Thailand Archives | InsideJourneys

Have you recently found yourself researching flights to great winter destinations? Well, if you’re looking for a place to head for vacation this winter and haven’t yet settled on where, there are plenty of great options offering everything from snowy peaks to sand beaches. If you can’t quite make-up your mind on what best suits you, here are 5 great winter destinations that are bound to impress.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/aigle_dore/9997823784/

Iceland

For those willing to head deeper into the winter dark, the North Atlantic country of Iceland has some wonderful natural wonders to offer, including the world-famous Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, a number of breathtaking volcanoes, the stunning Gulfoss waterfall, as well as Thingvellir National Park, which was once home to Viking Althing, the parliament which was first held here in 930 AD.

Greece

Greece is home to a number of important historical sites, including the Athenian Acropolis, which houses such buildings as the Parthenon, as well as the Delphi Archaeological Site, which sits on the slopes of the beautiful Mount Parnassus and holds the temple of Apollo. If you’re looking for something a little more relaxing, then consider heading to one of the Greek islands, where you’ll be able to enjoy life as the locals do outside of the booming tourist season.

Italy

There is never a bad time to visit Italy, and as this country attracts millions of tourists a year, heading here in the off-season will not only make your travels cheaper, but it will also cut down on queues for many of the major sites, such as the Duomo and Uffizi Gallery in Florence, and tours of the Vatican and Colosseum in Rome. Venice is also a wonderful city to visit in the winter, as the canals and narrow walkways create a whole new misty atmosphere in the cold weather.

Croatia

Croatia might be best known for its beautiful Dalmatian coast, and while there is still plenty of things to do and see along the coastline and in cities like Dubrovnik, in the northeast of the country, just outside the capital of Dubrovnik, you’ll find the wonderful Mount Sljeme, a ski resort which features offerings for all levels, from beginner to expert. If you’re stuck halfway between a winter-sports vacation and a trip to the coast, then Croatia might be the place for you.

Thailand

There are few countries that can match the type of winter weather that you’ll find in Thailand, where this season actually provides the country with its most comfortable and enjoyable climate. With some of the world’s best beaches, extremely kind locals, delicious food, and luxurious resorts and hotels, if you’re looking to trade-in the cold and dark of winter for a traditional beach getaway, there is no better place to head.

Wherever you decide to go for your upcoming winter break, be sure to plan in advance to ensure you get all the best deals possible.

Images by Moyan Brenn and Jeff Gunn used under the Creative Commons license.

Of all the places I’d like to visit, Thailand’s combination of diverse landscapes and wildlife is a definite must-see….here’s why!

For anyone who is fascinated by nature – and as more and more of the world’s population urbanise, it’s important not to leave the greenery behind! – certain world destinations will always hold a special appeal.

For me, Thailand is one such place whose tropical climate and diverse wildlife and vegetation has always appealed to me. I think it’s a trip of a lifetime sort of thing, and though I search for Thailand flights quite frequently (DialAFlight are a good option), I always hold myself back from clicking through.

I think it’s about quality not quantity, and I want to get it right. Still, here are a few things that I’ve been dreaming of: bird watching, waterfalls, national parks, wild cats, undiscovered beaches. Thailand has 48 national parks – a huge number for a country its size – and these span the length and breadth of the country.

Khao Yai National Park (pictured) is the country’s oldest and I would say the most appealing, not least because it is possible to arrange responsible accommodation within the park itself. It’s also reputed to be one of the world’s most rewarding and lush conservation sites, with 67 mammal species and 3,000 species of plants.

001 — Khao Yai National Park by whitecat sg on flickr

It’s pretty easy to get to from Bangkok, so you can immediately escape the city. On my wishlist at the park: the Heo Suwat waterfall, spotting an Asiatic black bear (and an Asiatic elephant!), trekking in the denser rainforest, trailing tigers; running around after the numerous junglefowl – of which there are over 300 species in the park.

I’d also like to visit the Phetra National Park which encompasses a group of islands across the south west coast. This is a great chance to do some snorkeling and non-harmful diving, making the most of the country’s good weather and clear waters.

As a region which has been burnt by irresponsible tourism and growth in the past, it’s particularly important to respect the preserved and delicate sites that Thailand has within its borders.