Things You Should Know Before Going To Thailand

Thailand has three seasons basically:

November-February = Hot.

March -May = Hot and humid.

June-October = Hot and Wet (rain season)

Whenever you go it will be hot. Be sure to pack light weight cotton shirts, shorts and sandals if you wear them. Thailand can be mostly a casual affair but if you are going to temples or to the palace you need to dress appropriately. Men, no shorts and long sleeves are preferred. Ladies, no shorts, short skirts or halter tops. If you will be in Thailand for a few weeks you'll notice a need for a few showers a day (it can be that hot) Which means going through some clothes. Around every corner is a Thai Laundry which will take care of your clothes for you and at bargain prices. The hotels offer the same service but at much higher rates and usually they take them around the corner to the same shop! You'll also find many markets selling clothes cheaply so don't over pack...save the room for the trinkets you'll be bringing back.

As far as toiletries go you can find everything you need in Thailand cheaply. So, unless you have a favorite you can't live without you can get all your supplies at stores like 7/11, Carefour and or Tesco. No need to add all the extra weight and buy new toiletries for the trip when you can get it there and much cheaper.

Being a hot climate you'll find yourself drinking more water than usual probably. DO NOT drink the tap water. Brushing your teeth and rinsing is fine as well as ice cubes in shops and restaurants. Even the Thais drink bottled water for the most part and it can be had very cheaply, especially the Thai brands.

Food is everywhere and in the tourist areas you can get anything and everything, from Lasagna to Lobster Thermador and all the fast food you could possibly want. Then there is the overwhelming amount of different Thai foods and fruits. If you've come this far for the experience then don't let the Thai food pass you by as it is the best on earth bar none and it is good for you for the most part. Don't be afraid to try different things and don't worry that it might not sit well, you'll never know till you try. Not all Thai food is spicy but you can ask to have dishes prepared less spicy.

Toilets I've covered before in "The Art of Using a Thai Toilet" . If you are mainly in the tourist areas you probably will only run into western style toilets but be prepared for a few things. Number one the bathroom might not have toilet paper and you'll see a hose next to the toilet with a rinser on the end like you have on your kitchen sink. This is used to clean yourself and it works quite well. Might want to carry around some napkins or tissue until you get the lay of the land. You will often see signs when toilet paper is available stating not to flush the paper but instead deposit it in the pail or can provided. Please do as the sign says. Thailand's sewer system can't handle it and it can cause problems quickly. Besides if you use the rinsing hose then the paper is essentially clean anyway.

The outside world is easy to get in touch with as there are internet shops everywhere as well as phone shops to place overseas calls. Most hotels also offer these services but also charge much more for them. If you have a cell phone that uses a sim card you can get it unlocked at many different shops, then you can buy a Thai sim card and call home. Ask the person who unlocked it to set it up for you and the calls home will be cheap! When you get home swap out the sim card to your old one and you're set...and a perk is you're phone will now work on any network.

These are just a few things to consider if your are going on your first trip. Don't sweat the small things because in Thailand you will be able to find most of the things you can find at home, only cheaper.

I'll be adding a series of articles in this area. In the next few rounds of this type of article I'll let you know about getting around town, hotels, markets and nightlife. It would probably be a good idea to touch on the different tourist scams as well...forewarned is forearmed.

Born and raised in Baltimore Maryland I finally set out to discover the world in 2006. South East Asia has always been a beacon for me and Thailand its crowned jewel.

I write about my experiences in Thailand as well as the cultural aspects of being a foreigner in a foreign land. I blog daily about Thailand at: http://thailandlandofsmiles.com

Top 10 Things to Do in Bangkok, Thailand

1. Cruise the Chao Praya River on a river taxi and enjoy the local scenery and culture. This is certainly a great way to see Bangkok and the river taxis cruise by the multiple terminals regularly. Be sure to be quick as the boats only stop briefly to let passengers on and off. If you're not sure you can jump aboard quickly enough, then you can always book a more sedate tour from any of the great riverside hotels, like the Shangri La, the Royal Orchid Sheraton or the Peninsula.

2. If shopping is your pleasure, then you can't go past the Weekend markets at Chatuchak/Jatujak. You'll find imitation brand name items like clothing, accessories, jewelry and more here and it's a great way to find some great Thai souvenirs as well.

3. Take a day out to visit the Grand Palace complex and immerse yourself in the former royal residence and surrounding glorious gilded buildings and temples. Inside the Wat Phra Kaew temple, you'll find the stunning Emerald Buddha. The King of Thailand still conducts many royal rituals and ceremonies here, but the royal family resides elsewhere.

