Tips for Staying Relaxed on Vacation
Between getting to the airport, trying to find the hotel and cramming in time to see all the sights, vacations can be stressful. And there’s nothing worse than being stressed when you’re supposed to kick back and relax.
The good thing is there are ways to counter the pressures of vacation, including planning downtime and turning off notifications. Keep reading below for travel relaxation tips to your next vacation truly feel like one.
1. Loosen up your itinerary
Let go of the idea that you have to have a perfect itinerary. Sure, there are some must-dos when traveling, such as seeing the Taj Mahal or eating crepes in France. But a vacation won’t be fun if it feels like checking items off a list. Instead, try to space out activities with plenty of time to rest in between. And accept that you don’t have to see it all in one visit.
2. Plan for the big travel day
Start preparing for the big travel day in advance. If you’re going out of the country, keep all required passports and documents together. Pack your bags the day or night before. Plan your travel to and from the airport, and research the gate location for the flight. And arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare.
3. Leave work at work
The hardest struggle of vacation for most people is leaving work behind. It is hard to resist checking emails, and some workplaces expect employees to be on call 24/7. Avoid this by turning off all work-related notifications, and letting people know in advance that you are unavailable. If checking in is necessary, then set time to respond to emails and then turn work off for the rest of the day (and stick to it).
4. Set your schedule to avoid crowds
Tourist attractions such as the Empire State Building and the Vatican see more than 3 million people each year. That translates to a lot of standing in crowds and waiting in lines. Avoid this by scheduling your visits to spots early in the day or later in the evening.
Tip: Try to get tickets for an attraction in advance so you don’t have to spend time at the ticket counter. Another option is scheduling a tour during the week when the crowds aren’t as dense as weekends.
5. Squeeze in some exercise
Exercise is a natural stress reliever. Finding time to get active may be hard during vacation, but even a little bit helps. According to the ADAA, just five minutes of aerobic exercise can signal the brain to release anxiety-fighting endorphins. Consider hitting up the hotel gym, going on a walk or enrolling in a local workout class.
6. Practice meditation
Meditation is a great way to de-stress and clear your mind. Just like exercise, even just a short time spent meditating can make a difference. There are many forms of meditation, from concentrating on a single activity or object to deep breathing exercises.
Try doing yoga on vacation, which helps both clear the mind and reduce body tension. Some destinations offer unique yoga experiences, such as paddleboard yoga in Hawaii and rooftop yoga in Los Angeles.
7. Put social media on pause
It’s hard not to want to post all the food you’re trying and all of the places you are seeing. But a vacation should be spent in the moment as much as possible. Put a pause on social media by logging out of all accounts and not checking apps.
Some phones have features that limit the amount of screen time on apps. If you still can’t resist checking social media, then consider deleting an app completely.
8. Treat yourself to a spa day
Pamper yourself on vacation with a massage or spa treatment. Massages are especially great after a long flight or hours spent in traffic on a road trip.
Try a Swedish massage if you like a lighter touch, or go for a deep tissue massage to work out the knots. Some travel destinations offer unique takes on relaxing, from the Turkish baths in Istanbul to the hot springs in Iceland.
9. Get enough sleep
Traveling across different time zones can wreck your sleep schedule, which also affects your mood. Workaround this by setting a time to go to bed, and sticking to it. If you’re driving, plan stops where you can sleep and recharge.
Pack an eye mask, earplugs and consider melatonin supplements to make it easier to sleep on an overnight flight. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for extra bedding or pillows at the hotel to help you sleep comfortably.
