Travel Guest Post: Holidays in Thailand

Thailand is an enchanted place where nature, history and legend come together in a magical land capable of arousing overwhelming emotions. A corner of paradise where the silence of the temples of ancient civilization and spirituality come together with the incomparable beauty of wild nature. A timeless journey to discover a land of a thousand wonders. Thailand is one of the most popular destinations in South-East Asia thanks to its breath-taking scenarios, the magnificent cultural and religious sites, the delicious food, natural beauty and warm hospitality of the Thais. To spend your holiday in Thailand is a fantastic experience that you should not miss. There are many options if you want to stay There.

The wide valley of the Chao Phraya River, in Central Thailand, extends the shade of the beautiful mountains of the Phetchabun, where is the capital of Thailand, Bangkok. It is a modern and very busy, shopping centre, spiritual and cultural centre of Thailand.

The city was never colonized, maintaining its distinctive culture, with 400 beautifully decorated Buddhist temples scattered throughout the city. The largest island of Thailand, Phuket is the pearl of the Andaman. The beaches of fine white sand, the immense tranquillity and the lush green tropical forests have made Phuket the most visited island in Thailand.

Ko Samui is one of the most beautiful islands in the Gulf of Siam, a true paradise. It is a resort that offers a taste of everything that you can enjoy in a trip to Thailand. There are incredible beaches of white sand, perfect for diving, fishing, water sports, golf and mountain biking and to see some of the most majestic sceneries in Thailand.
Staying in Ko Samui, Thailand allow you also to visit the nearby island of Koh Phangan, which hosts the famous full moon party. It is ideal to visit during the dry season, from June to September. A Koh Samui Villa is a perfect place to relax and visit some of the hundreds of islands scattered in the sea. Rent a beach villa in Thailand for your holidays and to feel just like at home.

Travel Guest Post: A Romantic Getaway in Bangkok

Your honeymoon deserves to be an experience that stands out from all of your friends and family member’s cookie-cutter trips to the usual locales, including Paris, Venice or the Caribbean. If you’re searching for an unexpected place to share a truly exotic and unforgettable journey, consider taking your first vacation as man and wife in Bangkok. This capital city of Thailand boasts some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, romantic restaurants and divine distractions that will make your honeymoon a sincerely unique and unforgettable experience. Get caught up in the beauty and wonder of the mystique that surrounds this glamorous, fascinating city.

 Beaches

The beaches and waters surrounding Bangkok feature some of the most breathtaking sights and wildlife in Thailand. Cha Am beach lies about 100 miles south of Bangkok and offers a unique blend of modern amenities and old world charm. Spend the night in one of the many glamorous resorts or quaint hotels before stepping out of the room right onto a white, sandy beach.

If you’re looking for more excitement and interaction with the locals, head to Pattaya instead. The beach is a short 30 minute drive from the Bangkok airport and is always alive with the energy that makes Thailand one of the most astonishing countries in the world.

 Thai Massage

Visit one of the many spas in the resorts and lavish hotels throughout Bangkok. While booking the hotel, ask about a couple’s Thai massage. During a traditional Thai massage, the client is dressed in loose-fitting comfortable clothing to allow for adequate movement before being placed on the floor. The massage practitioner then uses a series of rhythmic movements while manipulating the client into a variety of yoga-like positions. The typical Thai massage lasts around two hours and leaves the recipient feeling energized, relaxed and refreshed. Inquire about any additional spa services, including facials and pedicures, they offer to happy honeymooning couples.

 Dining

Bangkok is world-renowned for its cuisine and the romantic atmosphere of many of the city’s restaurants.  The rooftop Vertigo restaurant allows you to enjoy a traditional Thai dining experience while getting a unique, bird’s eye view of the city. Make reservations at Vertigo the minute you set foot in the city, and try to dine after dark to witness the beauty of a fully-lit Bangkok after dark.

Bangkok is often referred to as the “Venice of the East” mainly for one reason:  the Chao Phraya River. Many liners offer romantic evening dinner cruises along the Chao Phraya, which allows you to take in Bangkok’s sights (including several of the city’s famous wats, or temples) while gazing lovingly at your spouse under the stars.

