Thai temple

So you’re interested in a homestay experience with a rural hilltribe community in northern Thailand? Sounds Great! Just remember, don’t be expecting luxury or hotel type accommodations. Be prepared for rather basic accommodations without too much amenities. Most likely your shower will be very rudimentary and consist of a bucket of cool water that you empty on yourself, and your toilet will be the traditional Thai squat toilet, which is low to the ground and does not flush by itself; you’ll have to pour a bucket or two of water to induce the toilet to flush. Don’t worry; if you have chosen the right homestay, you’ll get a very rustic but clean room with a functional bed. Don’t be anticipating gourmet restaurant style food, however meals should be very tasty and healthfully prepared. The ladies in the village who prepare your meals will most likely be very experienced cooks and well versed in their own culinary traditions. If you’re a vegetarian, they should be able to accommodate you.

Just a tip - if you’re staying with a hilltribe community - i.e. Akha, Hmong, Lisu, Lahu, Karen or Mien, it wouldn’t hurt to do some research in advance on their culture and history.

While I have no personal experience with homestays in Thailand per se, I had the opportunity to do a site inspection of a relatively new homestay in the mountains, about an hour drive from Chiang Mai, the tourist hub of Northern Thailand . Rooms were simple and small as expected but very clean and had a small outdoor verandah with chairs in addition to a small area inside the room to lay your personal belongings.

The villagers grow both tea and coffee in the immediate vicinity and many people in the community were engaged in farming and other agricultural pursuits. While perusing the merchandise in their community’s gift shop, I bought a special neck collar-pillow stuffed with aromatic green tea. For some strange reason, I thought that US Customs might tear it apart looking for marijuana but they didn’t even bat an eye.

Bus Goldberg is a seasoned world traveler and the director of Calypso Island Tours, a travel company that specializes in botanical adventures and nature tours to such diverse destinations as Costa Rica, Thailand and the Caribbean. He also maintains his own travel blog, Calypso Island Chronicles

Tags: homestay Northern Thailand, thailand, travel, Travel Thailandhomestay Northern Thailand, thailand, travel, Travel Thailand

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Travel Europe on a budget

Traveling to Europe can be expensive and many Asian countries can be overcrowded and expensive. Fortunately there are other great and cheap European vacations out there, so you can travel to Europe on a budget and enjoy everything Asia has to offer.

Malaysia

Compared to the overwhelming nature of many other Asian countries, Malaysia is laidback, relaxing and cheaper. Gorgeous beaches, exotic jungles, colorful temples, delicious cuisine and snorkeling can be yours for as little as $15 to $30 per person per day. Malaysia is also more westernized than other countries and many people speak English, making communication easier. Plus there are tons of attractions in a small area. From the bustling city of Kuala Lumpur to the calming and beautiful Cameron Highlands Hill Station, there is everything from big city attractions to wild jungle adventures.

Morocco

Morocco is located in northern Africa in close proximity to Europe - but couldn’t be more different. Tangier, Casablanca and Marrakesh offer exotic marketplaces and bazaars, ancient and medieval buildings, delicious Moroccan food, camel rides and tons of excitement. Once you’ve had enough of the bustling cities, head for the uncrowded beaches, amazing mountains, cedar forests and old Saharan towns. There are plenty of outdoor activities like trekking, skiing, windsurfing and hiking to do on this cheap exotic vacation. Depending on how many creature comforts you seek, you can get by on anywhere from $30-$80 a day.

Turkey

Turkey is a great vacation in itself, but also a great way to travel Europe on a budget. This nation is located between Europe and Asia and is known world-wide for its amazing sightseeing opportunities and great values. Even though the prices have crept up over the years as tourism has expanded, the country still is a great deal. Turkey has a historic past, with amazing and ancient cities to visit, Roman ruins to explore, mosques and ancient churches to visit, Byzantine art to admire and more. Turkey is also surrounded by four seas, making it a beach paradise with plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy and resorts for comfort. Although a bit more expensive than the other counties, travelers can get by on about $50 to $100 a day. Hostels start at around $25 a night and hotels a little bit more at about $45.

Prague, Czech Republic

Once the capital of the Holy Roman Empire, Prague offers amazing Roman architecture and all night partying - at budget prices. During the day, visit the city’s beautiful buildings, many of which were build more than a millennium ago. For an ancient feel visit Prague Old Town or Prague Lesser Town, two older areas of the city that are less modernized. In the evening, pub hopping and beer drinking seems to be the choice of most. In fact, a half-liter mug of world-famous Czech beer starts at round $0.30, which is often cheaper than a cup of coffee or soda. For food, there is everything from local dishes like dumplings and goulash, to Thai and Russian food and at reasonable prices too. For evening accommodations, hostels will start around $23 a night and a nice hotel room will cost around $50 a night. Prague is a cheap European vacation and a great way to travel Europe on a budget.

Thailand

Thailand is an attractive budget vacation for everyone from families to honeymooners to retirees. With stunning beaches, snorkeling, diving, sailing, hiking, elephant rides, floating fruit markets, inspiring temples, delicious cuisine, ancient kingdoms and historic sites - you’ll have plenty to keep yourself entertained with. Don’t forget about the famous shopping as well - custom tailored handmade suits cost only around $100-$150. Thailand is a country where you can visit on a low budget, spending $20 on a beachfront bungalow or you can splurge on amazing luxury five-star hotels like the Oriental for $200, a budget price in comparison to other countries. Thailand is renowned for its hospitality - so why not splurge?

Jillian scheeler makes it easy and provide ways to enjoy best budget travel destinations in Europe and Asia. To recieve free part mini course visit the Budget Travel Website

Tags: asia, Budget Travel, Cheap, Cheap hotel, Europe, Malaysia, Prague, thailand, travel, Turkeyasia, Budget Travel, Cheap, Cheap hotel, Europe, Malaysia, Prague, thailand, travel, Turkey

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I arrived in Bankok in April, knowing it would be hot, but was knocked out by the average 106

Tags: culture, heat, sun, thai, thailand, travelculture, heat, sun, thai, thailand, travel

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