Wilderness Adventure - Thailand
Thailand has always held a special place in my heart. I first travelled there in 1991, a wide eyed kid wet behind the ears with a bucket shop one way ticket to Bangkok. My grand plans of a short beach break before heading down to the east coast of Australia joining the 1000's of Pommie pilgrims earning a right of passage didn't exactly go to plan. I left Thailand eleven months later to return home penniless, emancipated and full of great stories, which my friends soon got bored with.
I returned a few times mainly to Bangkok and Koh Samui happy to be back in the land of smiles but feeling slightly disappointed at all the changes. The old story of development being good for the locals but not good for my sense of adventure. That didn't deter me from joining the Imaginative Travellers Wilderness Adventure two years ago.
Arriving in Bangkok this time was different. I had a hotel booked so no lugging my pack in Bangkok's suffocating mixture of exhaust fumes, heat and humidity looking for a clean bed. I had a group to meet too, this was also good, eating Pad Thai on your own looking for a fellow traveller to strike a conversation with can be hard work. There were 10 of us, a mix of Poms, Aussies, a Canadian, an American and a South African. We all met for dinner and shortly after my first Thai beer I knew this would be a fun trip
Bangkok to me means food and shopping and the best place to find both is the Chata Chuk weekend market. I headed there with belly empty and wallet full destined to reverse the two. The market is huge, really huge, 35 acres of cheap goodies huge and sells everything from furniture to genuine fake designer clothes. The street food is fantastic but remember the Thai's like it hot. I left my shopping with the hotel to keep safe as I would be returning there once I finished the trip.
Off to Chiang Mai on the overnight train. I like travelling like this, sleeping while moving makes sense to me and the train is clean, functional, safe and fine. I think Chiang Mai is the perfect place to escape hectic Bangkok. It's a peaceful, happy place and that reflects in the locals. Sight seeing will take you to the Wat Pratat Doi Suthep temple - stunning and golden on a sunny day. The next stage of the trip was trekking in the surrounding jungle, I decided I needed a massage before we set off.
A trek in the hills of Northern Thailand is a chance to escape everyday life and clear your head. The going is not too difficult for someone with fairly good fitness although if it rains the mud can be tricky. I was enjoying my own head space when we arrived at the first village of wooden homes, pecking chickens and lots of smiles, basic but I couldn't think of anywhere else I would rather have been. Chan, our guide, was a local from a neighbouring village and before long he had us divided amongst our village hosts before the sun set and got too difficult for us city people to do anything without electric light. That night, with the noise of the surrounding jungle lying on a mattress roll on a bamboo floor, was maybe the most peaceful night's sleep I have ever had.
The next day's trek was shorter and we covered ground quicker, maybe we were getting used to the trekking but I think it was the excitement of the elephant ride to come that afternoon. Lunch was delicious but we were too busy watching the elephants wash in the river to notice. Elephants are brilliant creatures and being on one journeying deeper into the jungle is a fantastic experience.
The next morning Chan had us up early helping him and the village men build our rafts to take us down river to civilization. It is all part of the experience helping the guys and by helping I mean staying out of their way while they expertly craft our rafts. A serene float down to the nearest small town where our bus was waiting to take us to a hot shower and another massage.
We left Chiang Mai and headed back to Bangkok where we broke the journey up to the south with an over night stay in the city of angels.
I had heard a few good things about Khoa Sok national park, not too popular with tourists or backpackers alike due it not having a major bus stop. To get there you need to stop the bus by the 3rd banyan tree after 17th stream near the big hill and you will find a bakkie waiting to take you into the park. I'm glad we had a tour leader. The first night we slept with the birds in tree houses the second and third we stayed in raft houses on a man made dam. It is a truly beautiful area and a few of us spent the days swimming in waterfalls, flooded caves, kayaking and hiking and some of just sat back and took it all in.
How to finish this Thailand trip? On the beach of course. The islands around Krabi are what we visualize when we think of a Thai beach and they do not disappoint. The Thai's have a word called sabai, loosely translated it means an inner happiness and contentment. I woke one afternoon from a napping on the beach and understood exactly what sabai means.
