Author: Christine Williams

Animal lover, wannabe artist and peanut butter fiend with a serious allergy to a 9 to 5. On the other hand: undyingly messy, chronic blanket hog and so bad with directions I can get lost going to the corner store. Wanna know more

The Truth Behind Fathom Cruises Social Impact Travel

In April 2016 Fathom, Carnival Corporations’ newest initiative, launched its inaugural cruise to the Dominican Republic. But this time there’s a difference, as Fathom isn’t your average cruise line. Instead, the ship transports passengers from Miami to the Dominican Republic to participate in social impact activities, creating the opportunity for travelers to give back to the local community and understand the area on a deeper level.

Fathom does not call itself voluntourism. Which is smart given that voluntourism has gotten such a bad rap in the past few years, facing criticism left and right. Instead they’ve coined their own moniker: Social impact travel.

How Does Fathom Work?

The idea behind this unique venture is to harness the latent potential of cruise ship travelers and use that power to contribute to a greater good. The basic premise is to use this untapped labor force, if you will, and put it to work at certain impact activities that assist local social businesses and nonprofit organizations.

Sounds great, right? Taking travelers that would normally be sipping daiquiris by the pool into developing communities, pulling back the curtain on these destinations and getting people past the gates of the port and out of their comfort zone is definitely a good thing. Isn’t it?

Initial Hesitations

Initially we were hesitant. How much could we really contribute through half-day activities? Would we actually be having an impact? Or would this just be another example of Western pseudo do-gooding?

Coming from 5 years experience working in international nonprofits and currently getting our Masters in International Development, we knew first hand how incredibly complicated it is to make a truly positive impact. Developing communities are comprised of already marginalized, vulnerable populations. Unfortunately, no matter how good your intentions are, some projects and programs can have negative, sometimes disastrous effects on the local people.

Then there’s that whole Western savior complex that makes unskilled, inexperienced foreigners feel qualified to go into “third-world” countries and help, because, well, “we’re more developed than them so surely we must have something to offer.” However, the real tragedy is voluntourist corporations that use good-hearted travelers and charge them a pretty penny to feel like they’re giving back, but are really using the community as a prop for poverty without actually helping anyone. With all these issues at hand it’s not wonder voluntourism gets such a bad rap.

Is Fathom Making a Difference?

So when Fathom invited us on their inaugural trip to the Dominican Republic we had some hesitations. Nevertheless, we approached this opportunity as we do all of our travel, by deciding to see for ourselves before making a judgment. We went on this trip to ask the question, is Fathom voluntourism or true social impact?

Having now been on the week-long cruise, returned to dry land and had some time to digest our experience, we can now say that the Fathom team not only have the best intentions at heart, but are also making an impact in the lives of the Dominicans, as well as Fathom travelers. Like all new ventures, there is still some tweaking to be done to help things run smoother and maximize impact, but throughout our week with Fathom we became increasingly impressed with the level of care put into every detail.

The Impact of Fathom Travel

One aspect of the trip we were hyper aware of was exactly how much impact a group of travelers could have in such a short time. In our profession, we are used to slow, progressive development that traditionally requires a commitment of months or even years on the part of the volunteers. How could a group of foreigners, the majority of which had never been to the DR or knew anything about the local development context, make an impact? Not to mention the fact that the activities were generally only a few hours in length.

I think the biggest shift in mindset, for us and our fellow travelers, was accepting our limitations and understanding we could only offer so much given the circumstances. Could I teach more than a few phrases in English to a group of 3rd graders in a half hour period? Nope. But the whole idea behind Fathom is that you’re a small piece of a much, much larger puzzle.

Every time a group of volunteers visit the class these students will gather a few more phrases in their tool-belt and over time develop substantial language schools. Sure, teaching “hi, how are you” may not seem like much of an accomplishment, but it’s nice to be a cog in a machine that’s actually doing some good in the world.

Criticisms of this model say the ever-changing nature of coming into classrooms for short amounts of time disrupts the capacity for people, particularly children, to learn effectively. The simple answer to that statement is that these classes are run more like an extra curricular activity to compensate for an already stretched and under-resources educational system. Volunteers are not under the impression that they’re saving lives, nor are they creating projects and then bailing, they’re simply joining a pre-existing system and seeing where they can lend some assistance.

Silencing the Haters

Naysayers will also argue that our presence at these social impact activities does more to distract and slow down progress than to assist it. I’ll even admit, during my first activity at one of the social businesses, I felt like I was getting in the way rather than helping. But the fact is, we were making an impact; the numbers back it up. During our day at a women’s paper recycling cooperative we helped produce 2.5x the amount of paper they usually make in a day. That means they’re now able to make a much greater profit, expand their operation and eventually hire new employees. Every time volunteers visit the project these results will continue.

When we visited a chocolate making social business we helped produce in one day the amount of chocolate they normally produce in a week. When I heard this from our impact guides I was shocked. None of us had paper-making experience, we weren’t secret chocolatiers, we were just a group of 30ish people, a labor force that was able to do some menial tasks (stripping paper, sorting cocoa beans). It didn’t feel like much at the time, but with a small contribution from every person we were able to accomplish a lot.

