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BY  Sibashree Sep 5, 2025

Every year, Thailand attracts millions of business travellers. While it faces competition from Singapore for the title of Southeast Asia's business hub, its superior size and geographic diversity make it many people's go-to destination for meetings, incentives, conferences, and events (MICE).  It's also one of the region's most open economies and an important trading partner for many countries, attracting visitors who are looking to do business with the country as well as in it. Nonetheless, it is a country with its own cultural quirks and unique ways of doing things, and it pays to be prepared if you want your trip to go smoothly.  So, whether you're hosting a meeting in Chonburi or attending a conference in Bangkok, here are five important things to make sure you prepare in advance for your business travel in Thailand.  Things To Prepare In Advance For Business Travel In Thailand  The International Trade Administration has a detailed guideline on business travel in Thailand. There are specific directives on visa requirements, telecommunications, currency exchange, and transportation.  However, here, we will talk about the preparations you need to make well in advance. 1. Take Care Of Travel Documents, Copies, And Connectivity Thailand receives many tourists each year due to its relaxed visa requirements for short-stay visitors. However, these generally only apply to visitors who are coming exclusively to sightsee and vacation.  If you're planning to do any kind of work, even if it's just a meeting, you'll need to apply for a non-immigrant visa at your local embassy or consulate. This should be done well in advance of your arrival in the kingdom. Make sure: Your Passport has at least 6 months of validity Make copies of your passport and visa Keep copies of your hotel booking and travel documents handy Lastly, make sure you've brought roaming data for your phone to stay in touch with people back home. 2. Ensure That You Have Access To Adequate Meeting Facilities It's important to remember that if you're travelling for business, you'll likely need access to a meeting room. Find out what you can in advance about your hotel's facilities, if that's what you plan on using.  Space Equipment Support These are the three most crucial factors.  If you need to book a meeting venue last-minute, or your hotel doesn't offer the facilities you need, translate your search, like "book meeting room in Chonburi" into Thai (จองห้องประชุมชลบุรี). You'll see the Thai results too, sometimes with lower rates. But once you click on the websites, there's usually a button to switch the language back to English. 3. Plan Your Recreational Activities Recreational activities are benefits that will carry over into work hours, both on your trip and back home. Thailand offers plenty of choices. Areas like Bangkok and Pattaya are, of course, known for their nightlife, but many modern visitors prefer to book into wellness retreats and spas. Chonburi, which is growing in popularity as a business destination, has a vibrant sports scene. It's home to the Chonburi Bluewave Futsal Club and the Supreme Chonburi Volleyball Club, which are both very popular across the country. 4. Have Access To Finances And Legal Advice As it's a business trip, we're sure you've got your budget covered. However, that means little if you can't access your money when you need it.  Make sure that you've informed your company's credit card provider of your travel plans so that they don't block it by mistake. It's also advisable to carry some cash at all times. Card payments are rarely used for everyday transactions, with the locals preferring cash or mobile app payments. Thailand has strict laws around foreign ownership of properties and businesses. You may also have local taxes and labour regulations to consider if you are setting up or investing in a Thai business.  It's also sensible to have any contracts reviewed by an expert who understands Thai law. So, get a legal advisor.  Moreover, Thailand has recently revised its visa policy. So, the duration of a visa-free stay for foreign tourists is now just 30 days instead of 60 days. This will impact visitors from around 93 countries across the world.  This new revision is aimed at controlling illegal business developments, such as unlawful condominium developments, in Thailand.  However, when you are traveling with a business Visa, or the Non-Immigrant "B" Visa, you can stay in the country for 90 days.  Do you have to suddenly extend your stay for business purposes? You can get in touch with the Immigration Bureau to get approval. Here also, provide the detailed documents and establish your requirements to get the approval.  So, irrespective of the country you are from, you need a constant consultation with an immigration expert and a lawyer.  5. Stay Aware About Local Culture And Etiquette The Western approach to business and personal interaction is a lot more direct than the Thai way of doing things.  In order to get along well with any Thais you meet and to ensure that your meetings go smoothly, you should honour the local customs. The most important concept to keep in mind is that of "saving face." This is the avoidance of direct or public confrontation with others to save them from embarrassment. Furthermore, you must always address the mistakes in private. Also, you must greet with a traditional gesture, “Wai”, before a handshake. Moreover, respect the hierarchy.  Stay Prepared To Make Your Business Travel In Thailand A Success From Chonburi to Chiang Mai, Thailand has many MICE cities that are well-equipped for the needs of business travellers.  However, keeping your documents handy and knowing the visa policies are very crucial if you are planning a business travel in Thailand. Also, if your business trip means that you have to work in Thailand, you will need a Thai Work Permit.  Moreover, the visa requirements can change in Thailand. Documentation can also get stricter. So, Read the visa policies Know the documents required Consult with an immigration expert Talk to your business counterpart in Thailand Seek legal help regarding documentation if needed All these will ensure a seamless visa application and approval for your next business trip in Thailand.  Read Also: 5 Must-Visit Places In Thailand: Should I Go To Phuket Or Krabi? 3 Reasons Why Thailand Is The Ultimate Wellness Destination Thailand Travel Guide: This Is The Best Time To Visit Thailand!

