Smart Cruisers ALWAYS Get Off The Ship in THESE Ports. Here's Why (Podcast #552)
Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers
Xxx Become a Tips For Travellers Patron: and get exclusive Patron-only content, downloads and livestreams Visit my Tips For Travellers YouTube: Offers: Get 10% any order of The Cruise Maps who you visit the site using this link: Get up to 30% off collectible tokens of place you’ve visited using the link:
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I Revisited Silversea To See If The Latest Reviews Were True (Podcast #551)
Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers
Is Silversea still ultra-luxury? After reading shocking new reviews calling it “shabby” and “not worth the premium,” I boarded Silver Nova to find out the truth. When I started reading recent reviews of Silversea Cruises, I was shocked. Loyal guests now call it “shabby,” “cut back,” “no longer luxury,” and “not worth the premium.” Having cruised six times with Silversea and always rated it highly, I had to see if things really had changed. So, I booked myself (and paid full fare) onto Silver Nova, their newest class of ship, to find out what’s really happening...
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All Cruisers Over 55 SHOULD Do This (Younger Ones Don’t Need To!) (Podcast #550)
Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers
Cruising over the age of 55 brings unexpected challenges that younger cruisers don’t even - or need - to think about. I know — because I’ve learned the hard way after more than 100 cruises since turning 55. In this video, I reveal the real watch outs, traps, and opportunities for older travellers that most cruise advice never covers. From choosing the right itinerary, line, ship, and cabin, to avoiding mobility issues, scams, and bad weather seasons — these are the essential insights every over-55 cruiser should know before booking. I’ll also share how to find senior discounts, pick...
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I've Cruised Europe’s Rivers 12 Times. Here’s What Nobody Warns You About (Podcast #547)
Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers
I've cruised on European rivers 12 times and I am just back from a Rhine River cruise on Avalon Waterways. Once again, I met so many people who spoke about surprising and frustrating things they'd only encountered and realised once they were on the cruise because none of the lines, reviews, or commentators seem willing to talk about them frankly, or underplay them. Welcome aboard, I'm Gary Bembridge and here’s what you need to know about European river cruising to avoid any disappointments, and make sure a river cruise is right for you. ** OFFER ** GET 10% OFF YOUR PERSONALISED "THE CRUISE...
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Dining Dos & Don'ts That SMART Cruisers Swear By (Podcast #548)
Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers
Cruise ships offer many dining options, but I see many cruisers making common cruise dining mistakes that prevent them from having the best experience. I'm going to share my cruise tips and cruise dining tips to help you avoid these pitfalls and enjoy the cruise food to its fullest. These cruise tips for travellers will help you navigate cruise ship dining even if it's your first cruise or one of many. Become a Tips For Travellers Patron: and get exclusive Patron-only content, downloads and livestreams Visit my Tips For Travellers YouTube: Offers: Get 10% any order of The Cruise Maps...
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The 4 Most Popular Cruise Lines: Who’s Best & Who to Avoid? (Podcast #549)
Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers
Imagine booking your dream cruise on one of the world’s biggest lines—only to realise within hours of boarding it’s not for you. In this video, I break down the FOUR most popular cruise lines based on passengers carried—Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, and Carnival—so you can choose wisely and avoid an expensive mistake. I compare: - What these “resort style” mega-ships all have in common - What each does BEST and where each FALLS SHORT - Fleet sizes, global itineraries and private islands - Key fare differences and hidden costs - Cabins: from budget inside...
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6 Things River Cruises Do Better Than Ocean. And 3 They Don't! (Podcast #546)
Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers
Their fans paint river cruising as an idyllic, perfectly paced and immersive way to travel, but few talk about what you lose by choosing one. Having done 12 European river cruises and over 100 ocean ones, I've found the differences are bigger than most people think or expect. Some things river cruises absolutely do way better than ocean ships. But some things? They don’t. here's what river cruises and ocean cruises each do better than the other, and why. Become a Tips For Travellers Patron: and get exclusive Patron-only content, downloads and livestreams Visit my Tips For Travellers...