Sustainability of Projects

One of the biggest criticisms of voluntourism is the idea that an organization just comes into a community, assumes it understands their needs and begins working without considering the future or possibility that they may have to leave one day. And on face value one may think that Fathom has just chosen a random community in the DR and began projects that would fit with the interests of the travelers. Luckily this couldn’t be further from the truth.

Fathom is made up of a very experienced and capable team led by president Tara Russell, social business expert and serial do-gooder, supported by a talented team with experience in areas like the Peace Corps, high-level NGOs and grassroots organizations. They know their stuff. They also know their limitations when it comes to understanding the local context. That’s why Fathom has partnered with local organizations, IDDI and Entrena, that both have a rich, long-standing history of community development in the Dominican Republic. These organizations have been working directly with the local community for decades and have a track record of successful programs. By tapping into these preexisting projects, Fathom can be sure that their volunteer force will be put to good use.

Additionally, the funding providing by Fathom from its travelers has allowed these partners to hire new local staff (namely our impact guides for each activities) and expand their programs. In the case of the chocolate makers, the resources from Fathom has allowed the President to return to university to study finance, which in the future will allow her to make an even bigger impact in the business.

It’s true that Fathom’s funding for the projects means that if the trips do come to a close, the businesses will have to scale back. This would obviously be a shame, but partnering with local organizations that have supported these initiatives long before Fathom’s presence means that the community won’t be left in the dust should it come to that.

Criticisms of Fathom Cruises

We’re not saying Fathom is perfect. Like any new venture, there are bound to be some kinks to work out and there were a couple things that still made us hesitant about going into the community. For example, there wasn’t a clear policy on taking photos of community members during the impact activities.

We were told that our impact guides would have cameras and we were encouraged to live in the moment instead of viewing the experience from behind a lens. But there wasn’t a recommended etiquette to taking photos and personally we felt a bit uncomfortable walking through impoverished communities or local schools with travelers taking photos of people or houses without asking.

There was also a weird a feeling of heading into these developing communities for only a couple hours, being escorted in our air conditioned buses and then coming back to the luxury of the ship for a lovely dinner and drinks. With a social impact cruise there will always be a dichotomy between the standard of living of the local community and the privileges we’re afforded during our trip. Of course this speaks to a much, much larger global problem, and you could argue that Fathom is working to close that gap.

Then there’s the issue of the environmental impact of cruises in general. Carnival in particular has a terrible history of environmental offenses, often rating the lowest scores possible for sewage treatment and air pollution reduction. With this track record, one could ask whether Carnival is in a position to tell others how to have a global impact when they seem to have some internal work to be doing on the same issue.

Additionally, there will always be the argument that there are ways to have a greater impact. And that’s definitely true. Fathom is volunteering-lite. You would absolutely have more impact if you spent a month in one of these developing communities, volunteering full-time. But the reality is that most people don’t have the time or the desire to commit for that long. For those that want their volunteering with a side of pool-time and a margarita, or those that are unsure how to get started volunteering overseas, Fathom provides an easy way to give back while still having a holiday.

Is it Peace Corps level volunteering? Not by a long shot. But it’s bringing awareness of social issues to the otherwise excessive world of cruises.

The Larger Impact of Fathom on Travelers

Throughout the journey Fathom reinforced the idea that the trip would have just as much of an impact on ourselves as it would on the community. And no, that doesn’t mean that they prioritize the experience of the traveler over the needs of the community. It simply means that the trip looks to expose travelers to a much deeper understanding of the concept of giving back.

As a long-term traveler, it’s sometimes hard to remember that for some people this might their first time out of the US. For others it may be their first time going past the gates of a cruise port. The experience of going into a developing community for the first time and witnessing the realities of global poverty is life-changing. It stays with you. When you go back home, to your family and friends, to your comforts and life of endless choices and possibilities, you carry that memory with you. And you may not realize it right away but it changes you. Sometimes in small ways, by simply appreciating your privilege or in larger ones, becoming more involved in your community or contributing to causes on a global scale.

This is what Fathom means when they say you’ll become part of the family. They don’t mean they expect you to come back for all their future trips (although I’m sure they’d love seeing familiar faces), but that they’re building a wider community of those that want to be part of a greater purpose: a global community of different nationalities that have a greater understanding, connection and respect for each other.

And that’s what Fathom, and on a larger scale social impact, is all about. Connecting people around the world, remembering that despite our vast difference in lifestyles we’re all brothers and sisters on this planet, no one person better than the next, all here to support and assist each other in whatever capacity possible.

As mentioned in the beginning, Don’t Forget To Move was invited to visit this Fathom cruise as guests. As always, the views and opinions expressed in this article are our own and in no way influenced by the fact that we received a complimentary trip.

How to Book Cheap Flights for Cuba Travel

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that traveling to Cuba is hot, hot, hot right now. You can’t open an issue of Travel + Leisure without seeing another gorgeous spread on the country. Cuba travel has always been a dream destination for many people, and what’s not to love about it? Those classic cars, colorful houses and cheap rum, who could resist?!