This trip can be found on the Thailand section of Travel Light
by Spencer Neal
http://www.travellight.co.za/south_east_asia_tours/thailand_tours.htm
31 May 2007
29 May 2007
Caribbean yacht charter
A Caribbean yacht charter is an exceptional way to visit the Islands. My wife and I booked our first Caribbean yacht charter and sailed the Islands for three weeks last spring. Having visited many tropical islands, arriving by air and staying ashore, it was time to see things from a new perspective. Neither my wife nor I were experienced sailors, but had met people on prior Caribbean vacations that informed us that a Caribbean yacht charter would change our thoughts on the meaning of a southern getaway.
We arrived in St. Thomas mid afternoon and our Caribbean yacht charter began in Charlotte Amalie. The Captain and crew were awaiting our arrival with tropical drinks and tasty authentic Caribbean foods. The yacht crew stowed our luggage and cast off the lines. Within minutes of our arrival we were sailing on the first leg of our Caribbean yacht charter. Our yacht was in pristine condition. The interior layout was perfect for our needs and there was enough room to keep both guests and crew comfortable for the duration of our Caribbean yacht charter.
Our first stop on our Caribbean Yacht charter was in St. John, UVSI. We anchored the boat in Cruz Bay and took the dingy ashore. We did a little shopping and stopped in at the Famous Beach Bar for some Painkillers. The Captain suggested we find an alternate anchorage, a place where we could swim and relax in calm waters. We sailed out of Cruz Bay and dropped anchor in Caneel Bay for the night. As soon as the crew had secured the yacht my husband and I changed into our swimsuits and dove into the ocean for our first sea bath on our Caribbean yacht charter.
During our Caribbean yacht charter our crew entertained us with much knowledge of fun things to do & see on a Caribbean yacht charter vacation. My wife and I enjoy scuba diving so we asked the Captain to take us to the wreck of the Rhone for our first dive.
Our three -week Caribbean yacht charter flew by, we were having so much fun. We went on countless adventures and met fantastic people aboard their chartered yachts.
My wife booked our next Caribbean Yacht charter before we left, ensuring that the same yacht and crew would be available next year. If you are in need of a wonderful, out of the ordinary Caribbean holiday, charter a yacht and sail the oceans, your dream vacation awaits you!
By: Rob Parker
Article Source: http://www.superfeature.com
We arrived in St. Thomas mid afternoon and our Caribbean yacht charter began in Charlotte Amalie. The Captain and crew were awaiting our arrival with tropical drinks and tasty authentic Caribbean foods. The yacht crew stowed our luggage and cast off the lines. Within minutes of our arrival we were sailing on the first leg of our Caribbean yacht charter. Our yacht was in pristine condition. The interior layout was perfect for our needs and there was enough room to keep both guests and crew comfortable for the duration of our Caribbean yacht charter.
Our first stop on our Caribbean Yacht charter was in St. John, UVSI. We anchored the boat in Cruz Bay and took the dingy ashore. We did a little shopping and stopped in at the Famous Beach Bar for some Painkillers. The Captain suggested we find an alternate anchorage, a place where we could swim and relax in calm waters. We sailed out of Cruz Bay and dropped anchor in Caneel Bay for the night. As soon as the crew had secured the yacht my husband and I changed into our swimsuits and dove into the ocean for our first sea bath on our Caribbean yacht charter.
During our Caribbean yacht charter our crew entertained us with much knowledge of fun things to do & see on a Caribbean yacht charter vacation. My wife and I enjoy scuba diving so we asked the Captain to take us to the wreck of the Rhone for our first dive.
Our three -week Caribbean yacht charter flew by, we were having so much fun. We went on countless adventures and met fantastic people aboard their chartered yachts.
My wife booked our next Caribbean Yacht charter before we left, ensuring that the same yacht and crew would be available next year. If you are in need of a wonderful, out of the ordinary Caribbean holiday, charter a yacht and sail the oceans, your dream vacation awaits you!
By: Rob Parker
Article Source: http://www.superfeature.com
Top 10 Tips For Visiting Egypt
In my capacity as the UK Director of Operations for One World Tours Limited, one of my jobs is to ensure every client has the best tour possible, so here’s my top 10 tips if you are considering holidays in Egypt
1. Consider your dress. Egypt is a largely Muslim country and with this in mind, men and women should consider what they wear. You certainly do not have to be over the top, lets face it, it’s a hot climate. But you should avoid shorts and short sleeved shirts. Women may also want to consider taking a head scarf too, not for general use, but just in case they visit particularly important temples etc.
