Greetings from Bangkok, Thailand! Some notes on this trip as well on as my upcoming travels.
I regularly go through cycles when it comes to travel. I travel a lot, get travelled out, and as a result, stay put for a few months. Then, just when I think I’m ready to hang up my passport, I get that travel thirst. Throat parched, gut filled with longing, I start looking at maps, charting imaginary itineraries. I find myself plugging hypothetical dates into search engines like Kayak and Orbitz, searching for cheap tickets to new frontiers or old favourites.
So after a brief travel hiatus, I’m back on the road. Liebling and I arrived in Thailand yesterday, and we’ll be spending the week in big city Bangkok and beachy Koh Samet. It’s the second time here for both of us, so our priority is to relax more than sightsee, but we still did manage to potter around sweltering Bangkok today, hitting up the Grand Palace and the infamous Khao San Road.
Thailand is the just the beginning of the travel I have planned for the next six months. I recently booked a bunch of trips to a number of destinations that I have either been desperate to discover or itching to return to. Here’s where I’m off to:
Shanghai
I vowed upon my move back to Hong Kong that I would invest some time and money in seeing as much of China as possible. China fascinates me: it’s extremely vast, densely populated, and so rich in history that I deeply regretted only making it to Beijing and Yangshuo the first time I lived in Asia. I’ve heard nothing but good things about Shanghai, so when I found return flights for under $200 USD on Spring, one of China’s budget airlines, I purchased a ticket without hesitation. I’ll be staying with a friend and will hopefully reunite with fellow fearless female blogger Nomadic Chick, who lives in nearby Wuxi.
Berlin
I’m looking forward to spending yet another Christmas and New Year’s in Liebling’s hometown. Tannebaum (Christmas trees), gluhwein (mulled wine), and weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas markets)?!? Oh yes! Maybe I’ll even get to sit on German Santa Claus’ knee like I did a couple of Christmases ago.
Tokyo
I’ve wanted to go to Japan since forever. But expensive tickets and lack of time kept my plans to visit on the back burner. Well, I found tickets to Tokyo for half their usual cost (only $260 USD round trip when they are usually $550 USD!) and I have time off in January, so off to Nippon I go! This recent Tokyo post by my friend Adventurous Kate has got me even more excited to go.
Myanmar
With the country inching toward democracy after the military released its stronghold on it two years ago, Myanmar is a destination that intrigues me. Liebling spent three weeks there back in 2009 and his stories and pictures left me longing to see it for myself. I’ll only have a week in February, but hope to capture at least the essence of a country that is in the process of being reborn.
London
Back to London already, you say?! Absolutely! I’m flying back over Easter and crossing my fingers that the weather will be somewhat decent. I’m planning on leaving no fish and chips shop unturned.
A brief note on why I book tickets so far in advance
For those who live in the moment, my purchasing tickets 6, 7 months before my intended date of travel is mind-boggling. But as a teacher with fixed holidays and breaks, I’m pretty much at the mercy of the school calendar. Unfortunately, my time off coincides wtih peak travel periods — October half-term break, Christmas, Chinese New Year, Easter, and summer — so the earlier I book, the better.
Do you have any travels on the horizon? How far in advance do you book tickets?
56 Comments
As a teacher who wants to travel more often, your blog is so inspiring. I’m still looking for a full-time position to finance dream trips on a regular basis, so I love hearing that working around school breaks is doable once I achieve that.
I prefer to plan and buy as far in advance as I possibly can. I’m currently planning a trip that doesn’t allow for that (the World Cup next summer, fingers crossed that I get tickets) and it’s driving me a little crazy. Reading travel blogs has become my therapy. Love yours, and can’t wait to hear more about your upcoming destinations!
I always advocate getting into teaching! Where are you based? Working in international schools has really allowed me the time off and the finances to travel!
I normally buy tickets around 6 months in advance and even so, I still find them too expensive (Manchester to Mo’Bay Jamaica anyone?!) But there are a lot bargains out there. My next trip out of Jakarta is to the beautiful island of Flores where I’ll be spending Christmas. Then I’ll return to the UK in early February moving to Edinburgh where my boyfriend lives.
Lovely!!
How long are you planning to be in Japan? My husband and I started off our RTW trip there (in August… not a good idea. I’m sure January will be much nicer, even with the possibility of snow!), in Tokyo specifically. I don’t know if you were planning on visiting any other cities, but there are a few places you can do great day trips to (Kamakura & even Nikko) and they give you taste of Japan’s historical & spiritual side. If you’re looking for inspiration, we visited both and wrote about them (along with Tokyo) on our site.
