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Thai Hotels – Offering Great Value at Affordable Rates

Thailand is a haven for visitors with different preferences with its mind-boggling variety of offerings. From the natural beauty of the north’s mountainous and forested lanscapes, to the bustling city of Bangkok in central Thailand, to the world-famous beaches of the south, there is certainly something for everyone. Similarly, Thai hotels have also evolved to cater to the specific needs of visitors with different purposes and budgets.

No matter whether you opt to stay in a guesthouse, budget, mid-range or luxury hotel, you can be assured of one thing – service with a smile. Thailand’s famous hospitality extends to all categories of accommodation, and is something that will make you want to return to the country again and again.

For a country that counts tourism as one of its main revenue sources, the hotels in all popular tourist hotspots such as Bangkok, Koh Samui, Chiangmai and Pattaya often go out of their way to offer their guests the best value and convenience. Perhaps the biggest draw for visitors regarding these hotels is their considerable cheaper rates compared to those in their home countries, especially in the West.

This is further sweetened by deals and discounts which are being offered regularly by many of these hotels as well as other inclusions such as hearty continental breakfasts. Together with generally accessible locations, decent amenities and impeccable service standards, staying in hotels in Thailand could not have been a more value for money experience.

If you are visiting Thailand on a limited budget, chances are that you would not want to spend much on your accommodation so that you can concentrate on indulging in the many activities and sights instead. For this reason, budget accommodations are becoming commonplace in Thailand, from the downtown areas in major cities to more remote tourist sights. They usually come in the form of guesthouses or budget hotels. In the big cities, guesthouses are especially common in Chiang Mai and Bangkok, and offer some of the most attractive rates.

The smaller hotels are also usually conveniently located near the city centre or public transport stations and do not have breakfast included in the rates. Regardless of which type of budget accommodation you prefer, cleanliness, comfort, great service and value are hallmarks of budget accommodation in Thailand.

On the other end of the spectrum, some of the highest regarded luxury hotels in the world can be found in Thailand. This means that the standards of luxury accommodation in Thailand are comparable with those in other parts of the world.

You may not have to leave your hotel as almost everything that you need can be found here. Internet access in all rooms, satellite TV and 24-hour room service, on-site dining, entertainment, business, fitness and spa facilities – your hotel is sure to have them all under one roof. However, do note that only the big cities and famous resorts have a good number of these hotels, as some of the more remote areas only have one luxury hotel in the vicinity.

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Best Adventure – Holidays 2009

Here are the top ten adventure travel destinations for the year 2009 prepared by travel consultants of AwimAway.com based on their research and client enquires. These are just few of the destinations that have proven most popular and shall invite definite interest in the year 2009. If it is a challenge you seek, these are the definite adventure travel hotspots. So if you or your friends are planning your next adventure holidays and want to know where to go then here are the top 10 places to go.

1. GREAT RIFT VALLEY SAFARI

Lead by guides of the Masai Mara itself, trek into the Loita Hills Forest of the Great Rift Valley, Kenya. Scale the heights of Mount Longonot, or perhaps a week on this walking safari in a National Park. The Great Rift Valley is a wild, untouched land and home to the Masai Tribe. This is an invitation to have a true African experience. The region known for Elephants and Buffalos is home to less well known species such as Columbus monkeys, Impalas, and the shy dik dik. These wild animals are unaccustomed to vehicles and walking offers the unique opportunity to see those smaller but equally fascinating lives of the bush.

2. MOZAMBIQUE ADVENTURE

Hidden between South Africa and Tanzania, Mozambique is fast becoming the next tourist destination. It boasts 2,500 coastlines most of it white beaches and great for the diving enthusiast. Travelling to the North of Mozambique’s is no easy feat but there is luxury in the bush. The Gorongosa National Park is set to become one of the best National Parks in the region. Best go early and be the first to discover its wilderness and take full advantage of the sun in luxury on its Pemba beach.

3. NEW ZEALAND WILDERNESS

A definite must for the adventure travel enthusiast. North Island. The smaller of the New Zealands two islands and yet home to Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city and the capital Wellington. Experience the North Island on a self-drive tour.

Venture into some of New Zealand’s most famed natural and cultural attractions. Travel through such noted locations like Bay of Islands, Coromandel Peninsula and Napier, the lands of geothermal wonder, and vineyards. Explore the charming villages and experience the ancient Maui culture. Explore the magnificent coastal attractions enriched with marine life. Don’t just drive; investigate the many water-based attractions and activities in this beautiful region.

4. MALAYSIA, THE DEATH ROAD TREK

Re -enact history. Between 1942-43, Allied POWs forced by their Japanese captors, undertook long marches across the jungle-clad Malaysian Island of Borneo. Despite appalling conditions, the prisoners never gave up. Almost half of them reached their destination, only to die later. Of the 2434 prisoners 641 were British. The six Australians who were fortunate to have escaped were the sole survivors.

Call it ‘Test your resolve’ or ‘Honour the valiant’; trekking tours now cover the last 140 km of the route across the mountains, of which about 100 km involves actual walking. This is by far the most interesting, scenic and challenging section and can be undertaken by bike.