4. Treat yourself to a Thai massage and you'll never regret it. Although a traditional Thai massage can be a little harsh for many people if you're not used to it, but it's definitely a great way to de-stress your body. If you're not into the less-than-gentle manipulations, then try a foot massage instead.

5. Visit the Banyan spa retreat in the centre of the city and treat yourself to a relaxing one hour facial. If you have the time, book yourself in for the day and enjoy 7 hours of relaxing pampering that will really be worth the visit.

6. Set the alarm clock and cruise down the Floating Market. It's about 80 kms outside of Bangkok, so ask at your hotel if they have a tour or bus available to get you there. Immerse yourself in this amazing cultural experience as you float through hundreds of vendors as they set up their wares for sale along the river. Local produce and plenty of great bargains can be found by weaving your way among the boats. This is where plenty of locals tend to shop too, so you know the prices are good.

7. The Bangkok night life and restaurants are just amazing. The stunning Thai cuisine is worth exploring and sampling as there's so much variety to choose from. With plenty of entertainment to suit every possible taste, style and preference, there is so much to explore and enjoy here that you'll be returning to your hotel in the early hours of the morning.

8. Stroll through the Ancient City. This is the largest outdoor museum in the world spanning a massive 280 acres and is an enormous replica of the famous buildings, monuments and temples you can find dotted throughout all of Thailand. This is an amazing day out you don't want to miss.

9. Around 30 kilometers away from Bangkok is the Crocodile Farm and the Rose Garden. If you're headed that way, try to do both at the same time. The Crocodile Farm is huge, filled with both fresh and salt-water crocodiles. They'll put on a show for you if you're not queasy about a crazy guy sticking his head in a croc's mouth, or you can visit the other exhibits, such as gibbons, lions, elephants and snakes. There's also a dinosaur museum that's a bit of fun, containing life-sized replicas of dinosaurs.

10. We've saved the best for last. You haven't visited Thailand unless you've been to see the Elephant Show. Some places put on a show where the elephants will dance for you, while others will let you take a trek through the jungles, where you're expected to 'wash' your elephant in the river after your ride. This is a definite treat not to miss.

Written by Sampson Zelder on behalf of Airline-Booking.com - travel search engine for finding the best Thailand travel deals on the internet from the number one travel discount experts.

10 Unmissable Things to Do in Dublin

If you've already booked your flights to Dublin, and your Dublin accommodation, then perhaps you know exactly what you want to see and do here in Dublin. Alternatively, perhaps you're not sure what there is to see and do here, and why it's such a popular destination.

Here's what you need to know.

1. Taking a tour of Dublin is probably the best way to learn about this amazing city. Although tour buses are the most popular way of seeing the city, why not embark on a walking tour, and see how much more you can see and learn? The recently introduced podcast tours will allow you to explore the city in amazing detail, and see much more than you would from a bus.

2. Dublin is known throughout the world for its bars, restaurants and nightlife. You'll want to make sure that you visit the Temple Bar area and experience the Dublin hospitality for yourself.

3. Perhaps surprisingly, Dublin has several castles and fortifications to explore, and if you're in Dublin with your children, these are well worth the visit.

4. Why not visit some of the many museums and galleries in Dublin whilst you're here? You'll be able to find out more about why this city is so special, and more about its history.

5. Don't forget to see Georgian Dublin, and marvel at the architecture. There are many important Dublin public buildings that date from this time, and it's easy to see why they are still in use today.

6. If you want to get to know the real Dublin, then you'll want to make sure that you eat in the same places that Dublin natives do. The busy bars and restaurants will be busy for a reason, so if you want good food and a lively atmosphere, why not treat yourself?

7. The Guinness Stonehouse, and the Jameson Distillery are essential sights if you're fond of a tipple. These drinks have long and proud history and are known throughout the world. Why not learn more about them, so you can appreciate each pint, or dram even more?

8. Dublin, like most modern cities, has excellent shopping facilities, and whether you want to browse, or are looking for something in particular, you're sure to find what you want, in the shopping centres, or the exclusive designer boutiques.

9. If you're a golfer rather than a shopper, you'll be pleased to learn that there are approximately 60 golf courses in and around Dublin. Why not bring your clubs, and have a round or two whilst you're here?

10. Most of all, you'll want to enjoy yourself in Dublin, and not get too carried away about what you want to see and do. Perhaps you'll spend time in Phoenix Park, or not get time to look at some of the museums. Maybe you'll never leave Temple Bar! If you don't see and do everything you want to, why not come back again?

Now you know more about why you should visit Dublin, and some of what there is to see and do here, isn't it time you booked your flights to Dublin?

Discover more about Dublin, and book your Flights To Dublin and Dublin car Hire, and everything you need for your trip to Dublin, at LiverpoolAirport.com.