2. Pens. Offer a child an Egyptian pound or a pen and they will take the pen every time. Pens for children are like gold-dust. So if you want to give the kids a treat, pack a box of cheap pens and give them out whenever you get the chance. Do note though, that you need to do this not too openly as if you don’t you may have a very good natured riot on your hands as kids will appear out of nowhere when you start handing them out.
3. Toilet Paper. Toilet paper is often at a premium at historical sites and so it’s a really good idea to take a roll out of your hotel and take it in your back whenever you are out for the day. It should also be noted here that toilets at many historical sites are not of a “western standard” so arranging toilet visits in hotels, restaurant stops etc is not a bad idea.
4. Water. Like with any other hot climates, you should look to take plenty of water with you on your days out and make sure it’s sealed of course.
5 Avoid Ice / Salads etc. This related partly to number 4. People generally know not to drink non bottled water (to avoid possible upset stomachs), but often they over look that ice is frozen water and that salads have often been washed in water. Keep these things in mind when ordering food and drinks.
6 Take small notes. If you are going to tip, it’s a good idea and it avoids embarrassment to change up some bigger notes for a number of 1 LE (Egyptian Pound) notes
7 Be Strong. This applies to people begging. Egypt is a relatively financially poor country and with that comes the fact that people (children and adults) will beg. This is obviously a very personal issue, but obviously it’s possible to personally sort out all of Egypts financial problems. So feel free to help out where you can and when you feel comfortable, but realise, it’s just not possible to give to everyone who asks.
8 When in Rome. This again partly relates to tip 1. You are ultimately holidaying in a more reserved country and therefore you need to just think about things like public shows of affection. Obviously we want you to have a good time, just be respectful to a different culture and you’ll be just fine.
9 Haggle. As a tourist, when you buy almost anything, anywhere, the price will be marked up. You therefore HAVE to bargain your socks off. We generally suggest offering a maximum of 1/3 to 1/2 of the asking price and work up. If you can do it, you are even better to not offer a price at all, but just keep saying no and let them lower the price. The best tip is to just keep saying no until the person selling stops and lets you walk. At that point, you just won’t get a better price and then you have the option to go back and say – OK, I’ll take it at that price !
10 Baksheesh. If you do not know what this is, by the end of your holidays you will ! Baksheesh is a tip in Egypt for just about anything. From carrying your bags at the airport to offering to have a picture with you or showing around a tomb. So just be aware. If you chose to pay (it’s completely optional) pay with the smallest bills / nots possible (1 LE will be just fine).
Article Source: http://www.superfeature.com
1. Consider your dress. Egypt is a largely Muslim country and with this in mind, men and women should consider what they wear. You certainly do not have to be over the top, lets face it, it’s a hot climate. But you should avoid shorts and short sleeved shirts. Women may also want to consider taking a head scarf too, not for general use, but just in case they visit particularly important temples etc.
2. Pens. Offer a child an Egyptian pound or a pen and they will take the pen every time. Pens for children are like gold-dust. So if you want to give the kids a treat, pack a box of cheap pens and give them out whenever you get the chance. Do note though, that you need to do this not too openly as if you don’t you may have a very good natured riot on your hands as kids will appear out of nowhere when you start handing them out.
3. Toilet Paper. Toilet paper is often at a premium at historical sites and so it’s a really good idea to take a roll out of your hotel and take it in your back whenever you are out for the day. It should also be noted here that toilets at many historical sites are not of a “western standard” so arranging toilet visits in hotels, restaurant stops etc is not a bad idea.
4. Water. Like with any other hot climates, you should look to take plenty of water with you on your days out and make sure it’s sealed of course.
5 Avoid Ice / Salads etc. This related partly to number 4. People generally know not to drink non bottled water (to avoid possible upset stomachs), but often they over look that ice is frozen water and that salads have often been washed in water. Keep these things in mind when ordering food and drinks.
6 Take small notes. If you are going to tip, it’s a good idea and it avoids embarrassment to change up some bigger notes for a number of 1 LE (Egyptian Pound) notes
7 Be Strong. This applies to people begging. Egypt is a relatively financially poor country and with that comes the fact that people (children and adults) will beg. This is obviously a very personal issue, but obviously it’s possible to personally sort out all of Egypts financial problems. So feel free to help out where you can and when you feel comfortable, but realise, it’s just not possible to give to everyone who asks.
