Travel Guruji

July 12, 2016April 22, 2019

Myths about staying in hostels

The term hostels remind us of the good old days in college when students used to stay together. And many of us never thought that we would get that experience again.

For youngsters who haven’t traveled much, the first thought that may come about staying in a hostel is “Will it be safe to stay with strangers ?”. As an experienced traveler, I would say that staying in a hostel is one of wisest thing one can DO.

Here are some common perceptions about staying in a hostel.

They are not safe

This is one of the common perceptions of staying in a hostel. People will tell you do not stay with strangers in an unknown location. This is just a perception. The reality is quite different.

I have stayed in hostels in Cambodia and many other countries and I find it totally safe. People in hostels are fun loving and good. Today’s hostels are equipped with good staff and security cameras and that makes it even safer.

There may be theft

This is another perception people have. The reality is quite different. Most hostels have lockers for keeping the stuff safely. Moreover, the hostels have security cameras in all major areas. This prevents easy theft.

Hostels are only for young people

This is not true always. Even seniors stay in hotels. Firstly, it is super cheap and secondly, people get a chance to meet various people. But for budget travelers with a few adjustment hostels can really save a lot of money.

Hostels are not clean

Although dirtiness is not ruled out, most hostels in tourist locations are well maintained. The best advice I can give is to read reviews before booking a hostel. Reviews can say a lot about the cleanliness of the property. When I stayed in Lub D Siam Hostel, that property had the policy of cleaning the rooms on a daily basis.

Sharing a mixed room can be awkward

Sharing a mixed room might seem awkward in a very conservative country. But in many open and semi-conservative countries, there are mixed dorms. Most co-ed dorms do have separate bathrooms and toilets. And that makes it easy for everyone to stay comfortably.

People can’t sleep well

The main point in staying in shared accommodation is to save money while you travel. No doubt there will be a little disturbance from fellow roommates. With a bit of adjustment, people can sleep well. If you want to sleep more an earplug can be used or you ask your fellow mates to lower the tone of their voice.

Today’s hostels have air con, a designated lobby area with sofas, TV’s and, Wi-Fi’s much to the delight of its residents. If you are searching for a GREAT hostel in Bangkok, you can try this property. Lub D Bangkok Siam Hostel

Read Hostel Etiquette

March 19, 2016October 5, 2019

10 Tips For Solo Female Travel

Solo travel for male and female can be entirely different. If you are female traveling away from your home town can be a challenge. In your town or city that you grew up everything would be familiar. You may know or recognize by eye contact some of the people at the regular grocery, the bus halt commuters, train station attendants even those who walk past you on the sidewalk. The feeling of home would be around you that would provide a sense of security.

Even in familiar surroundings, you would need to be apprehensive. But if you are a female in unfamiliar territory you would need to a little extra cautious. A trip that you would embark on would be called nice only when you return from it unscathed, refreshed and full of happiness. Some rules that may make you feel secure during your travel are as follows.

1. Using common sense

It’s imperative that you use common sense wherever you may be because it would ensure that you stay out of trouble by not getting you into on in the first place.

2. Dressing like a local

It is a foregone conclusion that men anywhere could be the same and this assumption should be at the back of your head and dressing modestly especially in such environments could save you a lot of trouble.

What is considered good clothing by one country may not be considered good by the other. Make sure to research the dress code in your destination. For example, if you are going to a conservative country dress modestly, if you are going to a western or south-east Asian country you can loosen up a bit.

3. Avoiding moving out after dusk

Unless you are 95% sure of what you are doing avoid moving out of safety into the dusk because it is a universal issue that most unpleasant situations have happened to ladies after dusk.

4. Being apprehensive of others

Being vary of strangers and good Samaritans even if they are women because you could find yourself among a gang of con-women who have proliferated around the world recently.

5. Keeping a loved one informed about your daily routine

Informing your daily movements to a loved one would enable them to contact you in an emergency.

6. Being aware of what you consume

Be absolutely sure of what you consume and as a rule refrain from drinking anything offered by strangers because that is the easiest way to get you to drop your guard.

7. Interacting with locals but drawing your line

Interact with the locals and enjoy everything that they have to offer but use your common sense and prudence to know where you should draw the line.

8. Respecting local laws and customs

Never break the law in a foreign country because you would not know what would be in store for you as you could be treated as a criminal thereafter, and some law enforcement officers could be nasty.