I’m going for 5 nights! I’m looking forward to the snowiness, just hope it’s not too cold. Will check out your blog for tips because I haven’t researched a thing!
It sounds like a great plan! I don’t know how you can plan so far in advance, but then I’m a spoilt European girl who finds 20€ tickets to many European capitals two or three weeks in advance. For other destinations, I agree, the sooner the better! Only, I can’t live with the anticipation when I book too early! Another problem is that I never know when I’m going to have time off, so it’s always risky. Happy travels, excited to read about Myanmar especially!
Lucky you! The cheapest flight I’ve ever gotten is 16 euros round trip between Edinburgh and Dublin. I think the key to netting those good deals is really being flexible!
Sounds fun! For some reason Asia has never interested me but after viewing your pictures I am tempted.
You look relaxed, rested and dare I say you’ve gained a little weight (don’t worry you’re still slender and beautiful ;D) so clearly, leaving rainy England agrees with you!
Ha! I’m hoping it’s just the camera angle that’s making me look bigger, but it could be all the noodles I’m eating in Asia. 🙂 Glad I’m inspiring you to make a trip over here!
I’m excited to see how you like Japan! I still want to come to visit you in Hong Kong but have to see how my budget goes, also I’m trying to go home next year. Once that ticket is booked I will have more of an idea but I’ll email you the details. Also I’m visiting Berlin again in a few days, can’t wait.
Let me know, would love to have you! At any rate, will see you in London in April! 🙂
I usually book about 2 to 3 months in advance. I’ve always wondered if it were ‘freaky’ or ‘doing too much’ to book 6 months in advance. lol But I’m a planner, so doing things in advance is comforting to me to know it’s been taken care of. However, I find that finding deals are very random. Some people say there are last minute deals available, but whenever I’ve waited till a month out or less – unless I randomly lucked up on a deal – I always paid more than the usual price.
But I love the blog… I’m an English teacher (and freelance writer) in South Korea. I’ve just started blogging… trying to get the hang of it. lol It’s weird, but even though I’ve been freelancing for 8 years, writing a blog is an adjustment for me.
*anyway, love the pictures & stories – keep up the great blogs!
I’m also a planner and like to have my trips locked down as far ahead as possible! It is indeed comforting! Glad you are enjoying and hope that you’ll continue to stick around!
Busy lady! Super excited to see you’ll be going to Japan though! 🙂
Your plans sound amazing. Japan and Myanmar are really high on my list too. I am hoping to make it to Myanmar in December before heading to the UK and then my hometown in Germany. Like you I will be stuffing my face with fish and chips, followed by Gluehwein and Kaesespaetzle!
I came across your website and I feel so inspired. I am starting my TESOL program on November 11th and I hope to teach in Thailand. Thank you for posting your adverterous story. As a black women I feel inspired that I can identify my traveling bug and desires with women like you. Good luck and safe travels on your worldwide advertures.
Thank you.
I am planning my trip to Thailand for my December break. Oh so exciting, I can’t wait. Looking forward to seeing your photos.
For me it is crucial to plan months in advance. I am a teacher who lives in Abu Dhabi so there are tons of places nearby and if I don’t plan then I miss out on great travel opportunities.
http://www.jadeblyssjourney.blogspot.com
This all sounds so exciting – I look forward to reading your posts about them!
If you happen to be in north London – Toff’s Fish and Chips in Muswell Hill is da ish. Just saying.
Sooooo awesome. Speaking of booking tickets, I have to work to do, too…
Oneika, your travel plans sound really exciting. Booking your tickets in advance makes complete sense. The main thing is, you are not letting anything stop you from travelling. I look forward to reading about your adventures!
I can’t wait to here about Myanmar! I might be going to the cook islands in July. But i’m not sure. Otherwise there are probably some Australian travels in my future.
As a teacher I also book as early as I can. A bit fed up though with all the sort trips, that’s why I asked for a year off, so I can have more time and travel more.
Sounds like you have a great couple of trips ahead of you. I have not booked too many in advance so far, only Korea in the spring 🙂
Enjoy! Can’t wait to continue reading!
Great advice about booking your flights so far in advance. I’m a planner when it comes to travel and I like having holidays to look forward to so I like booing mine way in advance too.