8 When in Rome. This again partly relates to tip 1. You are ultimately holidaying in a more reserved country and therefore you need to just think about things like public shows of affection. Obviously we want you to have a good time, just be respectful to a different culture and you’ll be just fine.
9 Haggle. As a tourist, when you buy almost anything, anywhere, the price will be marked up. You therefore HAVE to bargain your socks off. We generally suggest offering a maximum of 1/3 to 1/2 of the asking price and work up. If you can do it, you are even better to not offer a price at all, but just keep saying no and let them lower the price. The best tip is to just keep saying no until the person selling stops and lets you walk. At that point, you just won’t get a better price and then you have the option to go back and say – OK, I’ll take it at that price !
10 Baksheesh. If you do not know what this is, by the end of your holidays you will ! Baksheesh is a tip in Egypt for just about anything. From carrying your bags at the airport to offering to have a picture with you or showing around a tomb. So just be aware. If you chose to pay (it’s completely optional) pay with the smallest bills / nots possible (1 LE will be just fine).
Article Source: http://www.superfeature.com
Phuket - Top Holiday Destination in Thailand
Phuket Island - Popular Vacation Destination
Phuket has grown into one of the premier holiday destinations in South East Asia and is one of the busiest travel destinations of Thailand. It has replaced Bali as the most popular holiday island in the region.
What makes Phuket island such a great travel destination?
Phuket is first of all an inexpensive holiday destination. Phuket hotels, resorts and guesthouses can be found in all price categories and ratings and prices are considerably cheaper then what one would encounter in Europe or America.
Dining in restaurants or buying drinks in bars or clubs on Phuket is also less expensive then what most tourists are used to paying back in their home countries.
Phuket Beaches
The palm tree lined beaches of Phuket Island are of course world famous due to its crystal white sand and clear water of the Andaman Sea. Some of the nicest and most popular beaches found on Phuket Island are the beaches at Patong, Kamala, Karon, Kata and Nai Harn.
Phuket Nightlife
The Phuket nightlife is another reason why many tourists visit Phuket each year on holiday. Many tourists seem to keep coming back each year for especially the nightlife and bars of Phuket.
Most Phuket island nightlife venues can be found in Patong beach along the well known Soi Bangla. A number of large clubs are located along Bangla road in Patong including the very popular Tiger disco and the new Seduction Disco.
You can also find along Bangla road and the many small streets leading into Soi Bangla hundreds of beer bars. Each beer bar has a number of beautiful Thai ladies working for them who there to please the clients.
Phuket Shopping
Going shopping in Phuket in the past was not one of the most interesting activities for tourists due to the lack of a good variety of shops and products. Most of the shops sold the same tailor made clothing, bootleg movies and software and fake designer clothing.
Over the last few years however, a number of large shopping malls have opened on Phuket housing well known international retailers, unique local boutiques as well as international restaurant outlets such as Outback steakhouse and Burger King.
If you are going to visit Phuket for a holiday then please make sure to visit the brand new Phuket Junkceylon mall in Patong or the Central Carnival Mall along the Phuket by-pass road.
by James Bukovsky
http://www.goarticles.com/
Phuket has grown into one of the premier holiday destinations in South East Asia and is one of the busiest travel destinations of Thailand. It has replaced Bali as the most popular holiday island in the region.
What makes Phuket island such a great travel destination?
Phuket is first of all an inexpensive holiday destination. Phuket hotels, resorts and guesthouses can be found in all price categories and ratings and prices are considerably cheaper then what one would encounter in Europe or America.
Dining in restaurants or buying drinks in bars or clubs on Phuket is also less expensive then what most tourists are used to paying back in their home countries.
Phuket Beaches
The palm tree lined beaches of Phuket Island are of course world famous due to its crystal white sand and clear water of the Andaman Sea. Some of the nicest and most popular beaches found on Phuket Island are the beaches at Patong, Kamala, Karon, Kata and Nai Harn.
Phuket Nightlife
The Phuket nightlife is another reason why many tourists visit Phuket each year on holiday. Many tourists seem to keep coming back each year for especially the nightlife and bars of Phuket.