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How To Cruise Like A VIP Without A "First Class" Price Tag (Podcast #545)
Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers
Want to cruise like a VIP without paying “First Class” suite prices? In this podcast, I reveal 6 insider tricks that will let you enjoy luxury perks - all without breaking your budget. These are the same strategies I use to get a champagne cruise lifestyle on a beer budget. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveller, these tips will help you transform your future cruises into something much more special — without paying suite prices. Become a Tips For Travellers Patron: and get exclusive Patron-only content, downloads and livestreams Visit my Tips For Travellers...
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I Put The Highest Rated European River Cruise Line To The Test (Podcast #544)
Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers
After a five-year break, I returned to river cruising in Europe to see how the experience compared to my past trips. I chose the European River Cruise line with the highest ratings by recent passengers and boarded with high expectations. This video shares my thoughts on what they did both well and less well, and if I felt they deserve the ratings they are getting Links mentioned in the podcast: Avalon Food and Bar menus + Daily Programs: Become a Tips For Travellers Patron: and get exclusive Patron-only content, downloads and livestreams Visit my Tips For Travellers YouTube: ...
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Don’t Pick The Wrong "Premium" Cruise Line! Here’s What You Need To Know (Podcast #543)
Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers
I've recently revisited and cruised on all five of what the industry calls “Premium” cruise lines, as I keep getting asked which is the best these days as so many cruisers are confused by all the recent changes in the fleets, new on-board offerings, tweaks to inclusions and exclusions, and the seeming push by all to attract a different passenger type. Welcome aboard, I'm Gary Bembridge, and I'm going to compare each line including what they're best known for, good at, what they're less good at, and who I think should cruise with them right now – and why. Become a Tips For Travellers...
info_outlineIn this episode of the Tips for Travellers show Gary Bembridge shares observations, advice and tips for visitors to the capital of Thailand: Bangkok.
Subscribe to the show free on iTunes, Stitcher Radio or TuneIn Radio
The show covers the following and more:
Observations:
- Bangkok is capital of Thailand (Thai = free so Thailand means land of the free)
- Never been colonised unlike so many other Asian countries - sided with Japanese in WWII and supported USA in Vietnam war.
- Monarchy which is highly respected and revered offence to say negative against the monarchy.
- Bangkok used to be "Venice of the East" as so many rivers and canals - but now mostly filled in.
- Lots of traffic and traffic jams.
- Relatively safe despite political troubles and street demonstrations - more likely affect by tourist scams !
Getting there
Major gateway and also connections hub with most international Travelelers coming in via Suvanathmi international airport
Getting around
- Sky train
- Underground Metro
- River rides - express boat up and down Chao Phraya river
- Buses harder to navigate as most routes in Thai
- Taxis - metered but ensure is switched on
- Motorbike taxis - ensure you given a helmet
- Tuk-tuk - 3-wheeled open sided - most drivers focus on where they want to take you to..!
Must see things to do
Sights are fairly concentrated in one area close to each other
Wat Phra Kaew and Royal Grand Palace Complex
Grand Palace
Including some key buildings:
Borombhiman Hall
Amarin Vinitchai Throne Room
Chakri Maha Prasat
Dusit Maha Prasat
Emerald Buddha temple - Housed inside the Wat Pra Kaeo
Royal Thai Decorations and Coin Pavillion
Wat Pho
Close by is oldest and largest temple in Bangkok - contains country's largest reclining Buddha
Golden Buddha
Housed in Wat Traimit - 5,5 ton Solid gold Buddha - 3 metres high
Wat Arun
Temple of Dawn named after Indian god of dawn
Museums:
Dolls museum
National museum
Jim Thompson House
Royal Barge Museum
Shopping
Bargaining expected in markets
Chinatown and Little India
Bangkok floating market
Central World Market
Patpong
Red light district