Your itinerary looks great. I spent around 5 days in Bangkok before the NYE and had enough of it. Don’t spend too much time there.
If you need some advice on London, let me know.
I didn’t know that.
That’s very good point
Hi there, I discovered your blog by way of Google whilst
looking for a similar topic, your site got here up, it seems to be great.
I’ve bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
Hello there, just changed into aware of your blog thru Google, and located that
it’s truly informative. I’m going to be careful for brussels.
I will be grateful for those who proceed this in future.
Numerous folks shall be benefited from your writing.
Cheers!
I’m gone to inform my little brother, that he should also visit this website on regular basis to get updated from hottest news
update.
Heya! I’m at work surfing around your blog from my new iphone!
Just wanted to say I love reading your blog and look forward
to all your posts! Carry on the great work!
Hi there! Someone in my Facebook group shared this site with us so I came to take a look.
I’m definitely loving the information. I’m bookmarking and will be
tweeting this to my followers! Great blog and outstanding style and
design.
It’s hard to come by experienced people about this subject, however, you seem like you know what you’re talking about!
Thanks
It is not my first time to go to see this website, i am browsing
this site dailly and obtain nice data from here every day.
I’ve read a few excellent stuff here. Definitely worth bookmarking for revisiting.
I surprise how so much attempt you place to create this sort of magnificent informative website.
I visited many blogs except the audio quality for audio songs present at this website is
in fact superb.
Unquestionably imagine that which you said. Your favorite
reason seemed to be on the net the easiest factor to take into account of.
I say to you, I certainly get annoyed even as people consider
issues that they just do not recognize about. You
managed to hit the nail upon the top and defined out the whole thing with no need side effect
, folks could take a signal. Will probably be back to get
more. Thank you
My brother recommended I might like this web site. He was once entirely right.
This post actually made my day. You cann’t imagine just how a lot time
I had spent for this info! Thanks!
Good day! Do you know if they make any plugins to safeguard
against hackers? I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything I’ve worked hard on.
Any recommendations?
I really like what you guys are up too. Such clever work
and exposure! Keep up the good works guys I’ve incorporated you guys to my own blogroll.
Your means of telling everything in this article is really fastidious,
all be able to easily understand it, Thanks a lot.
Nice blog here! Also your web site loads up fast!
What host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host?
I wish my site loaded up as quickly as yours lol
Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in truth was once
a amusement account it. Look complicated to more added agreeable
from you! By the way, how could we communicate?
Hi there mates, its wonderful post regarding educationand fully explained, keep it up all the time.
Hey there would you mind sharing which blog platform you’re working with?
I’m looking to start my own blog in the near future but I’m
having a hard time choosing between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal.
The reason I ask is because your layout seems different then most blogs and I’m looking
for something completely unique.
P.S Sorry for being off-topic but I had to ask!
You have made some decent points there. I checked on the internet for more information about the issue and found most people
will go along with your views on this website.
Wow, fantastic blog layout! How long have you
been blogging for? you made blogging look easy.
The overall look of your web site is great, let alone the content!
I really love your blog.. Very nice colors & theme.
Did you create this site yourself? Please reply back
as I’m attempting to create my very own website
and want to know where you got this from or just what the theme
is named. Thank you!
Thank you a bunch for sharing this with all people you really realize what you are
speaking approximately! Bookmarked. Please also visit my website
=). We may have a link alternate contract among us
Wonderful blog! I found it while searching on Yahoo News.
Do you have any tips on how to get listed in Yahoo News?
I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there!
Cheers
I think that is one of the such a lot vital info for me.
And i am happy studying your article. However wanna observation on some general things, The website
style is ideal, the articles is in reality nice : D. Excellent job, cheers
Its like you read my mind! You seem to know so much about this, like
you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you can do with some pics to drive the message home a bit, but instead of that, this is
excellent blog. An excellent read. I will certainly be back.
Heya i am for the primary time here. I found
this board and I in finding It really useful & it helped me out much.
I’m hoping to provide one thing again and aid others such as you
helped me.
Hey I am so glad I found your weblog, I really found you by
accident, while I was looking on Google for something else, Anyways I am here now and would just like
to say thanks for a fantastic post and a all round
enjoyable blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to browse it
all at the minute but I have saved it and also added in your
RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read more, Please
do keep up the superb job.
I didn’t know that.
Comments are closed.