BY  Pijus Maity Nov 20, 2024

Puerto Rico is more than just a beach vacation. There is a reason why it is all over the internet, with a 22% surge in the search volume in 2024 (year-on-year). The UN Tourism report further highlights Puerto Rico as the second-most searched Caribbean destination.  The tourism attractions in Puerto Rico are diverse, and there is a sincere attempt from the government to develop the tourism infrastructure.  San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, has a vital role to play in the tourism boost of Puerto Rico. Along with being a stunning destination, San Juan also has vibrant street art and a happening neighborhood. Moreover, it is a quintessence of joie de vivre.  Need more reasons to head to San Juan? It has many activities that will not charge you a single buck. Sounds fun, right? Let’s explore the best things to do in San Juan, Puerto Rico, for free.  You Can Try The Following Things To Do In San Juan, Puerto Rico, For Free | Budget-Friendly Travel Ideas In The Caribbeans  It will not be a jugglery of words if I call San Juan a “Caribbean Gem.” By the end of the 1800s, San Juan became a part of the USA. Further, San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, is the oldest city under the USA jurisdiction. Did You Know?Some airlines in Puerto Rico have increased their line of flights. Avelo Airlines is one of them and it has added a flight in “The Lakeland (LAL) – San Juan (SJU) route.” Further, it is the second route it has added to its itinerary outside the continental USA.  The flight will have 20000 more seats, and this addition is expected to yield an economic impact of $6.3 million only in the first year of the line’s operations. This news corroborates the prospects and boost of tourism in San Juan.“The strengthening and expansion of air access to the island is key to the full development of the local tourism industry, so negotiations to attract new airlines and the increase in routes and frequencies is decisive for everyone. We share the enthusiasm of Avelo management with this new non-stop route since this new service between Puerto Rico and Florida will result in economic benefits for the entire tourism industry.”Carlos Mercado-Santiago, Executive Director, Puerto Rico Tourism Co. (PRTC) The city has rainforest, beaches with cobalt blue waters, century-old architecture, heritage, and of course, the things to do in San Juan, Puerto Rico, for free.  So, why not try them? 1. Explore The Street Art In Santurce El Patio de Sole is a local restaurant on Calle Cerra and it is one of the highlights of Santruce, the most happening neighborhood of San Juan.  Murals and larger-than-life art pieces by street artists have transformed this locality into a vibrant art gallery.  Calle Loíza, the “Foodie and Arts Avenue” of Santruce, is another great place to explore street art here. Moreover, Aguacates and Las Musas are some of the best larger-than-life installations here. Did You Know?Almost 10 years back, San Juan, Santurce, and the entire Puerto Rico were going through an economic crisis. Through the Santurce Es Ley street art festival and the Color Libre engagement project, the street artists addressed social problems.   2. Enjoy Bird Feeding At Parque de las Palomas Parque de las Palomas is a public park and it is a place to relax amidst or after a tiring day at work. You can just sit on the benches overlooking the ocean and enjoy the cool breeze here.  Further, feeding birds at Parque de las Palomas is one of the best things to do in San Juan, Puerto Rico, for free. This park is home to pigeons. You can collect bird seed from the park kiosk and feed these playful creatures.  3. Indulge In Street Food At Piñones Piñones on the beach bustle with local street foods. You can have fresh coconut here. Also, the alcapurrias and empanadas available at the local kiosks are amazing. Tour And Travel Note Don’t forget to get some honey and souvenirs from local vendors and artisans here. You can also take a stroll along the boardwalk or enjoy a bike ride in the mangrove forest.  