Choosing a Travel Agent - How to Get the Best

The best vacations happen mostly because of good travel agents. This is why selecting a travel agent is a task that you should focus on. A remarkable agent is one who will ask a lot of questions such as where your vacation will take place, the reason for it, how much your budget is, the activities you want to do, etc. Once you work with fine travel agents, you can expect your trip to be unforgettable, enjoyable, and one that fits your budget.

When it comes to selecting travel agents, there are a few pointers to remember. First you have to know your needs. Of course, a good travel agent will without doubt ask about your needs, but it is still easier if you volunteer the information yourself. You have to share with your agent the following information:

o Vacation purpose
o Vacation spot and activities you'll want to engage in once you reach your destination
o Transportation e.g. cruise, long drive by car, etc. and if you'll need a car to rent while in your vacation spot
o Your maximum budget

Part of the process of remarkable travel agent selection is for you to ask the right questions. You should find out if the agent has his or her specialties e.g. cruise line specialty, island hopping specialty, and the likes. Prior to selecting an agent, you should also ask if you can contact your agent 24 x 7, or if there are only specific times within the day that he or she is available for questions and concerns. Another essential question to ask is what kind of services the travel agent offers and how much is the fee per service.

When choosing travel agents, you also have to consider how knowledgeable they are. For example, a travel agent who only knows everything about cruises, but is not that knowledgeable about vacation sprees involving hiking, camping, etc. may not be suited for you if you and your family love being one with nature during your trip. Likewise, a full time agent may also be more knowledgeable and may be able to give better deals than an agent who works part time.

In the process of selecting an agent, you should also decide whether you need an agent with good product knowledge, fine destination knowledge, or both. For instance, you have travelled to Hawaii for a couple of times and know which hotel you want to stay at, but have no idea about the current price of tours and activities in the island - what you need is one with the product knowledge who will be able to present you with affordable packages that suit your likes or needs. A person who is a first time traveler to Hawaii, on the other hand, may benefit more by selecting a traveling agent who has both the destination and the product knowledge.

Finding the right agent for your planned vacation may seem difficult at first, but by knowing what you want to do, where you want to stay, your budget, and so on, you will easily get to transact with a good travel agent who will make your trip worthwhile.

There are places where you can buy mailing list of travel agents with email address, phone, fax etc. Big-mailing-lists.com is a highly recommended site for purchasing direct mailing lists of the ones in your country to suit your direct marketing projects.

Kenya - The New Playground For Wealthy Older Women

Sexual vacation is most popular in the circuit of men and they go to places like Amsterdam, Las Vegas, Copenhagen and Phuket. These are wild places and actually older men fancy them more than anyone. However, have you ever wondered where older women go on sexual trips? It is Kenya and it is becoming a new playground for women.

Papers like Reuters have been reporting and also popularizing the fact that the wealthy older women are traveling to the exotic beaches of Kenya for sexotica kind of trip. However, the Kenyan government is not too happy with the latest developments and they are trying their best to stop it. One thing that women tourist going with such ideas should be aware of is that Kenya has 7 percent HIV positive population among men alone. So, they should be more cautious.

Also the new concept of women sleeping with men in beach resorts is becoming a major hit because in Kenya people have no concept of relating age to sex. Young men will have sex with older women or younger women and they are more open to such concepts.

Young boys easily trade sex with either man or woman for some money. This trend has been worrying the UNICEF, WHO and the Kenyan government itself.

Kenya, of late, has been attracting many closet gay men and lesbian women who are on the prowl looking for fun and entertainment.

Unfortunately this news is spreading and stopping real family tourists from going to Kenya and its beautiful beaches.

About Author:
Pauline Go is an online leading expert in the traveling industry. She also offers top quality articles like :
South Africa Traditional Foods - Ancient Egypt Gods

Top Ten Vacation Destinations to Go in 2008

My top ten vacation destinations would probably be in Europe, US, Asia and the Caribbean. I chose these places because it offers variety of things like art, entertainment, history and their amazing environmental landscapes. I also considered the people and its culture. With this in mind I'll share with you my top ten vacation destinations.

