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Khon Kaen – the Gateway to Isaan Having traveled to Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket numerous times over the past 34 years, I headed northeast to Khon Kaen this past vacation. It was my first time in the part of Thailand known collectively as Isaan. Where to stay in Pattaya? You’ve decided to spend your holiday in Pattaya, Thailand and leave the cold and snow of your home country. Great! But, where do you stay once you get there? Thai Visas for American Citizens Going to Thailand? Going to stay more than 30 days, work or retire in Thailand? Make sure you know the rules. Some Travel Tips for Students Planning a vacation in a faraway land? Received a job offer to teach in Asia? Although most trips abroad are trouble free, being prepared will go a long way to avoiding the possibility of serious trouble. Top Twelve Travel Tips for Students If you are a student planning a trip overseas, here are some tips to help you with your trip. This list is not all inclusive, but it should give you a good start to a safe and enjoyable trip abroad. How to Get a Cheap Flight With fuel prices closing in on $100 per barrel, air fares keep going up and up. Here are some tips in getting the biggest air fare bang for your buck. Going to Thailand in December? Don't be surprised if you see a sea of yellow when you land in Bangkok. Airline Reservations and Ticketing Tips Once you decide when and where you want to go, and which airline you want to use, getting reservations and tickets is a fairly simple process. You can make all of your arrangements by online, telephone, at the airline's ticket office, or through a travel agent or other ticket outlet. There are a few potential pitfalls, however, and these pointers should help you avoid them. What to do if your flight is cancelled or delayed. A mechanical problem or a typhoon can put a damper on your business or leisure trip. What are your options if you can’t get to your destination on time? Sometimes it is the squeaky wheel that gets the oil. Air Passengers with Disabilities – Know Your Rights Over 40 million Americans have disabilities. The Air Carrier Access Act and the Department of Transportation rule that implements it, set out procedures designed to ensure that these individuals have the same opportunity as anyone else to enjoy a pleasant flight. Here are some of the major provisions of the rule: Frequent Flyer Programs – Get the Most Out of Your Miles Virtually all major U.S. airlines have a frequent-flyer plan, and many foreign carriers are starting them. These programs allow you to earn free trips, upgrades (e.g., from Coach to First Class) or other awards based on how often you fly on that airline. In some programs you can earn credit by using specified hotels, rental car companies, credit cards, etc. It doesn't cost anything to join a program, and you can enroll in the programs of any number of different airlines. Safe Travel - What to Bring – 10 Tips Travel today can be confusing with rules and regulations changing on a regular basis. Last year I could bring a bottle of water but no lighter. This year it is the opposite. Zippo lighters are OK but no bottled water – go figure. Sometimes the rules vary by country – so check, check, check. Top 10 Ways to Protect Yourself From Counterfeiting and Piracy Shopping in Thailand can be fun - haggling the prices, getting great deals, the aroma of open-air markets, and getting souvenirs for family and friends. But, you need to be careful. Your shopping trip can result in your goods being confiscated, heavy fines, and possibly jail. Thailand is notorious for counterfeit goods (shirts and hand bags), pirating software, and illegal copies of movies. Customs may inspect your luggage when you return and confiscate everything. Common Sense Travel Tips Flying is a routine activity for millions of Americans, and raises no health considerations for the great majority of them. However, there are certain things you can do to ensure that your flight is as comfortable as possible. Tis the Season to Travel With Christmas and New Years right around the corner, many people will be traveling to visit family and friends. And many will take to the air to return home for Christmas dinner and New Year Eve celebrations. Many of these people will be first time flyers and should do a little homework before taking that first flight. Different countries and different airports/airlines have different rules – so check before you fly. How to Handle an Airline Complaint Most of the time complaining to the counter help at the airport or to the flight attendants will get no results. You need to document the problem and go to the top. Contact the airline’s main office either by regular mail of email. Keep copies of all your documents. What to Learn About Before You Go to a Foreign Country Before you go to a foreign country, you should do your homework. There is no excuse for not knowing with all of the information available on the Internet. Embassy and consulate information, along with web sites for your holiday country are readily available. Most sites will also have forum with local residents and tourists providing current information and available to answer your questions. Things to Arrange Before You Travel Overseas No one expects anything to happen while on a 2 or 3 week vacation – but you really should make some preparations – just in case. What Do You Do If You Lose Your Airline Ticket? Airline tickets are similar to negotiable documents. Because of this, refunds can be difficult to obtain if tickets are lost or stolen. Safe Travels: Top Ten Passport Tips Are you planning a trip overseas? Do you have your passport? You will need it to enter foreign countries – so here are some