How to Prepare for Flights to Asia: Key Packing Tips

Asia, especially its south-eastern part, is among the world's most beautiful and thrilling destinations. You can experience it all, from cultures and histories totally unlike our own to flavorful cuisine and pristine nature.

The question is, what to pack to make the trip enjoyable and safe? Here’s everything you need, both for the plane ride over and for a more relaxed stay.

Essential Documents

Your trip will end in record time if you forget to bring passports, so make that the number one priority. Countries like China and Nepal require physical visas, while an e-visa is enough for India and Vietnam. Having traveler insurance info handy is a must, as are boarding passes, medical histories, and reservations for your accommodations. Keep physical and digital copies of all these documents, just in case.

Clothing

Which clothing is most appropriate depends on the season and the specific countries you'll be visiting. That said, some generalities apply.

For example, you’ll want to bring a sweater or fleece to wear during the flight and anywhere else there will be air conditioning. Breathable and light clothing will serve you well; otherwise, just don’t forget to bring something that covers your shoulders and knees if you plan on entering temples and other sacred sites.

Late spring through early autumn is monsoon season in most Asian tourist destinations, so a waterproof jacket will be a lifesaver. Bring more socks than you think you’ll need but go easy on the footwear. Quality walking shoes and a pair of sandals should do.

Gadgets

The gadgets you’ll want to bring fall into two non-exclusive categories. Depending on where you depart from and go to, you’ll be spending 10 – 18 hours flying each way. Noise-canceling headphones, a laptop or tablet, and a universal power adapter will help make the flight more comfortable.

Bring a high-capacity powerbank for when you land and go exploring remote places in which outlets might be harder to find. An active eSIM for China would be equally important, for example. It’s because eSIMs let you use local mobile networks to communicate even when Wi-Fi isn’t available.

Hygiene

Buying most toiletries when you arrive is easy. Still, you’ll want to pack essentials like disinfectant wipes and shampoo sheets for maintaining cleanliness even when roughing it. Don’t forget to also bring a filtered water bottle since tap water safety isn’t guaranteed.

Organization

Neatly-packed luggage can quickly fall into disarray once you start unpacking and using everything you brought. Packing cubes are a godsend for grouping items and always knowing where everything is. Bring a breathable string bag so you can separate and air out dirty laundry. Finally, consider a lightweight pack you can chuck everything you need for the day into when going to the beach or on daytrips.

Health & Safety

Part of ensuring a smooth trip to Asia is preparing for emergencies and undesirable eventualities.

A first-aid kit will take care of mundane cuts and bruises and help settle your stomach after a questionable meal. Share your itinerary with people back home and schedule contact with them after big milestones. Using the best eSIM for Asia lets you check in with them or reach out for help even if you get lost in a remote place where Wi-Fi isn't available.

Also, bring items that improve your physical safety. For example, travel locks will make it harder to break into your bags, while luggage trackers can alert you when the bag moves too far away. Motion sensor alarms are another must, especially if you’ll be staying in hostels.