9. Screaming and running in any event of a confrontation

Avoid confined places that you would find yourself alone and even if you do and are confronted don’t wait to fight back, scream and run as fast as you can.

10. Not compromising

Never compromise on your safety and always ensure that you are in the safest of surroundings especially in known areas of the world where violence and crime are high.

Conclusion

To repeat what was said earlier the world is not a safe place, nice things that humans were known for are gradually deteriorating. This is not exclusive to any society but is a universal curse and if you are a female planning to travel the world keep your wits about you as you could avoid many unpleasant issues if you do so. Safety should be your primary concern and if you could manage that confidently and prudently you could make your travels a lot easier.

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Read 15 Mistakes To Avoid When Travelling Solo

Read 13 Simple Ways To Meet People While Travelling Solo

February 11, 2016October 5, 2019

9 Tips For Traveling as a Couple

Traveling alone could be fun and sometimes it could be dull with patches of loneliness coupled with a few moments of boring solitude. We may think it is the best way to travel but once you are into it for a few days, the monotony of the day could leave you with an empty void within which only another could fill. That is the time you would make up your mind to ensure that you travel the next time around with your partner and break the monotony and fill that much empty void.

It would be a difficult endeavor to accommodate another on your travels if you have ben always on your own. Hence you and your partner would need to make many a compromise if you are both to enjoy each other’s company. We put together a few salient and essential tips that would help you and your partner to make your travelling wherever it may be a pleasant one.

1. Plan the trip together

Make all arrangements together which would not leave any issues where one would not agree have way through the trip. The itinerary should be planned perfectly to suit the interests of both and if there is a need to change it do so in consultation with each other.

2. Provide some time to be away from each other

It is not conducive to be pasted to each other all through the 24 hours, give time to each other and be alone for some time doing whatever each one would like to do. One could go to a salon, while the other could go shopping or for drink at the bar. Being alone for a few hours of the day on the trip would rekindle the love that one would have for the other.

3. Patience is primary

Patience is the most important factor especially whilst away from friends and other near and dear because you both would need to sort out every issue without advice from another. Throwing tantrums would not be the best way to enjoy a holiday so keep your horses together and be calm at all times.

4. Never lose your temper

Losing your temper is not the last thing to do, it should not even be considered as it could ruin the whole trip thereafter and it would leave a very bad taste in both. There may be instances where disagreements may arise and at that time a few moments alone could help each other to reminisce the days past and come back cooled down.

5. Always compromise

Compromising is the best way out of any disagreement and a potential argument. Once there is compromise any situation could be handled prudently and sensibly. If there is a need to find a solution to a problem, first compromise and later sit down and place what one should say or a point of view and find an answer to the issue at hand.

6. Spend together

Ensure that the budgeted amount is not overspent half way through the trip that could create unnecessary tensions and problems. Avoid it at any cost and ensure that whatever is spent is collective and leave no stone unturned to bring the right understanding between the two of you.

7. Have fun

Fill every moment together with fun, it does not matter how old you both are just let yourselves go and enjoy every moment. Take as many pictures as possible over which you could have a hearty laugh later or smile broadly.

8. Create togetherness

Create an air of togetherness around you both and do things that would be different which would bring the excitement back if it was a stereotype life you both were living. Make the best of the time spent together and try to bring something new a flash to the life you both have been living before embarking on the trip.

9. Break the monotony

Always deviate from the norm and break the monotony may be lie in bed for longer than usual, or eat something different. There are many things that we take for granted and go through the motions, try changing them and do something out of the ordinary. This would bring that extra spark and excitement that you would need to keep the relationship at peak levels.

10. Embrace the chaos & always laugh

As travel strips you of your familiarity with surroundings, disrupts your routine, it may be a bit chaotic. Therefore, the best way to manage this stress is to embrace the chaos and laugh about it. While couples may find it difficult to laugh when they navigate through airports or other important places. Once you have gotten out of the stress, you should always look back and laugh at the things that caused stress before.

11. Forgive and Forget Fast

Most travel arguments can be about the little things like forgetting to pack, decide what to eat for lunch etc. However, even the littlest disagreements can turn a happy time into something that is not happy.

If you take too much time to forgive it will spoil your trip. Therefore, the best advice is to forgive and forget quickly. Let go of anything that happened. You can always fix things later.

