Thailand itinerary- Before. You Go

Self-Reflection

As you begin to plan your journey halfway around the world, understanding the "why" behind going will help you make the most of your experience. Check out Simon Sinek's book start with why!
An inspirational quote from Ian Baubatta: "travel renders you speechless, then turns you into a story teller!"
What story do you want to tell when you return? Why are you going!? Go there, and live it!

Finances
Apply for a travel credit card. JP Morgan Chase Sapphire Preferrred or Capitol one venture cars are the best. I have both. Right now I only charge everything on my chase card to boost my "miles". Their customer service is extraordinary no matter where you are in the world and their points are tremendous plus it's not linked to any airline, hotel, etc... You can spend as you wish. Ive already earned my flights back to Asia and back.
Open a Charles schwab checking account and get their international debit card. My family has been banking with CS my entire life so perhaps I am biased but I think they are the premiere financial instruction in servicing their clients. Even though I do not have a lot of money, I am sure treated like it. Huge perk- CS does not have any ATMs so to solve this problem they allow you to go anywhere and pay for the fees. This way you never have to worry about visiting the ATM too many times on your trip. Plus the deposit back in your bank account after your travels making up for the fees you acquired is awesome!
Figure out what your budget is and stick to it!
A huge perk of Thailand is in additon to how affordable it is once you're there, is also the quality. Due to my backpackers budget I am not as well experienced in the "luxurious" side of Thai Travel, but I can guarantee you that some of the most delicious food I devoured was from the street for pennies.
Understand that bargaining is part of thai culture- so in markets cut the offered price in half and smile and joke around then find a middle ground and don't be afraid to walk away to secure your bargain.

Flights
Set up daily flight alerts on airfarewatchdog.com to BKK.
Suvarnabhumi Airport) is the international airport in Thailand you will fly into. Thailand has several airports, two in bankok so always check your tickets on where you are flying from/to. However, it is fairly easy on public transportation to get from one airport to the other. There is a free shuttle which takes approx an hour.

Visas
Do your visa preparation
Upon arrival in Thailand you will apply for a 30 day tourist visa at airport immigration. It's $35. Having extra passport photos on hand, being sure your passport is not within 6 months of expiration, and addresses of where you will be "residing" in Thailand will expedite the process. They are very organized and everything is also in English. Just follow the heard getting off the flight to get to immigration.

Packing
Rule: If you don't wear it at home you won't like wearing it when traveling
I'm a very light packer. You do your thing. Here is the backpack which gets me place to place without checking luggage: Image from http://www.backcountry.com/images/items/900/OSP/OSP0249/CONGN.jpg.

Stuff I am glad to always have on hand when traveling:
  • Duct tape
  • Anti-Malaria pills (although I chose not to take these in Thailand although recommended)
  • Tiny first aid kit with lots of ibuprofen and pepto bismol (only sell Imodium in most countries and my body reacts better with the pink stuff!)
  • Don't pack any shawls- buy a sarong when you get there!
  • Dress that works by day or night
  • At least two bathing suits
  • Baby or face wipes
  • A small backpack for day trips
  • I only bring tennis shoes and Birkenstocks, there are seldom times I miss my strapy gold summer wedges (but it's your honeymoon and you want to look hot!!)
  • A light, activewear pullover or zippy (it actually can cool off at night) plus to tour any temples your shoulders and knees need to be fully covered
  • Journal
  • I-phone( doubles as camera and notepad plus can buy cheap simcard in country if necessary)
  • French Hair clip that can double as a brush
  • Tampons- they're hard to find for some reason
  • Something to make you feel absolutely fabulous- I don't go anywhere without my twist top travel Chanel Mademoiselle perfume
Travel Tips:
  • utilize screenshot on your phone for all reservation emails/ important travel info then create a travel folder of these photos to easily find
  • Even though tipping is not customary it can make a big difference abroad if you do- pack some extra US singles or carry small foreign currency/bills to leave behind as a nice american citizen
  • Get your vaccines/ travel check up at least 1 month prior to departure
  • Don't worry about planning everything out before hand...no matter what you do to prepare, you never know what awaits you when you arrive, so leave some time to be spontaneous #SEOT
  • have a f@&%!ng blast
Remember to share your EEE moments with me so you can be featured on the blog and enlighten the world!!