Thankfully, that dream destination is now becoming a reality for travelers as the local tourism industry has exploded in the last few years. Especially now, as the US begins to open up talks with Cuba (finallllly), it is easier than ever for US citizens to visit Cuba legally. For non-American travelers, it has always been legal, but the lack of information and infrastructure kept Cuba shrouded in a cloud of mystery.

When we went for the first time in 2013 there was limited info online and we kept coming across the same old myths about what a dangerous and difficult place it was for travelers. Now that bad rap has faded and travelers are itching to make Cuba their next vacation spot.

While there may be more information than ever, planning a trip to Cuba can still be a bit confusing. Well worry not, dear traveler, we’re here to talk you through step by step exactly how to book fights to Cuba and start planning your trip to one of the most unique countries in the word.

How to Get a Cuba Visa

We receive almost daily emails from readers asking us how to get a Cuban visa. Put simply, apart from a few lucky countries, everyone needs a visa to Cuba.

Luckily it’s very easy to organize a Cuban visa and doesn’t need any planning before your trip. The Cuba visa costs $25 USD and you’ll pay for this from your departing airport just before boarding your flight to Cuba. It’s possible to obtain a Cuba visa from the embassy in your country, but it’s usually not necessary if you only want a 30-day tourist visa. Both times that we’ve left from Cancun they handed us the visa in the check-in line, we paid and that was it. It really is that simple.

US to Cuba Travel: What’s the Deal?

Good news fellow Americans, it’s now easier than ever for US citizens to travel to Cuba legally. Obama hooked us up big time by opening up talks with Cuba in late 2014 and his March 2016 Cuba tour pretty much sealed the deal from there.

But before you pack your bikini and salsa dancing shoes, there are a couple things to be aware of. It’s still not a free-for-all. Technically Cuba is still illegal for the average American tourist. BUT you can legally go if your trip falls into one of 12 types of travel. It sounds complicated, but more than likely you’ll be able to find a way to squeeze yourself into one of these types.

For all US to Cuba travel information, including details on these 12 categories, as well as getting your passport stamped, exchanging money and buying travel insurance be sure to check our How to Legally Travel to Cuba an an American Guide.

And Everyone Else?

Non-US citizens have always been able to go to Cuba legally, except those with permanent residency in the US. Even if you’re traveling through or studying in the States, if you have a foreign passport you’re good to go. You’ll still need to purchase the $20 visa, but you don’t need to plan ahead for this. The only thing you’ll need to organize before you go is travel insurance. Having travel insurance for Cuba is mandatory for everyone entering, so if you don’t buy it beforehand you may be forced to buy their national insurance when you land.

Booking a Flight to Cuba

 

Finding the Right Airport in Cuba

As more tourists begin to travel to Cuba, the main airport in Havana is starting to feel the strain. It took us over 4 hours to get through immigration and customs last time, and that was in the middle of the night. As a result of Havana’s stretched resources, more regional airports are slowly opening up to international flights.

Havana may seem like the obvious choice to fly into, but you can often find sweet deals flying into smaller airports. There are actually 8 (!) international airports on mainland Cuba. Ranging from the far east in Santiago de Cuba to beachside resorts in Veradero. Depending on your Cuba itinerary it might make more sense to fly into one of these airports instead of Havana.

Pro Time-Saving Tip

Instead of individually searching each airport, taking notes and comparing prices, on Skyscanner you can actually search for all of the Cuban airports at once. The results will rank from cheapest city to most expensive, which makes it super easy to find smashing deals like this 290 pound ($426 USD) direct flight from London to Veradero, one of Cuba’s gorgeous beach towns. This is just one of the many deals you’ll find on Skyscanner when you utilize their flexible destination search.

Seriously, if you live anywhere close to England, cancel your plans and take this deal immediately. Heck, I might fly to England just to grab this deal.

Direct Flights to Cuba or Layovers?

There is an absolute frenzy going on right now between airlines competing to get approved for direct flights from the US to Cuba. As of May 2016, there are a few direct charter flights, but for the most part flights include at least one layover outside the US, commonly Mexico.

Open and direct US to Cuba flights are scheduled to begin as early as September 2016 and there’s no doubt that when the flights open there is going to be a mad rush of Americans traveling to Cuba. If you want to get in before the floodgates open, you can still book a flight from the US to Cuba, but it’s going to come with a layover. But before you get disheartened imagining yourself stuck in an airport for hours, think again. If you have a bit of extra time, consider booking separate flights for each leg of your journey to explore another city along the way.

Great deals pop up all the time. And as more US to Cuba flights open up this will be on the rise. For example, you can book a flight from NYC to Havana in November for $541 R/T OR you can fly from NYC to Miami ($160 R/T), then take a flight from Miami to Havana for $334 R/T.

