Unique Culture in Thailand

Thai Culture in Bangkok

Thailand is a country with a long and rich history. Thailand is also one of those countries which have many traditions which modern times fortunately have not affected. Thailand is renowned for its unique culture that has been notorious around the globe. Thai culture is especially well known for its distinctiveness. It is well worth noting that Thai culture has traditionally been handed down from one generation to the next.

Thai Classical Dance

The inspiring Thai culture includes inspiring local music and wonderful Thai dances. The culture furthermore includes of course its deep rooted Buddhist religion, martial arts, crafts and beautiful clothing.

Visitors to Thailand can experience Thai culture by witnessing one of the Thai classical dance performances. These classical dance performances are generally performed by gracious Thai ladies wearing beautiful Thai local costumes.

These special Thai dances are fortunately still popular throughout Thailand including with the present younger Thai generations. Most resort areas and many hotels frequently offer these special Thai culture dance shows for foreign visitors.

Thai Greeting

The unique Thai gesture of greeting another person, the Wai, is especially one of the greatest aspects of the culture. The Wai is when a person joins both hands to either head or chest level while bending their head slightly towards their hands.

This way of greeting is especially done when a younger person greets an older person and it indicated a sign of respect to their elders. Employees would also Wai their superior's even if the supervisor or manager would be younger then themselves as the seniority of the other person would be respected.

Bangkok

Bangkok is the main city of Thailand and has been the Thai capital since the end of the eighteenth century. Observing culture in Bangkok can be a great experience as the blend of modern times and traditions have created a one of a kind atmosphere. Bangkok still offers a package of culture which showcases Thai culture through numerous beautiful Thai Buddhist temples, interesting museums and many example of ancient Thai architecture.

Places to Visit in Bangkok

One of the best places in Bangkok to experience Thai culture is in the Sanam Luang area. Visitors can visit such Thai national landmarks such as the Grand Palace which includes the Emerald Buddha Temple and also offers visitors to see many other prime examples of Thai architecture at its best.

Another location in Bangkok where one can enjoy and see Thai culture is at the famed Bangkok national museum. The large museum is located near to the Pra Pin Klao bridge in case you would like to visit the Bangkok National Museum. The famous museum offers visitors and tourists an opportunity to view national treasures and unique Thai art pieces with some dating back as early as the late sixteenth century.

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 Travel Guide

Aruba - A Romantic Paradise

A perennial favorite for honeymooners and others seeking romantic travel, Aruba is known for its year round high temperatures and its gorgeous white sandy beaches. This is the perfect destination for couples who love relaxing at the beach, shopping, gambling, a great nightlife, and water sports.

WHAT TO DO: For water lovers opportunities in Aruba abound including some of the best SCUBA diving in the entire Caribbean including wall and reef diving. Both shipwrecks and beautiful and some rare marine life exists in the always warm water. Snorkeling and a hybrid of snorkeling and scuba called snuba is offered through water sport companies as well. For those who want to see the sea without the water sports, Atlantis Submarines and Seaworld Explorer Semi-Submarine offer the chance to see sea life aboard a boat. Sailing, kitesurfing, and windsurfing are also popular due the constant winds.Aruba also offers the opportunity for casino gambling and a hot nightlife. All gambling is done is US dollars and many of the best resorts offer casino gambling on facility. Caribbean Stud Poker, an Aruba invention, is especially popular. L.G. Smith Boulevard in Orajestad is a popular spot for bars and nightclubs that operate from midnight to when the sunrises again.World class shopping including stores such as Gucci and Ralph Lauren are available at open air shopping malls. Local craftsmen selling their wares can easily be found in Oranjestad. Aruba's connection to the Netherlands makes for a colorful blend of European and Caribbean goods. Personal items are duty free.

