Five Tips to Choose the Best Hotels in Thailand for Your Vacations

 If you spend your upcoming holidays in Thailand, make sure you opt for the best hotels. This country has a lot to offer. For first-timers, looking for the right hotel is like looking for a needle in a haystack. In this article, we have shared some guidelines that will help you make the best decision. Read on to find out more.

Set your Expectations

For hotel booking, Thailand doesn't have formal criteria. Over there, you can find 5-star hotels that may cost you up to 250 dollars per night per room. On the other hand, a 4-star hotel may cost you between 100 and 200 dollars per night per room. A midrange hotel costs between $80 and $120 per room/night.

This price includes breakfast, internet, gym, pool and swimming. You will have to pay extra for executive lounge, dinner, spa and airport shuttle bus. If you travel during New Year or Christmas, you may have to pay extra for the essential dinner gala at your desired hotel. This will cost you between $50 and $200 per head.

Set your Budget

After you have done your homework for your desired location, travel season, and poplar areas, you will have a much better idea of the amount of money you need to spend. The cost will be around 30% of your total budget.

Generally, hotel costs are based on the season. In Thailand, the peak season is between September and March. The cost of a 4-star hotel is between $80 and $150 in the peak season.

Understand the Area

Remember: hotels will cost you based on the location. Before you make this decision, don't forget to consider the neighborhood. Every destination has its own set of standards.

Focus on only must-have Factors

Lastly, you should make a list of some must-have factors before choosing a hotel in Thailand. This will help you set a budget and make the best choice.

In short, if you follow the guidelines given in this article, it will be a lot easier for you to choose the best hotels in Thailand for your upcoming vacation.

If you are looking for the best hotels in Thailand for your holidays, we suggest that you check out hotels. Their room charges are quite reasonable and services are great.

Consider your Purpose

First, you must have a clear concept of how you want to spend your vacation. For instance, people go on a vacation to unplug form routine life, celebrate a wedding anniversary, or they just want to spend some quality time with their family.

Based on the purpose, you may want to go for the right hotel. The most popular attractions of Thailand are the beach and the city. For instance, if you choose Bangkok, you will spend most of your time shopping and sightseeing.

