Common sense: Don't leave home without it<\/p>\n
By Dini S. Djalal<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Ever gone on a beach holiday with four pairs of
\njeans and only one pair of shorts?<\/p>\n
It's a common blunder. Even the most veteran traveler has
\ntoured burdened with excess luggage and without a single
\nnecessity. Traveling is as complicated as quantum physics. You
\ncan experiment a thousand times, but still not get it right.<\/p>\n
Reading my guide won't solve your travel woes either, just as
\nwriting it won't solve mine. But traveling is about
\nimperfections. As the saying goes: Getting to your destination --
\nwith all its hassles, delays and chaos -- is half the fun.
\nTravel's allure is its anonymity, how a journey can reinvent
\nidentities. When traveling, you can be as foolish as you want,
\nand have no one to answer to.<\/p>\n
But whether you're bungy-jumping in Bali or antique hunting in
\nSulawesi, there are precautions to take. Modern Indonesia is
\nhardly untrodden jungle, but it is still not traveler-friendly.
\nBeyond Jakarta's expensive toll roads lies a different world free
\nfrom air-conditioned malls, credit cards and other urban
\nconveniences.<\/p>\n
Sure, some people travel to get away from conveniences. But
\nremember, this is a holiday, not a self-torture test. Bring some
\nnecessities with you, and you can leave your worries behind.<\/p>\n
First of all, carry the necessary documents. In Indonesia,
\nyour paper identity is more important than who you really are, so
\nhave your passport and visa handy. Bring along your drivers
\nlicense if you are brave enough to face Indonesian drivers. If
\nyou're a student or under 26 years old, carry your International
\nStudent Identity Card (ISIC) or Youth Card, to get student
\ndiscounts. Some airline officials are persnickety with red-tape,
\nso bring along photocopies of university transcripts confirming
\nyour student identity.<\/p>\n
Money matters are a trickier game. Ideally you should use
\nMonopoly money, but unfortunately you need the real thing, and
\nlots of it. Never underestimate your shopping potential while
\ntraveling. Make room in your budget for that special something
\nyou won't find elsewhere. Better yet, set aside some cash for
\nsome frivolous spending, like a five-course dinner or a night at
\na nice hotel. After one of those overnight bus or train rides,
\nyou'll welcome it.<\/p>\n
How should the Hilton or the Hyatt be rewarded for its
\nservices? Again, try to be as safe as you can, and carry both
\ncash, travelers cheques and credit cards. Indonesia is a
\nparticularly cash-oriented economy, so make sure you have lots of
\nsmall bills with you. Giving out large bills only draws attention
\nto yourself, and gives people an excuse to try to keep the
\nchange.<\/p>\n
In Indonesia's transitional economy, giving away change is
\nhotly debated. To tip or not to tip? Use your own discretion.
\nTipping is still new here, and service is often already included
\nin the bill. Giving away Rp 500, will get you a wider smile,
\nwhile throwing away Rp 5,000 will practically induce kowtowing.
\nAlways carry small notes with you to test the difference.<\/p>\n
Where will you carry all this loose paper? The extra-cautious
\nlike to hide their valuables under or even in their pants, but
\nreaching for the documents is often awkward and sometimes
\nembarrassing. The popular money-belt is also over rated -- it's a
\nbull's-eye for lazy thieves.<\/p>\n
Give pickpockets a challenge. Sew a pocket inside your jacket
\nor waistcoat, and put your valuables there. A simple pouch worn
\nas a handbag or a necklace -- and with a lot of confidence -- is
\nalso helpful. Statistics claim that mugging-victims are often
\nrobbed several times, especially those who cling to their
\nbelongings. Carry your valuables without fear and leave the rest
\nto fate.<\/p>\n
Don't be as nonchalant with your health. Even in a tourist
\nghetto, a first-aid kit is indispensable, especially if you're
\ntoo sick to even leave your hotel room.<\/p>\n
And, in the tropics, there are many kinds of sickness.
\nSunburned and ridden with insect bites? Apply some Caladryl.
\nRightly afraid to drink the water? Drop some water sterilization
\ntablets. Last night's dinner causing a minor Krakatoa eruption in
\nyour stomach? Sit in the bathroom with lots of Imodium and
\nOralit. Cut yourself on some broken beer bottles? Don't let it go
\nseptic and treat it with Betadine.<\/p>\n
You should also bring some antibiotics, such as tetracycline.
\nHowever, do not gulp these down at the slightest fever.
\nAntibiotics should be a last alternative. You can bring down
\nfever with paracetamol and lots of ice.<\/p>\n
Accounting for the countless tropical ailments requires more
\nspace than allowed here. Although the likelihood of catching
\nmalaria, typhoid, cholera, dengue fever, hepatitis and dysentery
\nshould not be exaggerated, travelers should be aware of these
\nhealth hazards. You can religiously avoid salads, unpeeled fruit
\nand tap water, and still get sick. If you do break down with
\nfever and your fever continues longer than a few days, see a
\ndoctor.<\/p>\n
Try not to see a doctor for heat exhaustion, however. Do not
\nunderestimate the tropical sun. Drink lots of water. Don't spend
\ntoo much time under the sun. When you do, apply lots of sunscreen
\nand cover your head. Also increase your salt intake as incessant
\nsweating dehydrates your salt level, and can bring on fatigue and
\nmuscle cramps.<\/p>\n
You can also relieve heat exhaustion with common sense. Forego
\nfashion and wear airy cotton clothes.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, I rarely apply my advice. Remember that old
\nmaxim, stack up what you want to bring and then bring only half?
\nI never do. Whatever you bring, include a pair of trousers or a
\nlong skirt in your luggage. Regardless of prosperity, Indonesians
\nkeep a modest and tidy appearance.<\/p>\n
If your budget is not limiting, however, you can buy simple
\nclothes, like T-shirts, cheaply at your destination. You can also
\nbuy cheap but necessary accessories, such as a hat, sunglasses,
\nsarong and a raincoat. Take note of persistent rains, however,
\nand make sure your purchases dry quickly.<\/p>\n
Ultimately, the best thing you can bring on your travels is
\nnot earplugs, an underwater camera, or the latest Judith Krantz
\nnovel, but common sense. Common sense will make you take malaria
\npills, and avoid unhygienic-looking food vendors. Common sense
\nwill also bring on good manners, such as not raising your voice
\nin public and wearing modest clothes, making your trip more
\npleasant. With a little common sense, you can go a long way.<\/p>",
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