Going on holiday to a far flung destination is something that - for most people - only happens once in a blue moon. Not everyone is fortunate enough to be able to travel for a living, so the occasional trip abroad becomes essential, exciting, legendary in stature. As holidaymakers, we do create high expectations for our globetrotting adventures, and it is never pleasant to be disappointed. Of course, this doesn’t have to be the case, assuming you look at your opportunity with an open mind and creativity.
One destination that is on the up in terms of tourists is Thailand, but many travellers do the same thing as the people before them. This creates a situation where a certain area or restaurant may become congested, just because so many people have stuck to the basic options they have seen listed on online guide and review websites. Sometimes it is important to be brave and take the plunge into the relative unknown of a country, and Thailand is one of the places I believe this to be more true than others.
So how can you go about touring Thailand differently, and what should you expect from your trip?
Match your holiday to your personality
The first thing to note is that not every traveller is the same. If you enjoy the security of an organised tour run by a familiar operator to you, there is nothing wrong with you choosing this for your holiday. Yet if you aspire to see the real country without having 20 other people from your plane in tow, there are some other options and local tours in Thailand that might suit you better:
Let us look at these options in a bit greater detail so you can get a better idea of which suits you best.
Independent exploration
You will need your travel guides at the ready, and potentially even a compass. If you want to find everything for yourself, you will need to be prepared to face communication difficulties and adventures when it comes to transportation. However some swear by this method and believe that it is the most rewarding when it comes to finding a hidden gem in a city or by the sea. There are other advantages such as traveling at your own speed, and being able to wake up whenever you like.
Ask a local
When you arrive in your destination you can always try and hook up with a local that you meet in a cafe or bar. However there is always a risk that a person may not be all as they seem, or could be untrustworthy. Of course, these are the chances you take as a traveller, however many people do this each year and make a great friend in the process.
Private tours
You may not be aware that you can organise private tours online, which could be the ideal solution to give you the best of both worlds. You will be able to find things off the beaten track as you will be shown around by a local who has signed up to be a guide. So whether you are interested in discovering the best nightlife, shopping or restaurants, these are people who truly know where the best bits are hidden.
(Photo by Yodod via Flickr)
So how can you go about touring Thailand differently, and what should you expect from your trip?
Match your holiday to your personality
The first thing to note is that not every traveller is the same. If you enjoy the security of an organised tour run by a familiar operator to you, there is nothing wrong with you choosing this for your holiday. Yet if you aspire to see the real country without having 20 other people from your plane in tow, there are some other options and local tours in Thailand that might suit you better:
- Independent exploration
- Ask a local
- Organize private tours before you travel
Let us look at these options in a bit greater detail so you can get a better idea of which suits you best.
Independent exploration
You will need your travel guides at the ready, and potentially even a compass. If you want to find everything for yourself, you will need to be prepared to face communication difficulties and adventures when it comes to transportation. However some swear by this method and believe that it is the most rewarding when it comes to finding a hidden gem in a city or by the sea. There are other advantages such as traveling at your own speed, and being able to wake up whenever you like.
Ask a local
When you arrive in your destination you can always try and hook up with a local that you meet in a cafe or bar. However there is always a risk that a person may not be all as they seem, or could be untrustworthy. Of course, these are the chances you take as a traveller, however many people do this each year and make a great friend in the process.
Private tours
You may not be aware that you can organise private tours online, which could be the ideal solution to give you the best of both worlds. You will be able to find things off the beaten track as you will be shown around by a local who has signed up to be a guide. So whether you are interested in discovering the best nightlife, shopping or restaurants, these are people who truly know where the best bits are hidden.
(Photo by Yodod via Flickr)
(This post was written by Isabella Ramos)
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