How do you choose a hotel while travelling? The important thing is cheap? Never underestimate your place of rest at night, especially during a holiday or business trip. Here are some tips to consider when choosing and staying at the hotel.

Power of choice
Choose the right hotel is half the battle. Many people only need a few minutes to observe a hotel room, the benchmark is often only the most affordable price. Although price is a general consideration, remember that all hotels want a full room and the manager will struggle to fill the rooms every night. So, do not get stuck.

For best results, book in advance through a travel agent and try to be flexible with schedules. Hotels that cater to business people usually have cheaper rates at which they consider weekends as off season.

Contact a travel agency, such agency can understand your needs and expectations. They can choose the best hotels based on service and comfort that is available, as well as its proximity to the city center, airports, restaurants and various entertainment venues.

Reservation
While booking tickets online is an option, it is advisable to book through a travel agency. If you choose to contact the hotel directly, but must also be prepared with extra charges for telephone charges. Many hotels have a toll free number to call. If no such number, and you must call the hotel directly, you should phone the afternoon or evening because the morning is the busiest time is when the guests check out. Continue reading 'Tips Choose a Hotel When Travelling'»

Thailand is known for its one-of-a-kind temples. From Wat Pho to Wat Saket, there are many wats or temples to discover in Thailand. Here are the top five most popular temples in Thailand.
1. Wat Pho.
Few temples in Thailand are as well-known as Wat Pho. Besides being the largest temple in Bangkok, Wat Pho is also the oldest. The massive, gold-plated Buddha image or relic housed inside the temple is easily the primary source of attention. Reaching an approximate 50 feet in height, this popular Buddha relic is clearly one of the largest in the area. Admission into Wat Pho is currently set at 20 baht or roughly sixty-five US cents per person. Wat Pho is located in Bangkok, in the Rattanakosin or “Old City” area. 

2. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.
Located in Chiang Mai, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is another popular temple in Thailand. To get to the actual temple, visitors must climb an approximate 300 steps or hitch a ride via cable car. To use the cable car, you must pay 40 baht or $1.30 USD. Admission into the temple is currently free, although donations are accepted. Since Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is an extremely popular tourist destination, it’s usually always crowded. If you want to beat the crowds, try visiting the temple at an early hour.

3. Suwan Kuha Temple.
Believe it or not, the Suwan Kuha Temple is located in a real-life cave! Even so, it’s important to note that the entire temple actually spans multiple caves. In addition to featuring historic Buddha images, the Suwan Kuha Temple also boasts a partially decorated exterior. Situated in Phang-Nga, the Suwan Kuha Temple shouldn’t be missed!

4. Wat Arun.
Like Wat Pho, Wat Arun is located in Bangkok. Unbeknownst to many people, Wat Arun used to house the well-known Emerald Buddha. Nowadays, Wat Arun is most popular for its eye-catching design. The temple consists of a central tower and four surrounding towers. The central tower easily trumps the surrounding towers in size. Admission into Wat Arun is 20 baht or sixty-five US cents. Not only is Wat Arun accessible by taxi, but it is also accessible by ferry.

5. Wat Saket.
The famous Wat Saket is most known for its fantastic views. No other temple in Thailand offers visitors such sweeping views of the Bangkok area as Wat Saket. In addition to featuring some of the best views around, Wat Saket is also known for its Golden Mount and wide variety of Buddhist relics. The most important relics are located in the temple’s Chedi. Admission is free, although you will have to pay 10 baht if you want to enter the temple’s Chedi. Wat Saket is located in Bangkok, near Boriphat Road.

Getting to Thailand doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, flights to Thailand are relatively cheap. To save on transportation costs, avoid visiting Thailand on national Thai holidays. Affordable flights to Thailand are available, but you have to know where to look.

When in search of a holiday that is both relaxing as well as educational, one should consider going to Bali, Indonesia. Bali is not only strikingly beautiful; it has been referred to as Indonesia’s island of temples, monuments, monasteries and historical landmarks. Bali holidays will provide the opportunity to experience first- hand the unique Balinese way of life and its well preserved Indonesian history. There are several landmarks that are considered to be a must see when visiting Bali.

In Jalan Raya, Ubud, Bali there is a temple named Pura Saraswati. Founded in the 19th century, this beautiful temple is filled with pavilions and a shrine covered with intricate carvings. Also on the temple grounds is a water garden which can be viewed from the Café’ Lotus. This temple was dedicated to the goddess of art and learning.

Another must see on your Bali holiday is Gunung Batur. Located in Bangli, Kintamani, this striking volcano is one of Bali’s largest landmarks. Encased in a volcanic crater is Lake Batur. The striking deep blue colors of the water here should not be missed. Nearby is the ancient Trunyan cemetery and a thousand year old temple. Balinese history states that Gunung Batur once erupted and destroyed everything in its path. The only thing left standing was what is now known as the Lucky Temple.

In Jalan Legian, Kuta there is the Bali Bomb monument. This monument was built to commemorate the 202 citizens of Bali who perished in a bombing in October of 2002. It was built on the site of a pub that was destroyed in the bombing and is covered in carved stone. On the stone there is a plaque with the names of the people that were killed. This monument is well lit to be easily viewed at night.

Located over the Petanu River in Bedaulu Village there is the Goa Gajah. This is translated as Elephant Cave. It was given this name because its unique carvings at the entrance strongly resemble an elephant. This cave is more than a thousand years old and when viewed closely reveals images of Hindu idols and phallic symbols. The Goa Gajah is one of Bali’s most popular tourist attractions.

Surrounded  by mountains and beautiful scenery in Besakih Village, Rendang, Karangasem, is Bali’s most prominent set of temples which are known as Pura Besakih. The translation of this name is Mother Temple because of its vast variety of structures. These temples are filled with carvings and statues of Hindu gods and goddesses which make them a very popular tourist attraction. It is said that in the months of March and April all the gods and goddesses visit the temples; thus making those two months the most popular time to tour these historical landmarks.

Although Bali is small in size it is huge in culture and what seems to be a rich everlasting historical beauty. Bali holidays will bring a feeling of peace and serenity as well as a renewed joy in being alive.