Sometimes my penny-pinching attitude overrides my street smarts (aka. lack of better judgment). Due to flight schedules, I was forced to spend one night in Nairobi before venturing on to Zanzibar. When researching accommodations for that night, I thought of the thousands I was spending on 6 luxurious nights' sleep in the bush, and decided I could rough it just once.
I found the perfect place: cheap and relatively near both airports. When I asked to reserve a single room, however, I was informed that all rooms were booked for that day. Instead, another option was offered: to sleep in a rented tent and sleeping bag. I debated and debated, and searched a few more locations, but the $11 price tag for an evening's stay was enough to persuade me to make the reservation.
I still didn't feel completely comfortable with the decision I had made, but I remained bull headed and determined to see it through. Thankfully, in my case, an angel was sent to intervene. Mary Anne arrived at the Mara Camp the same time I did. She is friends with the manager, Penny, and had come from Nairobi to spend a few days of relaxation. During that time we had some intriguing discussions about the novels she has written, such as "My Warrior Son", and "Nomad". Once she found out I had an evening layover in Nairobi, she asked where I was staying. She had never heard of the accommodation, but after telling her the street it was located on, she was quick to offer her home to me.
As it turned out, the street name of the accommodation I was supposed to have boasts the same name and general location as Kenya's largest slum, Kibera. Mary Anne was a wonderful hostess, providing me with a 4 poster bed, on-suite bathroom, a personal tour of the city and the aforementioned slum, along with feeding me a beautiful cheese souffle dinner at the end of the day.
The best part of it all, though, was that my 5 star Nairobi treatment cost less than it would have to sleep in a rented tent and sleeping bag, as it was FREE.
Over over six million foreigners fly into the country each year, Thailand has become Asia's primary holiday destination and is a useful and popular first stop on any overland travel through Southeast Asia. The influx of tourist money has played a significant part in the country's recent development, yet Thailand's cultural integrity remains largely unchanged.
In this country of fifty-three million people, over ninety percent are practising Theravada Buddhists, and King Bhumibol is a revered figure across his nation. Tiered temple rooftops and saffron-robed monks dominate every vista, and, though some cities and beach resorts are characterized by high-rises and neon lights, the typical Thai community is the traditional farming village: ninety percent of Thais still earn their living from the land.
Most vacations start in Bangkok. Thailand's huge, noisy, polluted capital can be an overwhelming introduction to Southeast Asia, but there are traveller-oriented guesthouses here, and heaps of spectacular temples to visit on holiday. It's also the best place for arranging onward travel and visas for neighbouring countries. A popular side-trip from the city takes in the raft houses of Kanchanaburi, the infamous site of the Bridge over the River Kwai.
After Bangkok, many travel north, sometimes via the ancient capitals of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai, to the enjoyably laid-back city of Chiang Mai, where they organize treks to nearby hilltribe villages. There's tranquil countryside in bucketloads up in the northern highlands around Mae Hong Son and along the Mekong River in Thailand's northeast (Isaan), where you can stay in village guesthouses and hop across the border into Laos. The northeast is the least visited area of Thailand, but holds two fine ancient Khmer ruins at Phimai and Phanom Rung, and the country's most popular national park, Khao Yai.
After travel, trekking and rural relaxation, most visitors on holiday want to head for the beach - and Thailand's eastern and southern coasts are lined with gorgeous white-sand shores, aquamarine seas and kaleidoscopic reefs. The most popular of these are the east coast backpackers' resorts of Ko Samet and Ko Chang, the Gulf Coast islands of Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan and Ko Tao, and the Andaman coast idylls of Laem Phra Nang, Ko Phi Phi, Ko Lanta and Ko Tarutao.
The southern island of Phuket and the east coast resort of Pattaya are more expensive, package-tour holiday oriented spots. In the deep south, Thailand merges almost seamlessly with Malaysia, and there are plenty of border crossing points here; the city of Hat Yai in particular offers convenient long-distance bus and rail links to many Malaysian towns. Travel into Cambodia overland is not so easy, but there are two crossings currently open, Poipet and Trat.
Thailand holiday guide can be an extremely hot and soggy place. Its tropical climate is divided into three seasons: cool in November to February, hot in March to May, and rainy in June to October. The seasons are more extreme in the northern regions, where the dry heat can grow quite intense in late spring and the cool can become cold in the mountains. The rainy season is no detriment to travel in Thailand, as the rains can be cool and refreshing.
