• Plan ahead for a trip to Southeast Asia.tour image by Archin Camille from Fotolia.com
  
  Now that you know Southeast Asia is your destination, there are a few things besides an airline ticket and hotel reservations that you need to ensure a good travel experience. Start early to get all the details covered. It takes time to arrange for passport renewal, visas and immunizations--not to mention packing.
  
  

Passport

• If you already have a passport, check the expiration date of your passport. You must have at least six months between your return date and the passport expiration. For example, if you plan to return in mid-June, your passport cannot expire until mid-December. If it expires before that date, you need to renew it before you go.
  
  

Visas

• Many countries require a visa for U.S. citizens. Check the official website of the country you will visit to find out if you need a visa. For example, Singapore does not require a visa if your stay is less than 30 days, whether on business or vacation. However, you must apply months in advance for a visa to visit to Vietnam, and you must carry your visa with you when you enter the country. Check with your airline to see if you need a separate transit visa for countries where your plane stops en route.
  
  

Immunizations and Travel Alerts

• Check the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website for recommended immunizations and for general health advisories. The U.S. Department of State issues travel alerts for unstable countries where U.S. citizens might encounter trouble. The State Department also offers a registration for international travelers and citizens living abroad. Sign up to receive travel alerts. If an emergency occurs, the department can assist in locating you and returning you home.
  
  

Credit Cards

• Using credit cards abroad usually is easy, except in remote areas, but you will be charged additional fees for using your card abroad. However, some countries still prefer cash. Research the country you will visit so you know what to expect. Contact the credit card companies and your bank to alert them of your travel dates and itinerary. They will note this on your account so charges from another part of the world will be accepted. Plan to use travelers checks only in large cities with international banks.
  
  

Currency Conversion

• You need a way to convert currency so you can readily understand how much something costs. One method is to purchase a currency converter. You also can write out the conversions on an index card. Start with 50 cents and use increments such as $1, $2, $3, $5, $10, $20, $25 and so forth--for example: $1 equals 18,950 Vietnamese dong, $1.50 equals 28,425 dong, etc. The palm size card is discreet and handy. On the reverse side, record your temporary local address, phone number, plus any business or personal contacts and the U.S. Embassy or Consulate contact information. Laminate it for protection against wear.