OR

+

For those of us that are mathematically challenged (*pulls out calculator*), that’s almost $50 cheaper and includes a free plane ticket to Miami! Plus some spending money for happy hour drinks in Havana (#freemojitos)! There are tons of other awesome deals just like this that’ll save you money on Cuba flights. All you gotta do is start looking!

Making the Booking

With all the mystery surrounding booking flights to Cuba, it’s surprisingly easy to master. Hop on Skyscanner and enter your departing airport and dates. Make sure to take advantage of their awesome features of searching flights to Cuba instead of individual airports, or searching for the entire month instead of specific dates. Being flexible with your trip is the best way to score awesome flight deals.

If you are booking flights from the US to Cuba you’ll be prompted with a message reminding you that you need to be traveling for one of the 12 reasons. Simply click “confirm & continue” to accept that you understand the restrictions on Cuba travel for US citizens.

After choosing your flight, Skyscanner will direct you to one of their partners’ sites and you can put in all your information and pay! Easy as pie.

Now that we’ve gone through the step-by-step process of finding flights to Cuba, you should feel more comfortable searching for and purchasing your ticket. So what are you waiting for? Those cuba libres aren’t going to drink themselves! Find an awesome deal on Skyscanner (download the Skyscanner app and let it do the work for you!) and let us know when you’ll be in Cuba. Maybe we’ll meet you down there…

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How to Legally Travel to Cuba as an American

It’s no secret that Cuba has been all over the news recently. For the first time in decades, the US has eased up its travel restrictions for Americans traveling to Cuba, leaving many Americans wondering, “how can I travel to Cuba?”

In preparation for the masses, US airlines are now competing like crazy to secure non-stop flights to Cuba from the US, with the first flights already starting in September 2016. But regardless of the airlines, Americans are already beginning to visit in hordes, and it’s only going to get crazier in 2017. And while it may seem like a free-for-all, there are still some restrictions for US citizens.

You may have already done a little research and scanned some relevant articles; hopelessly trying to translate the government jargon explaining exactly what these restrictions are. Maybe you heard that there are 12 types of travel, but can’t figure out if your trip falls into these categories. Maybe you heard that you can travel through Mexico, but are worried about getting your passport stamped. We don’t blame you. Information is vague at best and is pretty confusing.

US to Cuba Travel Categories: What’s Up With That?

So USA travel to Cuba is not entirely lifted. Instead they’ve changed the process from a lengthy bureaucratic headache to basically an honor system. There are now 12 travel categories in which you can legally travel to Cuba as an American. Whether you’re flying from the US to Cuba, or passing through a gateway country, you must qualify for one of these categories:

(1) family visits

(2) official business of the U.S. government, foreign governments, and certain intergovernmental organizations

(3) journalistic activity

(4) professional research and professional meetings

(5) educational activities

(6) religious activities

(7) public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitions

(8) support for the Cuban people

(9) humanitarian projects

(10) activities of private foundations or research or educational institutes

(11) exportation, importation, or transmission of information or information materials

(12) certain export transactions that may be considered for authorization under existing regulations and guidelines.

In accordance with the law, all of your trip should be spent doing one of these activities. This means that taking a trip to Cuba for a holiday and kicking back with a mojito on the beach is still not technically allowed for Americans. However, in reality, there are already thousands of Americans visiting Cuba for just those purposes. Good luck trying to take the mojito out of their hands!

The bottom line is that the Cuba travel categories are extremely vague, I mean, have you seen that list? It could just about cover anything. Maybe doing ‘educational activities’ requires you to test the water quality at different beaches, or perhaps your ‘professional research’ involves sampling which rum you like best.

Need more info on traveling to Cuba as a US citizen and getting a visa? Check out our new Cuba travel guide!

Don’t Fit Into One of These Categories?

What? You mean you’re not headed to Cuba for “exportation, importation or transmission of information?” You’re going simply to enjoy the Cuban culture and explore a uniquely interesting destination? Well luckily you’re not alone. If you’re not feeling game enough to fly from the USA to Cuba under a self-appointed license, you have a couple of other options.

Flying to Cuba From Mexico or Canada

First, you could just go through a gateway country. There are very few direct flights from the States at the moment, so chances are you’ll be entering from another country away. Depending on where you live in the US, you can easily book a flight to Cuba from Canada or Mexico. Once you pass through the gateway country you can go directly from there without ever having to worry about the US government.

Join a ‘Person to Person’ Cuba Tour

Second, you can join a “person to person” tour company that takes Americans down to Cuba under “educational activities.” If you don’t mind being on a tour this is a perfectly legal, albeit somewhat expensive, way to visit Cuba.

Pick a Cuba Travel Category

Third, you could just pick a category that you think you could get away with. Okay, that sounds a bit sketchy, but considering how open-ended some of the categories are, it’s pretty easy. Seriously, one of them is simply “support for the Cuban people.” What does that even mean? Surely buying cocktails helps support the economy… and therefore support the people. No?!

We went as “journalists.” The categories are very general, so you’d be very hard pressed to find a type of travel that you didn’t fit into. What I’m trying to say is, just go. You won’t be thrown in jail, you won’t be fined. Obama’s down with it, Cuba is definitely down with it, you’re good to go.

