggage Fit 17 Inch Laptop, with Rain Cover for Men Women - Black
  
  
• Travelon RFID Blocking Undergarment Neck Pouch, Gray, 8 x 5.25 x .125, RFID Blocking Undergarment Neck Pouch

• WILD HEART Waterproof Bag Waist Bag with Adjustable Waist belt Screen Touchable dry bag to Keep the Phone and Valuables Dry Waterproof Mobile Phone Double Inner Pocket IPX8 for Swimming Diving Scratching Rafting Boating

• ZOMAKE Fanny Pack Water Resistant Waist Bag, Large Capacity with Adjustable Strap for Men and Women Fanny Pack Running Pouch Pack for Outdoors Workout Traveling Casual Running Hiking

• Run Tie Belt Pocket for Waist, Zipperless Skin-Friendly Adjustable for Running, Jogging, Gym, Sports Fitness, Travel, Compatible with 4-7.2 Inch Mobile Phone 66-92cm (L)

 

The first thing you will need at the airport is a folder to organize your travel documents, insurance certificates, and vaccination certificates. Make sure to make two copies of all documents and keep them in plastic folders. 

Phone chargers and device chargers are essentials. Different countries have different standards for electric plugs. Therefore carrying multiple plugs will enable you to use the chargers in all the places your visit.

A good pair of noise cancellation head-phone can ensure peaceful air travel and you will be able to enjoy music and videos during your trip. I carry bose headphones with a battery life of over 10 hours and can be easily charged with USB. 

A travel pillow and an eye mask are a must for a comfortable journey. Make sure to carry a light foldable blanket and a light sweatshirt during your trip. 

A waterproof phone case is a must if traveling to the tropics as most countries in South-East Asia experience plenty of rain. Also, this case will come in handy for diving trips and boat tours.

Other essentials include:

• Clear Make up Plastic Bags
• Travel Passport Holder
• Pegless Travel Clothes Line
• First Aid Kit Pouch - useful for outdoor and hiking trips
• Gadget Gear Organizer
• Silicone Travel Water Bottles
• Nomadic Travel Lock for Suitcases and Bags
• Toiletry Bag Kit Case