Tag Archives: holiday destination

Asia, Destinations, Travel Planning, Travel Tips

Bangkok First Time: A Quick Guide for an Indie Traveler

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For many adventurous nomads who travel and work their way around the world, Bangkok, Thailand is a must-stop destination. With a rich blend of history and natural beauty to rival any place in the world, the country has much to offer the wandering visitor. Places to stay are relatively cheap, choices of foods are rich, diverse, and reasonably priced, coworking spaces in Bangkok are efficient and affordable, and there is always something to see or do in the city and beyond. To plan your Bangkok first time smoothly, check out the guide below.

Fresh off the Boat (or Airplane)

For visitors new to Asia generally, and visiting for the first time in Bangkok especially, the city can seem to be a bit overwhelming. Some first-time visitors who arrive to live and work in the city choose a guesthouse or hostel that is likely to offer abundant opportunities to meet other travelers and talk with locals who can offer advice and guidance to get the most out of the city while advising on how to avoid risks. 

In general, Bangkok is safe and pleasant for travelers, whether backpacking nomads or first-time visitors on guided tours of the area. Some basic knowledge and common sense will help to avoid risks that are common to any large metropolitan area that is popular with tourists from around the world.

Where to Stay

For traditional backpackers and nomads, the Khao San Road area is known as a destination in Bangkok with many budget accommodations, a wide range of food and entertainment options, and places to work remotely while in the country. In many a Bangkok guide for first-timers, hostels and guesthouses in the area are rated and ranked according to price (very affordable) and quality (widely variable). The area that attracts tourists and foreign workers has grown to stretch out to the entire Banglamphu area, with a diverse range of housing and coworking spaces in Bangkok available around this part of the city.


Beyond the traditional nomad and backpacker’s first choice area in the Khao San Road area, which some first-time visitors find too busy and commercial, there are choices of living areas near Siam Square, Sukhumvit, Thonglor, Ekkamai or Silom. From these communities, you can connect to other parts of the city by the Skytrain as a transit option.

Where to Work

With the rise of wandering digital nomads who do their work from wherever they are in the world, Bangkok has developed a network of coworking spaces and temporary office options that allow many opportunities for setting up shop on your terms. Digital nomads communities within Bangkok allow for easy access to all the modern amenities of the connection while living in one of the richest historical and cultural centers of Asia.

Getting Around Smoothly

Bangkok has a range of options for transportation, from public transit by bus throughout the entire area, or rail to some areas of the city and beyond to the countryside. Taxis are plentiful, convenient and reasonably priced (be aware to ensure that your driver uses the meter and takes a direct route to your destination to keep taxi charges fair).

You may even try a boat along the Chao Phraya River for a traditional mode of transportation from one part of the city to another. Enjoy the unique view along the waterway that has served as a transportation artery through Bangkok for ages past, viewing modern skyscrapers and traditional boats and residences along the river as you go.

Places to Go in Bangkok

Among the places to go in Bangkok, there are some classic Buddhist temples that are worth a visit. The Grand Palace, the city’s most popular attraction, offers history and culture in the heart of the city. The Wat Phra Kaew, or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is a stunning mosaic of glittering tiles and glass. The neighboring Wat Pho, one of the biggest and oldest temples in Thailand, which is also full of stunning works of artistry and devotion.

Among the city’s unique experiences, a historical home that should be on the must-see list for everyone on their first time in Bangkok is called Jim Thompson’s House. An American merchant and spy in the mid-twentieth century, Thompson lived in a gorgeous classic Thai home with extensive features of teak as well as lush gardens, all now preserved as a museum. The house near Siam Square is worth a visit to appreciate a part of the history of the city that seems to be of another time.

Beyond Bangkok, the entire country of Thailand is known for stunning old Buddhist temples, dense jungles, and lush beaches. Many digital nomad communities divide time between the urban experiences of Bangkok and the outlying beauty of islands, beaches, and forests that can fill an entire journey’s worth of sightseeing opportunities. For first-timers in the country, tours can introduce you to the countryside beyond Bangkok and help you to find your way around, from beaches to rivers, forests, and temples that are worth a visit.

The Night in Bangkok

When the sunsets in Bangkok a vibrant city emerges to entertain. The Sapanput Night market is popular among the trendy young Thais who shop for fashion, accessories, and shoes as well as second-hand goods.

For anyone looking for live music, there is plenty to choose from. Try The Brick Bar where a live music mix is available and customers are encouraged to dance on the tables.

Food of all types is found everywhere from the street vendors to sky bar restaurants in Bangkok. For a treat why not try the elegant surroundings of The Cielo Sky Bar & Restaurant to enjoy the 360-degree panoramic view of Bangkok.

Find Your Place

When you have settled into the rhythm of Thai life and sampled the experiences of Bangkok and beyond, you may be ready to find a place to stay to live and work locally. Living expenses generally are reasonable, and opportunities are abundant to find a comfortable place of your own near coworking spaces in Bangkok to combine the best of residence and workspace in the neighborhood of your choice.

