Useful travel tools

Once I made the decision to go ahead with the trip, I started researching and I found the following tools and resources invaluable:

• Google Maps Google Maps to orientate myself and generally plan ahead and gain assurances that my CNG driver is going the right way! This app is amazing and invaluable in Bangladesh - it even locates dirt tracts!

• The Bradt Travel guide book for general information, suggested itineraries, and hotel recommendations. Surprisingly, I found it more useful than Lonely Planet's equivalent at the time.

• Booking.com, for accommodation.

• Tripadvisor, to corroborate suggestions, recommendations and accommodation reviews.

The itinerary

My trip to Bangladesh was going to be 2 weeks’ long and I quickly realised that, with the relatively slower pace of transport out there - I didn't have much time at all and that I would have to pick a few places to visit. I wanted to experience a different side of Bangladesh that was largely unexplored and so I decided on the itinerary listed below. Bangladesh is made up of numerous districts and I have grouped destinations by district for ease of reference:

Dhaka

• Dhaka...because it's the capital and the port of entry into Bangladesh for me and is the usual port of entry for most travellers, unless flying Bangladesh Biman which flies direct to Sylhet from London Heathrow (at the time of writing).

Chittagong

• Chittagong...because it is a great hub for onward travel to the beautiful Chittagong Hill Tract ('CHT') region and where I would apply and obtain the required permits for onward travel to the CHT.

• Rangamati...because it is on the way to Bandarban and a great introduction to Bangladesh’s Buddhist culture.

• Bandarban...because, in my opinion, this is the tourist jewel of the CHT region.

Sylhet

• Sylhet...because this is a great hub for the north, the major commercial hub for the North East and the region from which most British Bangladeshis originate from.

• Lala Khal...because it is described as one of the most beautiful areas in the north.

Moulvibazar

• Moulvibazar....because this is where Maa (mum) and Baba (dad) were born and grew up and where my kakus (uncles) and kakis (aunties) and their families still reside.

I was able to book, pretty much, all accommodation via email - which was handy. When travelling to a place like Bangladesh I cannot stress enough: you must do your research as mass tourism is yet to arrive in Bangladesh. So, if you've booked your tickets but haven't done any research, I would strongly suggest that you do as much as you can before you go! Bangladesh, even for me who's been a few times, is always a bit of a shock to the system. So you have to accept that for the first couple of days you will be, slightly, off your ‘game’. For this reason I would recommend at least booking your first night's accommodation to give your body, and mind...but mostly your body a chance to catch up with your new surroundings.

Vaccinations

As per the Travel Health Pro website - in addition to ensuring all your routine vaccinations are up-to-date - it is recommended that you check whether you're properly immunised against the following:

• Typhoid;

• Hepatitis A; and

• Tetanus.

The Travel Health Pro website also has some useful guidance on Malaria prevention.

Visas

Now that I was set on preparing for my trip - It was, of course, 'Sod's law' that I had to renew my 'No VISA Required' ('NVR') stamp on my passport. But luckily there is an Assistant High Commission for Bangladesh in Birmingham, where I currently live, and the process for applying is clearly explained online.

If you're of Bangladeshi origin ie your parents or grandparents were born in Bangladesh like mine are, then it is likely that you will be eligible for an NVR sticker. But, If you live in the Midlands or South Wales, you should look here for further details. If you live anywhere else, have a look here for further details.

If you're not of Bangladeshi origin, then it is likely that you will need to apply for a Tourist Visa. Have a look at the Bangladesh High Commission, London webpage and Assistant High Commission for Bangladesh, Birmingham webpage (if you live in the Midlands or South Wales) for further details.

Packing

There is a clear temptation to default to the assumption that absolutely nothing the West has to offer will be available in Bangladesh. This is a well trodden road and if you pack your bags with this assumption in mind, I can tell you it will not be a very comfortable journey for you. Unless you are expecting to be in a Bollywood/Bengali movie where an outfit change is required every three minutes, you should take into consideration that laundry is very cheap in Bangladesh and the service is, generally, pretty good. Having said that, it's probably best to leave behind your expensive branded gear and opt for the high street equivalents instead. In any case, if you read the label - chances are it was made in Bangladesh anyway so you could always purchase a few t-shirts once you're over there at a fraction of the price!

I've included below my thoughts on packing as a 30 year old male (at the time of my trip) - this will obviously differ from person to person, but I think the principals are generally the same for everyone:

• Pack enough clothes with the expectation to (i) do at least one batch of laundry during your stay (ii) to buy new clothes as you become assimilated to your surroundings. For example, if your stay is for two weeks, enough clothes and underwear for one week should be enough factoring in one laundry run and that you will probably purchase some clothes whilst you are out there.

• Rolling your clothes instead of folding them will change your life!

• Essential medicines that you require and those that may be recommended by a medical professional.

• A small handheld LED torch can be handy in case of a power cut.

• A few passport sized photos for travel permits to certain regions ie CHT and mobile SIM cards.

• An ‘unlocked’ mobile phone that is open to different providers. If you see yourself travelling to Asia a few times, then it may be worth investing in an inexpensive, reliable, and easy to use smartphone that you designate for travel. I travel quite a bit to destinations in Asia and had already purchased the Moto G3 which I found very good and easy to use. Of course, there have been many iterations since and the newer versions are even better and just as affordable.

• A travel adapter for your smartphone and other electronic devices you may require, but I recommend not taking anything you would dearly miss if it goes missing!

• A travel diary for recording the great moments you're undoubtedly going to have.

Don't take my word for it, have a read of Lonely Planet's article on packing light.

Now that I was all set to go, the big day had arrived and the 'acclimatisation' process commenced.