Review on Bali

volley one of the most sought out travel destinations in the the world the island is ideal for people looking to experience a tropical paradise with a little bit of everything my name is Alvin  in summer 2019 I had the opportunity to spend roughly around two weeks in this tropical paradise Bali has everything you'd want in a tropical destination white sandy beaches densely filled jungles rich local culture excellent food and perhaps the friendliest and most genuinely warm people I've ever met I decided to make this video guide for people interested in traveling to Bali for the first time and to serve as an inspiration for activities on the island as such many of the tips and advice in this video are geared –timers first some facts about bomb Indonesia is estimate to consist of more than 17,000 Islands where many of them are yet to be fully named or even counted Bali is an island and province of Indonesia the islands have between the larger island of Java to the west and the island Lompocto the east Bali has a population of around four point three million people where most of them are of Indonesia's Hindu minority about 85% of Bali's population follows Hinduism when you travel around Bali you will very often see many Kanaan Sri kansui are daily offerings made by the Balinese Hindus these offerings act as a form of self-sacrifice in taking the time and effort in thanking for the peace bestowed upon the world as such many small shops lay their offerings near the sidewalk therefore as a heads-up try to pay attention to them and avoid accidentally stepping on the audience twice price-wise Bali is very inexpensive and should be affordable for any travel budget transportation is fairly cheap as well depending on your destination grabbing a taxi can cost around a hundred thousand rupiahs to go from the airport to either Kuta or NusaDua which is around eight dollars or six euros fruit can cost anywhere between ten thousand to 150 thousand rupiah's which is around eleven US dollars or nine euros it really depends on your taste and willingness to spend on food as Bali has a bit of everything from high-class restaurants to a small street kitchen just around the corner so you don't need to spend a lot of money on food unless you want to ask for shopping the pricing is as you would expect in any country if we aim to shop for any known as for activities kayaking scuba diving private tours the price Berry's try to do your own research online before booking as this will help you avoid being taken advantage of prior research is always key especially when traveling to foreign destinations also remember to bring lots of sunscreens and I mean a lot let's begin when you travel the Bali you'll most likely land in Denpasar International Airport from then pensara we broke the private transport all the way up to a boo booed one is a town farre moved from the nightlife party scene of south kuda the town is known for its lush greens exquisite rice paddies high foothills and this regarded as the cultural center of Bali we suggest spending around 2-3 days in boo-booed as that would provide you with an ample amount of time to explore what the food has to offer first I recommend going down to a town center for some sights here you'll be able to visit some of the many temples in the the region, besides, I recommend going down to the local market of the booth hearing if I'm any different arts and crafts so wrong which will make a perfect little Suniya next no food trip is really complete until you visit the famous sacred Monkey Forest ask the forest consists of monkeys running around it's important to note that the monkeys are still wild animals and therefore can act unpredictably as such, it's important to pay attention to the diamonds for the different signs and employees working as a facility want a change of scenery Eva happens time you should definitely take a walk for the table hon rich walk on a the trail you get to enjoy lush green scenery such as rice paddies dense jungle and small tea houses all across the trail the trellis up to six miles in length or nine kilometers which make for perfect little room if you're looking for a nice little morning run for food there are a few places that I can recommend white orchid for its delicious caramelized pork a must order in my opinion swept away puts gorgeous scenery and lovely dishes look Evorafor local poor may experience or melting walk along for that authentic Indonesian cuisine when in Ubud or anywhere in Bali highly recommend renting a scooter allows you to travel freely around the region and it's super affordable the price of renting a scooter is usually, around fifty thousand rupiahs per day which is around four US dollars or four euros if you plan to rent for a week or even longer you can usually negotiate for a much cheaper price with our scooter we decided to visit some of the nearby waterfalls first analyst was taken on a waterfall this is perhaps the most well known in the region and also the most crowded get here early to avoid the crowd's argument climbing the fleet of stairs right next to the waterfall to get to the top will you'll be greeted with a scene of man-made rock monument sand a nice little screen for you to dip your toes in next we went to perhaps the most beautiful and by far my personal favorite tea Boone mana waterfall teba model waterfall is a bit on the offbeat track it's therefore a little tricky to find a place as we found out to try to ask the young locals for directions and try to look carefully for signs pointing towards the waterfall if successful you will be rewarded we're not the most scenic waterfalls on the island it's important to point out that it costs a small fee to gain access to any of the waterfalls in the region the fee will be around ten to twenty thousand rupiahs it's just important to be aware of these fees if you plan to visit anything in Bali whereas waterfalls or any natural attraction so remember to bring cash after Abood we booked a transfer to Padang Bay on the the eastern side of the island here we booked a fast boat to the Gili islands and decided to stay and the largest of three Islands Gili t guilty is the most develop of the free Island sand is also known for its party scene if you're looking for a more secluded or more peaceful experience Gili air makes piling for you, we stayed in Gillan TV for three days which in my opinion is sufficient time to experience what the island has to offer as for activities rent the bike as well make far easier for you to explore the island as it'll only take approximately an hour and a half to bike all around the island from there you can put some snorkeling equipment to use on a nearby beach or book the snorkeling boat trip for those more secluded spots there are also plenty of scuba diving options available just walk down the main road and you can't miss them if there's one thing you definitely need to check out it would have to be the night market every night around 7:00 p.m. local setup their food cart filled with freshly caught seafood and local cuisines if you're up for experiencing some local food with a nice cold Bintang the night mark is made for you after gilt went back to the Isle of Bali where books transport from Padam paid to seminyaksimeon is regarded as a suburb of kuda and very popular amongst expats the plenty of luxury hotels high-class restaurant sand high-end shopping opportunities experience a more luxurious environment in Bali then Simeon is the perfect location however if you aren't on a budget and you're mostly interested in the party scene then Legian or kudamay be more in your le way regardless whether you stay in kuda Ligon orseminyak it only takes around 10 to 20minutes in a taxi to get to any of the other areas so don't limit yourself during a trip to only one specific area while seminyak, we got to experience a host of delicious food, I'm personally a big food lover and this felt like heaven tome although the food prices are a bit more expensive than in public is still relatively more affordable compared to back home in Copenhagen or in the States when compared to equal level establishments if you're interested in trying some spots out here are my recommendations saikhan Street for your Vietnamese food cravings sister fees cafe for your lunch our hangout spot mamasan for the trip down Asia's finest offering such for casual but top-notch gourmet experience if you're first to eat then grab a seat at Potato Head beach club for some tasty cocktails and snacks by the beach as for activities if you aren't into the nightlife scene I highly recommend booking some private island tours we used a company called Bali special tour they offer competitive price package sand allows you to customize the trip anyway you see fit we booked the private tour to go Dolphin watching at loving a beach it was an awesome experience in one of my favorite moments of the trip also we had the opportunity to visit pure aluminum water temple and the tanah lot temple if you haven't got time or you really aren't into temples I suggest skipping those as they are usually really crowded and known for being tourist traps no Bali trip is without beaches we decided to go visit some beaches south of kuda my favorite Beach of them all was green Bowl Beach located down at first side down to a set of stairs occupied by gang-like monkeys you will witness the bluest of oceans soft sand and falling Beach caves so get your camera's ready you won't regret it does provides well-kept beaches located in a secluded resort area.DuPont Beach is known to be a surfers hangout this Beach is mostly covered by rocks and cliffs with small patches of sand, it's not the ideal sunbathing spot but you wouldn't be interested in some bathing if you come here anyways the waves are incredibly strong making it a surface scream lastly but not least Bingham Beach what can I say about being beautiful cliffside views beachside restaurants front-row seat for a sunset of your life everything you need on a beach when you come down to bingen Beach walk through the rocky path of the beach toward the abandoned buildings located on the north side of the beach here the beaches lot more secluded we'll be able to find some nice and soft sand to lay on while waiting for the sunset to arrive this marks the end of our trip in Bali and if all the places I've been to this was by far my favorite the island of Bali has so much to offer for any traveler that you could stay here for weeks or even months when I look back on all the footage I simply cannot stop falling in love with the island all over again I highly recommend taking a trip to Bali if you have the opportunity to do so you'll be met by lush locations mesmerizing nature tons of activities great food and some of the warmest stand welcoming people I've ever met it' shared not to fall in love with this place and me definitely aim to come back soon until then a plan to travel around Europe and Southeast Asia will be sharing my adventures.

