Monday, August 20, 2007

Thailand should be Inspiring

When I open the travel supplement of my preferred Sunday newspaper why do all the advertisements urge me to pack my bags and go to Phuket? or pay 5 nights and stay for 7 in Pataya? Surely there is more to see and do in Thailand than that?



I know Thailand and I know what a fantastic holiday you can have there for a great price. I also know that Thailand consists of more than Phuket and Pataya and the last three couples I spoke to that have just come back from these idyllic paradise getaways say the same thing... "too crowded and over touristy".

In fact as a travel agent I will always offer an alternative, Pran Buri for example, Koh Lanta or the quieter beaches of Samui. I have nothing against Phuket or Phi Phi but if you are looking for that genuine and tranquil Thai beach experience, you may be disappointed. I always offer the alternative but invariably clients have not heard of these gems and unless I have managed to persuade them otherwise, off to Phuket they go.

How about spending a night with a Hill Tribe family or volunteering your services at an elephant sanctuary for a few days? Thailand has so much to offer but we hardly see it through the cheap uninspiring packages.

The fact is that many operators know that these packages look good, sell well and easy profit is king. Of course this is important to any business, I know, but why not show some imagination in the packages advertised? You can have a great value holiday in Thailand and get a genuine experience at the same time.

Prove it! I hear you ask. Well OK....

How about a 10 night package?
Bangkok with fully guided tours of palaces and canals
plus the famous and family friendly Lady Boy cabaret
Flight to Chiang Mai
Elephant rides through the jungle
Stay with a Hill tribe family for 1 night or not -choice is always yours
Shopping at the night market
Visit the Doi Suthep Temple
A Thai cooking lesson
Flight to Koh Samui
Relax for 4 nights in 4 star beach front bungalow -not a 500 room hotel

For R16,500 including international flights and taxes? I think that is brilliant value. Remember for Travel Light value comes from your travel experiences not from the price.

Includes above plus
All transfers in Thailand
Proffesional guides
Hotels are 3 / 4 star and chosen for there location and relaxing ambience
Homestay is genuine
All taxes are included
All transfers included
All entrance fees included
Some meals - we will not force you to eat at the hotel buffet in Thailand!

I have spent over a year travelling through Thailand in the '90s and have returned many times since I know Thailand and I know the above is a great package. In fact we just a had a family return from that trip and they called as soon as they arrived home to rave about the wonderful experience and original holiday they had.

So if you'r looking for that great holiday with a genuine experience of a country check us out at Travel Light you may just be insired.

Travel Light Reading

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