 Benjasiri Park

When you’re ready to step out of the excitement and energy of Bangkok and commune with nature inside this urban metropolis, head to Benjasiri Park. The park is constructed around an internal lake and features a well-kept array of Thailand’s local flora in a botanical garden-like setting. While you stroll hand-in-hand through the park with your new spouse take note of the sculpture garden, which features 12 pieces constructed by local artists, before stopping to enjoy a romantic picnic for two. Once you’ve had your fill of Thailand’s flora, fauna and artwork, take a few steps out of the park and reenter the hustle and bustle of this lively city.

 Catch a Movie; Do a Little Shopping

Many tourists don’t realize the world-class shopping and movie theaters scattered throughout several of Bangkok’s shopping centers. In Thailand watching a film is a truly unique experience, complete with love seats, pillows, blankets and well-dressed stewards that offer you a drink, dinner or simply a tub of buttered popcorn.

No honeymoon, or vacation for that matter, would be complete without shopping for a few souvenirs. Bangkok is simply filled with bustling shopping centers and traditional open air markets that feature wares from across Thailand and its neighboring countries. Don’t forget to pick up a few handbags, dresses or scarves manufactured from luxurious Thai silk before purchasing souvenirs for your friends and family members.

While experiencing Thailand on your honeymoon, don’t forget to mind the local customs and traditions. This includes removing your shoes before entering many of the city’s temples and learning a few key words and phrases in Thai, including “thank you!” and “where’s the bathroom?”

Author: Erica Gustafson is a freelance media consultant for the Retreat by Zur spa and resort.  She is an avid traveler and loves to write about the places she has been to. Erica writes on behalf of Expedia.

Travel Guest Post: Dinner, Drinks & Fire Dancing on Koh Tao, Thailand

 

Amongst the many popular and developed tourist destinations in Thailand, there is still much to be found for those seeking less crowded, quieter, off the beaten track locations. Now, Koh Tao isn’t a hidden secret, it is still firmly on the tourist trail, however it has yet to invest in levels of development that holiday makers to more popular Thai islands such as Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan and Phuket are used to. Originally gaining fame as the second most popular place to learn to scuba dive in the world, (Cairns Australia is first) you now get a handful of divers and holiday makers enjoying this picturesque, laid back and tiny island.

The Island

The main road in Koh Tao is pretty rugged as well as disorderly, with transport around the island covered mainly by open back trucks and the two-wheeled variety including scooters and dirt bikes. Access to the island is purely by ferry, with the jetty at Mae Haad bay, which along with the nearby Sairee Village is the main area of development on the island. If you don’t want to hire your own scooter or bike, the best alternative is the many water taxis that float moored along the beaches. Thanks to the tourists who come here for the diving, there is a smattering of well served accommodation that offers luxury air con rooms and huts, decent restaurants, pools and in many cases an attached diving school.

It may be thanks to this diving scene, its small as an island, or its location slightly out-of-the-way of other areas in Thailand, but the tacky party scene and low quality development that blights certain other places in Thailand hasn’t spread here. This all means that, when it comes to your evening’s entertainment, you’re spoilt for choice with plenty of tasteful restaurants and bars lined along the main beach, offering the perfect opportunity to pick your venue as you stroll along the water’s edge.

Dinner

Sairee beach is the biggest and being next to Mae Head bay offers the largest range of amenities for your evening. A night out is best started early, as you will find plenty of opportunity to float between venues. Coming down here before sunset will afford you the opportunity to watch the water taxis return to their shore moorings and some pretty amazing sun sets, so fans of cocktails or pre dinner drinks take note.  A lot of bars have an elevated decking set on the beach’s edge and these spots are great to order your food from. Being an island the menus feature an impressive sea food range, and the rice and noodle dishes that Thailand is famous for are particularly tasty in this region.  Sitting on the sun warmed decks on cushions around low levelled tables is hard to beat anywhere in the world!

Drinks

Following dinner, moving from the deck down onto the restaurant’s beach area is the easiest transition from restaurant to bar you’ll ever make. Here, the common set up is cushions which rise at the back to make them easy to lounge in, and you get a tiny table to perch your drinks on top of. The waiters serve the tables and offer menus with a great range of cocktails, Thai beer including Chang Lager, and the typical non-alcoholic options like coconut milk shakes. The main thoroughfare along the restaurant bar scene is the beach, which makes it perfect for bar hopping and the fact there’s no bouncers or dress code improves this no end.

