Tips For Travellers
l look at the 7 worst pieces of cruise advice that I hear, or see, being given to cruise passengers all the time – and what I you should do instead, and why.
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I have revisited the 4 main classic premium cruise lines (Princess Cruises, Holland America, Celebrity Cruises and Cunard Cruise Line) to see how they have changed, what makes them different to each other and who they are now best for. Even if you think you know these lines, you may be surprised at how different they are to before.
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I looks at how I manage to cruise so often, and although mine is an unusual situation, all the tips and tricks I discovered and use that any cruiser can use to cruise more or get more cruise out of their budget
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I look at the best cruise lines in each of the 4 main cruising categories and why they are the best choice right now, and why smart cruisers are choosing them over the other options.
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The worst packing mistakes that I see cruise passengers make and cruise packing mistakes to avoid as they could get you into trouble, have you disembarked, affect enjoyment of your cruise or items confiscated.
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I explore 3 big issues that many cruise passengers have with Holland America
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Returning to Viking Ocean Cruises, I discovered 4 things I hadn’t appreciated last time, making me rethink and reappraise Viking Ocean cruises. It had a big impact on my thoughts about if I would consider returning to cruise on them, and who I would recommend them to
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I booked myself on a 3-week cruise on a foreign cruise line and started worrying about it. As it came closer, I grew increasingly apprehensive having done a few foreign non-English speaking cruises before. Some of which had not gone so well. But finally on this trip, I found out when going on a foreign cruise line cruise does and does not make sense. As you will find out.
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.
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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