tips to make your passport experience easier. Plan Your Return Before You Go Most people are so excited about going on their vacation that they forget to plan their. This can take almost as much effort as the initial holiday plan. But, it is better to think about your return before you leave your home. Here are some tips. What U.S. Consuls Can Do To Help You U.S. consular officers are located at U.S. embassies and consulates in most countries overseas. They are available to advise and help you, if you are in any serious trouble. Holiday Shopping During Your Asian Holiday As occurs every year, there is an increase in the incidents of theft during holiday seasons. These crimes generally take the form of purse snatchings and victimization by pickpockets. People are victimized while shopping or visiting public shopping markets. Pockets, purses and backpacks are picked, or surreptitiously cut, with the loss of money, credit cards, and valuable identification. The thieves often work in teams, and are exceptionally gifted at concealing their intentions. Beware When Shopping Overseas. Going shopping during your Asian vacation can be a lot of fun – but it can also be a problem. Be careful when shopping by following the following tips. Saving money while shopping from the local vendors is great – but it can cost you when you return and go through customs. Don’t ruin your holiday – know the rules before you go overseas and buy souvenirs that will be confiscated when you return. Don’t let a Drug Arrest Ruin You Vacation About 3,000 Americans are arrested abroad each year. Of these, approximately one-third are held on drug charges. Despite repeated warnings, drug arrests and convictions are still a common occurrence. Going Overseas? Protect Your Passport Your passport is the most valuable document that you will carry abroad. It confirms your U.S. citizenship. Please guard it carefully. Do not use it as collateral for a loan or lend it to anyone. It is your best form of identification. You will need it when you pick up mail or check into hotels, embassies or consulates. Legal Tips When Traveling Overseas The very first thing you have to remember is that you are a guest in a foreign country and you are subject to their rules and regulations. Ignorance of the law is no excuse. You need to do some homework and find out what the laws of the country you are visiting are so that you stay out of trouble and have an enjoyable vacation. Thailand Rules of the Road If your are planning a vacation to Thailand, you will find that getting around is different than in your home country. You will have to learn to navigate on the "wrong" side of the rode (if you are from the US), negotiate with a tuk-tuk driver, and pay to ride in the back of pick-up trucks (Baht buses). It will be an experience you will never forget if you keep these points in mind. How to Bring Money to a Foreign Country Going to an overseas country presents a currency challenge. Carrying a calculator helps, but more importantly, prior planning is more important. You choices - cash, credit cards, debit cards, local currency, and traveler's checks all present different kinds of problems and solutions. Going Overseas? Do You Need Travel Insurance? You may not need travel insurance, if you are already adequately covered by other insurance policies. But, you should check before you go. Going to Asia? Save Time and Money on Your Next Trip. It seems like traveling these days has become more of a hassle than what it’s worth. Gas prices are constantly on the rise, while airports remain notorious for overcharging plane tickets. Not to mention the long waits, hassle of security, and running the risk of losing your luggage. Traveling out of the country poses even more of a hassle. Despite the obstacles traveling involves, you can eliminate one worry from your mind if you’re planning a trip to Asia – spending too much money to get there. Getting From the Bangkok Airport to Pattaya You have booked you flight to Bangkok and your hotel room in Pattaya – but have you thought about transportation from Bangkok to Pattaya? It isn’t that long of a ride – but can be daunting to the first time traveler. Should I Visit Thailand During Exercise Cobra Gold? This comes up every year – guys wanting to know if it is still fun in Thailand when the military is in town. Having participated in Exercise Cobra Gold 4 times, all I can say- is “Come on down”. Yes, there are many guys in town with short hair – but for the most part we are working 12 – 16 hour days and don’t have much time to go out on the town until the exercise finishes. So, go to Pattaya during Cobra Gold, have a good time, and if you see a soldier or a marine – buy him or her a beer. Medically Preparing for Your Trip to Thailand Before visiting Thailand, you may need to get the following vaccinations and medications for vaccine-preventable diseases and other diseases you might be at risk for at your destination: (Note: Your doctor or health-care provider will determine what you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities.) Staying Healthy During Your Trip No one wants to spend their vacation sick in their hotel room or worse – in a hospital. Some things can’t be avoided – but most can. A little preventive planning can make your vacation safe and keep you on the beach instead of in the doctor’s office.Take some precautions and make your holiday safe and disease-free. Don’t Get Arrested in Thailand Temptation is all around us and sometimes circumstances make the temptation irresistible. Maybe you lost you wallet and credit cards and need some quick cash. Maybe you think you are smarter than the Thai Police and won’t get caught. Maybe you just didn’t think. More Reasons Not To Get Arrested In Thailand You can read almost