Without further ado, here are some of the more interesting and popular questions from December 2012:
“How do you battle jet lag?”
There are many ‘remedies’ to jet lag, but nothing helps quite as much as lots of water and proper sleep. But if you’re like most people (including myself), then you are probably wanting to stay awake and adjust to the new timezone you’re visiting. If that relates to you, take some Melatonin (which can be found in pill form), adjust yourself to the time of your destination, and choose to either sleep or stay awake. Once you’ve arrived, do everything you normally would at the times of the new time zone. So, if you typically eat at noon, then eat at noon in the new time zone. Exercise and expose yourself to the sun, so your brain can adjust. Additionally, showering can also freshen your muscles and circulation, as well as lighten your mood.
The Wat Arun and the Grand Palace & Wat Prakaew are quite touristic, however are some of Bangkok’s must sees. Bangkok is full of shopping, markets, and nightlife, so it really depends on what you’re looking for exactly. A few stops that should never go unvisited are Damnoen Saduak's Floating Market, the chaos of Chinatown, and the Chao Phraya river & waterways.
If you’re looking for nearly-deserted, picturesque beaches, then try Ko Rok, Ko Ra, Ko Phra Thong, Ko Phayam, and Ko Tarutao. For lively parties, check out Ko Pha Ngan, Ko Phi Phi, and Ko Samui (especially for the clubs). For some local flavor, where tourism numbers drop quite a bit, visit Ko Yao Noi, Ko Jum, Ko Libong and Ko Kut. But if wonderful diving experiences is something that interests you, be sure to check out Ko Tao.
Overall, Thailand is pretty good with kids. Check out Phuket and Ko Samui for a lot of attractions and water-sports. For a more beach-holiday experience with children, visit Ko Lanta and Ko Bulon Lae.
“If you could only take one more trip for the rest of your life, where would you go?”
First, I would ask for you to DEFINE the world ‘trip’ - because I believe that I could stretch the time of a trip as long as I please, so in theory, I could possibly never stop. Alright, alright - I’m just playing around. I do understand the meaning of the question and would have to say that I would choose to stick around in Europe. I have a deep love for the ‘old’ world and nothing makes me happier or draws on my curiosity and fascination quite like the history and art of countries like France, Italy, Germany, Spain, and Czech.
“Am I nuts to be interested in getting to the West Bank as part of a tour to Israel/Egypt?”
I would have visited Russia during the Cold War, so I think it’s definitely possible to visit anywhere, at anytime. HOWEVER (this is a BIG however), you will obviously want to conduct enough research, plan smart, have an exit plan, and make the right contacts to ensure you tread softly and travel safely. To be honest, if I had the chance to go there right this second, I would - in a heartbeat. Do I believe I will be able to travel for a long period of time, completely unscathed, absolutely not. But our world is full of beauty and horror, so I believe to be a ‘citizen of the world,’ you must see all aspects of it. For me personally, I have a bit of raw journalistic drive that makes me want to be where the action is.
Now until January 28th, please submit any and all questions in a comment below, on Twitter, Facebook or by email. I will publish my answers around the first of the month in February. Ask me anything related to travel, photography, or blogging - personal questions can be okay too.
(Photo by Ken Kaminesky)