Review on The Westin Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia is indeed a beautiful country, but as far as hospitality and service are concerned, there can be significant variations deoending on where you go. The Westin in Kuala Lumpur (Bukit Bitang) is a hotel that I can wholeheartedly recommend for outstanding service and amazing hospitality. I would like to mention staff such as Radha in the Cafe/Buffet area who remembered how I (and my wife and 2 other friends) enjoyed their coffee (without even asking for one first thing in the morning).
Halim (Head Chef) took absolute delight in finding out exactly how we liked our food and found ways to escalate our taste buds to never visited before highs.
Emmy (Gym) was full of enthusiasm in helping every one of my workouts be an amazing result - even if it was to create room for the amazing breakfast buffet:). Lastly, I would like to mention another chef (name here), who only served us the tastiest omlettes and eggs we had ever eaten. When in KL, please don't overlook this shining jewel, The Westin - especially if you are foodies like we are. We are definitely coming back. Highly recommended!

 

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Review PARKROYAL Serviced Suites.

PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Kuala Lumpur offers self-catering suites with free WIFi, located within walking distance from Rajah Chulan Monorail station. Guests enjoy shuttle service to selected business areas and shopping malls. It houses 2 outdoor swimming pools and a well-equipped fitness center.
Every suite is fully furnished with modern amenities and soothing colors. A kitchenette and a flat-screen satellite TV are available. Certain units have separate dining and living areas. A bath and bath amenities are provided in the private bathroom.
You can visit the resident lounge to read magazines or play foosball. The little ones can head to the play area while the adults relax in the sauna. Families can arrange day trips in the reception as well as store luggage.
Bukit Bintang is located a 10-minute walk from PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Kuala Lumpur, while KL Tower is 0.9 mi away. Kuala Lumpur International Airport is a 35 mi drive.

Bukit Bintang is a great choice for travelers interested in entertainment, markets and family-friendly trips.

Review:

Great service from the staff. Excellent location and convenient even if you have a family member who is using a wheelchair. There is a halal indian stall selling indian food located just infront of the property. It's easy & not expensive to use Grab to get to any tourist spots from the property. The apartment itself is huge! Comfortable bed! And the breakfast is fantastic!

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Cambria Hotels Named A Top Brand For Business Travelers

Cambria Hotels, an upscale brand franchised by Choice Hotels International, Inc. (CHH), has been recognized by corporate travel buyers as a leading upscale brand, according to the Business Travel News' 2019 Hotel Brands Survey. The Cambria brand placed first in seven of 13 categories — the most of any upscale brand. This accolade follows Cambria Hotels' recent ranking as one of only two brands in the highest tier for guest satisfaction among upscale brands in the J.D. Power 2019 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index.

