Areeya Taylor

Boulder, CO

Thailand Travel Agent Expert

Thailand is a captivating destination in Southeast Asia, known for its rich history, diverse culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. The country offers a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern conveniences, attracting travelers from around the globe. From its bustling cities and serene temples to idyllic islands and lush mountains, Thailand offers something for every type of traveler.Major Cities and Cultural Landmarks Bangkok, the vibrant capital, is often the first stop for visitors. This city is a chaotic yet mesmerizing mix of modern skyscrapers, ancient temples, and vibrant street markets. Notable landmarks include the Grand Palace, the revered Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), and Wat Arun along the Chao Phraya River. Bangkok is also a shopping haven, with luxury malls like Siam Paragon and endless street markets offering everything from local food to unique souvenirs.In the north, Chiang Mai is famous for its relaxed atmosphere and cultural richness. Surrounded by mountains and temples, it’s known for its historical Old City, which is home to over 300 temples. Visitors can explore the famous Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, take part in cooking classes, or wander through night markets to experience local cuisine. Chiang Rai, nearby, offers a more laid-back vibe and is home to the stunning White Temple (Wat Rong Khun).Beaches and Islands Thailand’s beaches are world-renowned for their white sand and crystal-clear waters. In the Andaman Sea, Phuket is the largest and most famous island, offering both luxury resorts and lively nightlife. For a quieter experience, Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta provide serene beach scapes and great snorkeling and diving opportunities.In the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui is another popular island, known for its palm-fringed beaches, upscale resorts, and wellness retreats. Koh Phangan, nearby, is famous for its Full Moon Party, a monthly beach festival that attracts party-goers from around the world.Krabi province is home to some of Thailand’s most dramatic landscapes, including Railay Beach, which is accessible only by boat and is a haven for rock climbers. The islands of Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan are popular for scuba diving, with rich marine life and coral reefs.Nature and Adventure Thailand’s natural beauty extends beyond its beaches. The northern region offers mountains, waterfalls, and opportunities for trekking. Pai, a small town in the mountains near Chiang Mai, is known for its hot springs, waterfalls, and relaxed atmosphere. Doi Inthanon National Park is home to Thailand’s highest peak and offers lush hiking trails through cloud forests.In central Thailand, the Kanchanaburi region is famous for the Erawan National Park, with its stunning tiered waterfalls, and the Bridge on the River Kwai, which holds significant World War II history.For wildlife lovers, Khao Sok National Park in southern Thailand is a must-see, with its ancient rainforest, dramatic limestone cliffs, and emerald-green lakes. Visitors can explore the park on jungle treks, kayak through rivers, or stay in floating bungalows on Cheow Lan Lake.Culture and Festivals Thailand’s deep-rooted culture and traditions are evident in its festivals and everyday life. Songkran, the Thai New Year celebrated in April, is the country’s biggest festival, marked by nationwide water fights and traditional rituals to wash away bad luck. Loy Krathong, usually held in November, is another beautiful festival where people release floating lanterns and decorated baskets into rivers, symbolizing the letting go of misfortune.Thai culture is also heavily influenced by Buddhism. Visitors can see monks collecting alms in the morning or explore peaceful meditation retreats. The respect for the monarchy is another significant aspect of Thai society, with portraits of the royal family found in homes, businesses, and public spaces across the country.Thailand is a relatively affordable destination for travelers, with options ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious five-star resorts. The local currency is the Thai Baht, and English is commonly spoken in tourist areas, though learning a few basic Thai phrases can enhance the experience. Transportation within the country is efficient, with low-cost airlines, buses, and trains making it easy to explore various regions.Thailand's tropical climate means warm weather year-round, though the best time to visit is during the cool season from November to February, avoiding the intense heat and monsoon rains.Conclusion Thailand’s blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and warm hospitality makes it one of the world’s most popular travel destinations. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural exploration, Thailand offers an unforgettable experience. From its bustling cities and sacred temples to its tranquil islands and lush jungles, the Land of Smiles welcomes travelers with open arms. 4o

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Cuba Travel Agent Advisor

Beautiful vintage card in old Havana

Cuba is such a country of contrasts. I didn't know what to expect before I went there. I'm always curious about the country, and a lot of Americans probably share the same sentiment. Cuba has the image of a forbidden fruit, mysterious and prohibited, and that's probably what drew me.

We were already planning a trip to Miami and decided, "Why not go to Cuba too?" Havana was only an hour flight from Miami. I researched a lot regarding entry and exit requirements - Are Americans really allowed to Cuba? Do we need a visa? What do we need to do to return to the US? etc. We were told to show up three hours before our flight at Miami airport, which we did. We expected a long queue and to be asked a lot of questions, but the check-in process was quick and was done in under 10 minutes.

There are three most important things below that you need to do in order to go to Cuba with an American passport from America 1) Select the "correct" reason to go to Cuba when purchasing your flight as using tourism as a reason is currently not allowed 2) Get the correct tourist visa (leave from the USA vs. the rest of the world) 3) Fill out the Cuba government entry form and have the QR code ready.

Once we arrived in Havana, the entry process was surprisingly painless. We got out of the airport and got picked up in a blue 1950s Chevy to our hotel. Along the way, you'll notice right away that there are no road signs. You have to know where you're going, although Google Maps works, you won't have signal unless you have purchased a Cuban SIM card. In addition to the SIM card, your US credit cards won't work either because of the embargo, so get plenty of US dollars cash to last you for the whole trip.

Havana Quick Cost Breakdown:

Casa particular (local resident hotel): $30 per night

Food: $5-$10 per meal

Beer: $1

Cocktail: $2-$10 (depending where)

Vintage car pickup from the airport: $30 one way

Our first impression of Havana was "dirty and run-down." It's like time has stopped progressing for 70 years. When we went in September 2024, there was a shortage of gas/petro, so the garbage trucks had also stopped running, hence the piles of trash. We quickly realized you don't come to Havana for strolling down beautiful cobblestone streets. But we are here to educate ourselves.

Throughout the next few days, we learned so much about the Cuban economic and education system. How the government pretty much takes 80-90% of whatever you make/grow. Less than 10% of businesses are privately owned. Legally, Cubans have to go to school until they are 15 years old, which makes it one of the most literate countries. The average income is around $20 a month, which is impossible to live on, so it's understandable that everyone is hustling to survive.

Because of all the hardship, you would think Cubans are depressed and sad, but it's the opposite. People are constantly playing music, talking, and laughing. We literally hear music being played day and night; so much so that we have to use earplugs to go to sleep. The Cubans we met are some of the friendliest people.

My takeaway from the visit is to have the courage to face problems and not give up easily. It's true that the problems I'm facing day to day are nothing compared to what the Cuban people are facing every day. But the point here is not to marginalize anyone's problems but instead to have the courage to fight and just keep going.

One final note is if you are considering going to Cuba, please consider staying locally in a casa particular instead of large hotels that are owned by the government. Eat at local restaurants owned by the people and try to directly support the Cuban people as much as you can instead of giving the money to the government.

And of course, I would love to be your travel advisor for planning your Cuba trip. It's definitely a country worth going to and coming back inspired and more educated.

My Reviews

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Trip for seniors

One of the things I appreciated most was Areeya's understanding of the needs of senior travelers. She booked accommodations with comfortable beds, easily accessible bathrooms, and elevators where needed. Sightseeings were carefully planned to avoid strenuous activities and included ample rest breaks. This level of attentiveness made the entire trip a joy, allowing me to fully enjoy without any worries.

By BL from Hartford, CT
Traveled to Japan ~ East and Southeast Asia

I would recommend this agent to my family and friends