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Read 10 Tips For Solo Female Travel

Read 6 Tips for Family Road Trips on a Budget

January 31, 2016October 5, 2019

10 Must-See Attractions in Hua Hin

While traveling as a couple or flying solo Hua Hin is much more than a beach location. There are so many locations to visit in Hua Hin that will leave you spellbound. These are some of the nicest.

Maruekhathaiyawan Palace

This palace is situated between Cha-am and Hua Hin in Phetchaburi province about 15 kilometers from Hua Hin. This palace is entirely built of teak wood.

Website: http://www.mrigadayavan.or.th/

Hours: 8 am – 4 pm (except Wednesday), Approximate cost: 60 Baht

Address: Cha-am, Cha-am District, Phetchaburi 76120, Thailand

How to get there: You can take a taxi or a tuk-tuk

Hua Hin Railway Station

It takes around four hours on a train from Bangkok. I have been to Hua Hin couple of times train. It can be a little hot if you travel during day time but if you travel during the afternoon the journey will be pleasant.

Hours: 7 am – 11 pm daily

Address: Hua Hin, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110, Thailand

How to get there: You can take a tuk-tuk or a taxi from your hotel

Hua Hin Night Market

If you spend more than a night in Hua Hin you will probably visit the Night Market. This market is one of the major visited landmarks because of its combination of various shops ranging from food to clothing. Try out the rotis and crepes in this market.

ours: 6pm-11pm, Address: Petchkasem Road

How to get there: The best way is to take a taxi or a tuk-tuk from your hotel.

Plearn Wann Shopping Village

This open-air shopping village is a collection of old-fashioned shop houses that will make you feel of Hua Hin in the 1940s and 1950s.

Hours: 10 am to 10 pm daily

Address: Soi Hua Hin 38-40 Petchkasem Road, Hua Hin

How to get there: You can take a taxi or a tuk-tuk from your hotel

Black Mountain Water Park

This park gives a good for families needing a good day-out. The fun-filled atmosphere with numerous rides and the magnificent location makes it a great place to visit.

Website: http://www.blackmountainwaterpark.com

Hours: 10 am – 5 pm, Approximate cost: Adult 600 Baht, Child 300 Baht

How to get there: You can take a taxi or a tuk-tuk

Phra Nakhon Cave

Phra Nakhon Cave is located forty-five minutes south of Hua Hin. The mysterious cave is situated inside Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park. A gold pavilion is hidden inside this mystical landmark.

Hours: 8 am – 4 pm, Approximate cost: 700 Baht

Address: Amphoe Sam Roi Yot, Chang Wat Prachuap Khiri Khan 77120

How to get there: You can take a guided tour.

Hua Hin Hills Vineyard

Home of the Monsoon Valley Vineyard, Hua Hin Vineyard is situated at a distance of around 40 kilometers from the main city. The vineyard covers a distance of around 500 acres of beautiful countryside. You can go on a day trip from Bangkok and probably indulge in some wine tasting, dining and taking a vineyard tour.

Website: https://monsoonvalley.com/en

Hours: 10 am – 6 pm, Approximate Cost: 1400 Baht – 2100 Baht

Address: 1 Moo 9 Baankhok Chang Patana NongPlup HuaHin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thailand 77110

How to get there: You can take a taxi or a guided tour.

Black Mountain Golf Resort

Black Mountain is an award-winning golf resort located around 12 kilometers west of the main city. The resort offers a private pool villa and golf courses for its guest a great price.

Website: http://www.blackmountainhuahin.com

Hours: 6 am -6 pm, Approximate Cost: 4000 Baht (Private Pool Villa + Green Fee)

Address: 565 Moo7 Nong Hieng Road Hin LekFai Amphoe Hua Hin, Prachaubkirikhan 77110, Thailand

How to get there: You can take a taxi from your hotel

Venezia Hua Hin

Venezia is a themed shopping village. The concept of this shopping village is to make it feel like a photogenic world destination with plenty of options for pictures and entertainment. The theme of Venezia is chosen after the wonderful city of Venice.

Website: https://www.theveneziahuahin.com

Hours: 10 am – 8 pm, Approximate Cost: Depends

Address: 1899 Phet Kasem Rd, Tambon Cha-am, Amphoe Cha-am, Chang Wat Phetchaburi 76120, Thailand

How to get there: You can take a taxi.