Cambria meets the demand of today's time-starved, modern business travelers with hotels in central locations near corporations, convention centers and city attractions," said Janis Cannon, senior vice president, upscale brands, Choice Hotels. "Guests truly love and value the brand, and we can't wait for even more travelers to experience Cambria Hotels as we fast approach 50 open hotels from coast to coast."

Robert McDowell, chief commercial officer, Choice Hotels, added: "Cambria's recent honors show that business travelers and corporate travel buyers recognize the value proposition of Choice Hotels and the purpose-built Cambria brand. Choice's years of strategic investments in our brands, technology and loyalty program were made with one goal in mind: to provide everything today's business travelers want and need to make their lives easier on the road."

Choice Hotels recently announced a new slate of benefits tailored to business travelers exclusively for guests staying at Cambria Hotels. Choice Privileges members who book a qualifying Cambria hotel stay may earn three new benefits on top of their regular rewards:

Cambria credit: Earn a $10 credit with every qualifying stay to use at the Cambria marketplace or restaurant.

Double Your Extras rewards: Each qualifying stay that includes at least one weeknight — any Sunday through Thursday night — comes with double the Your Extras rewards. Members can choose to earn twice the credit to spend at Starbucks, Amazon or Uber or select twice the Choice Privileges points or airline miles.

Diamond Elite Status Jump: Business travelers who stay at the Cambria brand just once — and who participate in other hotel loyalty programs — are eligible to have their status upgraded to Diamond Elite. In addition to coming with extra perks, including a 50% elite point bonus, complimentary room upgrades, and an elite welcome gift or bonus points at participating U.S. hotels, Diamond Elite status is another way Choice is recognizing corporate travelers for their business. Guests must have a qualifying stay on Sept. 9, 2019, or after to be eligible for Diamond Elite Status Jump (and must not have had their status previously upgraded).

There are more than 45 Cambria hotels open across the U.S. in popular cities, like Chicago; Dallas; Los Angeles; Nashville, Tennessee; New York; Phoenix; and Washington, D.C. The brand is on pace to break its openings record for the second-straight year in top-tier markets, including Boston, Houston, Milwaukee and Anaheim, California. In addition, Cambria's pipeline of more than 80 hotels makes it one of the top hotel brands expanding in North America, as recently ranked by Top Hotel News.

For more information on Cambria, visit http://www.hotelscombined.com/Place/Cambria.htm?a_aid=218919

About Cambria HotelsThe Cambria® Hotels brand is designed for the modern traveler, offering guests a distinct experience with simple, guilt-free indulgences allowing them to treat themselves while on the road. Properties feature compelling design inspired by the location, spacious and comfortable rooms, flexible meeting space, and local, freshly prepared food and craft beer. Cambria Hotels is rapidly expanding in major U.S. cities, with hotels open in Chicago, New York City, Pittsburgh, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles. There are more than 45 Cambria properties open across the United States, and over 100 hotels open or in the pipeline in the U.S. and Canada. To learn more, visit http://www.hotelscombined.com/Place/Cambria.htm?a_aid=218919

About Choice HotelsChoice Hotels International, Inc. (CHH) is one of the largest and most successful lodging franchisors in the world. With more than 7,000 hotels, representing nearly 570,000 rooms, in over 40 countries and territories as of June 30, 2019, the Choice® family of hotel brands provides business and leisure travelers with a range of high-quality lodging options from limited service to full-service hotels in the upscale, midscale, extended-stay and economy segments. The award-winning Choice Privileges® loyalty program offers members benefits ranging from everyday rewards to exceptional experiences. For more information, visit http://www.hotelscombined.com/Place/Cambria.htm?a_aid=218919

5 Top Hotel in Kuala Lumpar City 2019

1.Sunway Putra Hotel

Sunway Putra Hotel is a 5-star hotel which is located strategically in the city centre of Kuala Lumpur, across the Putra World Trace Centre (PWTC) and 10 minutes drive from the renowned Kuala Lumpur Twin Towers. Guestrooms are from Superior, Deluxe, Family Room, Classic Suite and Club Rooms and Suites. Guests are given complimentary shuttle service to KLCC, Bukit Bintang shopping district and Sunway Velocity. Free wi-fi access for all guests whether dining or staying at this Hotel. The Hotel is linked to Sunway Putra Shopping Mall that carries International brands i.e H&M, Max etc and more than 300 exciting retail outlets. Guests can enjoy a fantastic view of Kuala Lumpur when dining at Gen Japanese Restaurant or from the swimming pool area located at Level 11. Other facilities available at this hotel is disable rooms, Fitness Centre, 15 function rooms and a Grand Ballroom (capacity of 1200 persons) and exciting Food & Beverage outlets; Coffee House and Atrium Lounge.

