We couldn’t emphasize enough the importance of travelling light. Limited luggage handling such as forwarding from one city to the next may be arranged on certain occasions at our discretion, but you should not count on it. On our tours, each guest is limited to one piece of checked luggage that must weigh no more than 20 kilograms or 44 pounds. We are unable to accommodate anyone who refuses to comply with this requirement.
Over-packing can be a big headache. Frequent packing and unpacking is not only time-consuming but also stressful. The more you carry, the more likely you’ll lose something. Except for prescription medication, if you forget anything, you can easily replenish it at destination, often for less.
Luggage Allowance
During the tour each customer is limited to one (1) piece of checked luggage. We regret that we are unable to make exceptions. According to some air carriers at destinations, each passenger is allowed to check in one piece of luggage and the weight is limited to 15kg or 33 lbs. Charges for excess weight can be exorbitant. Most carriers allow carry-on luggage up to 10kg/20lbs per passenger but it is not uncommon to see passengers exceeding that limit and still being allowed to board without any issue.
Travelling light is not only feasible but also preferable, especially if you are concerned that your checked luggage may be lost or damaged while in transit. Today, more and more of our guests are travelling with just a backpack and a small suitcase that is allowed onto the plane as carry-on luggage.
Since we don’t provide luggage service, the customer must be able to lift and comfortably transport their own luggage at airports, train stations, cruise and ferry terminals.
Maximum Size of Checked Baggage
Maximum dimensions should not exceed 100 x 60 x 40 in centimeters (39.5 x 23.5 x 15.75 in inches). Baggage exceeding the weight and/or size limitations should be transported as freight.
Air Canada and United Airlines both limit passengers in economy class to one piece of checked bag that must weigh no more than 23kg (50lbs) – Air Canada has gone back and forth a couple of times but the direction it is going is clear. Since you need some allowance for souvenir purchase, your suitcase itself and the contents inside should weigh less than 15kg when you leave home.
Type of Suitcase
You’ll need a very sturdy suitcase with strong wheels to survive the rough handling by the airlines. You should also get a strap to wrap around the suitcase to prevent the content from spilling out in case of the suitcase being damaged.
Backpack
We recommend that you bring a medium sized backpack. You might also want to bring a small foldable backpack to use on days of sightseeing.
A Special Note on Train Travel
Our tours to China, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan generally include at least one ride by high-speed train. It’s crucial that you limit yourself to one suitcase and one carry-on bag with a combined weight of 20 kilograms (44 lbs) or less. Your suitcase should have wheels and measure 25″ by 18″ by 10″ or smaller. The carry-on should be a backpack so that you’ll have at least one hand free at all time. Navigating train stations means lots of walking. When escalators are out of order, you’ll have to walk up and down long flights of crowded stairs. In situations like this, passengers with too much luggage would find it challenging to keep up with the group. We should also keep in mind that luggage storage space on the train is limited. At times, limited luggage forwarding service may be provided, but you should not count on this.
What to Wear
Comfortable walking shoes and casual clothes that can be worn in layers are essential. T-shirts, shorts and jeans are fine – you won’t offend anybody. When visiting temples in Southeast Asia, you may be required to cover your shoulders and legs above the knees. If you don’t have the necessary clothing, don’t worry because our guide can always find a solution to help you out.
It’s better to bring clothing that can be worn in layers and easy to wash by hand. This is particularly true with underwear and socks, which should be easy to wash by hand and dry quickly. Short sleeve shirts with a pocket are better than T-shirts. Shorts and convertible pants with side pockets are more desirable than jeans. You’ll find the pockets handy, especially at airports and train stations.
At no time during our tours would formal attire be required. Overcoat or heavy jacket is not necessary unless you have been reminded to bring such. Please check the weather forecast of the destinations before packing your suitcase.
In India and Southeast Asia, temple visits often mean walking around barefoot. Unfortunately, you often come out with the bottom of your feet covered in dirt. That’s why it’s necessary to always carry some anti-sceptic wet wipes and a small bottle of hand sanitizer.
In Japan (and South Korea sometimes), when you enter a traditional restaurant or go indoor at historical sites (temples, in particular), you are normally required to remove your shoes and walk around in socks only. Except for the restaurants, the floor can be cold and very hard on your feet and knees; please do bring some thick socks when you visit Japan and South Korea.
Medicines, Travel Documents & Valuables
Please do not pack your passport, prescription medication, money and personal electronic devices in checked bag. Checked bags are not allowed to contain lithium battery (this requirement is not consistent across the airline industry). List of banned items can be found on the airlines’ websites.
Things You Should Not Bring
You do not need to bring your own hair dryer. If you have a smart phone, then you don’t need a flash light or alarm o’clock.
A Special Note on Air Travel in Southeast Asia
Due to lack of efficient rail and highway systems, we generally travel by air from city to city even for short distances – Bagan to Mandalay is a perfect example. Because the aircraft are small, standard-sized hard case carry-ons won’t fit into the tiny overhead bins. We strongly recommend that you bring a small or medium-sized backpack for carry-on.