By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Alex_Gunn]Alex Gunn
Whether you are coming to Thailand for a long holiday or a short break there are several things that might be worth bringing... and several things that aren't. A lot of them are boring things you already know about, like insect repellent and sun block, but there are a few things that you might like to bring that you probably don't usually think about.
Let's start with things not to take; firstly, clothes. Thailand is hot all year round and unless you are venturing up to the mountains in the north you really won't need "a jacket for the evening". They also dry very quickly so are easy to wash and wear the same day. If you really want to splash out, there are numerous places throughout the whole of Thailand that will wash your clothes and return them all nice and fresh the following day, at a rate of between 30 and 50 Baht per kilo. So, don't bring loads of clothes, you won't wear half of them.
Another thing you might like to re-think is chocolate. Thailand is, as I said hot and not really designed for chocolate. The type of chocolate that people tend to bring with them from America, UK and Europe tends to melt very easily. Unless you eat it very quickly or are able to store it in a fridge you will end up with a hell of a mess. Chocolate is available here by the bucket load in supermarkets and mini markets, but tends to be imported from Australia which has a higher melt temperature and isn't so nice. Sorry Australia.
Now for the things to bring that you wouldn't have thought of...
Thailand is an amazing country, and wherever you are travelling, whether it's up north around Chiang Mai, a tropical island or even in the heart of Bangkok you will be surrounded by beautiful wild life and scenery. Bearing this in mind it makes sense that the thing to bring that people often wished they had (but didn't) are binoculars. Not the huge army type ones but just a little dinky modern travel pair. Armed with this neat holiday accessory you can be the one that clearly sees the dolphins off the coast of Hua Hin, the giant Water Monitor Lizards that swim up the Chao Phraya River through the heart of Bangkok or the Crested Eagles that sail above the mountains of Chiang Mai. If you are quick you can also see the wonderful array of butterflies that glide undisturbed around the tree tops throughout the who kingdom.
The other thing that is a "must bring item" are cheap plastic flip flops (thongs if you're travelling from Australia). Everybody here wears them as they are the most comfortable and practical footwear you can own. They are cool in hot weather, won't get damaged on the beach, or swimming pool but best of all, as it's customary to take your shoes off when you enter a room it will save the endless round of unlacing, unstrapping or unbuckling.
Lastly, if you only bring one book to Thailand make sure it's a pocket guide to orchids. Thailand must be the orchid capital of the world...they are everywhere, from the airport arrival hall to your hotel and back again. This country is wall to wall orchid heaven. Make the most of it by understanding what you are looking at and impress your friends and holiday companions by pointing out the difference between the rare Bee Orchid and the highly prized Slipper Orchids.
Whenever you come to Thailand have a great holiday. http://www.thelifechangepeople.com http://www.thelifechangepeople.com/change-holidays/tailor-made-holiday
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Thailand-Travel-Tips---What-To-Take&id=6600510] Thailand Travel Tips - What To Take
Showing posts with label Tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tips. Show all posts
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Friday, January 25, 2013
Singapore Travel Tips - How to Cross the Border To Neighboring Malaysia
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Alec_Chan]Alec Chan
Singapore is located off the southern tip of Malaysia. Therefore because of the close proximity to Malaysia, crossing the border from Singapore to Malaysia is very accessible. The town in Malaysia that is right across the border from Singapore is Johor Bahru (JB for short) which is in the Johor state in Malaysia. Typically visitors will cross over to JB for food, shopping, and for catching their onward transports to places further up in Malaysia (such as Melaka and Kuala Lumpur). Here are some travel tips on how to cross the border to Malaysia from Singapore.
There are two borders that connect the two countries. The first border gate, Woodlands Checkpoint, is located in the north of Singapore near the Kranji MRT station. This border crossing is the busiest out of the two. In order to cross through Woodlands Checkpoint, you can either take a taxi or take the public bus.
The taxi can only be taken from the Queens Street Terminal in the Bugis area of Singapore. The reason being is that only taxis found at this terminal have the necessary licenses that allow them to cross between the two countries. Therefore if you try to catch a cab elsewhere they will not cross the border, but instead just drop you off at the customs at Singapore side only.
Do take note that at Queens Street Terminal you can take both Malaysia and Singapore taxi cabs. The only difference is that if you take a Malaysia taxi cab, they can drop you off anywhere in JB, whereas a Singapore taxi cab will only drop you off at Kota Raya II Terminal in JB (which is near the JB city center).
