Destination Archives - Top Spot Travel

August 13, 2019 by Jeremy

A Guide to Exploring the Thai Islands in 21 Days

If you’re in need of a beach getaway, there is nowhere else on Earth that compares to the Thailand. Whether you travel from Koh Phangan to Koh Phi Phi or Koh Tao to Koh Samui, spending time exploring the Thai islands is the best way to add a slice – or many slices – of paradise to your life.

One of the biggest mistakes among the travelers of the world is not allocating enough time to the islands, so it is important to give yourself plenty of time to soak up the sun. Spending at least two weeks traveling around Thailand is a must, but three weeks is even better. After your 21-day journey island hopping around Thailand, there’s a good chance you won’t be ready to leave.

Get Started in Bangkok

No matter where you intend on going, Bangkok is the ultimate starting point. It is highly recommended that you spend at least a day or two exploring the hustle and bustle of Bangkok before heading to the islands of the South. As the capital of the country, Bangkok serves as the mecca of Thai culture.

Before soaking up the sand, surf, and salt, spend some time trying authentic Thai street food, browsing through night markets, and exploring the temples surrounding Bangkok. One of the biggest mistakes by travelers flying through Bangkok is not spending any time in the city. Sure, it’s hectic and might not be your cup of tea, but just give it a chance for a day or two.

Head South to Phuket

There are a few options for getting from Bangkok to Phuket. The first is to fly, but the much better option is to travel by land. Of course, if you’re in a hurry to get to the southern Thai islands, taking the one hour flight is your best bet. However, you’ll be missing out on some gems that you can only experience by traveling over land. If you do choose to take a bus or train, make a side trip to the National Park called Kanchanaburi.

Once in Phuket, you’ll quickly see why this is referred to as the Gateway to the Andaman Sea. If you’re lucky enough to book accommodations right on the water, you’ll be surrounded by azure waters morning, noon, and night. Although Phuket is touristy and hectic, it is a must-visit destination.

The neighborhood you choose to stay will have a huge impact on your Phuket experience. For crazy nightlife and ladyboys on every corner, head to Patong. For something a bit more lowkey and less in your face, Kata Beach is a better choice.

Take a Ferry to Phi Phi Islands

Phi Phi is known best for being home to the famous Maya Beach where Leo filmed his famous movie, The Beach. Although Maya Beach is currently closed to tourism, there is plenty more to keep you busy. Similar to Phuket, Koh Phi Phi is just as touristy and has a lot going on. However, the tiny size of this island means that you can walk around the entire thing. In fact, you’ll have to resort to getting around on foot since there are no motor vehicles on the Phi Phi Islands at all.

Next, Head to Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta is another fairly small island, but it is large enough to accommodate for cars and scooters. The vibe on Koh Lanta is entirely different than Phuket and Phi Phi. It is way more laid back here, so it’s easy to take a break from partying during your time on this island. Check out Hey Hostel if you’re hoping to stay right on the beach and in need of some social vibes.

From Koh Lanta, Head to the Gulf

If you have the time, make a trip to the island of Koh Lipe and then spend some time in Krabi’s Railay Beach. If not, it’s time to head directly to the Gulf of Thailand from Koh Lanta. The most famous Gulf islands include Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao. Koh Tao is a diver’s paradise, so be sure to check this little island out if you have SCUBA on the brain.

Koh Phangan is home to the infamous full moon parties, so plan your trip accordingly so that you’re on the island during the full moon. Koh Samui is a less popular area, but it’s a great place if you’re hoping to chill and get away from all the partying. There is also an airport in Koh Samui where you’ll be able to catch a flight to Bangkok before heading back home.

August 8, 2019 by Jeremy

How to Prepare Your Home Before Traveling

Your much-needed long vacation is finally coming, and at last, you can fully relax and unwind. To make sure that your mind will not be occupied about the safety and condition of your home while you are away, there are things that you can do to prepare for it. It will help so you can completely feel the moment while on your trip, instead of worrying about your property.

Clean the house

You must leave the house in a clean state because decluttering is something that you don’t want to do when you get home from your vacation. You will be tired from the trip, and all you will want to do is rest. You will thank yourself for doing the cleaning and organizing before traveling. Cover furniture with dust sheets too, to avoid dust and dirt accumulation. You don’t want your gorgeous Ashley North Shore furniture or luxurious bed all covered in dirt when you get home.

Empty the fridge

Remove everything from the fridge if going on an extended vacation to prevent food from getting spoiled, which can cause a nasty smell. If you know that you are going on a trip, limit your shopping before your travel schedule to avoid food from going to waste.