First, in Europe there are two places that are worth the travel. The first would definitely be Italy. It is the place ideal for lovers where they could just tour in a boat in Venice. Their many historical and architectural places like the Coliseum in Rome and its neighbor, the Vatican. The second would surely be London. You could just tour the Royal Palace or ride in the gigantic Ferris wheel which they call the "London's Eye". Even though the cost of services in European countries is higher it is definitely worth it.

In the US there are four destinations you really have to visit. First is Hawaii. It is the place you should visit if you want to experience the beauty of nature. The volcanic eruptions and its fine beaches is spectacular. The second place to tour is California it is because it is where Hollywood is. It is the home of your favorite movie stars and artists. The third would be Las Vegas. It is the best place if you really want to be entertained. They have the best hotels and casinos. You could watch almost anything like concerts, sports and variety of shows. The fourth would be the "Big Apple" or otherwise called New York. They have the empire state building and the best restaurants or you could just watch the Broadway shows.

In Asia, China is probably one of the promising places to visit. They have the great wall which is totally marvelous or you could just explore the Forbidden Palace. China also offers entertainment with their newly constructed world class hotels and casinos and more developments are on the way. The second place to visit would definitely be Thailand. They have fine beaches in Phuket and exotic animals to entertain the tourists. In Asian countries the costs of lodging and food is very affordable. You are definitely assured that your hard earned dollars will really go far. However, most of the people in these countries could not speak English so it could be troublesome at times.

The Caribbean in the other hand I would say they have two places that you should really go to. The first have the Bermuda which offers magnificent beaches. The second would be the Cayman Islands. It provides amazing underwater adventures, like diving and snorkeling. You could see the vast diversity of marine species. The Caribbean tour offers you to experience the wonders of nature. You would definitely appreciate its rain forest and diverse species in the ecosystem.

These are my top ten vacation destinations. Have you decided on your top ten? Making a list sometimes really helps. Maybe someday you will be able to travel in these places. The places I mentioned are an ideal vacation for families and singles alike. It is a controlled environment and it will surely entertain you.

Pierre Smith researches and shares useful travel information. Try visiting also his website at bestvacationtip.com where you'll find a lot of tips and reviews about popular vacation spots including Orlando family vacations.

A Perfect Holiday in the Land Of Smiles - a Quick Guide to Vacation Planning in Thailand

So many things to see in such a little time! Many travelers to Thailand are often perplexed as to where to go. Travel agents show clients thick photo albums, long lists of Hotels and a longer list of Resorts, Spas and Beaches. It seems as if one can spend a year in Thailand and not see it all (which is probably not so far from the truth)!

This brief guide will assist you to effectively plan your vacation in Thailand. Unlike other guides, it does not describe region by region but rather focuses on the activities, interests and objectives sought by the traveler.

Cultures and History

Are you a history fan? Head to the inspiring ancient cities of Ayuhtaya or Sukhothai. Ayuthaya is larger but Sukhothai is generally considered to be more impressive. The Royal Palace and Famous Temples in Bangkok will demonstrate the best of Traditional Thai Architecture and Art with Buddhism as a main concept. Thailand is also a home to other exotic cultures - those are the colourful Hill Tribes in Mae Hong Sorn Province in North Thailand. The famous River Kwai Bridge has an adjoining war museum in Kanchanaburi.

Nature and Wildlife, Treks and Tours

Thailand has many untouched Natural areas with magnificent views. Most Treks are centered in North Thailand in the mountainous provinces of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. Jungle Treks, Elephant Riding, River Rafting and canoeing are just a few of the dozen of the available activities here. For awe inspiring waterfalls and head to Kanchanaburi, where you can visit the Tiger Monastery. Real wildlife lovers may explore Khao Yai Natural Reserve in North-East Thailand.

Shopping

Bargain hunter? You're in the right place. In Bangkok's markets almost everything can found. Go to Pratunam market for cheap clothes, shoes and bags, to Bo-bae for rock bottom prices, and to Jatujak, the massive Weekend Market, for, well, everything. A very pleasant shopping experience can also be enjoyed in Bangkok's modern Shopping Malls - take the skytrain to Siam station, where for giant shopping mall dominate the city center - MBK, Siam Center, Siam Discovery Center and biggest and latest of all - the spectacular Paragon. Visitors in Chiang Mai can find exquisite Thai crafts in the Sunday Market and the Night market.

