TRAVEL RESOURCES & TIPS What to bring:You will be moving a lot, so pack as lightly as possible. It is in your own interest as you are expected to carry your own luggage, though distances will never be great. Most travelers carry their luggage in a pack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice. Suitcases are not recommended! During the trek we leave our main piece of luggage at the guesthouse and collect it at the end of the trek. You will need to bring along a comfortable pack (about 30-35 liters) for trekking. This should be big enough to carry a spare set of clothes and basic necessities for the trek, including sleeping bag and sleeping mat. Sleeping mats and sleeping bags are not provided as part of the trek. Mosquito nets are provided on the trek.Checklist (This is not an exhaustive list, only suggestions. Several Items can be purchased in Thailand)
A Couple of Rules:Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for The Rainbow Station travelers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession.Fitness & Health:Most of our Trips/ Projects are Active. It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an average level of fitness and mobility' is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travelers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum. Travelers with a pre-existing medical condition are required to inform us in advance of their requirements.Meals included:Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with The Rainbow Station you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are included in the price and sometimes not when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company.Your group leader will be able to suggest favorite restaurants during your trip. Included breakfasts will usually be Asian style consisting of noodles, rice, warm food with bread and eggs. All food is usually vegetarian but there are plenty of non vegetarian options. In some trips (such as the Trek), food will be cooked together with group on site. Your co-operation will be appreciated. There will be plenty of snacks, fresh fruit, drinking water, tea/ coffee available throughout all the trips. Safety and Security:Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travelers’ cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your group leader will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions. Tipping:Tipping is not the typical Thai especially in the countryside, but is expected in more Touristic areas - though not compulsory - and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. You may do this individually, or your Tour Leader will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $1-$2 USD per person per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your tour leader for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.
Spending MoneyAs currency exchange rates in Asia fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com. There are many ATM machines that accept both Visa and MasterCard but these are limited to major cities. We also recommend the use of cash and travelers cheques. Major credit cards are accepted in most shops but they may charge a 2-4% transaction fee.Every traveler is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travelers may drink more than others while other travelers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Laundry:There are limited laundry facilities available, so expect to wash your clothes by hand. In some regions, there will be outside laundry service available. Charges may vary according to the region.All participants are expected to be environmentally aware and to use all resources with restraint, especially water, paper and electricity. Visas:Please note that visas for Thailand are the responsibility of the individual traveler. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. For the most up to date information please check your governments foreign ministry website or with you travel agent as rules do change. It is important that you check for yourself. For most travelers there will probably have an embassy and consulate in the country that you live in. THAILAND - Most nationalities do not need a visa for Thailand for stays of 30 days or less but if you do they are available on arrival at Bangkok Airport.Local Dress:In Asia the dress standard is more traditional than it is back home. Try to pack loose, lightweight, long clothing that will keep you cool in the hot and humid climate of Asian summers. In predominately Buddhist countries we ask that you dress respectfully and avoid very short shorts/skirts and singlet’s/tank tops when visiting temples or other holy sites.Responsible Travel:We work with local communities, businesses and individuals to develop sustainable tourism opportunities that help local economies while minimizing negative environmental and cultural impacts.Travel Insurance:Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips/ projects. When traveling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number. |