4. Flying Kites At El Morro El Morro, a famous fort in San Juan, is located on the top of a hill, and it overlooks the bay. The grassy land in front of the fort is a big draw to the visitors.  The high winds here make the grassy stretch ideal for flying kites. You can carry your own kites or buy one from the local vendors and enjoy your time with kids and the ones young at heart.  5. Sunbathing Playa Ocean Park, a hub of offshore reefs, is the highlight of Condado, the most popular beach in San Juan. Condado and all other beaches of Puerto Rico are free as those are public land. Further resorts like Condado Vanderbilt Hotel and La Concha make visiting Condado one of the best things to do in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Moreover, you can go kitesurfing or just relax on the beach and enjoy a sunbath.  6. Paseo De La Princesa Scenic Walk Paseo De La Princesa is an esplanade. This 19th-century promenade from the cruise port to El Morro fort stands out due to its European vibe. As you take a walk along Paseo De La Princesa, just outside the city wall, you will find large trees making arches. Further, the antique street lamps will grab the attention of any connoisseur. Moreover, you will find many food vendors as you enjoy the scenic walk. Are you travelling with your partner? Visit Paseo De La Princesa during sunset for the most romantic experience.  7. Experience The Best Of Night Life At La Placita De Santurce Do you want to experience the happening nightlife of San Juan? You must visit La Placita De Santurce after 9 PM as most of the bars here open after 9 or 10 PM and remain functional till early morning. Especially on the weekend, La Placita, or the famous market square, is the most vivacious with people on the street. Enjoy the Salsa moves and the grooviest reggaeton music.  8. Take A Walk In The San Juan Botanical Garden Operating Hours: 6 AM to 6 PM The San Juan Botanical Garden is a great place for the study of local plants and animals. The botanical garden is on the University of Puerto Rico campus. You can take a free entry here, and you also don’t need to pay any charges for parking.  This is a great place to relax and exercise in San Juan. It is also perfect for a picnic. Moreover, you can explore the Japanese bridges and trails to make the most of your time here.  9. Pray At San Juan Cathedral Operating Hours: 8 AM to 4 PM (Sunday - Up to 2 PM) Mass Times: 7:25 AM and 12:15 PM on Weekdays, 7 PM on Saturdays, 9 AM and 11 AM on Sundays The Catedral de San Juan Bautista, or San Juan Cathedral, is the oldest church in the entire Western Hemisphere.  Juan Ponce de Leon rests here, and the church also houses the mummified remains of a martyr from the first century, St. Pio.  Attending the Noche Buena mass on 24th December is a one-of-a-kind experience at this church.  To make the most of these fun and free things to do in San Juan, Puerto Rico, you need comfortable accommodation in the city. The table below has a list of some of the best hotels in San Juan with contact details.  Hotel In San Juan, Puerto RicoContact Number Courtyard by Marriott Isla Verde Beach Resort+1 787-791-0404Residence Inn Isla Verde+1 787-961-1155Hyatt House San Juan+1 787-977-5000Dream Inn PR+1 787-200-6340Condado Vanderbilt Hotel +1 787-721-5500Tropica Beach Hotel+1 787-728-8119La Concha Renaissancece San Juan Resort+1 787-721-7500Dreamcatcher by DW+1 787-455-8259Hotel El Convento+1  787-723-9020AC Hotel San Juan Condado+1 787-827-7280 If you are planning to explore the best things to do in San Juan, contact any of the hotels first to book your accommodation.  Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top 13+ Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit. Top Tips For Motorbike Rental In Phuket – A Guide To Exploring The Island On Two Wheels.