5. BORDERLANDS OF NORTHERN THAILAND

Ride elephants across the famous bridge over the River Kwai and visit the ancient Buddhist capital of Sukhothai. Travel to the ancient Lanna Kingdom through a large array of temples and its neighbouring provinces. The scenery is stunning with waves of mountains and it’s green and lush valleys.

6. NORTHERN INDIA, FORBIDDEN FRONTIERS

Explore Nagaland, once closed to foreigners and with a reputation for head- hunting. The north-east region of India is most fascinating and yet little known. Travel to Nagaland, Arunachal and end your visit with Sikkim, one of the most beautiful Himalayan states. You can visit a Kaziranga National Park, known for one-horned Rhino but the most fascinating adventure is to experience the local culture.  I walked across the Himalayas but believe you me, this is a fascinating region that waits to be explored.

7.  EL SALVADOR – VOLCANIC CRATER DIVING

El Savador is the ultimate adventure destination. There is so much to do here; climb the volcanic ranges, rafting in the rivers, diving in the lakes or battle with the great surf off stunning beaches. For those looking for a great adventure, try active volcanic diving. One of its beautiful lakes is actually an active volcano, known as Lake Ilopango. The scenery is beautiful and the water warm. Beneath the surface is the actual dramatic scenery created by the ongoing volcanic activity.

8. TRANS-ICELAND EXPEDITIONS

The Icelandic Krona has fallen in value sharply since the start of this year. This means that visitors can now enjoy the best exchange rate in years. There are great deals available. Reykjavik is home to many museums and restaurants and adventure abounds in this land during winter. Try snowmobiling trips on the Myrdalsjokull glacier and see some of the Islands premier attractions like the Geysir and Gulfoos waterfall. For those who want to try something more adventurous and try traversing the snow-bound interior of Iceland on a Super Jeep Expedition. The six-night journey can be the highlight of your life.

9.  AUSTRALIA, TRUE WILDERNESS

The greatest Australian blockbuster by Aussie director Baz Luhrmann is named – Australia. With spectacular scenery of the north and Western Australia, it shows true wilderness of the largely uninhabited regions of the red-earthed outback. From Darwin to Kununnurra, the eastern gateway to the Kimberley the extreme terrain seeks travellers with passion and adventure.

10. SOUTH AFRICA, SWIMMING WITH SHARKS

South Africa’s Eastern Cape is achingly beautiful with hills and gorges but its coastline is wild and rugged. Every year in June and July, off the Eastern Coast, a spectacular migration event takes place in the sea. Billions of sardines swim northwards in a tongue of cool waters hugging the coast. Sardine shoals become so concentrated that it is worthwhile for dolphins, sharks and gannets to assemble here and offer a great opportunity to see these large predators. Take a diving adventure and be enthralled with Bond like views.

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Adventure Trip Minus the Ridiculous Cost

Going for an adventure trip with your friends? If you are, then go ahead with the planning. Do not make budget or your financial status be a hindrance towards that perfectly laid out adventure trip plan. For even if this kind of trip isn’t the usual one, you can still make this happen without involving the big bucks.

Usually, the idea of going for an adventure trip involves costs. This is because the real essence of adventure travel entails a unique exploration of a remote destination. This is usually done together with like-minded individuals who are under the “leadership” of professionals.

From this definition alone, it is clear that there’s a lot of cost entailed. For one, you need to pay for these professionals who will guide you through your exotic exploration. Of course, you need to pay for tickets and travel packages.

But, can adventure trip be made possible without burning your pockets? Indeed, it is. Here are some tips:

Remember your Camping Skills

Instead of spending thousands of dollars to pay for an expansive hotel room, go pack your tent and sleeping bag. Not only you will be able to save on costs, but more importantly, you will have the chance to revisit your camping skills developed during your younger years. You will not lay comfortably on comfortable mattresses but you will be able to sleep tight knowing that you are safe and sound using one of man’s earliest skills. Now, this is really some kind of an adventure trip, right?

Be Physically Fit

When doing your adventure travel planning be sure to include being physically fit. This kind of travel has some physical activity involved, so be prepared to walk more, run more and of course, jump more. When it comes to participating in a trip that has an adventurous twist, you need to be prepared to walk long hours. This allows you to save on your transportation costs, because instead of boarding the bus, you are now open to the idea of walking.

Get Ready with Instant Remedies

An adventure trip, or any traveling for that matter, is not worthwhile if along the way you have some bodily complaints. A mountain hiking wouldn’t be as enjoyable if a migraine is walking with you on the trails. Exploring a secluded yet pristine beach would not give you a sunny disposition if you are photosensitive and rashes grow on any part of your body every time you get exposed to the sun.

Therefore, on your adventure trip that has dash of adventure, make sure that you have your first aid medical kit ready. Have your pain killers handy. Don’t forget anti-itch creams and tablets for diarrhea. Adventure trip is to a large extent also about adventure eating. In order for you not to become a killjoy, get ready with your back up remedies.

Better to be safe than sorry, right? So make sure that on your adventure trip, you have your emergency numbers with you. Have your doctor’s number ready. Make sure you have the contact number of the nearest hospital.

Traveling is a great stress-reliever. That is no mystery to anyone. How much more enjoyable should one trip be if it revolves around adventure. When planning for an adventure trip, remember the pointers mentioned above. More importantly, bear in mind that such a kind of travel doesn’t need to be expensive.