Most Phuket island nightlife venues can be found in Patong beach along the well known Soi Bangla. A number of large clubs are located along Bangla road in Patong including the very popular Tiger disco and the new Seduction Disco.
You can also find along Bangla road and the many small streets leading into Soi Bangla hundreds of beer bars. Each beer bar has a number of beautiful Thai ladies working for them who there to please the clients.
Phuket Shopping
Going shopping in Phuket in the past was not one of the most interesting activities for tourists due to the lack of a good variety of shops and products. Most of the shops sold the same tailor made clothing, bootleg movies and software and fake designer clothing.
Over the last few years however, a number of large shopping malls have opened on Phuket housing well known international retailers, unique local boutiques as well as international restaurant outlets such as Outback steakhouse and Burger King.
If you are going to visit Phuket for a holiday then please make sure to visit the brand new Phuket Junkceylon mall in Patong or the Central Carnival Mall along the Phuket by-pass road.
by James Bukovsky
http://www.goarticles.com/
28 May 2007
International Travel Advice by David Odell
Seeing the United States can be fairly easy, but when traveling out of the country having some international travel tips can be the difference between soaking up the sun and sitting in interrogation rooms. Although there are certain things to be aware of in any country you visit, airline travel tips are also very important in our post 9/11 world.
Traveling within your own country is usually pretty simply, but when going abroad, a few international travel tips can help make your vacation much smoother. Even though every place you visit has its own unique quirks, a few travel tips, especially airline travel tips, ensure you aren't hassled unnecessarily.
While traveling can be a very rewarding experience, traveling can also become very tedious and stressful if you are not well prepared. However, these international travel tips and airline travel tips should help make your next international vacation go off without a hitch.
The best place to find airline travel tips is on the airline's website. The website will inform you of the airline's policies on beverages and other items that may be prohibited from taking aboard planes. Another airline travel tip that everyone should know about is that baggage handlers are not gentle with anyone's luggage, regardless if it is packed full of precious, fragile souvenirs or not. If you have anything you want to remain intact, it needs to be included in your carry-on luggage. Also, to speed the process getting through security checks, you will have to empty your pockets and make sure you don't have any metal on you, so pay attention to your wardrobe before you set off to the airport.
While there may still be an exception, most countries require you to have a passport before entering. You should have some photocopies of your passport with you, and also leave copies with friends and family members at home in case you get separated from your belongings. This is one international travel tip that should be part of everyone's traveling plan. If you are in a foreign country with no ID, an airline ticket won't do you much good, and neither will travelers checks. Although it is not frequent, people do occasionally get separated from their belongings while traveling. Having a backup plan will ensure that your international vacation doesn't turn into a nightmare.
One great resource for international travel tips is the Lonely Planet series. Lonely Planet has a detailed guidebook for just about every destination you can imagine. For example, if you wanted some travel tips for Italy, the Lonely Planet book on Italy would give you detailed information about each town, neighboring tourist attractions, places to stay and places to eat. Although the Lonely Planet book that offers travel tips for Italy doesn't cover each and every hole in the wall restaurant, it gives you a good idea what there is do in each town, popular destinations and day trips, as well as painting an overall picture of the atmosphere you'll encounter there. The Lonely Planet books also include city maps and are updated often enough to keep them accurate.
For international travel tips specific to your journey, check out the Lonely Planet series. Lonely Planet is a collection of guidebooks that give a detailed look at nearly every country you can think of. They even have some books that are focused on particular regions of countries. Say you were going to Rome and needed some travel tips for Italy, there would definitely be a Lonely Planet book for Italy, but there may also be a separate book for southern Italy, or even Rome, since it is such a huge attraction. The Lonely Planet books are all encompassing and provide lists of restaurants, motels, attractions, and possible day trips, which are usually organized by price range. Lonely Planet books give detailed information on transportation as well. Whether you need travel tips for Italy or anywhere else, Lonely Planet books are an excellent resource.
If you know where you want to go, one of the best sources for international travel tips is the Lonely Planet books. These books give an objective viewpoint of attractions in various countries and regions around the world. These books tell you about fun activities and gorgeous scenery, but they do not hype up locations. They simply let you know what to expect, and in some cases, will even include hotel and restaurant owners' names. For example, if you needed some travel tips for Italy, you could look in the Lonely Planet book for Italy and get an overview of each town. It would tell you what the attractions are, a brief history, as well as places to stay and eat. In addition to travel tips for Italy, this book could help you set a very accurate budget for your vacation.