Asia, Indonesia, Travel Tips

A Healthy Guide for Your Holiday in Bali

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A Healthy Guide for Your Holiday in Bali

bali

Exotic, alluring, romantic and appealing: These, and many other adjectives over the decades have been used to describe the island paradise that is Bali. Laying in the Indian Ocean, one of the thousands of islands that make up the Indonesian archipelago, the island has an allure, charm, and lifestyle that draws millions of visitors to its shores every year.

Bali holidays have also become increasingly popular with visitors seeking healthy holiday options. Fine dining restaurants, relaxing spas, or a stay at a Yoga or fitness retreat are becoming increasingly popular. The following are a few ideas on how to make the most of your first visit, and how to avoid the dreaded Bali-belly.

1. Bali Health Retreat Packages

A stay in a fitness retreat in Bali can provide all the attractions of a hotel holiday and more. Stunning white-sand beaches trips to visit the many attractions, and organized hiking and biking outings, are combined with fitness rooms, health clubs, saunas, Pilates and Yoga classes, and healthy dining. All designed to improve the wellbeing of mind and body.

2. Consider a Spa Hotel Break

If you’ve enjoyed one of those short spa breaks at home, you’ll have an idea of what to expect. Bali spa treatments include hot-stone massages, deep-tissue massages, sports injury massages, and the famous Thai massage. Other therapies include Ayurveda (a traditional Hindu massage using oils), mud baths, a sauna, steam room, and reflexology and hydrotherapy treatments.

3. Fasting and Detox Retreats

If you’re looking to give your spiritual and emotional well-being a bit of a boost, consider a holiday in one of Bali’s growing numbers of fasting and detox retreats. Although fasting and detoxing have become increasingly popular in the West during the last two decades, it is an Asian culture based on nature, which has been a part of Eastern life for hundreds of years. Fasting is not just about food. It can mean abstinence from smoking, alcohol, sex, speaking, and company, as well as food.

If you have recently given up overindulgence in alcohol, tobacco or other stimulants, but are struggling with the after-effects, a visit to a detox retreat will help cleanse the body of those stubborn hangers-on. A properly monitored detox fast can help reduce acidity and inflammation and remove chemical residues, contaminants, and cravings. It is a great way to reset the clock for a fitter, healthier, more active you in the future.

4. Happy Holidays

Not everyone is inclined to spa hotels and health retreats. Many just want an enjoyable holiday exploring everything Bali has to offer, free of any of those health issues that can be waiting to strike. Stomach cramps, nausea, and diarrhea are the most prevalent health problems travelers the world over suffer when visiting holiday destinations. For some, just a change of diet can bring on a period of ‘the trots’, which usually disappears in a day or two. For others, hospital stays and intravenous drips can ruin that holiday of a lifetime. Here are a few things to consider when you are out and about.

5. Choosing Where You Eat

Whether in your hotel, out sightseeing, or on the beach, only ever drink bottled water. While dining in your hotel is usually trouble-free, when out and about take care where you eat. The high temperatures mean raw fish and meat sitting in trays for long periods waiting to be cooked, are open to attack from bugs and flies. When visiting the loo, make sure hands are scrupulously washed for the same reason. Choose local cafes, bars, and restaurants that are busy. It indicates a high turnover of products and a popular eatery. Look around and note what other patrons are eating, and what dishes seem most popular. If you want to sample local dishes, do it in your hotel’s restaurant, or a local restaurant that has been recommended.

6. Steer Clear of Arak

Acting the seasoned traveler, and insisting on sampling the local cuisine, wines, spirits and, beers is fine when you’re absolutely sure what you’re doing. In Bali, the local rice wine is a case in point. Available everywhere, some Arak, poorly distilled by local businesses, has claimed the lives of tens of tourists due to contamination by methanol. If you must try it, ask for a glass in your hotel, but never in local bars or restaurants.

7. Care When Visiting Macaque Monkeys

They may look cute, cuddly and friendly, but they are wild animals. Keep your distance, their claws are sharp and teeth strong, and you are likely to get scratched or bitten if they can’t get what they want. In that event, a trip to the nearest doctor to get the wound treated and disinfected is a must, if you don’t want to risk very real health problems.

The Little Things to Take Note

Make sure your travel insurance covers you for motorcycle or scooter hire, and extreme sports such as paragliding or jet-skiing.

If you want to get a tattoo, ask around for recommendations. Finally, don’t forget to use the sunblock, and go home refreshed, relaxed and healthy, from your Bali experience.

Europe, Travel Tips, Travelling with Kids

5 Reasons Why You Should Consider a UK Holiday This Year

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The responsibility that comes with deciding where to take your family on holiday is huge. Do you decide to go for somewhere that pretty much guarantees a suntan or somewhere more known for its culture and heritage

Choosing to holiday in the UK, whether it’s for a short weekend away or even a couple of weeks, is a great option for many families these days. When you factor in the expensive flights and high exchange rates during the summer for holidays abroad, you can find that most of your budget is soaked up.

2016 is a quintessential year for Britain and British culture, with it being 400 years since the death of Shakespeare and the 90th birthday of the Queen. Recent reports by the Office for National Statistics also found that 7.3 million overseas residents visited the UK between December 2015 and February 2016, which was up 6% compared to last year.