Beaches

Thailand's beaches are, by far, the most popular destination. The selection is not so easy here as well. Those who come for a short period, or energetic nightlife lovers will head to Pattaya. Two quieter beaches not so far from the capital can be enjoyed in Ko Chang and Ko Samet islands. Phuket island is a main tourist attraction with long warm beaches and plenty of activities to be had. Ko Samui island has developed from a backbackers favorite to a five stars resorts island. For the best diving sites in Thailand, Ko Tao is the top choice. Party animal? Don't miss the famous Full Moon Party in Ko Phangan. Looking for a peaceful, quiet holiday and superb views? You can never be wrong with Krabi, Ko Lanta or Ko Phi Phi.

Copyright 2006. All rights Reserved to ThaiHotelsBooking.com

Read more about The Wonders of Thailand [http://www.ThaiHotelsBooking.com/where_to_go.htm]. Make sure you Book your Thai Hotel in advance.

Discover the Top 10 Beautiful Beaches in Thailand

Thailand is known for the country's amazing beaches. One can find all the things they need in a beach trip in this beautiful country. Here is a list of the top ten most beautiful beaches in Thailand:

1. White Sand Beach, Ko Chang - Ko Chang, also known as the "Elephant Island," is the second largest island in Thailand and located around 180 miles east of Bangkok. Ko Chang's white sand beaches contain a lot of other beaches which are considered the best beaches in Thailand.

2. Hat Sai Kaeo, Ko Sametalso - also called the "Diamond Beach" or the "Crystal Sand Beach", is a very beautiful beach in Bangkok. Hat Sai Kaeo is about one-third of a mile long and is filled with plenty of activities to do such as swimming, jet skiing, windsurfing and riding with what the locals called banana boats which is a long, yellow inflated float that leap riders off if they did not hold on tightly enough; a really fun ride every visitor loves to try.

3. Ao Manao, Prachuap Khiri Khan - located around six miles from Myanmar's border. Also called the "lemon Beach" the place was once a battleground for the Thais and the Japanese forces. Today it's a quiet sanctuary, untouched by western tourists and one of Thailand's secret treasures. Here, visitors can find many miles of striking white sand beaches, some of them formed momentarily by sandbars during low tides. This is also the place where the best seafood cuisines are served.

4. Pharanang Bay, Krabi - Krabi is famously known for its unusual rock climbing services for both beginners and professional climbers. The bay is reached via boat rides and takes almost 20 minutes from Ao Nang Beach. After reaching Ao Nang beach there would be another 15-minute walk on a zigzag sidewalk along the base of a sea cliff. The exciting ride to the place will bring everyone to the elegant Phranang Bay. Visitors can swim under the suspended limestone karsts, or climb through the small cliffs into the profound emerald green waters of the Andaman Sea. The beach is perfect place for families, swimmers, snorkels, and nature explorers.

5. Ao Nang Beach, Krabi - is one of the most admired beaches in Thailand; a well developed beach that offers street shopping, and top western and Thai restaurants, and with definitely charming and affordable commodities. There is one particular stretch of the beach on the southern most point of the place that is just really wonderful which are adored by many and it will just take a short walk in its south along Ao Nang beach.

6. Tonsai Bay, Ko Phi Phi - the well-known Ko Phi Phi is covered with two islands which are the "Don";the larger island, and "Leh"; the smaller island located at the southern tip of Krabi town. It will take a two-hour ferry boat ride from Ao Nang beach to Tonsai and with just a very affordable fee. Tonsai bay or the Ao Tonsai is on the southern part of Ko Phi Phi Don. The beach is undeniably drop dead charming which one would surely love to see.

7. Noppharat Thara, Krabi - with just 400 Thai baht as entrance fee, one can enjoy the spectacular beauty of this national park. A perfect family beach, where one can sit below the shades of the coconut palm trees while eating picnics like the locals often do, or take a stroll during low tide seasons in the petty waters. Noppharat Thara is one mile in length and located west of Ao Nang in Krabi.

8. Tong Takien Bay, Ko Samui Island -located on the southeast part of Ko Samui, roughly veiled between Chaweng and Lamae, is an remote and secluded bay which is perfect place for swimming, snorkeling and kayaking. Some call it the "Silver Beach." This beach is very much family-friendly, clean, and has some bungalow-style lodgings where visitors can stay for as low as 500 Thai baht in the low seasons.