BY  Sibashree Oct 28, 2024

With mountains, faults, monoliths, deserts, and unique geological formations, Joshua Tree National Park has emerged as an important ecological hub of California. Further, as the name goes, the park has the most amazing Joshua Tree, a Yucca palm species that became famous with the Joshua Tree album by U2.  Spanning 800,000 acres and situated at 5000 feet above sea level, this national park is like a natural tapestry. Further, 85% of this national park is still pristine wilderness. So, there is no wonder that a place like this harbors the best secrets and fun facts that are yet to be explored.  Here, I will share some amazing info about the park’s history, fossils, cryptobiotic crusts, and more. Joshua Tree National Park is about to complete 30 years of its designation as a national park on 31st October 2024. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt designated it as a national monument in 1936. Things No One Talks About Joshua Tree National Park  The basics are boring! There is no fun in visiting a place that does not have stories to tell. However, this national park, designated in 1994, has mountains and ecological units that echo the tales of history, changes, and humanity.  Let’s get into the stories, but before that, let me give you a brief account about when and how to visit the park. September to November is the best time to explore the park due to pleasant weather conditions.  Further, the Annual Night Sky Festival occurs in the park in October. It’s a delightful experience for people of all age groups. Thomas Crochetiere writes many fascinating stories about Joshua Tree National Park in his “The History of Joshua Tree National Park: A historical, informational, and educational timeline of Joshua Tree National Park.” If you are interested in the park’s history, you can grab a Kindle edition of the book.  1. Fascinating Historical Tales About Joshua Tree National Park  Human history in Joshua Tree National Park is as old as 15000 years. Two archaeologists, William Campbell and Elizabeth Campbell, further discovered the existence of Pinto culture in this park. Pinto Culture In The Park  People belonging to this Pinto Culture used to stay in cool grassland environments here, and they were primarily hunters. Pinto culture in the national park was discovered by archaeologists thanks to the triangular-shaped spears, scraping and cutting tools, and seed-processing tools.  All the implements that established a Pinto connection to the place indicate that the Pinto people led a bohemian lifestyle. Along with hunting, they also practiced seasonal harvesting.  Native Americans Occupying Joshua Tree National Park  Europeans came to Joshua Tree National Park in the late 18th century. However, the park had three groups of Native Americans. They followed the Pinto culture, thriving locally in the park. These three tribes were: Cahuilla Serrano Chemehuevi The Chemehuevi tribe was the latest to occupy the national park, and they came to this park from the Great Basin of Nevada in 1500.  All these tribes adopted the tools of the Pinto people, and they improved and diversified them.  Cattlemen First Occupied The Joshua Tree National Park  Joshua Tree National Park has every element of a Western movie. The western side of the park had higher elevations during the 1870s. These areas also received a higher rainfall and had different species of native grasses.  As a result, many cattle owners used to flock to these parts of the park for cattle grazing.  William “Bill” McHaney was the earliest cattleman in this park. He was a legendary figure, and he took his Texas Longhorns to these higher valleys. He will be known for living in the national park and exploring the area for around 60 years. Further, his brother, Jim, built a gang to steal cattle from Mexico and Arizona.  Discovery Of Gold In Joshua Tree National Park  The 19th century was the biggest highlight in the Joshua Tree National Park. Miners flocked to this park in great numbers for the discovery of gold. Twentynine Palms was the first area to have mining expeditions in the park in the late 1860s.  The presence of water in the Oasis of Mara was the main reason behind extensive mining expeditions at Twentynine Palms. Gold was collected from dirt using dry washing. The process was fun, and it involved throwing dirt mixed with dust into the air. The dirt was caught as it came down in the air, and this process continued until the mix only had gold dust.  Desert Queen Mine was a more successful gold mining venture in the park. It was Frank L. James, an employee of the Lost Horse Mine, who discovered the vein of gold in the Northern Queen Valley. Unfortunately, he had to lose his life at the hands of  Charles Martin. Martin was a part of the notorious cattle-rustler gang of Jim McHaney. Jim McHaney was the brother of William “Bill” McHaney, a legendary figure in the park.  