Thailand is one of the most beautiful countries, with many people having it on their bucket list as destinations to see before they die. You may be glad to know that it is possible to plan a luxurious trip, even if you are on a budget, as long as you do this effectively and in advance.
This article will provide you with top tips on how to plan a luxurious trip to Thailand so that you can fully take advantage of the country whilst you are there.
Set a Budget
The very first thing you will need to do is set a budget before you start making any plans. It is a good idea to find out how much money you are likely to spend in Thailand and how much money you can afford to actually spend, especially if you want the full luxury experience. You should research how expensive life is over there.
How much does the food cost? Are you planning to visit attractions where you have to pay in advance? Going abroad without a budget is risky as you may be tempted to spend without thinking and you will overspend. You should certainly enjoy yourself on the trip but you should not put yourself in financial hardship, as you may still have bills to pay when you come back home. Setting a budget does not mean that you will have to be cheap and miss out on any luxury but it will keep you aware of where your money is going – it may also keep you motivated to save up money for the trip.
Decide on the Purpose of the Trip
Thailand is a versatile country and there is so much to do and see. Depending on how long you are going for, you may not have the time to do everything you may want to do. People travel abroad for a variety of reasons – some want peace and quiet whilst others want to explore. You can do both, but you should decide on the main plan for going to Thailand so that you do not waste any time when you are there and so that you can plan your trip accordingly.
For example, if you want to see the temples, you may want to stay in an accommodation where this is easily accessible. Once you know why you are going to Thailand and set a purpose for the trip, it can be easy to plan around this.
Research the Best Time to Visit the Country
There are always specific times when it is best to visit a country, no matter where you plan on going. You cannot always assume that because it is Summer where you are that it will be hot in another country or vice versa. There are seasons in Thailand where it rains heavily and frequently, so if you want to explore the area or catch some sun, you may want to avoid these months.
Similarly, you may want to avoid going when it is too hot, otherwise, you may struggle to complete any activities outdoors.
Travel During Off-Peak Season
This may be difficult for those traveling with little ones due to school holidays but traveling during off-peak season is ideal. Peak season means that there are an increasing number of people traveling and your destination may be overflowing with tourists. This may not be the luxury trip you have in mind.
Traveling during peak season has its perks as there will be more people around, so if you want to socialize you will definitely be able to make a few friends, albeit probably not locals. Traveling off-peak may save you some money so try to schedule your trip during this time if this is possible for you.
Make a Plan
Making a plan is essential – even those who are not overly organized and like spontaneity should know what they are doing. Having a plan will make things simple. This can be highly beneficial, especially if you are traveling in a group. It can feel overwhelming and chaotic going to another country without planning where you are staying and what you are doing.
You can leave some room for plans to change but everyone should have an idea of what is going on, to increase the chances of the trip going smoothly and being unforgettable. You may find that lack of planning can result in you not being able to relax and you will come back more exhausted than when you left.
Book Your Accommodation
Accommodation should be one of your priorities, particularly if you are aiming for luxury. Staying at an appropriate place will make a massive difference to your trip, especially if you stay there for some time. Even if you plan on being out for the majority of the time, you will still want to come back to a comfortable place where you can fully relax.
In addition to this, you may want the accommodation to have additional features, including some of the meals as part of the package so that you do not end up spending too much money solely on eating out. Consider the location of where you are staying so that you can easily get to whatever attractions and plans you have in mind to do in Thailand.
Plan Your Transport
This is another crucial part of planning a luxury trip to Thailand – it is very unlikely that you will stay in one place for the entire duration of your stay. For this reason, you may want to plan to travel from one place to another. There are a number of luxurious options to travel in style and you do not have to take the bus or walk all the time. You can hire a limousine or rent a luxury car so that you can arrive in style. You should add this as part of your budget, as discussed above.
Consider Who You Are Bringing With You
Who you are bringing to the trip can make a difference in how much you will enjoy yourself. It is possible to have a luxurious experience even if you are on a budget but you should discuss this with the people you are traveling with ahead of the trip so that they know this is what you are planning and so that everyone can be on the same page. Everyone in the group should be a part of the planning stages so that every individual knows what is going on.
Make a List of What You Need
Making a list of everything you need is a good idea so that you do not forget anything. It should be made with some time to spare so that you add everything needed to it. You can add things such as a camera, documents, what type of clothes you will need, etc.
This way you can check off all the items as you go and it will reduce the chances of you forgetting something. Feeling frustrated because you forget an important item is an opposite of having a luxurious trip.
Research More About the Country
It is good practice to research about the country before you visit it. You may want to visit Thailand for a specific reason, but there will certainly be a lot more about the country that you do not know about. Researching about the place will give you an idea of what to expect and will shine the country in a brand new light. Thailand is known for its beauty and beaches and nature but there is so much more to it.
If you have never been there and do not know much about it, you should certainly do some research online or even read a few books. This can even help you find new places that you will want to see before the end of your trip.
Learn About the Culture
Every culture is different and this is something that you must remember whenever you visit another country. You would not like tourists to come to your country and disrespect your culture, so make sure that you do not do this yourself even if unintentionally. Learn about the culture and the locals so that you can respect them as much as possible.
Thailand is a spiritual place and if you are not aware of what they believe in or how they act, then you may not feel as welcome by the locals. Even if you intend on staying in one place and not mixing with the Thai, it is still good to know more about the culture you are visiting.
Learn the Language
Learning a new language is difficult and can take a lot of time. In addition to this, not everyone finds it easy to learn a brand new language. However, there are a few sentences and words that you can use that may be helpful on your trip and the natives will certainly appreciate it.
Tourists often take language for granted and assume that everyone will speak English – although this may be true for locations that are highly populated by tourists, there will still be many people who do not speak the universal language. Learning how to say hello, goodbye, how are you, and even how to order food will not take long and can make a difference in breaking some of the language barriers between you and the locals.
If you are looking for a new country to visit, you should certainly consider Thailand. Make sure to make the most of your visit and have a luxurious experience by following the tips discussed on this page. You will have an experience that you will never forget.