August 2020

One thing that you will notice when you go to Bangkok for the first time is that the cost of the 5-star hotels is much less than you would pay in many European or North American countries. You can stay in a luxury hotel for less than £100 a night, although there are others where you can spend hundreds per night. If you are planning a trip to Bangkok for the first time and want to stay in the lap of luxury, you will not go wrong, choosing any of the hotels below.

Dusit Suites Hotel Ratchadamri

If you want to stay in a Bangkok suite hotel that has all the luxuries a discerning traveller may need, then the Dusit Suites Hotel in Ratchadamri is a perfect choice. The hotel is located away from the tourist masses, and you will get to enjoy the peaceful surroundings while still being in the heart of the city. With everything that you need for a fantastic stay, the Dusit Suites hotel will have you wanting to come back, time and time again.

The Peninsula Bangkok

The Peninsula is located along the Chao Phraya River, and offers spectacular views of the city, especially on the upper floors. There is a free ferry boat to take you across the river, making it easy to get out and explore the city, or you can relax by the pool and soak up some sun. Fine dining is also on offer with traditional and modern Thai cuisine, Chinese and Western food available, and offers some of the best food in the city.

The Mandarin Oriental

The Mandarin Oriental hotel is on the opposite side of the river to the Peninsula hotel and offers guests luxurious surroundings while being conveniently located. The hotel is in a historic part of the city and has been welcoming travellers for over 140 years. The rooms are luxurious and spacious, and the hotel has all the amenities that you may need, including a business centre, a spa and wellness centre, and also excellent dining options.

Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit

Located in the vibrant area of Sukhumvit, the Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit offers you a refuge from the craziness that you find on the Bangkok streets. You can enjoy the view from the rooftop infinity pool, or have a bite to eat and some drinks on the rooftop bar. You can even opt for a VIP room, and enjoy a suite that is fit for a king. With six restaurants, bars and lounges available, you can relax in luxury before you go out and brave the streets to explore what Bangkok has to offer.

These are a few of the top-quality 5-star hotels that are available in Bangkok, but there are plenty more besides. For a full list of all the best hotels, please click here.

If you are planning a holiday on the Gold Coast and deep sea fishing is on your mind, this article was written for you. You couldn’t find a better location for some serious game fishing than the stretch of coastline on the Gold Coast, and the first thing to do is decide on a package. Typically, you would have a full 9-hour day, during which time you will be taken to a spot that offers the best chance of catching your preferred species, and with top-rated equipment and a seasoned skipper, you can relax and enjoy some of the best deep sea fishing there is.

Fish Species

The list of fish that inhabit the deep sea stretch off the Gold Coast includes the following:

• Parrot Fish
• Marlin
• Snapper
• Tuskfish
• King Fish
• Tuna

While there are other species, the above are always available and with an experienced deep sea skipper, you stand a great chance of landing a monster fish!

Sourcing a Charter Boat

If you search online for deep sea fishing charters that cover the Gold Coast, you will have a list of established charter companies, and the provider would offer several charter packages. For deep sea fishing, you are advised to book a full day, which would be a 9-hour experience, and the charter would normally be for 12-18 people. The charter company will not take you out if the weather reports are unfavourable, so when booking, you should give them your phone number and if the weather reports are not good, they’ll postpone the trip, at no cost to you.

Top Notch Tackle

When you charter a deep sea fishing boat, you are assured of the best fishing tackle, as the experts are equipped for the monster catch you are hoping for, plus the seasoned skipper knows all the best spots for all the available species that are found off the Gold Coast.

Prior to setting off for the trip, you should make sure that you are wearing suitable clothing, and the skipper will instruct you upon arrival. The charter would be all inclusive of fishing tackle, bait and soft drinks, so all you have to bring is yourself and your group for an amazing deep sea fishing experience that you will never forget.

Once you have made contact with the charter company, they can advise you regarding available dates and you can book online.

New Zealand is known all over the world for its incredible landscape, it was the main reason Hollywood chose to film the Lord of the Rings movies there. If you like to hike, run, or walk outdoors in the wilderness, it is important to take precautions. Outdoor activities like hiking are one of the best ways to stay fit and enjoy nature.

Here are some things to know before you go trekking or walking outdoors.

Decide on a Plan of Action

Before you go out trekking, running, or walking, make sure your plan your trip in advance. Have a look at the nature trails and choose one that suits your physical fitness. One of the biggest mistakes people make is not planning ahead, they then run into trouble and have no contingency plan in place. You should be familiar with the outdoor safety code, especially if you are going out alone without a guide. Make sure you leave at a suitable time that gets you back to your car before it gets dark.

Let Others Know

One of the worst things you can do when going trekking outdoors is to not inform anyone of your plans. If something goes wrong and you cannot contact anyone, how will they know you are in danger or need assistance? There are useful forms online that can be completed and sent on to a family member or friend detailing your whereabouts and plans for the trip. If you don’t want to do this, a simple text message or phone call is enough to let others know your intentions.

Check the Conditions

Even if it is in the middle of the summer, make sure you check the weather to ensure you are prepared for what lies ahead. Just because Google tells you everything is fine for next few days; doesn’t mean you should neglect to check on the day.

Food & Water

It is always sensible to bring extra food and water when you go trekking in the wild. Although you probably won’t need it, it will be a lifesaver if things take a bad turn.

When going out into nature, whether for a few hours or a few days, it is vitally important to follow all of the points mentioned above. You should know the outdoor safety code and follow each of the instructions. Hiking, walking, and camping outdoors is a great adventure, but it can become dangerous if you don’t take precautions.