Credited : guidester.com
ตื่นตาไปกับไดโนเสาร์เสมือนจริง ในดินแดนไดโนเสาร์ “Dino Fest 2022” ที่ใหญ่ที่สุดในไทย
เซ็นทรัลพัฒนา ชวนผจญภัยดินแดนไดโนเสาร์ “Dino Fest 2022” ใหญ่ที่สุดในไทย ตื่นตาตื่นใจไปกับฝูงไดโนเสาร์เสมือนจริง
บริษัท เซ็นทรัลพัฒนา จำกัด (มหาชน) พาเหล่าสัตว์โลกล้านปีบุกเปิดจินตนาการเด็ก ๆ และครอบครัวใน “Dino Fest 2022” ผจญภัยดินแดนไดโนเสาร์เสมือนจริงใหญ่ที่สุดในไทย พบกับไดโนเสาร์ 24 สายพันธุ์ จำนวน 36 ตัวที่สามารถเคลื่อนไหวและส่งเสียงร้องได้จริงตามหลักชีววิทยา ตั้งแต่ยุคแรกเริ่มไปจนถึงยุคสูญพันธุ์ ได้แก่ ยุคครีเทเชียส ยุคจูราสสิก และยุคไทรแอสสิก ชุบชีวิตให้เหล่าสัตว์โลกล้านปีกลับมามีชีวิตอีกครั้ง
นอกจากนี้เซ็นทรัลพัฒนาขอมอบความสุข เติมรอยยิ้มและความสดใส เปิดรอบพิเศษในการเข้าชมเหล่าไดโนเสาร์ฟรีแก่บ้านเด็กกำพร้า หรือเด็กพิเศษในท้องถิ่นอีกด้วย มาร่วมตื่นตาตื่นใจไปกับเหล่าไดโนเสาร์เสมือนจริงได้ที่ศูนย์การค้าเซ็นทรัล ภูเก็ต วันที่ 04 – 20 มี.ค. 2022.
ดร. ณัฐกิตติ์ ตั้งพูลสินธนา ผู้ช่วยกรรมการผู้จัดการใหญ่ สายงานการตลาด บมจ.เซ็นทรัลพัฒนา กล่าวว่า เรามีศูนย์การค้าเซ็นทรัลอยู่ทั่วประเทศ และเราไม่เคยหยุดนิ่งที่จะนำ Magnet Event ใหม่ ๆ ไปยังสาขาต่าง ๆ ของเรา เพื่อให้ลูกค้ารู้สึกว่าศูนย์การค้าเซ็นทรัล เป็นศูนย์กลางการใช้ชีวิตที่พวกเขาจะได้สัมผัสกับไลฟ์สไตล์และประสบการณ์ใหม่ ๆ อยู่เสมอ สำหรับครั้งนี้ เราเตรียมงาน “Dino Fest 2022” ยกขบวนไดโนเสาร์และสัตว์โลกล้านปีไปบุกที่ศูนย์การค้า 4เพื่อให้เด็ก ๆ และกลุ่มครอบครัวได้เติมเต็มจินตนาการกันอย่างใกล้ชิดกับเหล่าไดโนเสาร์หลากหลายสายพันธุ์ โดยมีไฮไลท์พิเศษคือ เราได้ใช้เทคโนโลยีให้ไดโนเสาร์สามารถเคลื่อนไหวและส่งเสียงร้องได้จริง เสมือนว่ามีชีวิต โดยแต่ละตัวจะมีเอกลักษณ์ที่ โดดเด่นไม่เหมือนกัน ทั้งรูปร่าง ท่าทางและเสียง มีตั้งแต่ไดโนเสาร์กินเนื้อ ไดโนเสาร์กินพืช สัตว์เลื้อยคลานบินได้ หรือแม้กระทั่งปลา เด็ก ๆ จะได้เติมเต็มจินตนาการ ได้ความรู้ ฝึกทักษะการสังเกตและจดจำ และผู้ใหญ่เองก็จะได้รับความสนุกสนานไม่แพ้กัน เหมือนได้หลุดไปอยู่ในโลกล้านปี
ทะลุมิติไปผจญภัยในอาณาจักรไดโนเสาร์ ท่องยุคครีเทเชียส ยุคจูราสสิก และยุคไทรแอสสิก เผชิญหน้ากับเหล่าไดโนเสาร์เสมือนจริงหลากหลายสายพันธุ์ ตื่นตาไปกับเหล่าไดโนเสาร์นักล่าตัวฉกาจ อาทิ Spinosaurus (สไปโนซอรัส) ไดโนเสาร์กินเนื้อที่ใหญ่ที่สุดในโลกมีกระโดง ยาวกว่า 12 เมตร, Giganotosaurus (จิกาโนโตซอรัส) กิ้งก่ายักษ์แห่งอเมริกาใต้ และ Tyrannosaurus (ไทรันโนซอรัส) ไดโนเสาร์กินเนื้อขนาดใหญ่และทรงพลัง สนุกสนานไปกับเหล่าไดโนเสาร์กินพืช อาทิ Parasaurolophus (พาราซอโรโลฟัส) โดดเด่นด้วยหงอนที่มีลักษณะเหมือนท่อกลวงยาว, Ouranosaurus (อูราโนซอรัส) กิ้งก่าผู้กล้าหาญ และ Triceratops (ไทรเซอราทอปส์) หรือที่รู้จักกันในนามยักษ์ 3 เขา โลดแล่นไปกับสัตว์เลื้อยคลานบินได้ อาทิ Questzalcoatlus (เควทซาลโคท์ลุส) สัตว์เลื้อยคลานบินได้ที่มีขนาดใหญ่เท่าเครื่องบิน, Pterodaustro (เทอโรดอสโตร) สัตว์เลื้อยคลานบินได้ที่มีลักษณะคล้ายกับนก Flamingo คือปากยาวโค้งที่มาพร้อมกับซี่กรองที่ใช้กรองกินสัตว์เล็กๆ เป็นอาหาร และ Pteranodon (เทอราโนดอน) สัตว์เลื้อยคลานบินได้ที่เป็นที่รู้จัก ดำดิ่งลงใต้น้ำไปพบกับปลาโบราณเลื่องชื่ออย่าง Mawsonia และอื่นๆ อีกมากมาย
ผจญภัยท่องโลกล้านปี สัมผัสกับเหล่าไดโนเสาร์ขนาดมหึมาอย่างใกล้ชิด ที่ต้องบอกว่า ยิ่งใหญ่ สมจริง และ ไม่ควรพลาด กับ “Dino Fest 2022” ที่ศูนย์การค้าเซ็นทรัล ภูเก็ต วันที่ 04 – 20 มี.ค. 2022.
Thailand now accepting applications for permanent residency
Thailand is now taking applications for permanent residency from now until December 30, 2020. The number of expats who can apply is capped at 100 per nationality plus 50 stateless individuals. But permanent residency isn’t easy to get in Thailand and applicants need to speak Thai. Local blogger and Samut Prakan school employee Richard Barrow posted on Facebook saying he tried applying a few years ago, but he wasn’t accepted. He says he will apply again this year and could use some advice on how to get accepted.