With more people choosing to discover Britain as a holiday destination, we’ve looked into some of the best reasons why you should consider a holiday in the UK this year.

Pack your bucket and spade

blackpool

You might not immediately think it, but the UK has a great selection of beaches and fantastic seaside views. In fact, Blackpool was given the title of the best beach in the world according to Britons in a survey conducted by Post Office Money.

Undoubtedly, the best time to visit the beach is in the summer when you can sunbathe, build sandcastles and take a stroll along the promenade. However, you can still enjoy your time at the beach regardless of the weather. Being right by the beach means that there will be some of the best fresh seafood restaurants on hand and plenty of attractions to visit that will be suitable for the entire family. Who doesn’t still love a quick go on the 2p arcade machines?

Experience the culture

london

Britain is home to 29 World Heritage sites, which all offer something different, but the chances are that you won’t have to go far to find a slice of British culture.

The country is widely recognised around the world as one of the best destinations for heritage and culture, with every city having its own story to tell. Hop on board and explore the expansive history that Britain has to offer throughout its many attractions, museums, castles and spacious lands.

All you can eat

fries

Whether it’s a pasty in the countryside, fish and chips on the pier, a Full English breakfast or a Sunday roast in a country pub, Britain has a fine selection of traditional meals on offer for hungry visitors.

Wherever you go, make sure you try out some locally-sourced dishes and see what your holiday destination has to offer to your taste buds. You never know, you might be able to impress your friends with your newly found culinary inspiration at your next dinner party.

Dust off your wellies

anfield

There are a number of different festivals and events that take place around the UK each year and many are worth seeing for yourself!

If it’s music you’re into, then there are a vast selection of different music festivals for any taste imaginable. Outside of the world of the music, you have festivals focusing on arts, sports, entertainment and just generally having a good time.

Most festivals will offer the option to purchase family tickets, so keep an eye out for the best deal!

The adventure of your lifetime

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You don’t have to venture as far as New Zealand to seek out some adventure in your holiday. The UK is renowned for it’s awe-inspiring mountains, coastlines, and views, so get your bags packed and see where you end up.

Whatever your interest, there’s something for everyone. Sailing, sea kayaking, mountain biking and even horse riding can all be found throughout the country. If you’re looking for something a little less extreme, Britain is still known for its vast landscapes and walking opportunities and is a great way to show little ones the natural beauty of the country.

Ultimately, Britain is surrounded by sights that the entire family will enjoy and remember for years to come. Wherever it’s a city trip or a weekend in a beach resort, you’ll find something for everyone.

Adam Maidment writes on behalf of VisitBlackpool, the UK’s number one beach resort for families. With plenty of attractions, events, and activities for children of all ages, Blackpool is the perfect holiday destination for your family all year round.

Travel Tips

Few Important Tips To Choose the Perfect Holiday Resort

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Holidays are fun and enjoyable experience for one and all. People go on holidays to relax and unwind themselves and to spend quality time with their family and friends. If you are planning for a family holiday, you may have to find the perfect accommodation so as to get the most out of them.

Here are a few important tips to help you choose the perfect holiday resort for a fun-filled and enjoyable family holiday.

Go online
Most holiday resorts nowadays have their websites through which they provide all the details about their resort. You can get to know everything at the simple click of a mouse. Just check out the websites of different resorts and find out what all they are providing. See the pictures of the rooms, lobby, restaurant, children’s play area, swimming pool, and other areas that the resort has. If you find any resort appropriate, you can call them over to get further details.

Ask friends or talk to professional travel agents
It is always better to ask friends or family members who have been to the holiday destination where you are going. You can ask them in which resort did they stay and how was their experience. Resort owners would most likely share only positive customer reviews with you. By talking to friends you can get honest and fair reviews about the resort, about their service, cleanliness, and amenities.

In case you can’t find any information from friends, get in touch with professional travel agents to help you find comfortable, convenient, and budget-friendly holiday resort.

Check the Location
Finding a holiday resort that is located within the convenient distance of popular city attractions and sight seeing can make your holidays more enjoyable. You should book a resort that allows quick and easy access to different parts of the city. You should not waste your time, as well as money in getting around. The resort should be located in safe location. Do some research about the area in which the resort is located.

Make sure there is swimming Pool & other amenities
Want to have fun with your kids in the pool? Want to rejuvenate your senses by taking a plunge in cool/hot swimming pool water? Make sure that the resort has nice, clean pool. Most good resorts use robot pool cleaner to provide the best swimming pool experience to their kids. The robot pool cleaner helps resort owners clean the pool quickly and easily, allowing them to offer clean and hygienic pool to the holiday makers.

Some other amenities that you should look for in holiday resorts are restaurants, coffee shop, gym, health spas and sauna, children’s play area, playgrounds, soft play areas, games and activities for kids and adults, gold course, and excursion tours or activities. Make sure that the resort offers exceptional customer service so that you can get out of dull and boring schedule and come back home refreshed and rejuvenated.