9. Sairee Beach, Ko Tao - Ko Tao is a place tourists choose to go for a peaceful trip on the nearby Ko Phangan and Ko Samui. The beach can be reached by ferry rides, that will take about two to three hours from Chumphon Ko Tao. The place is an affordable, quiet, and remote area, which is ideal for people who loves reading and relaxing all day on the veranda of the jungle bungalows. Sairee Beach is the most well-known place in Ko Tao and offers services such as massage, drinks, and other types of foods and services.

10. Surin Beach, Phuket - Surin Beach located north of Patong and Kamala beaches in Phuket. Surin is an ideal beach destination for guests who like to be pampered. One can just lay back and relax as different kinds of Thai cuisine are being served every other minute. Visitors can have exceptional Thai cuisines, as well as beverages of every sort. Swimming is also perfect in Surin and the place have a freshwater hoses where one can wash off the salt water and sand when they are ready to go back home, for the place does not offer over night stays.

Here you go! enjoy!

Ms. Pinky is a mom of 3 school children. She is a Systems Engineer, a Technology Researcher and an Independent Medical Billing and Coding Consultant. She and her family is well-traveled all over the world!

Her blogs and websites focuses on stay-at-home moms, dads and students who wants to work at home, build homebased business http://www.mommyisworkingathome.com

Visit her Interesting Site on Asian Travels and Destinations. Discover Asia's Culture and Great Food! at http://www.goingplacesinasia.com

Fun Above & Below The Waves At Koh Samui

The sea is great place to spend time enjoying the region's tropical beauty and marine life. Samui is becoming a water sports Mecca, with a range of options for those who want to get wet. The warm seas that surround Koh Samui have long played an integral role in the island's allure, with few visitors able to resist the temptation of the waters that gently lap Samui's beaches. Right now, there have never been so many ways for people to take a dip around Samui. Here are just a few of the most popular options for water babes who need an H2O fix during their time in paradise.

One of the most popular water sports worldwide is scuba diving and the Gulf of Thailand, with a rich diversity of marine life and favourable year-round conditions, is now firmly set as one of the world's premier dive holiday destinations. Whilst the teeming seas are an important part of the area's popularity, another key selling point is the huge variety of dive sites to visit. Koh Samui has it's own 'house' reefs that are suitable for novices, whilst more challenging dives await experienced divers at nearby Sail Rock or in the National Marine Park. For the clearest waters and most choice though, local dive operators also offer day trips to the stunning island of Koh Tao, where more than a dozen quality dive sites await discovery. Whether you're a hardened diver seeking some exciting dive experiences, or a nervous novice, keen to take your first breaths in this amazing environment, there is a diving option for everyone off Samui.

If going under the waves doesn't appeal, there are other ways to immerse yourself in to the deep blue world, the most popular of which is snorkeling. Many reefs lie directly off Samui and most visitors can't resist the urge to don a mask and snorkel and have a look at what lies beneath. As with diving, your snorkeling possibilities are by no means restricted to the immediate area. One of the more popular tours incorporating snorkeling is an adventure trip to the Ang Thong National Marine Park. This also includes a few hours kayaking amongst the park's striking collection of fifty limestone rock islands and formations, as well as a chance to see the 'golden bowl', a hidden lake that is completely encircled with majestic cliffs and was the inspiration behind Alex Garland's best selling novel: The Beach.

If it's the marine life you'd like to focus on then take a day tour to Koh Tao, where the clear waters and splendid array of shallow and bountiful reefs make for some of the best snorkelling anywhere in the world. Day trips also usually include a visit to famous Koh Nangyuan, an exquisite trio of verdant jungle islands connected by stunning, white sandbar beaches. Few visitors to Nangyuan are left disappointed and the views below the waters certainly match the breathtaking beauty above.

Back above the water, for more of an adrenaline rush, Koh Samui is now also home to one of the most exciting water sports of modern times: kiteboarding. Kiteboarding Asia is a company that has been on the island for five years and now also boasts three centers in Phuket, Hua Hin and Chumpon. Often called the new windsurfing, the sport also incorporates aspects of both wakeboarding and surfing to provide a truly thrilling experience.