Thailand, Far East
Important Information
If you're looking for a really special destination where you can indulge your love of top-quality hotels, great shopping, fine dining, world-class golf and state-of-the-art spas, Dubai holiday guide is for you. Add to this a fascinating Middle-Eastern heritage to explore, and a range of exciting activities, and you have a destination with just about everything.
With year-round sunshine and miles of lovely beaches, Dubai is THE new destination, waiting to be discovered.
Dubai is just one of 7 Emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The others are quieter, but still have great beaches and resorts offering excellent value for money. At Ras al Khaimah, relaxing maybe the only thing on your mind, but there are plenty of distractions including a fantastic floodlit golf course, a great array of water sports and the khat (hot springs) to visit. The museum has archaeological material dating back as early as 5,000BC!
The only Emirate on the Gulf of Oman, Fujairah has lovely clean beaches with mountain views. It's a haven for water sports, especially snorkelling and diving. Deep-sea fishing is popular.
Getting there
Flying Time
Approx 7 hours to Dubai
Currency
UAE Dirham (Dh)
Visa Requirements
British Citizens do not require a visa.
Language
The official language is Arabic.Though English is widely spoken.
Important Dates to Remember
01 Jan-02 Feb - Dubai Winter Shopping Festival
Feb - Dubai Desert Classic - golf
31 Mar - Dubai Gold Cup horse racing
Jul/Aug - Dubai Summer Shopping Festival
12 Sep-13 Oct - Ramadan
13 Oct - Eid - end of Ramadan
Development in Dubai
Dubai is emerging as one of the world's leading holiday destinations. Development of new hotels, shopping malls and attractions is ongoing throughout Dubai.
Ramadan
In Muslim countries there may be restrictions on alcohol consumption, restaurant facilities and entertainment during the month of Ramadan.
Extravagant Shopping
Shopping is such a huge pastime in Dubai, there's even a yearly festival dedicated to it (Jan/Feb). Finding the time to visit Dubai's 45 shopping malls won't be a problem. Many of their enormous air-conditioned complexes are open till midnight on various days. So don't forget your plastic because there are some fantastic tax-free bargains to be found. In the famous souks (marketplaces) you'll find everything from beautiful jewellery to fantastic local spices to exquisite silks. In the world's largest gold souk there are some great bargains to be had, so get your bartering skills in order.
Exciting Excursions
In the city, take a tour to discover Dubai's spectacular landmarks. Cruise the creek in a traditional wooden dhow, either in the sunshine or by moonlight. Out of town, hit the sand dunes on a 4-wheel drive adventure, journeying to a Bedouin-style camp where you'll enjoy a traditional Arab feast with entertainment from a belly dancer.
No-expense-spared courses designed by world-famous golfers, golf buggies with global positioning systems.
State-of-the-Art Family Fun
Dubai is a great place for kids. Many hotels have state-of-the-art sporting facilities and well-organised kids' clubs. Lots of properties are on Jumeirah Beach with its calm, shallow, warm waters (most hotels that aren't on the beach have shuttles to it). Cool off at the fantastic Wild Wadi water park with its 23 adrenalin-pumping rides.
Heritage and Culture
Explore the narrow lanes of 'Old Dubai' in the Bastakiya district and view the works of local potters and weavers at Heritage Village. The restored 400-year-old architecture of Hatta mountain village is a fascinating sight, as is the residence of the former Sheikh. Visit the Jumeirah mosque, and in Dubai's oldest building, Al Fahidi fort, wander around Dubai National Museum.
Fine Dining and Spas
If pure indulgence is your thing, then you've come to the right place. In those fabulous Dubai hotels, you'll find some of the world's best restaurants where world-class chefs have been wooed over to bring their culinary magic. Dubai is also home to some startlingly beautiful spas. In plush surrounds, you'll enjoy the latest treatments at the hands of qualified experts.
Action and Adventure
Like to live life to the max? How about riding a camel, or driving over sand dunes? You can try 'wadi bashing', take a 4-wheel-drive into the dry riverbeds that snake down from the mountains, and how about sand skiing down those dunes? You can even go 'real' skiing in the new snow dome. And don't forget the fabulous water sports.
If you visit Dubai you MUST go for a Dubai desert safari. It is a thrill and a real adventure tour. There are few tips and tricks to maximize the enjoyment of desert safaris in Dubai. I am going to tell you the "inside secrets" of Dubai desert safari tours and show you from where to get the cheapest rates. Read on...