Using Social Media in Cuba

Another thing not to worry about at all! The government isn’t going to track you down via your social media accounts to see if you’ve been to Cuba. Heck, if they do, Obama might even Like a couple of your photos.

We blasted out Tweets, sweet Instagram pics and updates constantly while in Cuba.

What About Money?

Oooh, the money in Cuba! Well, according to the US embassy site, all US debit and credit cards, as well as cards from US-based banks, will not work as of yet. Even attempting to log-on to your US bank online could lock you out of your account until you leave the country. This will most likely start changing in the future, but it’s better not to bank on it. See what I did there?

Instead of using a debit card, most people bring cash. Yes, bringing 3 weeks worth of cash can be a little scary, but as American there aren’t many options. To make matters even more frustrating there is a 10% fee added to all exchanges using US dollars (although I’m pretty sure we heard rumors of this being changed soon).

Your best bet is to come to Cuba with Euros, Canadian dollars or Mexican pesos. You can exchange these for the local currency with no extra fee at a local cadeca, aka a money-changing facility.

Exchanging Cuban Currency

There are two types of currencies in Cuba. The first is the Cuban convertible or CUC (pronounced kook or say-ooh-say) and it is always 1:1 with the US dollar. CUC is generally used more by tourists. The other type is the Cuban peso or CUP, referred to simply as pesos or moneda nacional (national money). This type is used more by locals and worth much less than the CUC. In Cuba they exchange 25CUP for 1CUC.

Other Things to Note

It’s mandatory that all travelers have travel insurance for Cuba. And believe me, after spending a week in the Havana hospital with Dengue Fever, I highly recommend getting it. If you don’t have travel insurance you may be stopped at the airport and forced to buy the local insurance.

Americans buying travel insurance in Cuba can be a bit tricky. The easiest and most reliable one we’ve found is World Nomads. They cover American travel to Cuba and they are one of the most well-known in the travel industry. We use them and have for years.

Now that we’ve explained how to travel to Cuba legally as an American, you’re all set to go! But don’t rush off just let and book your flight, there are still many things to know about traveling to Cuba! For all the most updated and relevant Cuba travel information be sure to check out our new book, The Authentic Cuba Travel Guide! You can even get a FREE chapter of the book, “Top 10 Cuba Travel Hacks”, by entering you’re email below!

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Due to the high volume of inquiries and questions on this post we’ve not turned off ‘comments’. If you have any specific questions related to Cuba visas, US travel to Cuba or anything else please refer to our new publication, The Authentic Cuba Travel Guide, where we answer all your questions and so much more in over 100 pages of expert Cuba travel information and recommendations.

6 Ways Volunteering Overseas Will Change Your Life

If you’ve ever volunteered abroad you know we’re not exaggerating when we say that joining an overseas volunteering program will change your life. It’ll open your eyes to global inequalities, give you a greater appreciation for everything you have, and help you contribute to making the world a better place.

But as rewarding as it can be, volunteering overseas shouldn’t be an activity to take lightly. Along with the regular tasks of any other job, you’ve also got the added responsibilities of making sure you’re having a positive impact on the community, project or person. Wanting to make a difference must to be your number one priority in choosing any volunteer position, but that doesn’t mean you won’t personally get a lot out of joining an international volunteer program.

Dedicating your time, resources and expertise to any volunteer project in need is an admirable way to contribute to the bettering of the world. And in doing so you’ll also add to the bettering of yourself. Whether you’re volunteering for a gap year holiday, or a veteran of international volunteering, everyone can get a lot from taking the time to help others.

Breaking Out Of You Comfort Zone

If there’s one guarantee for volunteering abroad it’s that you’ll push yourself further than you thought you could. In your position you’ll constantly be bombarded with a plethora of ‘new’. New tastes, smells, cultures, ideals, lifestyles. The first week or so is most likely going to be a period of continually adjusting to this new way of life. You’ll be learning exactly what that mystery meat was from last night’s dinner and how to cope with the cockroach that lives in the corner of your room. You’ll get over your fear of speaking in a foreign language and get the courage to step up and take leadership role when you’re needed. Why? Because you have to.

Unlike traveling, where you can easily move on if you don’t like a place, as a volunteer you’ve made a commitment to an organization. Despite uncomfortable situations, you’ll need to power through and push the boundaries of your comfort zone. And you know what? You’ll be better off for it! You’ll look back on those mini-breakdown moments and laugh it off… eventually.

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Getting Back More Than You’d Planned

Going into your volunteer position you should be focusing on what you can give to the community and organization you’re helping. But what may be more surprising is how much you’ll receive in return. Volunteering abroad isn’t just about heading overseas and building houses during your spring break. It’s about connecting with communities around the world. Finding mutual interests and respecting our differences. It’s the little moments like learning how to weave from a Guatemalan abuela (grandmother) or dancing the traditional kuratsa with a family in the Philippines. It’s moments like these that you’ll remember forever. These are moments that you’d never have access to if you were just visiting as a traveler, disconnected from the true day to day activities of the culture you’re passing through.

