Travel Tips for Thailand

If you have never had the pleasure of exploring the stunning, tropical and breathtaking Thailand then you'll be surprised to find there are a number of important tips you need to know before you go! 

No matter where you go in the world you have people trying to con you into buying from them, especially when you're a tourist. Locals know you have money to spend and your uneducated on their world, hence the reason you find yourself being ripped off with practically everything. Do not let this put you off, it happens everywhere even in the UK, but you can avoid it if you know how. Here are some of my tips:

Taxis and Tuk Tuk's

Taxi's tend to be one of the worst in Thailand for ripping people off so ask them to put on the meter, if they refuse just find yourself another taxi. Tuk Tuk's are also renowned for it too, however they don't have a meter so barter with them and make sure they do not over charge you. Ask for a price before you get in, if it's too high find another. 

Visiting Temples

If you're visiting the temples and palaces remember to cover up, they find it highly disrespectful to show your arms and legs. Obviously the weather is glorious and much too hot to wear jumpers or trousers so I would recommend a long skirt for the ladies and long linen pants or shorts for the men. A light cardigan, long sleeved top or shall will do to cover your arms, you can pick one up from the many markets stalls for next to nothing. 

Hostels

If you're backpacking or traveling on a budget and you will be staying over in hostels then use your own padlock. Most hostels are safe but there are some that can be quite frightening and notorious for thieves. Hostels offer their own lockers with padlocks which are fine to use but I recommend you use your own padlock not theirs. Also try and research the hostels prior to your stay and check out the reviews to make sure its okay. 

Trains and Buses

When getting around Thailand use the trains and buses as much as possible, they're fantastically cheap, easy to use and usually clean. You may find merchants trying to flog you train packages, try and avoid these as much as possible and purchase your tickets directly from the train or bus station. 

Cash 

If you're using your bank card, draw as much money out from the ATM at one time as possible to avoid high ATM charges. A travel card would be better and you can carry this around with you where ever you go, just make sure its in a safe and secure place.

So they're my tips of how to stay safe and how to dodge the con men! Here are some interesting tips just for your nohow:

Best times to go Thailand

                                                    November to February - Sunny season
                                           May to October - rain season but more affordable
                                                     March to May - sunny and affordable 

                                                                        Basic Thai 

In Thailand it is custom that men end their sentences in Krap and females end their sentences in Ka.            

                                           

                                                         Hello - Sawasdee (Krap) or (Ka)

Thank you - Knob Khun (Krap) or (Ka)

How are you? - Sabai dee mai (Krap) or (Ka)?

Sorry - Khor toat (Krap) or (Ka)

Thinking about going? My best advice is stop thinking and just go! Visit www.eshores.co.uk for some fantastic multi centre holiday offers and great itinerary ideas. 

Top Festivals in the World

If you're anything like me who has a huge love and passion for music combined with a thrill for partying then you will probably enjoy reading this! 

So with this crazy, energetic and fun combination of emotions where could I possible be entertained other than a music festival?! Even if partying isn't quite your thing, a music festival is so much more then your typical hip hop club or birthday party. A music festival is where people of all ages unite to hear their favourite bands and artists play in front of a sea of people, where talents perform incredible shows and the worlds finest art is gathered to create the best and most amazing experience possible. 

Here are some of the worlds best festivals at your finger tips!

The wild and crazy

Coachella, Indio, California, United States, 10th April to 17th April 2015 

This spectacular dance festival is held in the Southern California desert once every year and is split across two weekends. The desert is transformed into a magical playground which hosts some of the most talented artists in the world ranging from rock bands to pop artists. Not only does this festival have the best musical talent across the globe but also a fantastic diverse range of art such as the burning man and DoLab. A beautiful but huge festival packed with music, art, cool vibes and sunshine! 

Picture sourced from Pintrest: https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/558727897496108215/

Holi, India, 6th March 2015

The most colourful, vibrant and brilliant festival on the planet. The Holi festival is celebrated for the coming of the spring across India, Nepal and Sri Lanka usually during the last lunar cycle of winter around February to March time. Scenes of exploding colours fill the streets of India as people throw vibrant colour powders into the air along with water, so you can be sure you're in for a messy yet colourful experience! What I love about this festival is its peaceful and beautiful meaning, the celebration of Spring and all ages and races are welcome to join in. If you're a bit of a geek with the camera, take a snap of this while you can, it will blow you away! 

Picture sourced from Pintrest: https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/313633561524942462/

AfrikaBurn, Tankwa Karoo National Park, South Africa, April 27th 2015

This fabulous festival is becoming more and more popular every year, bringing in guests from over 50 different countries across the world. Its 250 mile trek from Cape Town but don't let that put you off, it's certainty worth it! This festival has so many similarities to the Burning Man, but at the same time it possess its own uniqueness with an abundance of art plus healing camps, and a diverse selection of live music. This is defiantly one to sooth and satisfy your soul. 

   

Australian Surf Festival, Coffs Harbour, Australia, August 2015

Death-defying waves, beautiful sandy beaches and chilled vibes make this festival an ideal place to visit. This surf festival is the oldest of its kind in Australia, dating back to the mid 60's Even if you cant surf, you can surely sunbathe and watch the pro's master the sea then stick around to catch a bonfire and BBQ on the beach. 

Carnevale di Venezia, Venice, Italy, February 2015

Funnily enough my sister has just visited Venice when this festival was about to begin. My sister had no clue at all this festival was happening so you can imagine her surprise as she walks down an alley in the streets of Venice to be faced with a hundred Bauta, Moretta and Volto masks. After scaring her half to death she found herself completely overwhelmed by the extravagant costumes and masks. The festival holds elaborate balls for the most elite parties in the world, obviously costing an extreme amount of money to attend but you still get a great experience just from roaming the pretty streets and canals of Venice with people showing off their spectacular outfits. The reason this festival is so unique and special its the meaning behind it, its when everyone can come together to be anyone they want to be, no body is different here, unless you don't have a mask then you'll stick out like a sore thumb. 

Tet Nguyen Dan, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, 8th February 2016

This festival the Vietnamese welcome the New Year and the arrival of Spring, it marks the relationship of man with nature and the rebirth of a new year. I am particularly fond of this one, as people are so strong about their beliefs and culture and still to do this day celebrate it through the whole country. If you're lucky enough to be here at this special time you'll find the lovely people of Vietnam decorating their homes and shops and cleaning to get rid of any bad energy and luck from the previous year. 

Yi Peng and Loy Krathong (Lantern Festival), Chiang Mai, Thailand, November 24th 2015 

One word "WOW" just wow! This festival has to the the most prettiest, magical and breathtaking of all as thousands gather to set off lit lanterns into the night sky, while dozens of monks perform chants during the ceremony. The festival is spiritual, ancient and sacred and welcomes new beginnings and cleanses ones soul. Not only is the night sky lit up with beautiful lanterns but so are the waters as handmade boats and small vessels made from banana skins float out into the water covered with candles, flowers and incense sticks. There is no scene anywhere in the world that can compare! I will be here this year, very, very excited. 

Picture sourced from Pintrest: https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/453737731178104828/

If you're thinking about visiting any of these festivals, or perhaps you're looking to book a holiday or city break I would recommend www.eshores.co.uk. I use them every time for their prices, help and great holiday packages.