Notify the alarm company

Let your alarm company know that you will be on a vacation so they can respond immediately in case they see something suspicious. You will have peace of mind knowing that someone is looking after the security of your property.

Set the thermostat and water heater

It is not recommended to turn off your cooling and heating system even if you are going on a long trip. The best thing to do is set the thermostat to ensure that you keep it at a comfortable temperature. Some of the latest systems have a vacation mode that you can choose to automatically adjust the setting to one that will be perfect if you will be away for quite some time.

Prepare your pets

You want your pets to be taken good care of even when you are away. Find a trusted person that can look after your pets while you travel. There are also pet service providers that offer accommodation and care for pets while owners are away. Arrange this to make sure that your pets will be comfortable and properly cared for.

Have someone look after your home

If possible, ask a family member, friend, or a trusted individual to look after your home when you travel. It’s best if that person can stay there while you are away, but if not, at least check it regularly.

Set the light timer

Setting the timer to turn on the lights in the late afternoon automatically will trick people into thinking that someone is at home. Intruders will have second thoughts about breaking into your house if they think that there are people in there.

Aside from the things listed, make sure that you double-check all the possible entries to your house, including windows, doors, and gates, and see to it that they are properly locked.

August 8, 2019 by Jeremy

Accommodation Guide: The Importance of Getting a Home-Like Place to Stay While Away from Home

Traveling for a business meeting, training, exchange program, or for a vacation can make you homesick because of the distance and long duration of your trip. One of the things you can do to prevent this emotional state from happening is to look for a home-like place to stay. Aside from a setup that is not far from the features you have at home, a place where you can maximize your stay and do your extra workload is the one to book. This way, you can occupy your mind instead of thinking about how you miss your family back in your hometown. Looking for the accommodation that provides almost all the needs for your temporary stay can help you adjust. It can even help you in getting used to being away from home the next time you go on a trip.

To move freely

Space is essential to ease your mind and relax your body. Limited space can lead to a feeling of discomfort and longing to go back home. Since home serves as the place where you can freely move, this feature is what you should check on before booking your accommodation. Staying in an area that you are not comfortable in can affect your movement. To resolve this problem, you can choose a place that is closest to the setup of your home.

To do your usual routine

Your daily routine is usually affected when you are not staying at your own place. But since you have to cope with your temporary setup, getting a flat or apartment that provides extra home-like features is the best that you can do. These features may range from a kitchen to cook your food, a laundry area where you can wash your clothes, and a bathroom with a tub where you can do your usual bathing. You can even search for a place to stay that has Catnapper furniture like you have at home where you spend your coffee time.

To get your work done

A place where you can also get your work done is a point to consider when booking your accommodation. You can get something with a stable electricity supply and an internet connection to finish your workload. Also, you should consider getting a quiet spot for you to concentrate on the tasks that you need to complete. Having a place like this can help you to be more productive without noticing the passing of time.

To achieve quality rest

Traveling alone sometimes causes sleepless nights and tiresome days. To prevent this from happening, look for a more desirable place to stay where you can rest well, and regain strength for the next day. A comforting bedroom can help you achieve quality rest, so it is better to get something that has a relaxing ambiance, to relax your mind and body.

Even if there is no other place better than home, your accommodation experience while traveling can have little difference to your own home. As long as comfort, convenience, and security are provided, it will still give you a home-like feel while away from home.

May 22, 2019 by Jeremy

Best Business Ideas for People Who Desire To Travel More

If you were to ask a group of people what are some things they wish they could do more of in their lives, traveling would be on the list. Getting away from the norms of everyday life to explore the beautiful world is something most enjoy doing but few have time for. There are a number of reasons for this, but finances and career obligations are common culprits. Needing to pay the bills you’re often strapped to your profession with little to no time off.

Yet, what if there was a way for you to travel more AND earn a living? Thanks to advancements in technology and new business platforms, it is possible. You can now explore the world and be your own boss! Check out some of these killer examples below:

Personal Assistant (High-Profile)

Have a knack for helping others? Personal assistants to high-profile individuals often get the opportunity to travel. With responsibilities ranging from grabbing a coffee and dry cleaning to helping with events and managing personal and professional schedules, the person you work for will rely on you a lot. You can travel across the country or even around the world providing professional services on the go.

Massage Therapist

If you’d like to work in a field that supports the physical and mental well-being of others, perhaps becoming a massage therapist would be ideal. After you’ve received the proper training and certifications, you can launch a mobile business that takes you anywhere you’d like. You’ll need a bit of startup funding to invest in things like a portable massage table, essential oils, candles, linens, and other spa service supplies, but you could book appointments in another city, state, or country.