These are the main but by no means the only seafaring options off Koh Samui, There are plenty of other water sports available such as jet skiing, taking a ride on a banana boat, hiring Kayaks to explore the beaches and rocky coves or renting Hobie cats and other craft for a spot of self-skippering. Add in other popular activities such as leisurely sunset dinner cruises, fishing trips that allow you to catch and barbecue your own supper, or perhaps even chartering a junk for a luxurious jaunt around the Thai Gulf and you'll soon find that it's possible to spend every day of your holiday either on, in or under the beautiful waters around Samui.

Johny is currently living on Samui Thailand and is working on a number of travel websites. If you are looking for a great Samui hotel then do visiting http://www.mysamuiholiday.com. Read more about Koh Samui in his Samui Guide.

Scuba Diving Vacation Planning Tips

Whether you are taking your first scuba diving vacation or your fifth, you need to be aware of all of the planning and preparation that goes into this type of trip. It is not like a "regular" vacation where you may just bring changes of clothing and your favorite shampoo. A scuba diving vacation can be a lot more work to plan but in the end you can get so much more out of it. When planning a diving vacation, you need to think about the destination (both the location and the type of accommodations), the cost, and the extra things you will need to bring.

Did you know that there are travel agencies which specialize in scuba diving vacations? They work the same as any travel agency with the additional bonus of knowing about diving as well. You can choose from a scuba diving resort which offers diving as part of its activities and may also provide training and equipment as well, or you can choose a scuba diving vacation, where you set up scuba diving activities outside of the resort setting. A beginner may prefer to go to an all-inclusive diving resort so that they will not have to locate these services separately.

You can choose from a warm or cool climate for your scuba diving vacation depending on your training and certification status but most people opt for diving in the warmer climates.

You can limit the cost of your scuba diving vacation by purchasing an all-inclusive package or going with a group tour. However, if you are willing and able to do a lot of research, you may be able to lower your scuba diving vacation costs by shopping around for the best deals, going during the off peak tourist season, etc.

When you go on your diving vacation, contact the airline to find out about restrictions on carrying your equipment. You may want to see how much of your essential equipment can be brought in a carry-on bag. Make sure that if you are traveling out of the country you have the necessary passports, an international driver's license, and that your immunizations are up to date. Many people also purchase diving or travel insurance as well, because their regular insurance won't cover it. You should also make sure to bring any medications you will need.

A vacation scuba diving can be relaxing as well as exciting if you take the time to plan.

Eriani Doyel writes articles about Recreation and Sports. To learn about how you can have a scuba diving vacation visit avdiving.com

What to Do When You Extend Or Have a Visa Problem in Thailand

If you are planning to go to Thailand for any amount of time you know that you are going to need a Visa. The country will issue you a 30 day visa on arrival but after that brief month, everything changes.

Can't stress this enough. If you are from the United States you can ask for and receive a non-immigrant visa for one year. But, you can only do this from the United States. Ugh, a 20 hour flight (25 hours door to door) is enough to make you want to stick it out and do whatever is necessary to stay in Asia.

So here's what happened to me. Hopefully you will be able to avoid some of my mistakes and use a few things I accidentally discovered to make your time overseas more enjoyable.

I had been in Thailand my first 30 days and needed to extend my visa. As I write this, from Phuket there are only a few countries you can fly to directly, included are Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam.

I chose Singapore because the ticket was dirt cheap 2,770 baht, that's like ninety dollars U.S. In Singapore you have to wait 26 hours for your visa to be processed. This is key, this means you need to stay 2 nights in Singapore. Beers are like $12 to $15 so expect to cut down on your drinking. Food is also pretty costly but the place is cleaner than pretty much any place I have ever visited.

Thai Embassy in Singapore opens at 9:30am but people start lining up at around 9:00am. You submit your application and they give you your approved visa back the next day after 2pm.

So I get my visa and head back to Phuket. On my way back in the immigration office somehow did not notice my visa and only gave me 30 days instead of 90 days. At the end of 60 days I was going to go to Burma to renew my visa and the visa tour operator noticed my visa had expired twelve days earlier. At 500 baht a day fine that sure did not feel good.

Everyone was telling me I just have to pay the money and leave the country. Ouch, that would be at least 10,000 baht and three and a half days out of my life. I got the number of an attorney in Phuket town and went to see her. Miss Duan really helped me out.