Gaining Newfound Independence

There’s nothing like moving away from the comforts of home to a foreign country to kick start your sense of independence. Leaving all the things that were familiar and reassuring, to embark on a journey into the unknown! Not only will you be learning to adapt to new living situations, but you’ll now have to do it without the immediate support of your friends and family. It’s in these times that you’ll discover your true inner strength that’s been buried in there all along. Everyone has it, and taking on a foreign volunteering trip is the perfect way to accelerate its development.

Learning to navigate through a foreign place by yourself will prove that you are truly independent. And this newfound independence won’t only be useful while you’re traveling, it carries through your life in all aspects. Being independent helps you find the confidence to pursue things in life that you really want. Whether you’re pursuing a promotion, taking up a fun hobby or just taking the plunge on something new.

Learning a New Appreciation For What You Already Have

Perhaps one of the most life-changing parts of volunteering abroad isn’t what happens while you’re overseas, but rather when you return home. If you take a volunteer position in developing communities, it’s inevitable that you when you get back to your home country you’ll notice glaring differences. Not just in the standard of living, but also due to the consumer driven nature of more well-off countries. It’s also this consumer focussed nature that is having an extreme impact on environments all over world, as well as the animals that live in those environments. You’ll start to see that it’s all intertwined!

Wasted resources will drive you crazy and you won’t believe how much people take their privilege for granted. You’ll start to look at those little things you complained about in the past as incomparable to the inequalities in many countries around the world. Witnessing first hand the resourcefulness and resilience of marginalized communities will give you a new appreciation for everything you have.

This newly discovered appreciation isn’t intended to make you feel bad about living your life back home, but perhaps it will help you make more conscious decisions next time you decide to leave the water running brushing your teeth or spend $200 on that new pair of shoes. Or maybe it’ll encourage you to do a little more once you’re back home. This could be as small as buying from reputable companies that support fair trade practices, or donating money to organizations helping the cause.

You Might Also Like –  Helping Rebuild Tacloban After Typhoon Haiyan: Our Personal Experience

Making Life Long Friends

There’s no stronger bond than a bond shared over making the world a better place. Whether it’s with other international volunteers, local staff or families from the community, joining forces with others from different walks of life will produce friendships that last a lifetime. Friends back home will admire the stories you share, but only your new friends will truly understand the life changing experiences that you’ve been through. These friendships will stay strong over time and distance, regardless of how far or long it is between drinks.

Changing Your Mentality For life

While you may only have a few weeks or months to volunteer abroad, the impact it has on your worldview will last a lifetime. You’ll leave your volunteer position feeling empowered and inspired to do more good in the world. You’ll leave humble, knowing that just because you have the privilege of being from a developed country and receiving an education doesn’t mean you’re more skilled or knowledgeable than someone from a developing country. Rather, you have the privilege and opportunity of taking time off and traveling somewhere new, and instead of sipping margaritas on the beach, you’ve chosen to lend a hand. From here on out you’ll be more aware of those instances you can help out even in the smallest ways in your own community. You’ll search for a job that has a charitable component and you’ll always look for your next opportunity to travel and give back.

As you can see, along with helping the world, you can also gain a lot for yourself in the process. While this shouldn’t be your sole focus when choosing a volunteer program, it is important to enjoy your volunteer work and feel good about what you’ve done.

Romantic Weekend Getaway at the Amari Watergate Hotel, Bangkok

In the middle of Bangkok’s busy business district, the Amari stands as a serene haven from the city’s chaotic streets. As soon as you step through the doors to the expansive air conditioned lobby, you’ll feel a sense of relief escaping the sticky humidity outside. For us, the Amari was not just another hotel on our Thailand tour, it was the last place we’d stay before flying home after 10 months in Southeast Asia. It was also our last weekend together before separating for a month. After our two nights at the Amari we would both be catching flights to our respective homes, so we wanted to make our last few days together special. We weren’t sure if a “romantic weekend getaway in Bangkok” would be an oxymoron considering the city usually leaves us exhausted, sweaty and a bit grumpy, but the Amari Watergate was a perfect oasis for our time together.

 

 

Executive Club

We had a room located on one of the Executive floors and let me tell you, it is so worth it. The entire hotel is beautiful, but staying in an Executive Club room will make you feel like royalty. When we first entered the hotel we were brought to the private Executive check-in on the 24th floor. While they prepared our room we waited in the Executive lounge area, enjoying complimentary fresh juice and cookies and cooling off with a refreshingly cold hand towel.

 

 

Our room was spacious with a plush king size bed. The bathroom was luxurious with a huge bath, perfect for a post-happy hour soak with a glass of champagne in hand, of course. We were grateful to find a box of chocolates on the table with a note welcoming us to the Amari. The floor to ceiling windows revealed a view of the cityscape.