Fire Dancing

As the night kicks in, so do the fire dancers. Any trip to Thailand is incomplete without seeing how talented the locals are at this, and it takes bar entertainment to another level. The main variations are either using a burning stick or burning blocks at the end of metal chains. The variety of moves is astounding as is the lack of mistakes. If you want to avoid getting too close, then don’t sit in the beach area as the dancers move amongst the crowd and even swirl the flaming objects around your head! This is all coordinated to lively music, so it’s little surprise that as the fire dancers finally fade away, anyone with any energy left can hit the sandy dance floors as several beach side bars carry the tunes into the night.

Author Bio: Matt has travelled much of South East Asia, with Thailand being a distinct favourite. His next planned adventures will be down under, and he has already booked his Flights to Australia.

Travel Guest Post: Top 5 Sabbatical Destinations

If you work for a company that allows sabbaticals, it’s well worth taking advantage of this perk to expand your horizons and simply take a break from the daily grind for a while.

Many people use sabbaticals to sightsee, but there’s also the attractive opportunity to give something back to society by joining a volunteer project. Whatever kind of adventure you hope to have, there are several destinations you should consider – here’s our pick of five of the best.

Australia

Research suggests Australia is the most popular destination for those taking a break from work. Given its reputation as a mecca for students on a gap year, it might surprise you to learn that it’s also a big draw for over-50s looking to escape the UK for a few months. So it’s perhaps safe to say that the destination really is for all ages!

The sheer size of the country means you’ll have a different experience wherever you go on your sabbatical, from the cosmopolitan vibe of cities like Sydney and Melbourne to the impressive Great Barrier Reef, the remote outback and the heady tropical rainforests. Specific activities you can enjoy in Australia include working on a ranch and learning the finer points of wine tasting.

Thailand

Thailand’s breathtaking coastline and islands, exotic culture, low living costs and fantastic food make it a hit among Brits looking to really get away from it all on their sabbatical.

You can wander through the streets of cities like Bangkok or Chiang Mai to immerse yourself in local history, relax on golden beaches, check out iconic sights like the bridge over the River Kwai or help out on volunteering schemes that assist local children in learning new skills. Thailand really does have something for everyone!

India

Another relatively cheap sabbatical destination, vibrant India has plenty to offer the work-weary traveller. You can choose from a host of experiences here, from relaxing on the golden beaches of Goa to exploring the Rajasthan desert and helping teach children high up in the Himalayas.

Despite being a technologically advanced country, India is home to many poor communities in desperate need of help – in terms of both money and human labour. So, if you want to do your bit as you travel through the nation, it’s well worth signing up to a volunteer project that lets you do just that.

South Africa

As the land of safaris, wine, spectacular scenery and a diverse culture, South Africa ticks all the boxes for a perfect sabbatical if you want to simply relax and enjoy yourself.

In terms of volunteering, you can spend time in small communities helping children learn to read, assist in the rehabilitation of injured and orphaned monkeys or take care of disadvantaged children in the more rural parts of the country.

Everywhere

Okay, so this might be cheating, but if you can’t decide where to go on your sabbatical, you could consider a round the world trip – especially if you have a few months off work. Think about the countries and activities that interest you and go from there, taking into account your budget and the time of year you wish to travel.

Just imagine flying to the USA and spending a few days there before travelling on to the likes of Costa Rica, Africa, China, Vietnam, Australia and New Zealand. Of course, this is just one potential itinerary; there are countless combinations to choose from for a sabbatical that is tailor-made for you!

What do you think? Are there any other destinations you think are ideal for a sabbatical, based either on experience or your own wish list? Let us know in the comments!

Travel Guest Post: How to Take a Luxurious Medical Tourism Trip

Photo used under Creative Commons from Friar’s Balsa

To help alleviate stresses of surgery, consider taking a luxurious medical tourism trip. Certain countries cater to medical tourists and the hotel accommodations provided will pamper the travelling patient. To help coordinate your trip, you will need to obtain a medical tourism facilitator; they will handle all the details.

However, as the patient, you should obtain any essential information from your personal physician. Also, as with any planned surgery, you should make sure that the facilities are accredited. Since the facility you choose will be in a foreign country make sure they are accredited by either the Joint Commission International (JCI) or the International Society for Quality in Healthcare.