She sent one of her attractive employees to visit the guys in immigration. She came back with instructions that I needed to go to the airport and explain that they had made a mistake. You have to be humble at the same time because bureaucracies hate to be wrong.

I met a great officer on the way in and he got me over to immigration. Immigration spoke decent English and they understood the issue. I explained that I had been to see Mr. N. in immigration and he had sent me over to meet with them.

They were free to call over there if they liked. Well, twenty minutes later I was out of there with no fine and a big smile on my face. That afternoon I celebrated with an awesome massage at an outdoor Sauna. An hour of total pampering in an awesome environment for all of $13 (not a typo, thirteen dollars).

So my recommendation with this article is to bring a professional into the mix and let them go to the plate for you. They can accomplish in just a few minutes what might take you hours. Plus, the extra feeling of knowing someone is on your side is priceless. I only paid 500 baht or $16 to have them help me out. Your US or UK money goes a lot further here.

If you like articles like this and you want to learn more about making money online to have long-term perpetual travel, take a look at the man and the business behind the stories. Matt Gerchow is an inventor, teacher, internet marketer and real estate investor.

The History of Phuket

Phuket History

The first records in Phuket history originate in the beginning of the 11th century. As far as historians have been able to trace, the first inhabitants of what is now known as Phuket were the sea gypsy's and the Negrito's.

Phuket Negritos

The Negritos are considered by historians to be the indigenous inhabitants of South East Asia. The Negritos include tribes from the Malay Peninsula, Andaman tribes, Pilipino tribes and the Semang tribes. The Negritos were small people and were pygmy sized. They are in fact considered to be among the smallest races when looking at population size. Genetic expert consider the DNA of the Negritos to be among the purest of any human race.

Junk Ceylon

Junk Ceylon was the first name of Phuket in its history. Historians have found the original name of Phuket on the maps of Portuguese sea merchant maps. There was an earlier mention of Junk Ceylon in a book written in the year of 157 AD. The book was written by a well known Greek philosopher. Cladius Ptolemy.

The Greek philosopher mentioned that if one was to travel to the Malaysian peninsula, one would have to pass a cape which he called the Junk Ceylon. The Junk Ceylon was given a location between the latitudes of 6 N and 8 N which would be the position of present day Phuket. It seems that the Junk Ceylon was visited by sea merchant from various countries as the bay of Junk Ceylon offered a superb protection against the forces of nature and gave the merchants an opportunity to rest and restock.

Recent Phuket History

Phuket become later known as Thalang after the city which still exists in the northern region of Phuket. An important part of Phuket history was during the 15th century when Phuket obtained the reputation as a leading tin mining producer. Due to the local mining industry, Phuket become somewhat of a trading hub.

Due to the large volume of European merchants and traders that were calling port in Thalang, the Thai King during that period decided that Phuket should be administered by a European. Between the period of 1681 and 1685, Thalang was administered by a French missionary named Renee Charbonneau.

Burmese Invasion

Another important event in Phuket history was in 1785 when enemy troops from neighboring Burma attempted to invade and rule Phuket. Two Phuket ladies decided to stand up and defend the Island in the name of the King of Thailand. The former governor's widow, Chan, and her loyal sister Muk organized a defense which lasted nearly a month.

The Burmese troops were left with no supplies after they had been unable to get past the defence for over a month. The aggresors had no other option but to withdraw as their suplies had run. The king of Thailand heard of the heroic actions of the two sisters and bestowed upon them the noble titles of Thao Thep Krasattri and Thao Si Sunthon. Even in present day Phuket, the two sisters have not been forgotten and are in fact still honored and respected. In 1966 the two sisters were honored by their very own statue which stands at the Tha Ruea Intersection.

Read another article on Phuket history in the Phuket guide: all-phuket.com/phuket_history.html

James is currently living on Phuket and is working on a number of projects. If you are looking for a great Phuket hotel then do consider staying at Club Bamboo Resort. Read more about Samui in his Samui Guide.

Thailand Holidays - Attractions to See on Your Visit

The allure of a visit to Thailand is an intense one due to its varied enticing elements.

Thailand is unique with its mix of friendly smiling people, ancient culture and religious artifacts, lush landscapes, great beaches and modern metropolis. It is difficult to cull the list of fascinating destinations to see in Thailand to a mere handful but here is an attempt to offer some requirements during your visit.