Richard recommends visiting the website Thai Citizenship, which is run by Chris Larkin, a citizen in both Thailand and Australia.
Here’s the main qualifications for permanent residency:
- Hold a Thai work permit for at least 3 consecutive years.
- Work for the current company for at least 1 year.
- Earn an annual income of at least 80,000 baht per month for at least 2 years, or have filed a tax return for an annual income of 100,000 baht for at least 2 consecutive years.
Applicants will also need the proper documents to file an application. The Thai Immigration has copies of the documents on its website, click HERE to visit. He’s the documents applicants need:
- TM.9 application form
- Form of personal information sheet
- Health certificate from a government hospital
- Map of residence and place of work form
- Salary certificate
- Letter of employment to the Department of Labour
It costs 7,600 baht to file an application. If it’s approved, the residency permit costs 191,400 baht. The permit costs 95,700 baht for spouses and children of those with a residence or who are Thai citizens.
If the application goes through, the applicant will then go through an interview at immigration with a panel of around 7 to 10 officials. Chris calls it a 5 to 10 minute “semi-formal chit-chat” were the applicants talks (in Thai) about themselves and why they want to remain in Thailand (The Thaiger was doing ok up to that part).
If immigration accepts the application, then it goes through what Chris describes as the Ministry of Interior “Black Hole.” He says the process is more “obscure” and approval is at the discretion of the Minister of Interior. In the past, the process took years, but he says recently it has been a lot faster.
Here are the benefits of permanent residency…
- You are granted to stay permanently. In other way, you don’t need to apply for an extension of stay anymore
- You will receive a certificate of alien registration
- You will be able to have your name in a House Book (Ta Bian Ban) not a yellow one, a blue one
- You can enter in the same counter as Thai citizens for immigration passport control for arrival or departure
- A child whose both parents are permanent residents in Thailand must be granted Thai citizenship
- You will be able to buy a condominium in Thailand without transferring money from abroad
- You will be able to apply for citizenship 5 years after your name is registered in a blue ta bian ban
- Able to become director of a Public Thai company
- And you will be exempted of notification of your address every 90 days
Thailand Updated Entry Rules from 1 March 2022
23rd of February 2022, The Thailand CCSA (Center for COVID situation Administration) has announced the Updated Entry Rules for coming to Thailand which Are going to be applied starting from 1 March 2022 onwards.
Updated Entry Rules
Fully Vaccinated Travelers arriving in Thailand can enter through the Updated Test and Go Model, which States that the Traveler Must undergo 1 PCR Test On day 1 upon arrival, and Quarantine in the Hotel room until the Result of the Test Appears. The PCR Test On Day 5 is not Required anymore for all arrivals entering the Kingdom from 1 March onwards. In Addition to that, The Required COVID 19 insurance coverage has been reduced from 50,000 USD to 20,000 USD.