Travel Blogger

If you’re good at writing and taking photos you could become a travel blogger. You can create a blog for followers that provides general travel tips, travel guides for various destinations, or just share your experiences of traveling around the world. You’ll need to create a presentable blog and come up with efficient marketing practices to increase your following and monetize your site. If you’re not one for writing, however, you can consider becoming a vlogger which is done in the form of videos instead of writing content.

Public Speaker

If you don’t mind speaking in front of crowds and have something valuable to say, you could earn a living and travel as a public speaker. Perhaps you were an expert in your field or you’ve gone through an experience in life and have a message of encouragement? Maybe you have some great skill you’d like to teach others? Please note, however, that as a public speaker you’ll have to take the time to invest in branding and building a strong presence both off and online to start being paid to speak across the country.

Wedding Planner

Do you just love, love? If so, you could make a decent living as a wedding planner. Your job is to help engaged couples plan a wedding and reduce the stress of it all. So, you’d need talents that range from stylist to networker. Yet, marketing your services online opens the doors for you to plan weddings for couples all around the world which allows you to travel more.

Virtual Business

To be quite honest, just about any entrepreneur who starts a virtual business (meaning exclusively performed online) can travel more. Since all of your business needs are digital, you can perform your job anywhere you have a computer or laptop and internet. You can be a virtual assistant, web developer, online tutor, and much more.

There is so much of the world out there to be explored and enjoyed. Yet, life often bounds people to their routines and obligations. If you’d like to travel more but can’t do to finances or your job, perhaps it’s time to consider some changes. By becoming your own boss in any of the fields listed above you can bring home the bacon while traveling as often as you’d like.

May 21, 2019 by Jeremy

The San Francisco skyline: a practical guide to SF’s most beautiful buildings

San Francisco is referred to as the ‘city by the bay’ and is unforgettable for its hills, views, culture, energy, and skyline. Although the skyline in San Francisco is changing on the daily and future plans also confirm that there will be some changes, there are some buildings that will always be associated with the SF skyline. And those iconic and unmissable landmarks, they deserve to stand out on their own as much as they do as a part of the unforgettable SF skyline.

That being said, here is a practical guide in honor of 10 of SF’s most beautiful buildings.

1. Transamerica Pyramid

The Transamerica Pyramid was once headquarters for the Transamerica Corporation and the tallest structure in San Francisco. It has a tapered design and is easily recognized as you look out over the SF skyline. When it was being built, many tried to stop the process, but it has now become a beloved sight in the city.

2. Salesforce Tower

Tech companies have a heavy presence in San Francisco, and the Salesforce Tower not only makes a statement, but also is a reflection of modern day tech-centered San Francisco. Salesforce is a cloud computing company that worked with architect César Pelli to design a sleek look for its building. The award-winning building is a 61-story skyscraper is now the tallest structure in the city, and is an obelisk with rounded glass corners.

3. Millenium Tower

The Millenium Tower, located on Mission Street, is a glass condo box. It was built 80 feet to soft sand, rather than the mandatory bedrock in the Rincon District (since the land used to in fact by the Bay), and is now referred to as the sinking tower of San Francisco.

4. San Francisco City Hall

San Francisco City Hall may not stretch as high as the previous two, but it is a memorable building in the city. Fun fact: The dome of San Francisco City Hall is the fifth largest in the world.

5. Palace of Fine Arts Theater

The Palace of Fine Arts Theater is the last remaining structure built for the Panama Pacific Exposition in 1915. It has pink and beige stone and is a historic and well-loved place in San Francisco.

6. Coit Tower

Coit Tower has an observation deck where visitors are rewarded with a 360 view of the city. You can get a view of the SF skyline from here, or spot it out looking from another direction in the city.

7. One Rincon

One Rincon was the first tall tower built in the SoMa district. It is not loved for its appearance but is now easily identified.

8. 555 Building

The 555 Building is a tall brown building that is very distinctive. Locals can automatically find it among the skyline and often use 555 as a reference point in the city.

9. 181 Fremont

181 Fremont is a new tower located next to the Salesforce Tower. It is divided between residential and commercial space and is shaped like a trapezoid.

10. Flood Building

The Flood Building, located in the Financial District, survived the 1906 earthquake and still stands tall at 12-stories high.

These are just a few of the many beautiful buildings in San Francisco. Given the number of projects in store for the future, in a few years there will be even more.