Happy Holidays
India
Region: Pretty much everywhere!
Main Religion: Hindu. Also Sikh and Muslim.
Dress code: Cover up shoulders, wear loose clothing and no low-cut tops. Traditional dress is Salwah kameez (tunics) or Saris. Rural areas are more traditional than cities.
Places to See: Taj Mahal; Andamen Islands on the East coast - tropical beaches and jungle. Hampi - a ruined kingdom (straight out of the jungle book).
Useful tips: Be assertive, as the Amen have seen a lot of Western films and think it's ok to touch you. Learn a few words of the local language as this softens their attitude towards you. Avoid meat, salad and ice-cream and only drink bottled water (make sure the bottles are sealed). Ask how much a taxi journey will cost before you get in. Talk to people who have been. Bring toilet paper!
Places to stay: Salvation Army hostels - but make sure you book in advance.
Thailand
Region: Bangkok
Main Religion: Buddhism
Places to See: Khao San Road (Backpackers hang-out)
Useful tips: Do not eat the fried cockroaches. Only drink bottled water. Try to avoid fruit and vegetables unless they have been washed in bottled water. Be persistent in refusing to buy things from street sellers. Do not leave your belongings in your room during the day if possible as the proprietors will often pay a visit to clean the room.
Places to Stay: You can't book in advance at most places, however, the Lucky Beer Guest House on the Khao San Road is good and has its own restaurant. It costs about 90p a night for a bed.
Russia
Region: Moscow
Main Religion: Russian Orthodox, although religion is increasingly not a part of youth culture
Customs: Married women are meant to be servile to their husbands. The verb 'to get married' actually means 'to walk behind your man'. Gender roles are strictly defined, with the woman generally looking after the house while the man is at work.
Dress Code: Short skirts and fur coats - think back to the 1980s!
Places to See: The Cremlin. Greek Orthodox churches.
Useful Tips: Wear fur coats in winter to keep warm and fit in. Avoid going out late alone and keep your money in a safe place. Learning some basic Russian will ensure a better response.
Places to Stay: Staying with a family is a great way to get to know the place.
South/East Africa
Region:Sawziland,SouthAfrica,Nambia,,
Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Zanzibar
Main Religion: Various
Dress Code: Depends on particular tribe and/or culture. In Swaziland you should wear a skirt in government-owned buildings, and be aware that the further East you go - the stricter things become. In Zanzibar you should ensure that shoulders and knees are covered.
Places to See: Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe); Okavangodetta (Botswana); Spice Island (Zanzibar); Serengetti (Tanzania); Bwindi (Uganda).
Useful tips: Take insect repellent. Avoid swimming in stagnant water. Sanitation deteriorates as you go East. Don't hitchhike and beware of pickpockets.
Places to Stay: Youth Hostels are cheap; camping is also a good option but remember to rake mosquito nets. There is free transport available to and from Johannesburg airport.
8th Jun 2000