WHERE TO STAY: Most of the resorts in Aruba are along the southwestern coast, particularly around Palm and Eagle Beaches. The large high rise resorts are mostly at Palm Beach while the smaller low rise hotels are concentrated at Eagle Beaches. Locally owned hotels and villas are located on both beaches. A few options are also available in downtown Oranjestad. A number of hotels offer an all inclusive option including the Holiday Inn Sunspree, Riu Palace, the Occidental Grand Aruba, and many others. The options for adults only resorts are limited but Bucuti Beach Resort and Renaissance Marina Hotel both offer these options. Cruises are yet another way to experience Aruba-- most of the major cruise lines offer ports of call in Aruba. Please contact us for more information about all the incredible options you may have for lodging in Aruba.

DESTINATION WEDDING INFORMATION: Catholic, civil, Jewish, and Protestant weddings are available in Aruba. Same-sex commitment services are available in Aruba and the country does recognize same sex marriages. Specific resorts are very gay friendly and offer same sex commitment ceremony packages. Many hotels offer complete on site wedding packages. A boat captain is not allowed to officiate a wedding according to Dutch laws unless he is authorized under the laws of the country which the ship is registered with.

Heather Greene is a travel agent at Honeymoon and Wedding Travel [http://www.honeymoonandweddingtravel.com] She is a certified honeymoon and destination wedding specialist with additional destination specialties ranging from the Bahamas to Las Vegas. She is available for all your honeymoon, destination wedding, and other romantic travel needs.

Eight Hours in Cancun

Quick: You have only eight hours to spend in Cancun. What do you do? Oh, and you're not a college kid on spring break. It's not a tough question when you know all the wonderful offerings of this white-sanded, brilliant-beached paradise has to offer. If you have a few hours to spend because of a business meeting or layover, consider yourself lucky because there's still plenty to see! And next time, plan a longer vacation.

While it is still cool in the morning, begin by going to check out the Mayan ruins at Ruinas del Ray, a small Mayan fishing village. Since the bigger ruins will take you all day to visit, Ruinas del Rey is a great place to see some history of this incredible land in a short amount of time. After the ruins, a perfect stop is Xcaret. This "eco-archaeological theme park" features brilliant examples of the local flora and fauna, more on the history of the Mayans and ruins to explore, an aviary, an aquarium, and a nursery for baby sea turtles. If you have time later (doubtful), come back at night for performances of dance, music, and drama. Incredible!

After all that learning, it's time to get wet. While scuba diving tours are day-long commitments, you can still find plenty of ways to enjoy the water. On Isla Mujeres, you can visit Dolphin Discovery. After a short class, you can swim with the well-trained dolphins. This excursion only takes about one hour altogether. While there, take advantage of the water slides, rides, and pools. If you want to sacrifice another excursion and stay here, make sure to go snorkeling with the amazing tropical fish, rays, and sharks (don't worry, they're tame).

Next, hit the beach. The best ones are fronted by the big hotels and resorts but are on public property. Politely go through the lobby and head for the sand. Mujeres Bay is great for swimming. If you want to skip lunch, head to Rancho Loma Bonita. It is thirty miles south of Cancun, so this may take up a lot of your precious time. If you love horses, it's worth it. You can rent horses and ride along the beach. It is like being in your own movie.

Finish up your day with some shopping. Try the duty free UltraFemme, featuring European jewelry, perfume, and other goodies or La Isla Shopping Village. This is a quaint open-air mall, featuring small canals and an interactive aquarium.

There's so more to do in Cancun than knock back Tequila. While eight hours in Cancun can give you a taste, you'll no doubt be planning a trip back in the near future. For now, enjoy your escape to this paradise, even if only for a few hours.

Enid Glasgow has spent far more time than eight hours in Cancun and recommends that you do too. When in Cancun, she recommends luxury Cancun hotels like Hotel ME by Melia.

Phuket Remains One of the World's Great Destinations

In recent times, the tropical Island destination of Phuket has been in the news for all the wrong reasons. From refusing to let vacationers return to their homeland, arresting tourists on trivial charges and even a decrease in housing popularity but with all this in mind, Phuket still remains a wonderful tropical holiday destination.

Phuket's weather allows year round beach going activities with two distinct seasons. The first is known as the high season, based on the large number of tourists that flock to the Island during this time, and the other is called Summer Season with a self descriptive title.