daily about foreigners getting arrested in Thailand. They get arrested for a variety of reasons – theft, pedophilia, drugs, murder and more. Some are wanted in their home countries and were arrested in Thailand and will be extradited back home to face trial. They are either arrogant or stupid thinking that the Thai Police will never catch them. Well, you don’t want to get caught by the Thai Police – trust me. Here are a few examples: Thailand’s Peacekeeping Role in Southeast Asia Since the end of the Cold War, and with the rise in low-intensity conflicts, the resulting impact on stability and security in the region and the world at large resulted in the Royal Thai Government enhancing its support to peacekeeping and humanitarian activities. This has been at both regional and global levels. Air Force Medical Team Performs Goodwill Mission In Thailand Mainstream media likes to only report the negative military news. Here is a story that shows some of the good things that the military does on a regular basis. The Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marines perform these types of missions throughout the year and most of these stories go unreported. Toys For Tots Program Expands Giving Boundaries I am sure that you all have heard of the Toys for Tots program that the United States Marine Corps sponsors every Christmas. But, did you know that it has gone global? History of US Consulate in Chiang Mai Not all office buildings are merely brick and mortar. Some buildings have class and character and deserve to be recognized. The U.S. Consulate in Chiang Mai is one such building. How Should You Prepare For Retirement? If you are nearing the age of 65, it is time to starting planning for what you will be doing when you retire. Planning is the key to success and receiving all the benefits you are entitled to. Do your homework and you will have a wonderful retirement. Helping Your Money Last... After Your Last Paycheck Can you see the light at the end of the work tunnel? Is it time for you to start planning for your retirement? Here are some financial considerations: Retirement Planning and Your Finances As you near your sunset years, it is time to inventory your financial resources and see exactly where you stand. Do you have a lot of equity in your home but little cash in the bank? What kind of mortgage do you have? Have you taken a look at your insurance policy to see if it is current? Here are a few things to think about as you get ready to retire. Annuities for Retirees: What to Consider Before You Invest Investments called annuities are similar to traditional Individual Retirement Accounts and employer-sponsored 401(k) plans in that your money can grow tax-deferred until you withdraw it from your account. However, annuities are complex products and are not appropriate for everyone near or in retirement. Here's an overview, including things to consider and questions to ask before you invest. Dealing with Debt – There Are Solutions Having trouble paying your bills? Getting dunning notices from creditors? Are your accounts being turned over to debt collectors? Are you worried about losing your home or your car? Can I Receive Federal Benefits If I Retire In Thailand? You want to retire in Thailand but are worried that you cannot collect your Social Security benefits if you retire in a foreign country. Well, worry no more. Overseas Driver's License & Auto Insurance If you intend to drive overseas, check with the embassy or consulate of the countries where you will visit to learn about requirements for driver's license, road permits, and auto insurance. If possible, obtain road maps of the countries that you plan to visit before you go. Applying for Credit – A Regular Catch-22 We live in a Catch-22 world. You can’t establish credit unless you have credit. You can’t get a loan until you have a history of good credit – but – how do you get a credit to begin? Being a good shopper and always paying with cash will come back to haunt you when you want to make a major purchase – like a car or a house. Credit - You Have The Right To... Know your rights - your credit rights. There are laws to protect you - but - you have to know the law. Equal Credit Opportunity – What Can Creditors Do? Credit is used by millions of consumers to finance an education or a house, remodel a home, or get a small business loan. Creditors have rules to follow – so make sure you know the rules and ensure that they are followed. Planning Your Flight – Timing is Everything Your vacation is scheduled and it is time to book your flight. Most people make the mistake of booking their flight based on departure time – but this can be a big mistake. Your Credit and Your Rights A good credit rating is very important. Businesses inspect your credit history when they evaluate your applications for credit, insurance, employment, and even leases. They can use it when they choose to give or deny you credit or insurance, provided you receive fair and equal treatment. Your Credit Billing and Electronic Fund Transfer Statements With the increased use of credit cards, electronic banking, and internet buying, checking your bills is of the utmost importance. Identity theft is rampant and checking your accounts regularly is your best defense against losing your good credit. Your Debts and Debt Collectors You are responsible for your debts. If you fall behind in paying your creditors, or if an error is made on your account, you may be contacted by a “debt collector.” A debt collector is any person, other than the creditor, who regularly collects debts owed to others, including lawyers who collect debts on a regular basis. You have the right to be treated fairly by debt collectors. The Real Steal - Credit Card Loss Protection Offers If you lose your credit