 

 

The room had free wifi (available throughout the hotel) and a big desk to work that went unused during our stay because #VacationLife. In the morning we had access to the larger buffet breakfast downstairs, as well as a private buffet in the lounge. Complimentary snacks were available throughout the day, then from 5 to 7pm Executive Club guests had a happy hour with complimentary drinks, hors d’oeuvres and a light dinner buffet. So basically we were eating all day. We especially enjoyed getting a bit dressed up for the happy hour and sipping champagne overlooking the gorgeous skyline of Bangkok at night. Does it get any classier than that?

 

 

 

Read more reviews at:

Agoda – HotelsCombined – Booking.Com

 

 

The Staff

We knew we would love the staff at the Amari before we even arrived. Our email correspondence with Ari, the Social Media team leader, was refreshingly down to earth and friendly. After the second or third email exchange Jules and I turned to each other and said, we want to be friends with this girl! Luckily she was available when we arrived at the hotel and we were able to chat with her before settling in. The rest of the Amari staff were just as sweet. From the lounge staff who never let our wine glasses empty, to the hotel salon’s hairdresser who not only gave me an amazing haircut but also a Thai geography lesson, we always felt well taken care of.

 

 

The Facilities

The facilities at the Amari Watergate are so accommodating that we literally did not leave the hotel during our entire weekend. I know that may make us sound like bad travel bloggers, but we’d done Bangkok before. We’ve seen the Buddhas and had enough 25¢ street Pad Thai to last a lifetime. This was our weekend for some pampering. We lounged by the pool, taking in the view of skyscrapers, a fun reminder that despite the serenity we’re still in the middle of Thailand’s biggest city. At the Amari there’s a poolside restaurant and bar, where the servers will bring your food to you, so you can enjoy it in your lounge chair, kicking back by the water. Across from the pool is a full gym with exercise equipment, squash courts, Jacuzzi and steam room. Jules enjoyed a full workout one afternoon while I sat by the pool and ate. Don’t judge me!

 

 

On the same level is Amari’s luxurious Breeze Spa. We had a calming Jacuzzi bubble bath in our private room followed by a foot soak and heavenly one-hour massage. The spa was beautifully designed and our room was spacious. Following our treatment we were given a delicious refreshing beverage, which we sipped, basking in the calm post-massage relaxation.

 

 

Overall our stay at the Amari Watergate was exactly what we were looking for in a hotel for our last weekend together. The facilities kept us entertained when we wanted something to do and the room was luxurious, perfect for snuggling in on our down-time. We loved being Executive Club guests and felt like absolute royalty. Thanks to the Amari staff for such a fabulous stay!

 

 

Headed to Bangkok and looking for luxury? Book a trip to the Amari Watergate from anyone of the booking sites below for guaranteed best prices!

Agoda – HotelsCombined – Booking.Com

Top Luxury Resort: The Panviman Spa in Chiang Mai

Tucked away in the mountains of Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand, the Panviman Resort and Spa is a paradise for guests that are looking to escape the noise and pollution of Thailand’s big cities. And after spending 10 months traveling through Southeast Asia, Jules and I were in desperate need of some personal care. We had had several friends who stayed at the resort and one after the other they would come down the hill back into town with a restored sense of calm and peaceful energy. We absolutely could not wait for our weekend at what seemed like a magical healing paradise. And I can tell you now that we were not disappointed.

 

Our luxury spa and resort weekend began with a private shuttle that picked us up from our apartment and drove us the hour or so up the windy hill. We arrived excited, if not a bit car-sick, and stepped into one of the most beautiful hotel lobbies I’ve experienced in all my travels. We had seen beautiful photos of the property before coming, but seeing it in person was truly stunning. Throughout the weekend we became more and more impressed with every well thought out detail of the Panviman Spa Resort, and we’re convinced that it truly is one of the most relaxing resorts in Thailand.

 

 

The Property

The only “stress” I felt during my stay at the Panviman was my indecisiveness about whether to stay in our gorgeous room or be outside in the incredible resort. The property of the Panviman is simply breathtaking. The Chaing Mai Panviman is perched high up in the mountains and the view looking out over the valley from the dining room is incredible. We spent most of our meals overlooking this gorgeous view, looking out in awe over the serene landscape.

 

The rest of the resort is equally gorgeous. With a sprawling property, you could seriously spend weeks here without getting bored. Panviman is the perfect resort if you’re looking to rest your mind and rejuvenate your body. The meditation cave and yoga studio are always open to provide yourself some peace and quiet. The well-equipped gym overlooks the gorgeous 2-story pool if you’re looking to get your sweat on before taking a dip. Guests with children will enjoy that the resort has plenty to offer kids (or kids at heart) including mini-golf, giant chess, archery, pool table and ping pong. Or if you’d rather just kick back with a good book there are lounge chairs and gorgeous outdoor beds overlooking their beautiful lake.

