Thailand is one of the most popular destinations in Southeast Asia, if not THE most popular. Anyone can enrich his or her life just by visiting the country and experiencing the unique and beautiful culture of the Thais. If you want to visit Thailand and see the tourist attractions, then you can bring any guidebook and have a nice overview of where to visit and which activities to engage in. But if you want to really interact with the populace, and understand the country’s history and the culture that was shaped by the country’s rich background, read on…1. Thailand is a KingdomThailand is a constitutional monarchy with King Bhumibol Adulyadej serving as the ninth king of the House of Chakri. He is the world’s longest-serving current head of state and the longest reigning monarch, with his reign still ongoing since 1946. The king is also known as the Head of State, the Head of the Armed Forces, an Upholder of the Buddhist religion, and the Defender of all Faiths.2. A Melting Pot of Many CulturesThai culture has been shaped by many influences, including Chinese, Lao, Burmese, Cambodian, and Indian. The influence of the cultures of nearby countries is evident in the clothing, the designs of houses and the ingredients common in Thai food.3. Traditional GreetingThe traditional Thai greeting, the wai, is done with the person's hands pressed together, fingertips pointing upwards as the head is bowed to touch their face to the hands, usually coinciding with the spoken word.4. The Importance of SeniorityLike most Asian cultures, respect towards elders is an integral part of Thai culture. Seniority is an unspoken rule in Thailand, with elders ruling the family and older siblings keeping their duties to younger ones.The wai (discussed above) is generally offered first by the younger of the two people meeting. The elder … [Read more...]
Air Travel with Children
Traveling with children is always a challenge, and air travel with children is one of the bigger challenges. It doesn't have to be a nightmare, and with just a little planning, you can even make flying with children a pleasant experience. The trick is to look at the situation from the child's point of view. The ideal situation is to begin traveling by air with children at the earliest age possible. When children are comfortable in a situation and understand what is going to happen, they are much less fearful. Fear of the unknown agitates adults and agitates children even more. If you are about to travel by air with a child who has never traveled by air before, take the time to take him to the airport at least once — and more would be better — so that the airport is a place that he has been before where nothing bad happened. Prepare the child for his first flight by telling him or reading him stories about flying. Check with your local library to find age-appropriate materials. There are literally hundreds of books about travel and air travel for children of all ages. You can also find CDs and DVDs on the same subjects. Most children value the undivided attention of the adults in their worlds above all other things. Use the flight time to talk to and listen to the child. Just your attention can make a child see air travel as a very good thing. Keep your expectations within the realm of reality. You are not going to work or snooze while the child sits quietly in his seat and remains perfectly quiet. It isn't going to happen, so don't expect it to happen. Go prepared to entertain the child for the duration of the flight. The bad thing is that children are easily bored, but the good thing is that children are also easily distracted. Pack age-appropriate games and other items that will provide entertainment. … [Read more...]
Travel — Booking Flights on the Internet
The Internet is responsible for so many changes in the way we do things. There was a time not so very long ago when if you were planning a trip, you called your local travel agent, and he or she handled all of the details for you — flights, hotels, tickets to events, etc. Basically, all you had to do was pack a bag and follow the bread crumbs. That was nice, and the option is still out there, but it was expensive back then, and it is still expensive today. And now, we have the Internet! Having choices is a good thing. I really like having choices, but sometimes just the number of choices can be absolutely overwhelming. For example, try typing the words "flights to Florida" into the search box on Google. I got 1,380,000 search results. WHAT? How can anybody search through that many options? The answer is, they can't. So, rather than just blindly starting to search for flights of all kinds at all times to a particular destination, most of us go to one or more of the many travel sites on the Internet. These sites have proven to be very, very useful in helping us to choose the best and least expensive flight that will get us from where we are to where we want to be. When you book flights through these online travel agencies, you can also make hotel reservations. Sometimes there are package deals that combine airfare and hotel accommodations together at a reduced rate. Also, on many of the online travel agency sites, you will find reviews written by other travelers telling you their own experiences, and you will find both raves and rants. More people travel for business and pleasure now than ever before in history, and air travel is far and away the most frequently used method of transportation. Book your next flight online! … [Read more...]
Basic Travel Gear
I belong to a travel club. We like to exchange information about our travels. We recommend (or pan) everything from travel destinations to hotels to restaurants to airlines. We provide other members of the club with information that is vital for successful travel. To say that we're a "well-traveled" group would be an understatement. So, in the interest of providing information to those who haven't traveled as often or as far, here is a list of 10 items that all of us believe to be the absolute basics in travel gear. 1. Wheeled luggage: This can be a suitcase, a duffle bag, or a backpack, but you need to have the option of wheeling it. You carry luggage only when it is necessary — carrying is not the first option. You can avoid muscle aches and pains as well as strained backs, and all of these can ruin a perfectly good vacation. 2. Daypack: A daypack might not be as stylish as a tote, but it is a better option to carry maps, snacks, and other essentials because it distributes the weight across your back and shoulders while leaving your hands free. 3. Comfortable Shoes: Forget style and ensemble coordination. When you travel take shoes that are comfortable to walk in and that won't cause any foot pain. 4. Medications and Personal Care Items: Don't forget to pack enough medications for twice the length of time that you plan to be gone. "Stuff" happens. 5. Money Belt: Pickpockets are deft and quick, and a money belt is the safest and surest way to travel with your money, passport, and other valuables. 6. Rain Gear: The sun doesn't always shine. Sometimes it rains, and you need to be prepared for inclement weather. 7. Travel Alarm: You don't want to miss flights. 8. Voltage Converter and Plug Adapters: These are essential if you are traveling abroad. 9. Maps and Guidebooks: Get maps and … [Read more...]
Bangkok Guide
You will have to go there at least once if you are visiting Thailand, if nothing else because it is the capital. It is a place where I would hate to live, but where it is not bad to spend a few days. It is the central point of Thailand (maybe of the whole Asia). It is the richest and more advanced town in the kingdom. Even if it is chaotic, traffic ridden and sometime ugly, Bangkok is also a place full of of a special charm which makes it unique and, if you learn how to get the best out of it, you can spend some memorable days there. You can visit the monuments, buy a lot of things and have a lot of fun and a rich sexual life.How to go thereThe bus system of Thailand will bring you to everywhere and from everywhere without problems and in relative comfort. Every travel agent in Thailand will be able to sell you a ticket to Bangkok, every travel agent in Bangkok will be able to sell you a ticket to everywhere else.They will charge you a higher price than at the bus station, but you will still save the taxi money (and the time) you would have to pay to go and buy the ticket by yourself so that in the end it is a good deal anyway.Note that when I say a travel agent I really mean every guy with a minimum of business spirit ready to make a few baht. This includes hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, mototaxi drivers and even tour offices.How to get aroundThe sky train really makes a difference! Now you can go from Silom road to Sukumvit road and other parts of the town in a matter of minutes even on a Friday afternoon. It is not a big help to solve the chromic traffic jams because it is too expensive for most Thai workers and also because you can't hope to find a parking place near one of the stations, but it makes life much easier for tourists and people staying a short time. Taxi is still the best way to reach parts not … [Read more...]