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2.MOV Hotel

138 tastefully decorated Standard Rooms and 9 Lofts makes up the total 147 rooms of MOV Hotel. The hotel is equipped with tastefully designed rooms, a swimming pool and gym, as well as a hammock lounge space at the rooftop. Our restaurant is just a slide away at the Lower Ground floor. Located at the heart of Kuala Lumpur and minutes away from the Bukit Bintang shopping district as well as the food and beverage strip of Changkat Bukit Bintang, it makes traveling and exploring the city via public transport or by foot a whole lot easier. The famous Petronas Twin Towers and KL Tower are also easily accessible. Public transport around the hotel includes the free GoKL buses, new MRT Bukit Bintang (Entrance/Exit A) and the monorail station which will link you directly to the departing station of KLIA Express (KL Sentral). You can also easily reserve a taxi or limo service to get you to and from the airport, which is only an hour away from the city centre. So tell us, what moves you?

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3.Shangri-La Hotel

Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur, an award winning 5-Star luxury hotel renowned for its consistent extraordinary customer service, culinary and fine dining experience. Located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur's commercial, entertainment and shopping district with easy access to most tourist attractions. The only hotel in KL that sits within beautiful lush gardens offering extensive meetings facilities, large multi-divisible ballroom along with wide variety of guest rooms, 101 suites and a Horizon Club that caters to business/ leisure travellers, MICE delegates as well as high profile guests and socialites. It's an extraordinary place to stay, dine and meet in KL!

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4.Pullman Kuala Lumpur City Centre Hotel & Residences.

At Pullman KLCC we offer inspired serviced residences and well-appointed guest rooms, which are equipped with the latest in-room technology and designed with the contemporary comfort of home in mind. To whet your appetite, we have six restaurants and bars promising a tempting variety of cuisines catering to every taste. We also invite you to explore our 10th floor rooftop oasis, showcasing relaxing garden spaces, a swimming pool, Fit Lounge, The Zone (kids room), Living Space (residence guest area), Poolside Bar & Grill and Vibes Spa. For business or pleasure, Pullman KLCC is conveniently located in the heart of the city’s vibrant shopping, dining and business district, with sky bridge walkways connecting in every direction.

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5.Parkroyal Kuala Lumpur

The 5-star hotel managed by Pan Pacific Hotels Group, is centrally located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur's prime business, shopping and entertainment districts. It is only 45 minutes from Kuala Lumpur International Airport and mere minutes from the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC).

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We Were the Lucky Ones: A Novel

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

Inspired by the incredible true story of one Jewish family separated at the start of World War II, determined to survive—and to reunite—We Were the Lucky Ones is a tribute to the triumph of hope and love against all odds
 
“Love in the face of global adversity? It couldn't be more timely.” —Glamour
 
It is the spring of 1939 and three generations of the Kurc family are doing their best to live normal lives, even as the shadow of war grows closer. The talk around the family Seder table is of new babies and budding romance, not of the increasing hardships threatening Jews in their hometown of Radom, Poland. But soon the horrors overtaking Europe will become inescapable and the Kurcs will be flung to the far corners of the world, each desperately trying to navigate his or her own path to safety. 
 
As one sibling is forced into exile, another attempts to flee the continent, while others struggle to escape certain death, either by working grueling hours on empty stomachs in the factories of the ghetto or by hiding as gentiles in plain sight. Driven by an unwavering will to survive and by the fear that they may never see one another again, the Kurcs must rely on hope, ingenuity, and inner strength to persevere. 
 
An extraordinary, propulsive novel, We Were the Lucky Ones demonstrates how in the face of the twentieth century’s darkest moment, the human spirit can endure and even thrive.

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Best Things to do in Thailand This Year

Thailand is the number one tourist location in South East Asia, and it is easy to see why. Best known for its breath-taking beaches, its stunning temples and the modern urban sprawl that is Bangkok, it is a country where getting bored is just not an option.