If you are taking public bus, to JB through Woodlands Checkpoint, you can take the bus from Kranji MRT station. There are two popular bus services that go to JB. They are the Causeway Express (the yellow coloured bus), and the Bus # 170 (operated by SBS transport). One thing to take note is that during rush hour periods and during weekends after 10:00am you can expect a huge crowd waiting for the bus to Malaysia. Therefore it is advisable to avoid the peak periods should you want to take the bus.
As for the second border gate, it is located on the west side of Singapore. This checkpoint is known as the Second Link, and is less frequented by the locals as crossing through here is further away from the JB city center. So this is something you must take note of. You can only cross through this border by public bus from where you can board at the Jurong East Bus Interchange, which is located right beside the Jurong East MRT station. The only bus that serves this route is by Causeway Express (also a yellow coloured bus).
Crossing through the border from Singapore to Malaysia is made easy by these main ways described above. By taking note of these methods to cross the border this will help you to plan effectively for your journey to Malaysia from Singapore.
Alec Chan is a travel writer who has travelled all around Asia for the past 8 years, and has developed powerful strategies on how to get the best deals in all his travel destinations. He constantly delivers informative, accurate, and insightful travel information through his travel blog alectravelguide.com.
Click here to download his ebook that reveals all the secrets he uses in saving big money on all his travels. http://www.alectravelguide.com/offer/
These strategies have saved him hundreds of dollars and it can do the same for you.
For a limited time only, grab a free copy of this ebook now http://www.alectravelguide.com/offer/
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Singapore-Travel-Tips---How-to-Cross-the-Border-To-Neighboring-Malaysia&id=6802823] Singapore Travel Tips - How to Cross the Border To Neighboring Malaysia
Singapore is located off the southern tip of Malaysia. Therefore because of the close proximity to Malaysia, crossing the border from Singapore to Malaysia is very accessible. The town in Malaysia that is right across the border from Singapore is Johor Bahru (JB for short) which is in the Johor state in Malaysia. Typically visitors will cross over to JB for food, shopping, and for catching their onward transports to places further up in Malaysia (such as Melaka and Kuala Lumpur). Here are some travel tips on how to cross the border to Malaysia from Singapore.
There are two borders that connect the two countries. The first border gate, Woodlands Checkpoint, is located in the north of Singapore near the Kranji MRT station. This border crossing is the busiest out of the two. In order to cross through Woodlands Checkpoint, you can either take a taxi or take the public bus.
The taxi can only be taken from the Queens Street Terminal in the Bugis area of Singapore. The reason being is that only taxis found at this terminal have the necessary licenses that allow them to cross between the two countries. Therefore if you try to catch a cab elsewhere they will not cross the border, but instead just drop you off at the customs at Singapore side only.
Do take note that at Queens Street Terminal you can take both Malaysia and Singapore taxi cabs. The only difference is that if you take a Malaysia taxi cab, they can drop you off anywhere in JB, whereas a Singapore taxi cab will only drop you off at Kota Raya II Terminal in JB (which is near the JB city center).
If you are taking public bus, to JB through Woodlands Checkpoint, you can take the bus from Kranji MRT station. There are two popular bus services that go to JB. They are the Causeway Express (the yellow coloured bus), and the Bus # 170 (operated by SBS transport). One thing to take note is that during rush hour periods and during weekends after 10:00am you can expect a huge crowd waiting for the bus to Malaysia. Therefore it is advisable to avoid the peak periods should you want to take the bus.
As for the second border gate, it is located on the west side of Singapore. This checkpoint is known as the Second Link, and is less frequented by the locals as crossing through here is further away from the JB city center. So this is something you must take note of. You can only cross through this border by public bus from where you can board at the Jurong East Bus Interchange, which is located right beside the Jurong East MRT station. The only bus that serves this route is by Causeway Express (also a yellow coloured bus).
Crossing through the border from Singapore to Malaysia is made easy by these main ways described above. By taking note of these methods to cross the border this will help you to plan effectively for your journey to Malaysia from Singapore.
Alec Chan is a travel writer who has travelled all around Asia for the past 8 years, and has developed powerful strategies on how to get the best deals in all his travel destinations. He constantly delivers informative, accurate, and insightful travel information through his travel blog alectravelguide.com.
Click here to download his ebook that reveals all the secrets he uses in saving big money on all his travels. http://www.alectravelguide.com/offer/
These strategies have saved him hundreds of dollars and it can do the same for you.