Bangkok is the capital of Thailand and one of the world's great cities. Bangkok is a modern city with world famous nightlife, world class restaurants and fabulous shopping. It also is the home to some of the most important Buddhist temples and relics in the world. These include Wat Phra Kaeo (Emerald Buddha Chapel), Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha), Wat Saket (Golden Mount), and Wat Benchannabophit (Marble Temple).

Chiang Mai is north of Bangkok and is in a green valley surrounded by mountains. It is well known for its Arts & Culture Center, many museums, beautiful Buddhist temples and two elephant sanctuaries. This is also a well known area to study Thailand's delicious cuisine through numerous cooking schools.

Ko Tao is an island in the Gulf of Thailand in the southern part of the country. It is a world famous scuba and snorkel destination where you can swim with turtles, stingray, barracuda and even whale sharks. Other beach destinations include Phuket, Hat Khao Lak, Ko Mak, Ko Kut, Ko Pha-Ngan and Hat Phra Nang.

Ayutthaya is the ancient capital of Thailand and is about 85 km north of Bangkok. It is a world heritage site known for its historic Buddhist temples, museums and parks. Important sites to see here include Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Ancient Palace Chao Sam Phraya Museum and Phra Ram Park. Ban Chiang located in the northeaster part of Thailand and is another world heritage site and is considered to contain some of the world's oldest Bronze Age artifacts.

One of the best times to visit Thailand is during its cool season which runs from November to the end of February. The weather is warm, with temperatures averaging about 30 degrees Celsius 85 Fahrenheit but with low humidity and clear skies. This is Thailand's peak tourist period.

Some important national holidays are Magha Puja which is celebrated at the full moon in February. Monks and others bear flowers, incense and candles and circle the countries temples after sunset. The Songkran Festival is April 12 - 14. This is the Thai traditional New Year's festival and a great place to experience it is in Chiang Mai. Visaka Puja is the most holy day for Buddhists as it celebrates the birth of Buddha. It is celebrated in May at the full moon.

James is an ardent traveller who has explored many countries and cities worldwide. Before travelling to Thailand James likes to plan his trip using his favourite travel websites.

Putting Together the Perfect Scuba Diving Adventure

You are finally an officially certified diver and you can't wait to travel to an amazing scuba diving location. How do you begin to plan the trip? Instead of simply writing a check and telling a travel agent to book something for you, why not build your very own adventure from scratch?

Select a location known for great diving. With your budget in mind, decide how far you can afford to fly or drive. Whether driving to a nearby beach resort area or flying to a different hemisphere, you'll need to spend some time learning about your destination. Discuss locations with the dive staff or club members from the shop or school where you received your certification. Divers love to brag about their scuba exploits and can supply a mountain of information.

Will you take your personal dive equipment or use rental gear on location? Bringing all of the gear is really only practical if you are driving; it is simply easier and more convenient to let the local dive shop outfit you in another country. The only supplies you will need from home are your certification card, a dive log, and maybe your own mask. Don't let a leaking mask ruin an otherwise perfect dive opportunity!

Research the local dive shops or scuba tour groups you will use. Ask for referrals before booking anything! Try to arrange discounts on rental gear for reserving several boat dives. Ask for advice on what dive spots are appropriate for your level of scuba certification.

Find out what lodging options fit your budget and style. Ask about scuba packages that may be available at a preferred rate. Find out if any units have kitchens so that you can save money by preparing a few meals on your own.

You will of course spend a good deal of your vacation above sea level, so find a resort or condo that also has fun recreational amenities. Depending on your interests, look for great golf courses or tennis courts. Find out if there are bikes or kayaks for rent. Is the beach secluded or teeming with families? Check to see if there is a grocery store close by so that you can stock your kitchen with snacks.

With the planning finished, now you can savor the anticipation of an exciting scuba diving holiday on the horizon. To build confidence, sign up for a refresher course at the dive school if it has been a long time since your last dive. Have a great trip!

The diving lessons will impart information as to how best to use dive equipment such as the scuba diving computer and what is the science behind diving as well as responsible diving practices. You may also discuss some of the best places to take a scuba diving vacation. You'll find all the free information you'll need on our website.