From the moment you step of the plane to the time you leave you will be surrounded by some of the friendliest, down to earth and genuine people that you could want to meet. It’s easy to see why Thailand is often called the ‘Land of Smiles’.

The problem for any visitor to Thailand is narrowing down your list of things to do, there are countless attractions and hot spots I could put on this list but I narrowed it down to the top 5 things to do in Thailand.

1-Visit the Grand Palace

Set in the heart of Bangkok this is probably the most famous attraction there is. For 150 years the palace was home to the king, his court, and the entire government of Thailand as well as the Royal Mint. With an area of 218,400 sq. meters there is so much to see and do, you will not be disappointed. In 1782 huge walls were built around the palace and offices to make it the attraction it is today, please note that a strict dress code is in place at the palace so you will need to dress in appropriate clothing or entry will be refused.

2-Visit the Floating Markets.

There are several floating markets in Thailand but this one is the biggest and most famous, it is huge! There are boats everywhere going up and down the canals selling all sorts of foods and fruits. A visit to this market will give you a real insight into how things were many years ago. For those who love to take photos the narrow canals and small wooden stilt houses are sure to give you countless opportunities.
The market is situated about 100km outside of Bangkok but it is well worth the traveling time.

3-Spend an Evening in Nana Plaza (Soi 4)

No trip to Bangkok could be complete without taking a trip to Nana, the main road that runs through Bangkok is called Sukhumvit road and when you get to Soi 4 you have arrived at a place you do not want to miss. Nana Plaza is rumored to be the largest sex complex in the world, full of gogo bars and seductive girls you are guaranteed to have an interesting night.

Take a seat at any of various bars in the Plaza and just sit back and watch the girls apply their trade to many visiting tourists.

4-Eat Street Food

Thailand is home to many different kinds of street food and every street in every city will have various different stalls selling their wares. From Pad Thai to Som Tam (papaya salad) to grilled meats it is all available at any time of the day. Thai’s rarely cook at homeas the cost of eating out is so low compared to cooking at home, when looking for a food stall to eat at a good choice is to follow the locals to see where they are eating.

5-Visit Khao Yai National Park

Khao Yai National Park was the first national park to be established in Thailand and is the third largest in the country. Covering an area of 2,168 square kilometers it is a huge site to visit. The park comprises of rain forests as well as grasslands which all adds up to the large number of animals you can see. There are an estimated 300 species of birds in the park as well as bears, elephants, deer’s, gibbons and macaques. There are a couple of waterfalls in the park which are well worth a visit as well and are easily accessible by car.Capture the moments with Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H300 20.1 MP

FOR TRAVEL IN CROATIA

Do and Dont's

Croatia was one of the most difficult places we've travelled to. My first draft of this post was a bit less forgiving, but then we went to Korcula and the people became friendlier, the weather cooler and the beaches more inviting. I realized that for as many unfriendly, unhelpful people as there are working in the service industry, there are just as many kind, welcoming and hard-working people who are ready to show you a good time. Chatting with our friendly taxi driver in Zagreb, we caught a different perspective. "People in Croatia don't like to work," he said. "Sometimes the wages are so low that you don't have the will for a smile."

I don't know what to say to that. When I'm travelling in a country I take notice of the socioeconomic conditions. I've travelled to poor regions before, none poorer than Bolivia. And everyone there had a genuine smile on his or her face. Thailand was also full of friendly people, despite the fact that many of them live in substandard housing and I saw a few bathing in the Chao Phraya River.

Economically Croatia is nowhere near as poor as these two examples. Perhaps they feel so because of their proximity to the Schengen area countries? Is this a good excuse for such consistently rude, unwelcoming behaviour to visitors? I'd love to hear from other readers on this issue.

Those who keep up with us on Facebook and Twitter may know that we cut our time there short by two weeks. Croatia is a very beautiful country and we didn't even get to some of the most attractive cities and areas. It isn't cheap, however, and we're celebrating our one-year wedding anniversary this month. We don't want to deal with unfriendly people and a lot of nonsense. But I want to be helpful and for visitors to have the knowledge to make the most of their time. Here are my do's and don'ts for exploring and preparing for your Croatian adventure so that you can have hopefully have a better time than we did.

