Tie the knot! – ideas for your beach wedding

More and more people are getting married overseas. If you’re thinking of tying the knot on a perfect beach here are a few suggestions;

With increasing numbers of couples choosing to marry overseas, it’s becoming much easier to organise your nuptials in a foreign land. A beach at sunset is a perfect backdrop for your special day, but there are certain practical implications to bear in mind.

If you’re planning a beach wedding, think carefully about the wedding dress and suits – you’ll want them to be of light, natural fabrics such as cotton or linen. Try to avoid silk as this can be extremely hot, and morning suits or tuxedos could cause overheating  if worn for a long time. If the bride has set her heart on a long train, she might want to consider a detachable one – it can then be removed when it’s in danger of getting wet or sandy. Shorter dresses are more practical in the tropical heat, as are halter neck styles, or those with spaghetti straps.

You should also think about how you’re going to pack your chosen outfits – choose crease resistant clothes that can survive being packed in a suitcase.Another top tip to remember is to use loads of suntan lotion as you don’t want to be plagued by sunburn on your big day. Remember to check the legal requirements of the country you plan to get married in too. Many specialist operators will handle all the paperwork for you, but it goes without saying that you should ensure you have completed all the relevant processes and procedures required by the country you have chosen for your wedding well before the big day.

With the wide range of wedding packages abroad on offer, it’s hard to decide where to go, so here are some great beach destinations for wedding holidays to get you started:

Tobago: Tobago is your classic desert island, and was possibly the inspiration for Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe. With its gentle, laid-back vibe, Tobago is perfect for those seeking a quieter wedding location. Beach weddings are available across the island, so you can choose the view that ‘speaks’ to you.

Thailand: You’ll be spoiled for choice for white sandy beaches in Thailand. All the major tourist resorts, including KohSamui and Phuket, can provide packages for you and your guests. You can choose from traditional weddings or mix in some of the rituals of Buddhism, and be blessed by Buddhist monks as you take your vows.

Australia: If you want to combine your beach wedding with all the advantages of a city break, Sydney offers it all. You can take advantage of the laid-back Aussie lifestyle and enjoy the golden beaches at the same time. Other popular Australian destinations include the beaches along the Gold Coast – or head up to the Whitsunday Islands and make your vows on Whitehaven beach – arguably one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and accessible only by sea or air.

South Africa: Depending on what you want from a beach wedding, you can choose from Cape Town’s Atlantic coast, with sandy beaches and Table Mountain as a backdrop, or head further up the coast to East London, with the warmer waters of the Indian Ocean with equally beautiful beaches. There are pros and cons to both: Cape Town’s beaches are more easily accessible, but can be busy with holidaymakers and can be windy. The sea temperatures here are also a few degrees lower than the Indian Ocean.

USA: The beaches of California are legendary, and Southern California boasts some real beauties. Couples can pledge their troths with the sand between their toes, and even cram in a trip to Disney World! Laguna, Huntington, Newport beaches are popular choices, but you’re bound to find one that works for you. Other noteworthy US beach wedding destinations include Hawaii, Florida.

My thanks for this sponsored post, written by Belinda Weber, to luxury holidays specialist Thomson Tailormade.

Photo credits: Beach wedding by LizSullivan, beach kiss by masochismtango

This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com – Read more travel articles at Travel Blog Home

You’ll also find our sister blog with tips on how to build a successful travel blog at My Blogging Journey

Don’t miss out – subscribe to Heather on her travels

Exploring the Markets and Night Markets of Thailand

This sponsored post explores the markets of Thailand, from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, where from morning to night you can find everything from flowers and fruit, to antiques and handicrafts, not to mention delicious food stalls and a taste of everyday Thai life.

The markets of Thailand are legendary – not just for their affordable gifts, but because they allow visitors to get a taste of the real Thailand life experience. With cheap flights to Bangkok readily available, a visit to Thailand’s marketplaces provides an affordable way to experience Thai culture. Here are some of the markets you should look out for when you visit Bangkok and Chiang Mai;

Jatujak Market

Bangkok’s Jatujak Market offers everything from live animals to antiques. This is a large market and to cover all of its offerings in one article would take a considerable effort. Jatujak is open weekends from 7 AM to 7 PM. Entrance is free.