During the high season, Phuket beaches enjoy a magical, tranquil environment. With the slight wind and weather approaching the Island from the North East, the famous West Coast beaches receive little or no waves, making crystal clear waters on bright white sands, almost too good to be true.

As the seasons change, the weather then comes from the opposite direction. This brings rougher conditions with sometimes-large waves suitable for experienced swimmers and even surfers. This time of year is still warm, in fact Phuket has a year round tropical climate and the temperature always hovers around the 30 degree Celsius mark.

The Summer Season is also known as the rainy season, however, this makes it sound like a time where it doesn't stop raining, but this couldn't be further from the truth. During this time, it does rain but some days reek glorious sunshine and high temperatures, just perfect for the beach. Visitors will get wet but just about everything that Phuket has is just as enjoyable at this time of year.

A well-established community backs every beach in Phuket. The main beaches of Patong, Karon, Kata and Surin, all have differing communities but all enjoy fine restaurants, great nightlife, wonderful shopping and an easy-going attitude.

Patong, in particular, is known for its nightlife along the busy Bangla Road area. Bars, clubs and restaurants line this street and at night it's blocked off from traffic and is a wonder to walk up and down and enjoy the sights.

One of the benefits of travelling to Thailand is its inexpensive shopping. Phuket is no different, however the up-market shopping malls are now cropping up all over the Island and prices are not what they used to be. Brand names such as Central Festival, Jungceylon, Tesco Lotus and a recently opened centre along the bypass road which claims to be a budget market, all offer international brand names in fashion, sports and just about anything that you would want to take home.

The waters and Islands surrounding Phuket are also easily accessible with a large variety of boating tours available. The jutting limestone Islands and caves, known as hongs in Thailand, are particularly beautiful with some caves accessible by either swimming or kayaking inside.

Right now, with the world in economic trouble, tourist numbers are down in Phuket. As a resident, this can be a nice time, however, the benefits to those that do chose to vacation now are unlimited. Bargains can be had all over the Island with vendors very willing to offer their goods or services at very reduced prices.

For those fortunate enough to be in a position to reside in topical paradise, the property market in Phuket is also in the same position. With a greatly reduced market, many property projects are now offering their properties at hugely reduced prices. Just about anything is available in terms of property and bargains from as little as 1.5 million baht (US$44,000) can be found, mind you, the other end of the spectrum is also here with luxury beachside properties in the million dollars range.

With all of this in mind and the bargains that are now available in Phuket there is no reason for anyone to stay away. Treat the locals with respect, enjoy the sunshine and hunt out a bargain, what better way is there to enjoy some time away from home.

For more information on Phuket and the lifestyle there go to http://www.phuketrader.com/

The Countryside Can Be Cheaper If You Are After Budget Travel

If you're interested in adding a little budget travel to your itinerary, and who isn't once in a while, think about getting out into the countryside instead of spending all of your time in the big cities. No matter where you're traveling in the world, the countryside will almost always be cheaper than cities.

To maximize the benefit of this formula, you have to refine it even more, and plan when you'll be in the city and when you should spend time in the countryside.

If you're on a driving trip in your home country or one next door, this type of budget travel planning is easy. You've got your car, so you can do both city and countryside. Even when you want to spend time in a city, you can save money by just staying on the edge of the city or in a suburb.

Then you can drive in... or better yet, take public transportation in and avoid the frustration of trying to find parking, not to mention the cost. Parking can be expensive in almost any city in the world.

OK... maybe your time is limited, and you don't want to waste time getting into town. If you want to stay in the city rather than on the edge of it, remember that most cities will be cheaper on weekends when the business people are gone. Hotels sometimes have cheaper weekend prices, and there could be more going on in the way of plays and entertainment.

And if you think about it... the countryside will be cheaper during the week when most people are working.... so if you're a budget traveler, you want to plan to be in the city on weekends and in the countryside on weekdays. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday are days that can save you money in the countryside.

