you will need to learn.......

There are some things we had to learn while travelling:

1) learn how to use a squat toilet. Trust me! Work on your squats now while you're planning the trip - you will need strong legs for this one! Make sure you bring tissue paper and hand sanitizer. Watch this video of how to use the toilet properly. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtHbBAai0bM

2) get a iron stomach. You cannot be picky about food when you are in Southeast Asia. There is a good chance the meat you are eating is not really what they say it is. Time to get over it! If it's good - eat it! Also, if you have any dietary concerns, be prepared that the locals will not be able to understand them.

3) bottled water is your best friend! Always, I mean, ALWAYS carry one with you or be prepared to buy one.

4) local food is generally much better than Western food.

5) be prepared to walk!

6) be prepared to sweat! You will probably sweat through every article of clothing you have on. Do not even bother wearing make-up or doing your hair. After 5 minutes outside in the humidity, you will look the same as you did when you woke up.

7) get off your high-horse! The locals will give you attention because they know you have money. This is not an excuse to be rude to anyone! The people who are approaching you are extremely hard work people and do not deserve to be treated disrespectfully. Do not think that because you have more money than them you can mistreat people.

8) do not participate in any illegal activity! This is not the place to make poor decisions in terms of illegal things - even if you do them at home. For example smoking marijuana; there is a 20 year imprisonment in many countries in Southeast Asia.

9) do as much as you can! Yes, it will cost a lot in the end - but when are you planning on going back to Thailand or Vietnam? Who knows, right? Look at this as a once in a lifetime opportunity - live it to the fullest.

10) the customs in SE Asia are very different than at home. Be respectful!!! In most countries, everyone is Buddhist - respect their religious beliefs even if their values are different than yours. Try not to show off your PDA with your significant other. It is rude to be kissing in public.

11) understand that the standards in Southeast Asia are much different than those at home. You may not get what you expect.