card or have it stolen – how much money are you responsible for? Know how much you are liable for and avoid the scam artists. Don’t be fooled by high pressure phone calls offering worthless protection. What Do You Do If Your Credit or Debit Card is Lost or Stolen? Many people find it easy and convenient to use credit cards and ATM or debit cards. The Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA) and the Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA) offer procedures for you to use if your cards are lost or stolen. How To Protect Your Debit and Credit Cards The best protections against card fraud are to know where your cards are at all times and to keep them secure. For protection of ATM and debit cards that involve a Personal Identification Number (PIN), keep your PIN a secret. Don't use your address, birth date, phone or Social Security number as the PIN and do memorize the number. Become familiar with the Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA) and the Electronic Funds Transfer Act and know what your liability is. Divorce and Credit–Are You Liable? Getting a divorce can be painful for both parties and can be even more painful if you have joint credit cards. Debit and Credit Card Blocking Have you ever been told you were over your credit card limit, or had your debit card declined, even though you knew you had available credit or money in your bank account? If this happened shortly after you stayed in a hotel or rented a car, the problem could have been card "blocking." Credit Insurance: Is It Right for You? The next time you apply for a mortgage or personal loan, you may be asked if you want to buy credit insurance, or it might already be included in your loan proposal. Should you get credit insurance or can you live with it? Only you can answer that question. Credit Repair Scams: The Warning Signs I am sure that you have seen the advertisements in newspapers, on TV, and on the Internet. You hear them on the radio. You get fliers in the mail. You may even get calls from telemarketers offering credit repair services. They all make the same claims: What Can I Do To Improve My Credit Score? Credit scoring systems are complex and vary among creditors or insurance companies and for different types of credit or insurance. If one factor changes, your score may change — but improvement generally depends on how that factor relates to others the system considers. Only the business using the scoring knows what might improve your score under the particular model they use to evaluate your application. Overbooking and the Airline Bump Overbooking is not illegal, and most airlines overbook their scheduled flights to a certain extent in order to compensate for "no-shows." Passengers are sometimes left behind or "bumped" as a result. When an over sale occurs, the Department of Transportation (DOT) requires airlines to ask people who aren't in a hurry to give up their seats voluntarily, in exchange for compensation. Those passengers bumped against their will are, with a few exceptions, entitled to compensation. Pack Your Bags Like a Pro Between the time you check your luggage in and the time you claim it at your destination, it may have passed through a maze of conveyor belts and baggage carts; once airborne, baggage may tumble around the cargo compartment if the plane hits rough air. In all fairness to the airlines, however, relatively few bags are damaged or lost. With some common-sense packing and other precautions, your bags will probably be among the ones that arrive safely. Checking-in For Your Flight-It’s in the Bag Arriving at the airport is the start of your vacation. You can make it painful or painless. It is all up to you. Arrival and Claiming Your Bags Many bags look alike. After you pull what you think is your bag off the carousel, check the name tag or the bag tag number. If your bag arrives open, unlocked or visibly damaged, check right away to see if any of the contents are missing or damaged. Comparing Credit Cards and Choosing the Card for You All across the United States, there are hundreds and hundreds of banks and credit card companies looking for your business. This day and age, banks and credit card companies are in competition with each other, trying all they can to get your business. To try and get your business, they offer different credit cards with various incentives, rebates, and other perks. Hints and Tips to Keep Safe While Overseas Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home. Be especially cautious in or avoid areas where you are likely to be victimized. These include crowded subways, train stations, elevators, tourist sites, market places, festivals and marginal areas of cities. Article Marketing-Both Sides of the Fence I have been submitting articles to article sites for quite a while now – both manually and with the use of a submitter. I also have 6 article sites and accept auto-submitted articles to 4 blogs. So, I understand submission guidelines from both perspectives. Top Ten Reasons Your Articles Are Declined Article marketing is one of the best ways to establish yourself as an expert in your field and also a great way to get links to your web site. To increase your chances of having your article published, here is my personal list of reasons your articles are not published. Surviving Your First Overseas Flight Taking a trip to a foreign country can be a bit different than a short shuttle flight between two cities. But, with a little pre-planning, you can make the long flight as pleasant as possible. Returning Home After Your Overseas Holiday – What to Expect Your wonderful vacation is over and it is time to return home. You need to plan for your return trip home just as you planned at the beginning of your holiday. Arriving at an