Refund for PCR Test Day 5
For Our Valued Guests Who Have already booked a 2nd PCR Test on Day 5 and arriving 1 March onwards, you can request a refund of The Second Test in case of arriving 1 March onwards and the refund Process will Start accordingly.
New Quarantine Packages
You can check our 1 Day Quarantine Packages in Thailand through the below links:
If the Test result is Negative, the traveler will be able to Travel freely around Thailand, and if the PCR Test is Positive, The Guest will need to be Isolated in Either Quarantine Hotel, or Hospital Depending on the Symptoms and how severe the Illness is.
Phuket Nightlife
Where to party and what to do in Patong at Night?
Patong Nightlife in Phuket is famous the world around for being colorful and carefree. It has evolved a lot to reach every traveler type and is not as rowdy as Pattaya or Bangkok. During the high season (November to May), the nightlife is vibrant in most beach towns. Patong Beach is lively and colorful until 2 am (officially), but often past 4 am.
Nightlife in Patong features great nightclubs hosting international DJs, a few rooftop bars, more live bands than you need, and ladyboy shows that defy your imagination. You might even be tempted to have a look inside those notorious go-go bars at least once.
Rooftop Bars
Where to Party in Patong?
Past sunset, Patong Beach turns itself into a gigantic party town. And since not everyone enjoys the same type of party, there are many ways to enjoy the night, from rooftop bars to international nightclubs. Below are some of the best-known places, but walk around, and you will find an incredible array of bars and clubs.
Bangla Walking Street
Bangla Walking Street, also called Soi Bangla or Bangla Road is the heart of all Phuket Nightlife, and the battle for night supremacy is raging between Soi Seadragon and the new Tiger complex. Over the years, the centre of interest has been moving up and down Bangla road depending on seasons and popularity, but the ever-changing face of Patong nightlife is worth a look. Of course, wherever you go in Bangla, friendly ladies will call you with a big smile and encourage you to have a drink and play a few silly bar games; everyone is welcome.
Shows and Live Bands
Live bands are everywhere in Patong, and thankfully, the sound and skills have improved a lot in recent years. It’s a fierce competition, but not everyone can afford a great band, and some venues would do better concentrating on their food. The best live bars are, without a doubt, New York Music Bar and the famous Hard Rock Cafe.
Hooters
Shopping and Night Markets
Go-Go Bars of Phuket
The concept of Go-Go Bars in Soi Bangla doesn’t vary much between places. It always rotates around a few standard features. So what happens in there? At the centre of the room is an elevated stage with stainless poles, surrounded by stools. Sofas and small tables are lined up around the room, sometimes on two levels, and they play loud music with flashing colourful lights.
Suzy Wong’s A Go Go
Suzy Wong’s is already an icon of Soi Bangla nightlife, and you can’t go to Patong without visiting them. They gave a great deal of effort to the new bar facade with its bright red Chinese decoration and massive door. Despite being the last bar in the Soi Seadragon, you won’t walk by without being intrigued. But go-go bars are not only about beautiful facades, so you’ll ask what makes this one any different from any other go-go bar?
Harem Bar
Harem Lounge is the most luxurious bar in Phuket, with plush red velvet sofas and curtains all around, two main stages with four smaller platforms on each side. The place feels cosy and intimate, and the staffs are beautiful. Just like this wasn’t enough to make you want to visit, Harem is also the most extensive bar since it occupies the space that used to be Playschool and Candy Club.
Other Nightlife Stories
Paradise Complex Gay Street
For almost twenty years, the Phuket Gay party zone’s heart has been beating in the Paradise complex in Patong Beach. I don’t know if the fancy name had any influence on the choice of location, but it’s effortless to find, right at the foot of the ‘Paradise Hotel’, a 24-floor tower standing in the centre of Patong like a lighthouse, well you get the picture. There used to be an impressive gay festival, but it stopped in 2017.
10 Tips to Spot a Ladyboy in Phuket
Did you know that in Bangla Walking Street, those tall, slim, pretty and sexy ladies dancing with colourful outfits and feathers are what is locally called a ladyboy? A ladyboy is a transvestite that is considered here a woman. They look very feminine and get a lot of attention. On Bangla road where they perform their little act of “look at me! I’m more feminine than your wife”. Just keep in mind that while they encourage you to take their photos, payment is always requested once the photo is taken.
