Family Travel Destinations in Thailand

Thailand means “land of the free” and is famously acknowledged as the “land of smiles”. You will realize why it is so called when you are relaxing in a beach looking at your children sporting smiles as wide as the estuary of an ocean amuse at the water’s edge without absolutely any care whatsoever. The kingdom boasts a wealth of culture and tradition. It also has the scenic beauty of a multifaceted countryside and gives satisfaction for everyone. Thailand has an enviable history, tropical climate and well known hospitality which is just perfect for families of all kinds ranging from the enterprising to the lazy and vacation minded families searching for pleasure.

The three major destinations that suits families are Hua Hin, Phuket and Bangkok. Hua Hin can be reached from Bangkok with a three-hour drive or a short flight. It offers safe swimming beaches, golf courses, spa resorts and magnificent shopping facilities. This is the oldest and most traditional Thai resort and is a real mixture of the attractions of a contemporary holiday destination with the beauty and fascination of a still bustling fishing port.

While most other Thai holiday destinations are specifically aiming at foreign tourists, Hua Hin is a holiday resort for families. Besides boasting a stunning beach which is as long as 5 miles, Hua Hin offers the highest density of world class golf courses anywhere in Thailand. However, it is not yet recognized as an international golf destination. Green-fees and other costs are at the moment among the cheapest in the world and course maintenance and services are excellent. Apart from sun-filled days on the beach, leisure activities for the whole family include all kinds of water sports.

Unique Overseas Adventure Travel Destinations

Are you looking to plan a unique or exciting overseas adventure travel itinerary that will add a little thrill and intrigue to your next vacation?

Are you wanting to avoid the glittery and commercialized tourist traps in favor of experiencing the genuine life of the local cultures?

If you crave adventure and authenticity, then deviate from the beaten path and prepare to explore the true heart and soul of a society’s history and heritage. You can make an ordinary vacation extraordinary by backpacking through the countryside, fishing in pristine water, biking in uncharted areas, or experiencing creative modes of transportation. Witness breathtaking scenery, catch a glimpse of unique wildlife in its natural habitat, and connect with the true lifestyle of the native people.

If you want to see real history, experience real life, and observe real culture, then it is time to plan a unique overseas adventure travel vacation. A few examples are listed below:

Ethiopia represents one of the oldest civilizations on earth and is a wonderful myriad of exotic wildlife, archaeological wonders, ancient architecture, and untouched scenery. The Omo River Valley of Southern Ethiopia is home to a cultural mosaic of African tribes that have been unaffected by modernization; and although getting there is difficult, the trip is definitely worth the effort. It is a land rich in tradition and overflowing with beauty. Whether you want to catch a glimpse of the famous rockhewn churches of Lalibela, study the unique agriculture, admire the fascinating beehive shaped huts, or pump up the excitement crossing rivers with an overland truck, the Omo Valley will offer a remarkable experience that will thrill and captivate the most ardent adventurer.

Colmar Travel Guide

Colmar is a city in Alsace, France. It was the last town in France to be freed after the second World War, on February 2nd, 1945.

Although Colmar was French for most of its modern history (as all of Alsace and also Lorraine), its population used to be predominantly German. Alsace changed nationalities many times in the course of history between France and Germany. During WWII Hitler reclaimed Alsace (it was annexed to France after Germany lost WWI) and it is quite shocking to see photographs from the time with Nazi flags hanging through the streets. Cultural supression of local culture led to the francification of Alsace (and Colmar with it). Notwithstanding, you will still hear a lot of German spoken in Colmar, some because of the numerous tourists from neighbouring Germany and Switzerland, but some spoken by native Alsacians, speaking their German dialect called Alsatian. Alsatian is the local minority language, although it is endangered, with ever fewer speakers in young generations.

Alsatian is not identical with standard German, but it is to a certain extent mutaully intellegible. In some parts of the city, as well as in Strasbourg, streetsigns will be written in French and Alsatian German underneath. Among the minority languages of France, Alsacian German is the most prosperous one nowadays (followed by Breton, Occitan, Basque and Catalan), and many Alsatians will be delighted to be adressed in German rather than in French (though not all of them). If you do not speak French, German will always be the next preference. English is unfortunately not widely spoken, however if you politely address someone in French they may make an effort to help you despite language barriers.