Prepare for Your Holiday to Thailand

Nicknamed 'the land of 1,000 smiles', Thailand's tranquil beaches and bustling cities make a great place to escape to if you're a holiday maker in search of culture and relaxation in equal measure. Drawing thousands of travel happy visitors every year, Thailand can be an experience of a life time as long as you put in the right amount of preparation before your trip.



One of the most important things to consider before going to Thailand is vaccinations. While the majority of the Western world is lucky enough to enjoy relatively few water, insect and air borne diseases, the warmer climates in the East mean diseases such as typhoid, Hep A and malaria are well worth being vaccinated for. Almost every general practitioner will be happy to vaccinate you against diseases such as these; just remember to give your doctor prior notice of which vaccines you require as they may need to be ordered in.



With accommodation from as little as £2 a day, Thailand's appeal doesn't just apply to those with deep pockets. Staying in cheap hostels and B&Bs is a great way to save money but also posses risks of its own. While hotel beds are changed on a daily basis, beds in hostels can sometimes be used by more than one guest which is unhygienic. Investing in a silk sleeping bag is a great way to protect yourself against mites that could be living in bed sheets but also helps to cool you down; a wise choice given temperatures in Thailand can exceed 30c at night time.



When it comes to drinking water, any holiday maker who is travelling from outside Asia should be careful about drinking tap water or water from outside sources such as wells and pumps. Drinking water from sources such as these can contain bacteria that our bodies are unfamiliar to which can in turn cause digestive upsets. To avoid this, always drink water from a sealed bottle from either a vending machine or shop. Buying bottled water from street sellers does pose a small amount of risk however, as used bottles can sometimes be refilled with contaminated drinking water. To avoid this, do not drink water from a bottle that is not sealed or looks to have been resealed with glue.



Finally, Thailand's markets are certainly one thing on your trip that shouldn't be missed. Vibrant, lively and full of different sights, sounds and smells, they're are a doorway to another culture. With plenty of street stalls and buyers bartering and haggling for the best deal there's no reason why you can't join in the fun! In situations such as these however, it's advisable to leave any expensive jewellery at home or in a secure safe in your hotel room. Another wise investment is a money bag which is worn under your base layer of clothing. Unlike a handbag, this cannot be broken into by pickpockets and allows you to get lost in the thick of the action without falling victim to opportunistic thieves.



Preparation is the key to success when planning a successful trip abroad. While some activities can be decided when you arrive in Thailand other things cannot be left to the last moment. All documentation such as health insurance, life insurance and travel insurance should also be arranged before you leave and are vital to a stress-free, relaxed holiday in the 'Land of 1,000 smiles.'