Traveling to Southeast Asia is exciting and exotic. It conjures up images of bustling markets, thriving jungles and of course, their famous local wildlife, like elephants and tigers.

Since August 2015, Global Basecamps travelers visiting Cambodia have been partaking in our Clean Water Project in the small village of Kampong Khleang, just an hour outside of Siem Reap. We partnered with Waves for Water to provide clean drinking water to families within the community. To this date, our travelers have brought and helped install a compact water filtration system to 78 families. Our target by the end of summer is to provide clean water to all 105 families within the village, only 27 to go!

Arriving in the sweltering heat of Yangon’s airport to be greeted by a Longi clad wearing driver is stepping back in time 50 years into a part of Asia that has seen little influence from the outside world. Yangon, formerly known as Rangoon, shows crumbling signs of the British rule in the architecture and infrastructure mixed with pagodas and stupas peppered throughout the city. The Burmese culture is warm and inviting and the cuisine is a unique blend of textures, flavors and spices. One of the most unique staples in Burmese cuisine is Lahpet Thoke, fermented tea leaf salad with roasted peanuts, crispy beans, crunchy sesame seeds and aromatic fried garlic.

So you are going to Japan and are planning on visiting a traditional Japanese hot spring, also known as a onsen. You just found out, clothing is not permitted....

In Japanese culture, onsens are introduced to life at a very young age and locals don't blink twice before entering the steamy therapeutic baths. If you are not familiar with the hot spring culture, read on to discover the correct etiquette, customs and norms before taking the plunge so you are prepared with realistic expectations and truly relax. 

We get this question a lot. Visas are often an overlooked piece in the travel puzzle.