Places Worth Visiting

If you're an adventurer or just someone who would like a nice vacation, I can give a few insights on places I've been. If you don't want to spend too much, like most of us, but still want a quality vacation, there are tips to follow. 

Thailand - I have been there numerous times.  Mostly around Bangkok and on the southern coast (Pattaya Beach).  You  can get a very nice hotel room for around $50 a night in Bangkok. All the amenities included. If you're single, or a party person, in Pattaya you can get an ok room for about $10 to $20 a night.  Not fancy of course, but you won't be there much ayway. On the coast you can rent motorcycles, jetski's, snorkeling gear, and other stuff for a pretty low price.  Then you can hit the bars, which are many. If you're taking a family, it's still a nice, not too expensive place to visit.  You can take boat tours, golden temple tours, and visit wildlife parks. Don't try to shake hands with the locals, because it is not their custom. They usually put their hands together and slightly bow. There is not much that you can't do there, and it's one of my favorite countries.  By the way, it's one of the best places in the world to buy gold, and a hell of a lot cheaper than the U.S.

Japan - or for them - Nippon - I have been to Tokyo, Sapporo, Fukuoka, Chitose, and other places. If you like bright lights, lots of people, and a huge night life, then visit Tokyo. But be ready to pay; it's an expensive place.  A normal beer is $6 to $8. But I know a lot of people who like it there, and go frequently. It's one of those places that most people want to visit just to say they have. And, of course, it's karaoke heaven. The younger generation of Japanese are fairly Americanized (I don't know if that's a good thing!).  Get ready to see wild colored hair, pin-striped pants with a polka dot shirt, and other wild stuff. The "cook-your-own" restaurants are some of the best in the world, and it's a great experience. While in the U.S., making slurping sounds when eating soup, and belching loudly are all not publicly polite, it is widely accepted in Japan to show that you are enjoying the food.  It's a compliment to the chef. So, first thing to do is, expect things to be different than you're used to, and go with an open mind.  They are not Americans, and they do not have to act like one.

Singapore - a nice, clean place to visit. Mostly modern, and a lot like the U.S.  Most of the locals speak very good english, as many of them are educated in the U.S.  Some things are a bit expensive, but other things, like electronics, are way cheaper than in the U.S.  A $500 cellphone in the U.S. would cost you about $250 there, and it's not a rip-off copy.  It's the real thing. Video games that cost you $80 in the U.S. are about $20 there. But whatever you do, don't litter! Throwing a chewing gum wrapper on the ground can cost you a fine up to $200, and peeing in public could land you in jail, or caned.  It's a bit harsh, maybe, but that is why it is a very clean country.