Pat Klong Talat Flower Market

Located near Wat Pho temple, the incredible array of flowers, fruit and vegetables makes Pat Klong Talat one of Bangkok’s finest fresh markets – this one is sure to tantalise the senses.

Nong Khai –Tha Sadet Market

The Sadet Market is located on the main pier for the Mekhong River crossing from Nong Khai to Tha Dua in Laos, and serves as a focal point for trade between Northeast Thailand and Laos. In addition to regional items and local produce, many of the goods sold at Tha Sadet Market come from areas outside of the region. Tha Sadet Market is open daily, but visitors must produce proper visa/paperwork for entry.

Bobae Market/Bobae Tower

Bobae Market offers inexpensive clothing at cost price, but can only be purchased by the dozen. Nearby Bobae Tower offers the same items in smaller quantities. Both the market and tower are open daily between 6 AM and 7 PM.

Pratunam Market

One of the biggest clothing markets in Thailand is Bangkok’s Pratunam Market. Note that clothing here varies in quality, as do the prices. Haggling is a must if you intend to buy more than one of any item. Pratunam Market is open from 8 AM to 9 PM.

Patpong Night Market

Patpong Night Market is brimming with street stalls offering pretty much anything the discerning traveller might be looking for. Prices are reasonable and the central Bangkok location makes it easily accessible.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Talaat Naam – the floating markets – are boats filled with wares, vying for the attentions of passers-by. Damnoen Saduak is one of four major floating markets in Bangkok.

Mae Hong Son –The Morning Market

A visit to The Morning Market is not for buying gifts, but rather gathering insight into how the locals live. The market opens early and is usually bustling by 9 AM. Located in Mae Hong Son, this market provides a wealth of photographic opportunities.

Chatachuk and Suan Lum

Chatachak Weekend Market and Suan Lum Night Market are two popular attractions for Bangkok’s visitors. Suan Luam is located in the heart of Bangkok while Chatachak is a 35-acre market featuring over 8,000 market stalls.

Ratchadaphisek Vintage Night Market

Located in Bangkok, Ratchadapisk, the night market, opens from 8 PM to 11 PM every Saturday and features a plethora of second-hand and vintage goods – from knick-knacks to vintage motorbikes.

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

Known locally as Kad Luang, the Night Bazaar is one of Chaing Mai’s most popular attractions. Located in the city centre, the Night Bazaar offers inexpensive trinkets and gifts, as well as some of the best street food in Thailand.

Chaing Mai Handicraft Markets

Chaing Mai also offers several popular and easily accessible day markets, including Warorot, Ton Lamyai Flower Market, Somphet Food Market, and Tapae Square and the Walking Street.

Photo Credits: Patpong flower market at night by  cibergaita , Noodle vendor – Weekend market – Bangkok by thevortex

Enjoy more Asian Adventures

Elephants encounters at Chiang Mai – in Thailand
A culinary trip to Thailand
A Fairtrade trip to the Philippines

This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com – Read more travel articles at Travel Blog Home

Don’t miss out – subscribe to Heather on her travels

A local’s impressions of living in Bangkok

My sponsored post gives you an insider’s view of Bangkok from Julia Kernaghan, who originally comes from Australia, but who has been living and working in the “City of Angels” for over a year and now calls Bangkok home

I often get asked why I love living in Thailand, more specifically… how can I live in the urban, sprawling metropolis that is Bangkok. It’s so easy to answer… the smiles, the massages, the street food, the Chao Phraya River and of course the shopping! Thailand is often portrayed as the ‘Land of Smiles’, and I have to say that understanding and speaking a little Thai goes a long way in ensuring that you’re always at the end of a beautiful smile here in Bangkok. Employ a little patience and you’ll enjoy this vibrant, buzzing, bustling and hectic city. You might wonder what we locals actually do in our spare time that is different to what the guide books suggest?