Once you have determined that the facility meets the accreditation, you should plan your trip. Lay your worries aside and plan on a relaxing trip. It is a welcoming prospect that the cost of your trip, including the airfare, luxurious hotel accommodations, sightseeing and the surgery, should cost less than the very same surgery in your home country. If planning a medical tourism trip you should consider one of the following countries:

India

India has many accredited facilities to meet your healthcare needs. They are renowned around the world for their open heart surgeries and hip and knee replacements. But, they are not limited to only those specialties. In terms of sightseeing, what more can you ask for than a land that is the setting of the Taj Mahal, a lasting legacy of love? You’ve seen the pictures, and if you choose to have your surgery in India, you could actually visit it yourself.

Or, if you would prefer to spend your time in nature, India has beautiful beaches, and majestic mountains. Also, if your life is hectic, why not completely spend your time being pampered at the many spas. Some even offer Ayurveda and Naturopathic medicine to complement the modern healthcare you seek.

Mexico

Mexico has at least eight hospitals internationally certified for healthcare. Many travel from the USA for cheaper medical treatment, taking advantage of some of the newer hospitals that are among the best in the world. Mexico offers medical tourists a temperate climate to enjoy their myriad of beaches, or the opportunity to surf for the more adventurous. You could travel to Acapulco and observe the cliff divers. Or, if you prefer you could travel to Cabo san Lucas and try Marlin fishing.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica offers the medical tourism at least three accredited hospitals, including Hospital CIMA. Travellers come from the USA and Canada to take advantage of quality medical care at a lower price. Common treatments include general and cosmetic dentistry, orthopaedic surgery and fertility treatments. The average temperature is 72 degrees, so it offers the perfect weather to peer into a volcano’s crater. Or, you could visit one of the many beaches.

Brazil

They are world renowned for their cosmetic surgeries, but also offer cardiac surgery and weight loss surgery for the medical tourist. You are recommended to visit only their private hospitals for treatment. There are therapeutic hot springs to visit. You could visit the dunes and waterfalls. For the adventurous, travel the Amazon and fish for Piranha. If you prefer a party, plan your medical tourism trip to coincide with Carnivale.

Thailand

They have over ten facilities that are accredited and the number of medical tourists visiting the area has been increasing since 2000. They also offer programs that specialise in Diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease. Some of their popular treatments include bariatric surgery, eye surgery and dental procedures. In the modern city of Bangkok you can enjoy the underground subway, or the elevated sky train. Or, enjoy a trip back in time and travel the canals. However, try to avoid the Monsoon season.

Richard is a freelance writer who shares his knowledge about health, cosmetic dentistry and travelling abroad for dental tourism.

Top 10 Places to Spend NYE

I have a bad case of wanderlust. Every chance I get, I am on a plane to explore something new. New Years Eve gives me the perfect excuse. Here is my list of the top 10 places you should be come midnight on January 31^st:

1.)    New York City Sort of an obvious choice. This has been a NYE tradition for years. Join one million people in the middle of Times Square as they celebrate the ringing in of the New Year with the drop of the infamous New Year’s Eve ball from the top of the flagpole of One Times Square.

2.)    Sydney, Australia They definitely know how to party down under with firework shows over the harbor at 9pm and midnight. The perfect evening: A cocktail cruise around the harbor on a beautiful yacht.

3.)    Rio de Janeiro, Brazil If you want to start the New Year with an all-out party, grab your swimsuit and white garb (traditionally thought to bring good luck)and head to the beautiful beaches of Brazil, and watch the fireworks from the pristine beaches of Copacabana

4.)    . Las Vegas, Nevada The city of sin is a perfect way to bring in the New Year. An ode to non-stop parting all-year long, Vegas rolls out the red carpet on Jan. 31^st to host the several celebs and jetsetters in town.

5.)    Negril, Jamaica If you are going for an island New Years, check out the colorful, casual beaches of Jamaica.

6.) Paris, France The city of light gets additional help with fireworks near the Eiffel Tower and nightlight that ranges from formal balls to small parties.

7.) London, England Cruise down the Thames River or gather at The London and watch Big Ben bring in the New Year at the stroke of midnight.

8.) Miami, Florida The younger jet set crew heads here to the sexy beaches and exotic nightlife. Watch fireworks from your glam hotel, or any of the many South Beach parties.

9.) Edinburgh, Scotland Scotts keep the party going with a four day celebration! Known as the biggest street party in Europe, join celebrating Europeans for celebration events for all ages!

10.) Bangkok, Thailand Bangkok celebrates New Years’ three times annually; January for Chinese New Year, April for Thai New Year and December for Western New Year.

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