DO Bring the right gear

Croatia's beaches are not the sandy affair you might be used to. While sand beaches do exist, most of them have pebbles or sharp rocks, so purchase some reef shoes. Don't um and ah about it: it will make the difference between skipping happily into the water or wincing as you tiptoe for fifteen minutes out to the deep part. You'll also probably want some snorkel gear and a beach towel as even the more expensive hotel we stayed at in Supetar didn't provide these. Hats and sunscreen are a must.

DON'T Visit in August

This was probably our biggest mistake. It's stinking hot, teeming with German and Italian tourists (which is fine but you might get tired of constantly being addressed in German when you're speaking Croatian or English) and many locals are absolutely sick and tired of foreigners. I suspect this was our biggest foible but, unfortunately, this was the only time we had this year to visit. Everything is more expensive, more crowded and more aggravating.

DO Bring cash

Even if the door of the establishment has the Mastercard and Visa logos on the door and even if you see the credit card machine sitting there on the counter, don't assume that your card will be accepted. We came across more 'cash only' businesses in Croatia than anywhere in South America. And bring plenty of money in general. The only bargains are beer and transportation.

DO Enjoy the nice local food

We didn't have a bad meal in Croatia. From delicious grilled meats to fresh seafood to excellent Italian dishes, you can't go wrong with restaurants. For those with a sweet tooth, you'll find a gelato shop every 50 metres and bakeries have excellent pastries and desserts. In general, 'caffes' serve coffees, ice cream and specialty drinks while restaurants and takeaway shops have the food. Diversity is not common - restaurants of a similar type will offer pretty much the same menu and we didn't find much in the way of international cuisine. Be sure to try cevapcici and the delicious fish such as Sea Devil, which is like monkfish.

Top 5 Must See Attractions in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is one of the most visited cities in the world with tens of millions of tourists visiting the city every year. It is a melting pot of Malaysia’s three races - Malays, Chinese and Indians, creating a truly cultural experience.

As a result of its rapid expansion of Malaysia’s economy, it has developed a Western look-and-feel that is very unique in Southeast Asia. So we have compiled a list of five main attractions that you simply cannot miss when you visit the great city of Kuala Lumpur.

1-Petronas Twin Towers
These towers were declared the tallest buildings in the world when they were completed in 1998, becoming a symbol of the Kuala Lumpur. Visitors have the opportunity to walk between the towers at the 41st and 42nd floors called Sky Bridge, measuring 175 meters above street level! The towers serve as a complex of office buildings, conference halls, shopping malls and a 50-acre park. Make sure to arrive early because of the towers’ popularity among tourists.

2-Bazaars During Ramadan
If you visit during the month of Ramadan, Kuala Lumpur will offer endless amounts of joy. This month of fasting is one of the best times of the year because of the food that is offered to break the fast. Discover the best bazaars in TTDI, Kampung Baru and Subang’s SS18. Pay attention to which stall has the most people. Also, each bazaar has their own popular dish so make sure that you try them all! Try to visit in the late afternoon so that you can eat the food as it is being made. This is also a great opportunity to meet the locals and learn about their culture.

3-Batu Caves
Located 10 kilometers north of Kuala Lumpur, this famous Hindu temple and shrine is a must-see. It is best known for its giant golden statue, which you can reach if you are willing to climb the 272 steps to the top. However, the view from the top is worth the trip. Not to mention, there will be monkeys jumping around, following you the whole way. Batu Caves can easily be reached by trains of buses located in the center of Kuala Lumpur. If you visit during the Thaipusam festival, just know that it will be extremely busy since nearly one million pilgrims visit the site for religious purposes.

4-Dip N Dip
If you are a chocolate lover, then Kuala Lumpur is the city for you. When you are on vacation, you are entitled to treat yourself to something special. Dip N Dip is a dessert restaurant that will serve you chocolate in more flavors and ways than you can imagine. Order waffles with ice cream, topped with fresh berries and much, much more. Use Dip N Dip as your reward for making the hike up to the Batu Caves!

5-Bird Park and Butterfly Park
Luckily, these parks are right next to each other so you can visit both in one day. Relax and walk through the parks - practice your photography skills or watch your children try to catch the butterflies in amazement. You can even buy some bird food in the bird park so the birds will come sit on your shoulder for a picture. There is no doubt that these parks will offer a memorable experience for you and your family.

When you visit Kuala Lumpur, you are guaranteed to have a magical experience. Between the diverse cultures, natural beauty and spectacular architecture, you will never forget this vacation. If you’ve ever been to this amazing city, tell us which attraction that was your favorite!