The answer really is that I do a lot of what is suggested, however, I tend to deviate from what the guidebooks say. Since moving here over a year ago I’ve now got the courage to go off the beaten track – that’s with regard to everything from, say exploring the backstreets to sampling the street food. I agree with the general comments that Bangkok can be totally overwhelming with the amount of choice you have, therefore when I find my favourites and I tend to stick to them.

Shopping

Shopping is the unofficial national past-time – there are so many places to shop in Bangkok. You’ve got the main shopping area in Siam – MBK, Siam Square, Siam Paragon and Amarin Plaza – just to name a few. But my favourites are Suan Lum Night Bazaar and Chatuchak Weekend Market, I love the intensity and vibrancy of Chatuchak; there are literally thousands of stalls and if you’re anything like me – you’ll come home with much much more than you set out to buy! Some other interesting places to visit are Chinatown and the nearby Sampeng Markets, wander along the narrow alleyways, you’ll see that the shops are overflowing with products, don’t hesitate to turn over the well trodden path – you never know what fantastic shopping fun you may stumble across! These Siam hotels will have you staying in the heart of the shopping vicinity.

Spas and Thai Massage

I like nothing more than being pampered… and in Bangkok I’m spoilt for choice. After a long day in the office, or exploring the city sights on foot, it’s so nice to pop into my favourite Thai massage, a 1.5 hour foot massage It’s also great to get a mani/pedi, facial or a traditional Thai massage (not necessarily all at once, but I’ve seen it done!). You’ll find a Thai massage house around every corner and possibly one, two or three next to each other! And yes, I agree with your next thought… how do I find the right one with all the choice available? I recommend that you choose the one you feel most comfortable in – it may not necessarily be the cheapest!

Chao Phraya River

The Chao Phraya River weaves and winds its way through Bangkok; it’s a major transportation artery for this city, it’s also a fabulous way to get around and see some of Bangkok’s beautiful sights. You’ll have great views of the river if you stay in a riverside hotel. Watch the hustle and bustle that occurs on the river, you’ll see barges full of building supplies chug their way up stream, oh try not to blink otherwise you’ll miss the long tail boats screaming past! Jump on the local ferry or take your own long tail boat, it’s a great way to access the flower markets, the Grand Palace, the stunning Wat Arun and even Khao San Road is not far from the river. It’s also a great way to get to the Floating Markets or even as far as the old capital Ayutthaya.

Thai Street food

So my home country is Australia and it has some pretty amazing Thai restaurants and great Thai food, however, it’s not a patch on what you’ll find in Bangkok. Once you’ve built up the courage to eat at the street stalls, you’ll wonder why it took you so long, although I’m personally not so sure about deep fried crickets! You’ll find everything from rice and stir fries; noodles; soups; fried chicken; grilled chicken, fish and bananas; skewers; fruit; drinks (coffee and tea); Thai style salads as well as grilled bread (toast) covered with butter, sugar and condensed milk! But my absolute favourite is Uncle Noodles, a local street vendor, and yes I am going to give up one of my secrets and tell you that it’s located on Lung Suan Road, down from Chidlom BTS Station – there are quite a few street vendors but keep your eyes peeled for the Uncle Noodle sign complete with a steaming bowl of noodles. I just love uncle’s big welcoming smile and tasty noodles with pork and wontons! As we’d say in Thai – aroi maak maak!

AsiaWebDirect.com, the Asia travel specialist, is a key resource for booking your trip to, from or within Asia. Our simple-to-use site offers great deals for a huge range of accommodation throughout Asia, while real customer reviews, detailed maps, destination guides, and 24/7 phone support help take the confusion out of planning a holiday in Asia. AsiaWebDirect.com also has a supporting network of 100+ specialist travel websites including LateStays.com, Bangkok.com and Phuket.com which together see more than 2.2 million visits a month.

More things to enjoy in Thailand and Asia

Elephants encounters at Chiang Mai – in Thailand
A culinary trip to Thailand
A Fairtrade trip to the Philippines

This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com – Read more travel articles at Travel Blog Home

Don’t miss out – subscribe to Heather on her travels

Next Page »