Thailand for Beginers Travel

People say Thailand simply offers it all to travellers in a neat, great-value package -- whether you're an independent budget backpacker wanting to explore off the beaten track, or a well-heeled tourist looking for an exclusive slice of paradise.

Rough it while trekking through mist-shrouded mountains; be astounded by teeming aquatic life as you plunge into turquoise waters for a dip; or savour a romantic pool villa for a perfect luxury honeymoon -- you can do it all in the Land of Smiles.

Thailand has been on the international backpacker beat for decades now, and while backpackers are making the most of ever-increasing budget flights to Thailand, these days luxury travellers bolster the numbers too.

From the food and spas, to the temples and culture, Thailand is a land steeped in fascinating Buddhist history, catapulted into the present through fast-paced economic growth that kicked off in the 1960s.

It's true that more than 10 million tourists arrive here annually now, following the well-worn path of those before them. But there's a reason the crowds keep on coming.

The capital Bangkok offers glittering temples on the majestic Chao Phraya River, with shopping for both bargains and top-range designer items luring the masses as well.

Holiday in Maroco

Travellers to Morocco find it hard to resist the lure of the distant Atlas Mountains, which arc southwards from the Mediterranean coast for 1,000 miles (1,609km), providing a trekker's paradise. Numerous guided walking tours and treks are on offer, generally starting from Marrakech or the village of Imlil, destined for the spectacular High Atlas to hike beneath forbidding peaks, through deep canyons, and past remote and ancient Berber villages. Do-it-yourself trekkers will find locals willing to act as porters and guides, and hikers can also hire mules to carry equipment. The adventure opportunities in the Atlas are varied, and range from challenging, like the ascent of Jebel Toubkal, the highest summit in North Africa, to a tranquil stroll through the wild landscape of Jebel Sahro region, where rocky plateaux are interspersed with oases where exotic creatures congregate in crystal clear pools.

Dokmai Garden

Dokmai Garden is the perfect escape for the discerning tourist who wishes to escape the hustle and bustle of downtown Chiang Mai. It is just 25 minute drive from Central Chiang Mai, and yet it feels like you are a world away! The garden itself would be perfect for the avid gardener, or the curious new comer looking for some information on local flora. There are over 800 species of plants, 500 of which are signposted with information and names in Thai, English and Japanese.

The staff speak English, Thai and Swedish and are more then happy to give you a private tour of the garden at no additional cost. Eric, the husband of garden owner, Ketsanee Seehamongkol, is a wealth of knowledge, having obtained a PhD in Biology, and he seems more than happy to answer as many questions as you can throw at him!
The staff are very familiar with all plants in the grounds and if you are specifically interested in one thing, eg, flowering plants, they are more then happy to customise the tour to include this.
There is also many activities to keep the children entertained, canoeing or fishing in the large pond, or playing with Reuben, the resident Golden retriever!!
After strolling around the garden for a few hours, it was lovely to come and relax in the open air restaurant. The menu incorporates local specialities and some new dishes created by the Seehamongkol family! The ingredients are all taken from the garden where possible and drinks are make using special ingredients like Rosella, and teak wood! Very exotic!

Altogether a wonderful experience and a great opportunity to get in touch with nature for a day!

I will definitely be coming back next time I am in Chiang Mai!!

Family Travel Tips

There are those who say small children should be nowhere near a populated area, let alone an airport or an airplane, but parents deserve a break too and sometimes travelling with a small child is unavoidable. Given the wonders of Calpol in a domestic setting, it is tempting to pack a bottle for in-flight tantrums but that won't always work. Instead, here are some parent-tested suggestions for travelling with a little one:

Before the journey

Pick a family-friendly destination. Never underestimate the attraction of a beach for a young child, but make sure the little ones are aware of the dangers of water. Look for hotels that let children stay free of charge in their parents' rooms and provide free meals for children or buffet-style breakfasts included in the price of the room. Ask about babysitting services, creches, kids' clubs and facilities for children, too.

Don't forget that your child needs a passport. Since October 1998, separate passports are now required for all children under 16.

Be flexible and keep your itinerary simple. Book direct flights. Travel at night so children can sleep through journeys.

Try to get bulkhead seats on the airplane (the bulkhead is the partition that divides a plane into different sections, between business class and economy for example). Call the airline in advance or arrive extra early at check-in.

Tips for Saving Time and Money in Disney Theme Parks

Disney theme parks are a great vacation destination for kids and families. However, most families with kids travel to Disneyland at the same time of year - the summer months. This is the peak vacation season for travelers and Disney theme parks are no exception.

Travelers are better off planning ahead when it comes to visiting Disneyland in Anaheim and Walt Disney World in Orlando.

Best Day of the Week

Crowds will be smaller during the off-season, but for many families, especially those with school-aged children, this is not possible. If you cannot avoid the off-season, try to go during the last week of June or the first week of September.

Once July 4th rolls around, Disney parks are in high gear. If you are planning a July or August trip to Disneyland, Tuesdays through Thursdays are best. While Disneyland does not release daily attendance records, weekends are noticeably busier than weekdays.

Best Time of Day

Any parent knows that getting out the door with kids in the morning can be a daunting task. Families on vacation like to sleep in and take their time getting out the amusement park. Use this to your advantage by getting up early and arriving at Disneyland or Walt Disney World early. It will pay off significantly.

You will get into the park quicker and line-ups for attractions will be short. Disney usually opens at 8 or 9 a.m. during the summer. Be sure to ask your hotel for a wakeup call and give yourself and your family plenty of time to get to the park.