No matter what destination has peaked your interest, gathering some general international travel tips, as well as information about your destination, will make your vacation much more enjoyable.
Regardless of where your next vacation takes you, finding out as much about your destination and gathering as many international travel tips as possible will keep you from getting stressed out.
Wherever you're going on your next vacation, these international travel tips should help immensely. However, learning as much as possible about your destination will help you enjoy your vacation instead of being faced with surprises.
http://www.goarticles.com/
Traveling within your own country is usually pretty simply, but when going abroad, a few international travel tips can help make your vacation much smoother. Even though every place you visit has its own unique quirks, a few travel tips, especially airline travel tips, ensure you aren't hassled unnecessarily.
While traveling can be a very rewarding experience, traveling can also become very tedious and stressful if you are not well prepared. However, these international travel tips and airline travel tips should help make your next international vacation go off without a hitch.
The best place to find airline travel tips is on the airline's website. The website will inform you of the airline's policies on beverages and other items that may be prohibited from taking aboard planes. Another airline travel tip that everyone should know about is that baggage handlers are not gentle with anyone's luggage, regardless if it is packed full of precious, fragile souvenirs or not. If you have anything you want to remain intact, it needs to be included in your carry-on luggage. Also, to speed the process getting through security checks, you will have to empty your pockets and make sure you don't have any metal on you, so pay attention to your wardrobe before you set off to the airport.
While there may still be an exception, most countries require you to have a passport before entering. You should have some photocopies of your passport with you, and also leave copies with friends and family members at home in case you get separated from your belongings. This is one international travel tip that should be part of everyone's traveling plan. If you are in a foreign country with no ID, an airline ticket won't do you much good, and neither will travelers checks. Although it is not frequent, people do occasionally get separated from their belongings while traveling. Having a backup plan will ensure that your international vacation doesn't turn into a nightmare.
One great resource for international travel tips is the Lonely Planet series. Lonely Planet has a detailed guidebook for just about every destination you can imagine. For example, if you wanted some travel tips for Italy, the Lonely Planet book on Italy would give you detailed information about each town, neighboring tourist attractions, places to stay and places to eat. Although the Lonely Planet book that offers travel tips for Italy doesn't cover each and every hole in the wall restaurant, it gives you a good idea what there is do in each town, popular destinations and day trips, as well as painting an overall picture of the atmosphere you'll encounter there. The Lonely Planet books also include city maps and are updated often enough to keep them accurate.
For international travel tips specific to your journey, check out the Lonely Planet series. Lonely Planet is a collection of guidebooks that give a detailed look at nearly every country you can think of. They even have some books that are focused on particular regions of countries. Say you were going to Rome and needed some travel tips for Italy, there would definitely be a Lonely Planet book for Italy, but there may also be a separate book for southern Italy, or even Rome, since it is such a huge attraction. The Lonely Planet books are all encompassing and provide lists of restaurants, motels, attractions, and possible day trips, which are usually organized by price range. Lonely Planet books give detailed information on transportation as well. Whether you need travel tips for Italy or anywhere else, Lonely Planet books are an excellent resource.
If you know where you want to go, one of the best sources for international travel tips is the Lonely Planet books. These books give an objective viewpoint of attractions in various countries and regions around the world. These books tell you about fun activities and gorgeous scenery, but they do not hype up locations. They simply let you know what to expect, and in some cases, will even include hotel and restaurant owners' names. For example, if you needed some travel tips for Italy, you could look in the Lonely Planet book for Italy and get an overview of each town. It would tell you what the attractions are, a brief history, as well as places to stay and eat. In addition to travel tips for Italy, this book could help you set a very accurate budget for your vacation.
No matter what destination has peaked your interest, gathering some general international travel tips, as well as information about your destination, will make your vacation much more enjoyable.
Regardless of where your next vacation takes you, finding out as much about your destination and gathering as many international travel tips as possible will keep you from getting stressed out.
Wherever you're going on your next vacation, these international travel tips should help immensely. However, learning as much as possible about your destination will help you enjoy your vacation instead of being faced with surprises.
http://www.goarticles.com/
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