And that will be especially true if the countryside you're visiting is a real get-away destination for those city folks you're trying to avoid. In this case you get that equal and opposite effect. If you're in a popular get-away destination, it will be more crowded and expensive on the weekends.

If you're traveling internationally or you've flown to your destination, you'll have to factor in the cost of a rental car or some kind of transportation to get to the countryside. You can take a bus or a train. Some European areas popular with tourists have trains and buses that run conveniently. Some even have train and bus routes that will take you on a circle tour to some of the prettier and smaller towns.

In the United State, public transportation isn't as good, but it is improving, so check around. In Asia, public transportation is good in some countries and spotty in others. In Australia, it's probably easiest to drive. It always pays to ask at the tourist information offices if you're interested in something like this.

So see, you don't have to give up the sights you want to see to trim your budget, you just have to plan smart to save. Lay out a calendar, and work your itinerary so that you spend most of your weekends in those cities and the weekdays in the country.

You'll be money ahead. That's budget travel made easy!

This travel tip is brought to you by the Australian specialists in NSW Central Coast accommodation. http://www.BookCentralCoast.com.au and our Travel Tips Blog. We hope that you enjoyed it.

Seven Tips For Planning a Trip to Europe

If you're planning an independent trip to Europe, then read my tips to ensure that you have a great trip.

One: Do not try to see and do too much.

You may end up actually seeing very little. I think it is better to see more of fewer countries/regions and see them properly. You may not want to stay in one location for your whole trip. However if you choose carefully it may be possible to do several day trips from one central location. If you do decide to tour, consider spending at least two nights in some of your destinations. It can be quite tiring being on the move every day, packing and unpacking.

Two: Decide on mode of transport.

Driving will give you more flexibility but can be daunting at times and is not recommended if you mainly wish to visit cities. You may decide to take your own car if you live in Europe. If you fly you can hire a car. Beware of extra charges for additional drivers, insurance excesses, airport charges, out of hours charges etc. I always book a hire car through a UK company, with no excess. If you use a budget airline try to only book direct flights. If you book a two let journey, the budget airlines will not assist you, as they only operate a point to point service. Public transport is pretty good in most of Europe. There are also several budget airlines you can use between countries e.g. Ryanair and Easyjet.

Three: Be aware of security of possessions.

Use a money belt, hotel safe etc. Do not have all your money/cards in one purse or wallet. If you lose it you are in trouble. This happened to me when I was in Milan: I was travelling alone and was left penniless. My credit card company did transfer funds to me but it took 24 hours! I had to borrow 10 euros from the hotel receptionist. Make sure you have travel insurance and if there is an incident get a written report from the local police station, to enable you to make a claim.

Four: Try to learn at least a few words of the language.

This will be greatly appreciated. My French is what you might describe as school girl (that was 25 years ago) but I do try when in France. Often I receive the reply in English but at least I tried. I always apologise if I cannot speak the language. I don't assume that the person I am talking to should speak English, I ask in their language if they speak English. As I do have a Scottish accent, I try to speak more slowly and clearly than usual, certainly not raising my voice.

Five: Don't be too structured.

You should allow some time just to wander around, enjoy a leisurely lunch. You do have to plan an itinerary, or you can just waste a lot of time, but it doesn't have to be written in stone! Allow yourself the opportunity to be spontaneous.

Six: Don't just stick to tourist traps.

Try to visit some authentic local restaurants, markets, villages, etc. where you will meet local people, rather than just other tourists. Surely part of the reason for going abroad it to experience at least a little of the local flavour, not just spend all your time with other tourists.

Seven: Book your accommodation in advance.

This may mean that you miss out on a charming establishment you come across in your travels, (you could always stay there on your another trip). However it will mean that you don't waste precious time going from hotel to hotel trying to find a room, having to arrive early enough at your next destination to look for accommodation. I am not even convinced that you save money by last minute searches.