Joshua Tree National Park Had An Important Role To Play During World War I  The dry, desert climate of Joshua Tree National Park was beneficial for the war veterans suffering from the effects of the mustard gas. This gas was so lethal that it had to be banned after World War I. Did You Know?The Geneva Gas Protocol Treaty, signed in 1925 by most countries, banned the use of biological and chemical weapons in war.  Germans introduced mustard gas in 1917, and any contact with the gas used to cause skin burns, blisters, and respiratory problems. Patients hit by this gas needed to get hospitalized for the treatment of chemical burns and respiratory issues.  Moreover, the survivors of the mustard gas attacks had greater risks of developing cancer.  2. Fossils Of Joshua Tree National Park  https://www.instagram.com/p/ClHXsRDS2Xq/?img_index=1 The fossils in the Joshua Tree National Park tell us about the geological evolutions, extreme natural events, and biodiversity. So, what were the animals that roamed here when the earth was a cooler and greener space? Let’s have a look at the list below.  Columbian mammoths Dire wolves Camels Horses Llamas Giant ground sloths Saber-toothed cats  Bison American Pronghorn Did Dinosaurs Live At Joshua Tree National Park? Scientists believe that Joshua Tree National Park had dinosaurs. Some of the oldest rocks in the park are from the dinosaur era. However, being metamorphic and igneous, these rocks could not preserve the skeleton of the dinosaurs. So, there is no “black and white” evidence regarding the existence of dinosaurs in the park yet.  The oldest fossil found in the park is the tooth of a pocket gopher. It was found in a 7.8 million years old sediment. The park has many other microfossils that are even older.  Moreover, the midden of the pack rats has been a gold mine for finding plant and insect species. At least 12 species of plants were found in the midden, and the oldest was around 30,000 years old. In addition, the darkling beetle fossils in the midden come from various ages. The oldest dates back to  34,000 years ago, and the latest is as old as 1000 years old.  Above all, the human artifacts and bones collected in this midden speak of human history and the evolution of their lifestyle.  3. Cryptobiotic Crusts Of Joshua Tree National Park  What are cryptobiotic crusts? They are hidden biotic organisms present on the surface of the park soil. Blue-green algae or cyanobacteria are the leading cryptobiotic crusts at Joshua Tree National Park. The other forms of cryptobiotic crusts present in the park soil are: Mosses Lichens Microfungi Bacteria Green algae Now, these cryptobiotic crusts are important to bind the sand and soil particles of the park together. In other words, they prevent soil erosion caused by wind and water.    4. Spiritual Stories And Symbolism Around Joshua Tree National Park “The Joshua Tree” album by Irish band U2 brought the spiritual connection or symbolism around the Joshua trees in the park under the spotlight. The album explores the gap between the promised land and the real land of America. The desert also stood for the desolation of the soul, while the Joshua trees, surviving in extreme weather conditions, became the symbol of hope and prayer. However, you must go back around 180 years to trace how Joshua trees have always been associated with symbolism and Biblical stories. In the 1850s, the Mormon pioneers crossed the Mojave Desert and saw these trees.  The upraised branches of the trees reminded them of Joshua, who stretched his arms to the sky for prayer and led the “Israelites into the Promised Land.” So, this is how these Yucca Palm trees got their new name.  5. Joshua Tree National Park Is The Best For Stargazing  As International Dark Night Sky, Joshua Tree National Park is one of the best places in California for stargazing. The following parking lot areas are best for Joshua Tree National Park stargazing. Hidden Valley Ryan Mountain Quail Springs Cap Rock Along with these places, you can also choose Pinto Basin for an amazing stargazing experience.  How To Reach Joshua Tree National Park? Joshua Tree National Park has three entrances. The table below details these entrances and will help you pick the right one based on the location you are traveling from. Park Entrance GateLocation Ideal For Tourists FromWest EntranceAt Park Blvd Off Highway 62Los AngelesPalm SpringsSan DiegoNorth Entrance29 Palms, Off Highway 62Las VegasSouth EntranceCottonwood Spring, Off Highway 10Salton Sea area The West Entrance is the main entrance to Joshua Tree National Park. You must drive through California Highway 62 or Interstate 10 road to reach here.  Further, if you are traveling by air, you must reach Palm Springs Airport, and from there, you can rent a car. The Los Angeles International Airport is also 150 miles away from this park.   Also read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. Traveling On A Budget: Tips For Affordable Adventures. From Cocktails To Kickflips: Must-Try Activities In San Diego.