For a limited time only, grab a free copy of this ebook now http://www.alectravelguide.com/offer/
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Singapore-Travel-Tips---How-to-Cross-the-Border-To-Neighboring-Malaysia&id=6802823] Singapore Travel Tips - How to Cross the Border To Neighboring Malaysia
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Travel Malaysia - With Some Tips
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Niraj_Singh]Niraj Singh
Traveling requires a lot of planning and the most important factor is the money. Handling money at a foreign destination needs to have some important tips. Those tips might be regarding the currency, the way of shopping or on expenses of traveling the different parts of the country. No one can afford to ignore such an important aspect of traveling a foreign land where he finds himself or herself completely unaware of the value of that countries currency. So you need to be equipped with some essential tips before you start for any foreign country.
Talking of Malaysia, the local currency is Ringgit Malaysia. One RM equals to 100 sen, the smaller unit of Malaysian currency. Like in other countries, notes and coins are principal forms. Banknotes are issued in form of RM1, Rm2, RM5, RM10, RM50 and coins are in sen like one sen, five sen, 50 sen and 1 RM denomination. You can get your currency converted into Ringgit at banks or authorized moneychangers throughout the country. Resident travelers can carry upto RM 1000 per person both in and out of the country. However, those who want to carry more than permissible limit need to obtain permission from the Controller of Foreign Exchange and declare in the Traveler's Declaration Form the exact amount of Ringgit carried.
Non Resident travelers are allowed to carry any amount of foreign currency. Nevertheless, if the amount exceeds 2,500 UD dollar, the declaration in the Disembarkation Card issued by the Immigration Department need to be done. So travel Malaysia with these valuable tips in your hand!
Author is an associate editor of Stayresmalaysia. The website offers exclusive information of [http://www.stayresmalaysia.com/malaysia-travel-tips.htm]Malaysia Travels tips and [http://www.stayresmalaysia.com/hotel-kuala-lumpur.htm]Kuala LumPur Hotels.
We also provide online hotel reservation of [http://www.stayresmalaysia.com/all-malaysia-hotels.htm]hotels in Malaysia.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Travel-Malaysia---With-Some-Tips&id=332597] Travel Malaysia - With Some Tips
Traveling requires a lot of planning and the most important factor is the money. Handling money at a foreign destination needs to have some important tips. Those tips might be regarding the currency, the way of shopping or on expenses of traveling the different parts of the country. No one can afford to ignore such an important aspect of traveling a foreign land where he finds himself or herself completely unaware of the value of that countries currency. So you need to be equipped with some essential tips before you start for any foreign country.
Talking of Malaysia, the local currency is Ringgit Malaysia. One RM equals to 100 sen, the smaller unit of Malaysian currency. Like in other countries, notes and coins are principal forms. Banknotes are issued in form of RM1, Rm2, RM5, RM10, RM50 and coins are in sen like one sen, five sen, 50 sen and 1 RM denomination. You can get your currency converted into Ringgit at banks or authorized moneychangers throughout the country. Resident travelers can carry upto RM 1000 per person both in and out of the country. However, those who want to carry more than permissible limit need to obtain permission from the Controller of Foreign Exchange and declare in the Traveler's Declaration Form the exact amount of Ringgit carried.
Non Resident travelers are allowed to carry any amount of foreign currency. Nevertheless, if the amount exceeds 2,500 UD dollar, the declaration in the Disembarkation Card issued by the Immigration Department need to be done. So travel Malaysia with these valuable tips in your hand!
Author is an associate editor of Stayresmalaysia. The website offers exclusive information of [http://www.stayresmalaysia.com/malaysia-travel-tips.htm]Malaysia Travels tips and [http://www.stayresmalaysia.com/hotel-kuala-lumpur.htm]Kuala LumPur Hotels.
We also provide online hotel reservation of [http://www.stayresmalaysia.com/all-malaysia-hotels.htm]hotels in Malaysia.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Travel-Malaysia---With-Some-Tips&id=332597] Travel Malaysia - With Some Tips
Monday, January 21, 2013
Frugal Travel Tips For Bangkok, Thailand
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Kimber_Chin]Kimber Chin
With the currency exchange, it is difficult not to find frugal attractions in Bangkok, Thailand. However, there are a few tips to make travel dollars stretch even further and to better the travel experience.
The Grand Palace And The Temple Of The Emerald Buddha
Yes, there is an entrance fee (200 Baht, roughly $6 U.S.) but this sight is a must see for any visitor to Bangkok. It hosts a range of Thai architecture.
