How to Have a Stress-Free Trip to Thailand

The dream vacation to Thailand that you’ve been saving up for is fast approaching. With one of the luxurious Thailand vacation rentals and flights booked, the only thing left to do is count down the days. But as we all know, having everything on a dream trip go to plan doesn’t always happen. Here’s how to make sure your holiday is as stress-free as possible.

Thailand

Plan Carefully

Before even getting on the plane, it’s a good idea to know what kind of activities you want to do in Thailand. If you have a few days in Bangkok, think about what you want to see and do. Or perhaps you’re planning to spend all your time on one of the islands. Some tourists want to explore and have an adventure while trying to soak up as much of the local culture as possible. Others are happy to spend their time on the beach or unwinding in beachside bars. Most popular destinations in Thailand cater to all types of tourists and have various activities to suit all interests. Do a quick search into the places you’re planning to visit and write down some of the things you want to see and do.

Don’t Neglect a Guidebook.

Head to almost any bookshop’s travel section and find shelves full of guidebooks. More likely than not, you’ll find at least one in Thailand. ASearching online can only provide so much information. the Guidebook can revolutionize a trip and help you get much more out of it. Tourists can carry small guidebooks in their day bags and read up on attractions when they visit them to understand their context. Alternatively, the contents offer invaluable advice and suggestions on the best places to visit and where to go on day trips. And what can be a more inspiring read on a long-haul flight to Bangkok than reading up about the fun experiences to have in Thailand? For a few dollars, it’s well worth the investment.

Pack Smart

Are you heading to the beach? Light clothes are better. But remember to bring long pants and sleeves if you want to visit temples. Thailand is generally a laid-back country where it’s not uncommon to see people dress casually and wear flip-flops in the streets. Pack clothes to suit the hot climate. And if possible, bring the essentials and leave the suitcase at home. A large backpack should be enough to fit all your belongings for a short trip to Thailand. Not only is it easier to carry, but it also makes getting around the country much more convenient. Who wants to be lugging a huge case while getting onto a crowded train?

Remember to Use Sunscreen

Thailand’s climate is tropical, with a distinct wet and dry season. Daytime temperatures average in the low to mid-30s, and the sun’s UV rating is consistently extreme. Spend more than a few minutes under the sun, and you’ll get a sunburn. Sunbath on the beach all day with protection and walking away looking like a lobster. Getting sunburned on a trip isn’t fun. Some tourists get too caught up in the initial excitement and forget the sunscreen. On day two, they feel miserable and uncomfortable because of the burn. Learn from their mistakes and always put on plenty of sunscreens if you plan to spend time outdoors. Even if it’s a cloudy day, the UV rays will still cause your skin to burn.

Stay Hydrated

Tourists will get dehydrated when they spend long hours under the hot Thai sun. This can be dangerous and lead to more severe conditions such as heat stroke, but it’s easy to prevent. Carry a water bottle and drink more than you usually would back home. You shouldn’t drink tap water in Thailand. But a 1.5-liter bottle from the shop only costs a few cents.

Don’t Get Scammed

When something looks too good to be true, it probably is. As one of the world’s most famous destinations, it stands to reason that some unscrupulous locals will try their best to get their hands on tourists’ money. Scams exist everywhere, ranging from overcharging taxis and deceptive Tuk Tuks to more serious and potentially dangerous ones. While you won’t be able to stop cheating and soaking here and there, you should be able to avoid the more significant issues. Always stay vigilant if you’re out late at night in bars and nightclubs.

Embrace the Culture

Anyone visiting Thailand knows the chaos that awaits after stepping outside the airport. Tourists visiting for the first time often get culture shock and are mesmerized by how exotic and different everything is. Thailand has a unique culture, a country full of temples and smiling locals, and has some of the world’s best food. It would be a shame to travel so far to such an exotic destination and spend all your time on the beach or sitting around the pool. Get out and explore the country and soak up some of the cultures. And you’ll find most Thais are usually helpful and friendly towards tourists.

Having a Stress-Free Trip to Thailand is Easy

Follow the suggestions in this article, and you’re sure to have a stress-free trip to Thailand. Remember to plan your vacation, get a guidebook and embrace the foreign culture and customs. Just be vigilant and aware of scams. And always protect yourself from the hot Thai sun, and your dream vacation will be as good as you have imagined it.

John R. Wright
Social media ninja. Freelance web trailblazer. Extreme problem solver. Music fanatic. Spent several months marketing pubic lice in the financial sector. Spent 2002-2008 supervising the production of ice cream in Africa. Had some great experience developing robotic shrimp in the aftermarket. Spent several years getting my feet wet with puppets in Miami, FL. Was quite successful at supervising the production of corncob pipes worldwide. What gets me going now is working with electric trains in Mexico.