In Reply to: Newbies posted by Pike on Wednesday, 27. April 2005 at 10:14 Bali Time:
(It's not Bali, but these rules apply for travel pretty much anywhere.)
Leave the surfboards at your hotel accommodation. They will be fine.
Leave all valuables (passports, credit cards, etc) in a hotel safety deposit box. This normally is included with accommodation costs. Only take small amounts of cash if you happen to go swimming outside of hotel areas.
It's generally cheaper to book a package deal for airfare & accomm. Depends what you want to do. If you plan to travel extensively, just go for airfare. For a first timer though, suggest pre-booking accommodation. Get a feel for the place. Heaps to do when you get there. Relax & Enjoy.