Seaside Dining

Unlike the hustle and bustle of the Bangkok or Pattaya, the city’s nightlife scene is cooler and friendlier. The restaurants and bars are much more pleasant than other cities simply because it doesn’t have the hordes of tourist. Walking streets are safer and less noisy and that makes it even more appealing.

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Read Best Things To Do In Thailand

Read Thailand Travel Guide

September 26, 2015October 5, 2019

10 Great Outdoor Experiences In Bangkok

While Bangkok ( Read Bangkok’s 10 Best Museums ) is famed for its skyscrapers, shopping malls, and nightlife it wouldn’t be wise to say that there aren’t any outdoor spaces for recreation in the city. The best outdoor activities in the city usually involve getting into the beautiful green spaces that are scattered around the city.

Lumphini Park

Lumphini Park is a large park in the middle of Bangkok. This park is for someone who wants to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. This park is named after Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha in modern day Nepal. People of all ages are found in this park. This park is also popular with morning and evening joggers. Some unique creatures like water monitor lizards are also found in this park.

Hours: 4.30 am to 9 pm daily

Address: 139/4 Thanon Witthayu, Khwaeng Lumphini, Khet Pathum

Wan, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10330, Thailand

How to get there: You can take BTS to Sala Daeng BTS Station and then take a taxi. Another way is to directly take a taxi or a tuk-tuk from your hotel.

Benjakiti Park

Benjakiti Park is a park located in central Bangkok next to the Queen

Sirikit National Convention Center. This park is a quiet area in the midst

of the high rises in the Sukhumvit area. Cycling is one activity you can do in the Benjakiti Park.

Hours: 5 am to 9 pm daily

Address: Bangkok 10110, Thailand

How to get there: You can take BTS to Asok Station and then walk for a few minutes from there.

Dusit Zoo

Located in the heart of Bangkok, Dusit Zoo is considered one of the most visited zoos in Thailand. Built in 1938, Dusit Zoo is home to an array of animals ranging from elephants to giraffes. White Bengal Tiger is one of the star attraction in the Dusit Zoo.

Website: http://www.zoothailand.org/

Hours: 8 am to 6 pm daily

Address: 71 Rama V Rd. Khwaeng Dusit, Khet Dusit, Bangkok 10300, Thailand

How to get there: Take BTS To Victory Monument and then take a taxi to Zoo

Bangkok Safari World

This park is an awesome Safari Park in Bangkok. The park is divided into two parks one is the Safari Park and another is the Marine Park. This park is a huge favorite for Thai’s as well as tourist who want to spend a day away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Website: http://www.safariworld.com

Hours: 9 am to 5 pm daily, Approximate Cost: 800 Baht

Address: 99 Thanon Panya Intra, Khwaeng Sam Wa Tawan Tok, Khet Khlong Sam Wa, Bangkok 10510, Thailand

How to get there: You can take a taxi from your hotel.

Flow House

Flow House Bangkok is an amazing urban beach club in the heart of Bangkok that brings a cool beachside vibe to the city.

Website: http://flowhouse.com/location/bangkok-thailand/

Hours: 11 am to 10 pm daily, Approximate Cost: 750 baht per hour

Address: 120/1 Sukhumvit Road, Sukhumvit 26, Klongton Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110, Thailand

How to get there: You can take a taxi from your hotel.

Bangkok on a Tuk Tuk

Riding on a Tuk Tuk is an amazing experience you can have in Bangkok. It is always good to take a tuk-tuk during traffic hours because it helps you to save a few dollars. This is because you can negotiate the price before you embark on your journey in a tuk-tuk. But taxi prices are driven by the meter and often times during the traffic hours the taxi price may increase far more than your budget. Riding on a tuk-tuk during the night is also a pleasant experience.

Bike Tour Of Bangkok

Taking a bike tour can also be a unique experience while you are in Bangkok. Bike lovers can take an adventure bike tour package from a bike tour operator.

Explore Bangkok’s Canals

Bangkok is also known as the Venice of the East. Exploring Bangkok Canals is another way to get a different experience. You can hire a private boat from the Chao Phraya River and explore the canals.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Damnoen Saduak Floating market is one of the most popular floating markets in Thailand. Floating markets are a unique way of shopping in Thailand.