Karen Bryan is a travel consultant and writer specialising in tailor made travel in Europe. Her site is http://www.europealacarte.co.uk

Kuoni Holidays

Kuoni have the irresistible tagline "No-one knows the planet like us", and when you view their fine choice of destinations, it's easy to see why they chose these words. Founded more than a century ago, Kuoni Travel Ltd offers holidays to some superb up-market destinations, such as top sought-after European destinations, such as those of Switzerland and Italy, adventurous locations, such as Kenya, and the more long-haul resorts such as those of Thailand and the Maldives. As well as an impressive array of places to go, Kuoni also offer a wide variety of types of holiday, ranging from fully escorted tours to cruises, rail holidays to safaris, golfing trips to the now extremely popular spa holidays.

For the European holidays, Kuoni offer a selection of city breaks, skiing holidays and spa holidays. Summer holiday in Switzerland? Choose from hiking in the beautiful hills and mountains of Wengen, or take in the beauty and architecture of the city of Lucerne on the lake of the same name. Or if you prefer Switzerland in the wintertime, you can enjoy skiing at St Moritz, or take in the fabulous après-ski at Zermatt.

If you want to see the wonderful Renaissance art of Italy, then Kuoni can take you to Florence, where you can admire the beautiful Greek-inspired statues, or to Venice where you can float on the canals, while gazing at the great architecture. In Kenya you can go on safari, and see if you can spot the fabulous big game animals that roam there. You can also learn something of African culture in this warm and friendly country.

With turquoise-blue waters and exquisite beaches of soft white sand, the idyllic Maldives offer the last word in luxury beach holidays, and Kuoni holidays are available to no less than forty of these stunning islands. Now becoming popular are island resorts that are luxury villages of sumptuous water villas, which offer your own private beach. Many of the Maldives resorts now offer spa and beauty treatments too, so you can truly be pampered.

Another of Kuoni's popular destinations is Thailand, the Land of Smiles. With its fascinating culture, you can take in the magnificent Buddhist temples of Bangkok and Chiang Mai, and you can relax the cares away on the beautiful beaches of Phuket, or Ko Samui. Not only that, Thailand is also renowned the world over for its mouth-watering cuisine, which offers fresh ingredients, delightful flavours and scents of coconut, and definitely a bit of spice.

But one of the most exciting places to visit at the moment is the very up-and-coming city of Dubai, which has rapidly become the last word in luxury hotels. Kuoni offer you a stunning array of more than thirty Dubai hotels, including the Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Resort, The Sheraton Deira, and the Burj Al Arab, which with its fantastic Islamic architecture, has become one of Dubai's famous landmarks.

If you are looking for a holiday that takes you further afield, and offers a bit more than your standard package holiday, then you would do well to take a look at Kuoni.

Aspen Travel are specialists in offering a range of Budget Holidays with companies like Kuoni and Club Med amongst others. Their experience in providing bespoke holidays for the discerning traveller makes them a popular choice with people who prefer to enjoy fully inclusive holiday.

Are Greek Island Holidays Really Worth It?

Greek Islands holidays are a dream for millions of people around the world. With all that is on offer there, it is easy to see why these islands continue to have such an irresistible appeal to so many people.

Greece is world famous for its legendary history, but there is a lot more to it than just a colorful past. Try searching for images of Greece and you will instantly see that it is one of the most scenic and beautiful countries not just in Europe, but in the whole world.

Even pictures of the landscape, beaches and historical settings can not to Greece justice though. You really need to see and experience the place first hand, so as to be able to appreciate the atmosphere that goes with the scenery.

One of the most intriguing elements of travel among the Greek Islands is that there are so many differences between each one. If you are lucky enough to spend 1-2 weeks exploring several of these charming island paradises you will soon discover that each of them possesses a special identity and beauty.

A popular choice with tourists is a visit to the Sardonic Gulf Islands which are close to Greece's mainland area. You can sign up for a day trip and easily travel to Aegina, Poros, Spetses, and Hydra.

The Sporades Islands might be the right choice for you if you are looking for a particularly quiet and intimate atmosphere. Located between northern and central Greece, these islands are said by many to have the most exotic landscapes in the country.

Continue reading about your very next holidays to Greek Islands at our information site dedicated to these fabulous islands in the Mediterranean.