10 Fun Ways to PARTY in Patong
Where to Party in Phuket? Everyone expects something different from his holiday, but everyone wants to see the best of it in a minimum amount of time and (almost) everyone wants to PARTY! Here are 10 fun ways to party wild in Phuket, don’t take it too seriously. This is not a Top 10 that would suit everyone, just 10 Fun Party Tips we would recommend to my visiting friends. The list could go on and on, but these are a good start.
Party and Hangover Drinks
Energy drinks are part of the daily landscape of Thailand. Convenience stores always dedicate several fridge shelves to those tiny bottles. Do they work? That might depend on which brand, but mostly that will rely on you. If you are an Italian espresso drinker like us, that might give you a mild boost; for some, it’s an all night long kerosene. If you don’t know what these tiny bottles are, you might want to memorise some of the names! ‘Energy Drinks’ are used as mixers to help you party through the whole night, while ‘Hangover Drinks’ make the next day less miserable. Better safe than sorry!
Proposed Phuket Sandbox Program in July: Here’s what you need to know
Good news for vaccinated travellers, you may travel to Thailand without the need to quarantine under the proposed Phuket Sandbox Program starting July 1st.
The Thai government and Tourism Authority of Thailand encourage all travellers to get inoculated prior to their travel to Thailand. Those who were not vaccinated can still travel to Phuket but must stay in Alternative Local Quarantine (ALQ) for 2 weeks.
Planning to travel to Thailand in July? Here are some of the things you need to know. However, it is important to note that the plan is not yet official and may be subjected to changes depending on the COVID situation in Thailand.
Who can travel to Phuket?
Basically, everyone is welcome, including foreign travellers and their children. However, under the Phuket Sandbox Program, visitors must stay in Phuket for at least 7 days, after which they are free to travel.
Vaccinated travellers from low and medium risk countries must have received their vaccines at least 14 days prior to their travel to Thailand. Travellers must present a vaccine certificate as part of the requirements. Minors do not need to show vaccine certificates, but travellers ages between 12 and 18 must undergo rapid antigen test at their own expense, which cost around THB1,200 to THB1,500.
I got vaccinated; do I have to undergo testing and quarantine?
Protocols differ for international and domestic travellers:
For international travellers:
- Vaccinated travellers (over 18 years old) must do an RT PCR test on day 5 of their stay.
- Non-vaccinated travellers (over 18 years old) will need to do an RT PCR test upon arrival and stay at ALQ (Alternative Local Quarantine) Hotel for 14 days.
- International travellers between 12 and 18 years old will need to undergo a rapid antigen test at Phuket International Airport upon arrival. However, children under 12 years old can travel to Phuket with their parents and do not need to undergo any test.
For domestic travellers:
- Vaccinated travellers (over 18 years old) can enter Phuket without the need of doing any test.
- Non-vaccinated travellers, including minors ages between 12 and 18 years old, will need to do a rapid antigen test at the checkpoint. Meanwhile, children under 12 years old, can enter Phuket with their parents and no need for tests.
I passed the immigration, what now?
All travellers must download the Thailand Plus Mobile App for contact tracing during their entire stay. It uses GPS and Bluetooth to detect locations of mobile phone combined with check-in records via QR code scanning in locations during the travellers’ journey.
From the airport, you will be transferred to your hotel. Transfer and hotel must be SHA-approved (Safety and Health Administration).
Can I go on island tours?
Vaccinated travellers are allowed to do activities within Phuket, but they must observe standard protocols of DMHTT (distancing, mask-wearing, hand washing, testing, Thailand Plus). On day 5, guests will undergo an RT PCR test. If they test positive, they will be transferred to the hospital. If they tested negative, they can visit other islands around Phuket (Phi Phi Islands, Koh Yao, Phang Nga Bay) for a one-day tour.
Can I go to other provinces?
Guests must stay at least 7 nights in Phuket before travelling to any other Province around the Country. They will need to do an RT PCR test 72 hours prior to their departure. In addition, they must present it with the COVID 19 Vaccination certificate at the checkpoint of their destination.
Tourists are allowed to stay less than 7 days in Phuket and travel back home or to another country. However, they are not allowed to travel to another province in Thailand before finishing 7 nights in Phuket. This is to help revive the flailing tourism industry in Phuket.
Source: Royal Vacation, Thai Embassy