Wondering where to start planning your travel to the Asia? Traveling in Asia can definitely seem daunting– more so for the first-timers — however it doesn’t have to be! The following step-by-step guide is going to take you from the US to Asia with great ease so that you can focus on the most vital aspects of travel planning – the fun!

A visit to the Asian continent is as exciting as it sounds. Not only is Asia the largest continent on the planet, but it is also the most diverse and you will, therefore, get more value for your money as far as culture, beauty, history, and adventure are concerned. With an amazing to-do list, this travel guide is going to help you take care of your items in the best way possible, to ensure that you are ready for the big day of departure.

First, even before you start worrying about where to go or what to pack, you should start with the most time-demanding processes. It is practically impossible to travel to Asia without a valid passport, and as a good citizen you really should be proud to own one.

Passports

For US citizens, the simplest way to apply for a passport is doing so at the main post office near you. Passport photos come with very strict guidelines, so plan to have one taken either by a professional or at the post office rather than risk your application being rejected.

Perhaps one of the most confusing and bewildering aspects of Asia travel – applying for visas stamps. A travel visa is a sticker or stamp placed in your passport, which allows you access into a new country/nation. Some are free while others some have an application fee. On the other hand, some can be obtained in at your destination once you arrive at the airport, and others ought to be obtained before you set foot in a country.

Visas

The most frustrating thing about visa requirements for various countries is that they keep on changing depending on the bureaucrats’ whim. Dressing nicely, showing adequate proof of funds or explaining your travel plans is at most times enough to enable you avoid the onward ticket requirements.

Book your flight at the appropriate time

Ask any passenger traveling in Asia the amount of money they paid out for their airfare, and you will probably receive a totally different answer from every one of them! Landing on a good price on air ticket to Asia is just like playing the stock markets today. It’s more of a dark art than pure science, and a lot of gambling are needed. Purchasing your air ticket too far in advance is not always the right thing to do since you could end up paying more that you thought. Try to book your ticket 30 to 60 days before your journey. Moreover, are likely to save money by being flexible with the airport as well as your departure date.