Temples and other national monuments have a strict dress code. No shorts, sleeveless tops, or risqué dress. This is true of most religious places the world over but in Thailand, travelers should also not wear open heeled sandals (there must be a strap behind the heel).
Thai Customs
Which leads to some Thai customs that savvy travelers observe.
Shorts are considered appropriate only for children and the lower class.
The head is considered sacred (closest to the heavens) so do not touch. Actually try not to touch the locals at all.
Feet are also to be treated with care. To point your feet at a person is considered a grave insult and to sit with soles exposed extremely rude (especially in religious places). Sit with feet tucked under the body.
No public displays of affection. Keep that for the privacy of your room.
As with most countries, but especially Thailand, do not criticize the local government or monarchy.
This may seem like a lot of rules but most apply to almost every country a traveler is a guest in.
Also the Thai people are extremely polite so they are unlikely to express their disapproval.
Chatuchak Park Weekend Market
This is where frugal travelers buy their souvenirs. With over 15,000 stalls (pick up a free map at information kiosks), there is plenty to choose from. This is a place to haggle. Never take the first offer. Also be very wary of fakes (fake antiques, fake jewelry, etc) and of pickpockets (keep some small bills in an easily accessible pocket and hide the wallet away).
What to buy? Almost anything, especially handicrafts. My mother is an elephant lover and Thailand, with reverence of the animal, was the ideal place to pick up teak carvings (be careful of wood drying and cracking when you return home).
Wat Pho (Temple Of The Reclining Buddha)
With another very, very inexpensive entrance fee (20 Baht), Wat Pho is the largest and oldest Buddhist Temple in Bangkok. The highlight is, of course, the 46 meter long, gold covered Reclining Buddha. However, the buildings and I found the orchids were also noteworthy.
Bangkok is a bargain hunters paradise. Attractions, dining and shopping is inexpensive.
For more frugal travel tips on Bangkok or other cities, visit http://www.freephotooftheday.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Frugal-Travel-Tips-For-Bangkok,-Thailand&id=700690] Frugal Travel Tips For Bangkok, Thailand
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Kimber_Chin]Kimber Chin
With the currency exchange, it is difficult not to find frugal attractions in Bangkok, Thailand. However, there are a few tips to make travel dollars stretch even further and to better the travel experience.
The Grand Palace And The Temple Of The Emerald Buddha
Yes, there is an entrance fee (200 Baht, roughly $6 U.S.) but this sight is a must see for any visitor to Bangkok. It hosts a range of Thai architecture.
Temples and other national monuments have a strict dress code. No shorts, sleeveless tops, or risqué dress. This is true of most religious places the world over but in Thailand, travelers should also not wear open heeled sandals (there must be a strap behind the heel).
Thai Customs
Which leads to some Thai customs that savvy travelers observe.
Shorts are considered appropriate only for children and the lower class.
The head is considered sacred (closest to the heavens) so do not touch. Actually try not to touch the locals at all.
Feet are also to be treated with care. To point your feet at a person is considered a grave insult and to sit with soles exposed extremely rude (especially in religious places). Sit with feet tucked under the body.
No public displays of affection. Keep that for the privacy of your room.
As with most countries, but especially Thailand, do not criticize the local government or monarchy.
This may seem like a lot of rules but most apply to almost every country a traveler is a guest in.
Also the Thai people are extremely polite so they are unlikely to express their disapproval.
Chatuchak Park Weekend Market
This is where frugal travelers buy their souvenirs. With over 15,000 stalls (pick up a free map at information kiosks), there is plenty to choose from. This is a place to haggle. Never take the first offer. Also be very wary of fakes (fake antiques, fake jewelry, etc) and of pickpockets (keep some small bills in an easily accessible pocket and hide the wallet away).
What to buy? Almost anything, especially handicrafts. My mother is an elephant lover and Thailand, with reverence of the animal, was the ideal place to pick up teak carvings (be careful of wood drying and cracking when you return home).
Wat Pho (Temple Of The Reclining Buddha)
With another very, very inexpensive entrance fee (20 Baht), Wat Pho is the largest and oldest Buddhist Temple in Bangkok. The highlight is, of course, the 46 meter long, gold covered Reclining Buddha. However, the buildings and I found the orchids were also noteworthy.
Bangkok is a bargain hunters paradise. Attractions, dining and shopping is inexpensive.
For more frugal travel tips on Bangkok or other cities, visit http://www.freephotooftheday.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Frugal-Travel-Tips-For-Bangkok,-Thailand&id=700690] Frugal Travel Tips For Bangkok, Thailand
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