Airport You Can’t Even Pronounce If you have recently traveled to Thailand you arrived at the newest Southeast Asian airport. Bangkok’s new airport replaces an old friend of mine. What Do You Do During an Overseas Layover? Unless you are only traveling a few hundred miles, the days of the non-stop are virtually non-existent. There are a few non-stop flights from point A to overseas point B but they are usually too expensive or the country you want to visit is that airline’s hub. What to Carry in Your Carry-on Bag on an Overseas Flight Preparing for an overseas flight is a little bit different than your standard domestic flight. About the only type of flight that compares is a U.S. coast to coast. If you properly plan it will make your long flight better. Affiliate Marketing Can Make You Money Sorry. There are no claims to making millions and millions of dollars using affiliate marketing here. No fancy eBooks, sales pages, pitches, or wild claims of rags to riches. Just a common sense approach to making some money as an affiliate. Is the Water Buffalo Really Sick? If you are a single man and are planning a trip to Thailand, you may hear this lament from the girls you meet. Don’t fall for it. It is one of many scams the girls try to pull on unsuspecting men. Pack Light For Your Thailand Trip Visiting Thailand in high or low season will make no difference on what you bring. Your wardrobe will be geared toward the tropics even during the “cool’ time of the year in Thailand. Why Should You Retire in Thailand? I am two years away from retirement and I plan to retire in Northeastern Thailand. Why, you may ask? I will tell you the reasons to retire in the land of smiles. Don’t Retire in Thailand Unless Don’t retire in Thailand unless you are ready for a life of leisure at a very low price. Don’t retire in Thailand unless you want to live a lifestyle you deserve. Can a Foreigner Own Property in Thailand? The best answer I can give is “it depends”. Thai land laws are a bit confusing and you should consult and English speaking lawyer in Thailand before any property transactions. Celebrate Loy Krathong in Thailand Unique to Thailand, Loy Krathong is celebrated country-wide during the 12th month of the Thai lunar year. The holiday is usually in November. Celebrate Songkran in Thailand Sawasdee Pii Mai & Happy Thai New Year! Although it is a few months away, it is never too late to plan for a trip to Thailand to celebrate Thai New Year. Plan Your Thailand Vacation Based on Thai Holidays If you are planning a vacation to Thailand, you should be aware of the major national holidays celebrated throughout the country. Male tourists complain that during many of the holidays and even during elections, many of the night spots shut down. And, many of the bar owners never seem to know if they are allowed to remain open or not. Do You Need a Visa to Visit Thailand? For your normal 2 or 3 week vacation, you should only require a passport. You need to check with your country’s consulate division and see what the current requirements are. Khon Kaen-the Gateway to Isaan If you are a regular visitor to Thailand, you have heard of the part of Thailand known as Isaan. If you have only heard of Bangkok, Pattaya, or Phuket, you need to head up to the northeast of Thailand for the true Thai experience. Going to Pattaya? You Must Be Crazy! Pattaya, Thailand is a short drive from the Bangkok International Airport and a resort city like no other in the world. Once you visit you will be addicted for life. Getting Around in Bangkok Arriving in Bangkok, Thailand you have a few choices getting to you hotel. The easiest and most expensive will be a taxi. Cheapest will be the bus. Getting Around in Pattaya There are only a few ways of getting around in Pattaya, Thailand. I will talk about each one and how to avoid getting ripped off. Eating in Thailand; Chopsticks, Spoons, & Fingers Just because you are in an Asian country doesn’t mean you will always be required to use chopsticks. You may be surprised to find out which eating utensils you will use most in Thailand. Articles: Is It Better to Give or Receive? Which is the better way to market you product? Is it better to submit articles to other sites or is it better to run an article site and receive articles? Always Split Aces and Eights Playing consistently in blackjack is one of the keys to winning. Playing consistently correct is even better. Managing Your Blackjack Money Too many people mismanage their gambling stake and either lost too much or could have won much more. Managing your money at the blackjack table is as important as hitting or staying. Their Name Liveth For Evermore If you are a World War II history buff, you need to set aside one day of your Bangkok vacation and visit Kanchanaburi. The title of this article is an inscription on one of the monuments at the war cemetery. Sanctuary of Truth If you are planning to visit Pattaya, Thailand, set aside a day to visit the Sanctuary of Truth. This temple is so remarkable; you will not believe your eyes. Meeting Your Online Date Online dating has risen in popularity over the past five years. But what happens when you meet your date face to face? Planning For My Retirement It is never too early to plan for one's retirement. I am about two years away from and here is my strategy. Can You Really Retire in Thailand On $500 Per Month? Retiring in Thailand is something I have been planning for ever since I can remember. From my first visit to Bangkok in 1973, to my last trip to Khon Kaen 3 months ago, I constantly think and plan for my retirement in the Land of Smiles. Marketing to Marketers Many online marketers sell all kinds of goodies to make it easier for other marketers to make a buck.
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