 

 

Looking for more reviews or pictures? Check out:

Booking.Com  //  HotelsCombined  //  Agoda

 

 

The Food

I’ll be honest and say that good food is not hard to come by in Thailand. Chiang Mai especially is brimming with restaurants, street stalls and carts that sell incredible meals for even better prices. Or you can even sign up for your very own Thai cooking class. During our month in Chiang Mai we were spoiled with the tasty choices just on our block, so food wasn’t what we were looking forward to most at the Panviman. That was before we tried their cake. When we first arrived we joined the hotel’s manager, Charles, for coffee and some homemade desserts. I ordered the caramel cake and Jules had the banana fritters. Holy deliciousness. All of the desserts are made in house and they are fantastic. The cake was moist and not overly sweet while the bananas were fried to perfection.

During the rest of our stay we were equally impressed with all of the meals we had. Buffet breakfast in the morning was a lovely mix of traditional Thai breakfast items with Western choices. We opted for beautiful fresh fruit (including local Thai dragon fruit), piping hot omelets made to order and delicious locally made jams with toast.

The adjoining restaurant served huge portions for dinner and we especially enjoyed the Caesar salad and vegetable curry and the complimentary appetizer of fresh cut veggies. Everything tasted healthy and local, not surprising since much of the produces comes from an organic garden within the resort. If you find the food particularly delicious, the resort also offers cooking classes to learn traditional Northern Thai recipes. Yum! And surprisingly, for a big fancy resort, the prices are very very reasonable.

Depending on how long you’re staying at the resort, you may want to bring some snacks up with you. While the restaurant is fantastic, the resort’s location means there aren’t many options for switching it up, grab some snacks before you arrive. We brought cheese and crackers and stopped off at a local strawberry stand on our way up.

 

“If the Panviman resort is heaven, the masseuses are certified angels.”

 

 

The Spa 

As we mentioned, Panviman Spa Resort is tucked away up in the mountains, making it a bit difficult to leave. They have free shuttles down to Chiang Mai and can organized nearby activities, but because the property itself has so much to offer, we recommend savoring every moment you have up in the hillside. The Panviman is a place for relaxing, healing and pampering yourself. And how better to do that than get a spa treatment?

If the Panviman resort is heaven, the masseuses are certified angels. The spa has a selection of treatments but we opted for the 90 minute Aromatherapy Well-being Massage. The treatment started in the spa’s gorgeous lobby where Jules and I had the opportunity to choose our favorite scent. We then met our masseuses who sat us in two reclining chairs overlooking the beautiful lake. Our feet were gently dipped into a wooden bowl filled with warm water and floating flowers. We had a relaxing foot massage before we were taken to our massage room for a 20 minute sauna. After the steam our 90 minute full body massage began. I can tell you honestly, without exaggeration, that this massage was the best of my life. There is an obvious attention to detail as everything from the music, to the decoration, to the bed was perfectly organized for a relaxing treatment.

 

 

The Hospitality

Anyone who has visited Thailand before knows the Thais are incredibly hospitable. The reputation as “the land of smiles” is well earned. As a five-star establishment, the Panviman takes that hospitality to the next level. From the gracious driver that picked us up from our apartment, to being welcomed with warm tea and a cold towel at reception, we always felt like royalty. Charles, the hotel manager, gave us a lovely tour of the grounds and it was apparent that he is very passionate and proud of his work. The staff were courteous, from the gardeners always greeting us with a “saweedi ka” to the maids fulfilling our requests for more tealight candles to line the jacuzzi. We never felt dismissed or looked down upon because of our age or well-worn clothes. And that’s the way it should be.

 

 

The Rooms

The only thing that could pull us away from exploring the incredible property of Panviman Resort was our equally gorgeous room. We stayed in the Jaccuzi Villa. Emphasis on the word villa. Our room was huge. Double the size of an average hotel room and then some. The interior design was beautiful and heavily influenced by traditional Thai architecture. We had a beautiful outdoor deck overlooking the lush countryside, but our favorite part of the room was the private Jacuzzi located on the deck. If anything says romantic weekend, it’s a private Jacuzzi looking out into the Thai jungle.

 

 

The Panviman has a selection of rooms for guests on varying budgets. They have more budget friendly options in their main building, with something for everyone. Although a bit smaller than our villa, these rooms are still gorgeously decorated and have their own private balcony. For those that want a bigger splurge there are also bigger villas with private infinity pools, which would be are perfect for families that would like to have multiple bedrooms. What we really appreciate about the Panviman Spa Resort is that they cater to a variety of budgets for any luxury resort goer. And despite your room choice, every guest has access to the stunning grounds and extra amenities around the resort. That’s a massive tick in our books!

 

 

What are you waiting for? To book your stay at the best resort in Northern Thailand compare the following search engines for the cheapest prices hands down.

Booking.Com  //  HotelsCombined  //  Agoda

 

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Eating Up Thai Vegetarian Cooking Classes in Chiang Mai

With a metal ladle in one hand, the wok handle in the other and my May Kaidee cooking school menu book tucked under my arm, this is starting feel more like a shoddy one-woman vaudeville act than a cooking class. An overly ambitious swirl of the wok and my peanut sauce goes flying, leaving orange-brown streaks across my notebook. I try to convince our instructor that I’m not usually this clutzy in the kitchen (a lie) and she just shakes her head laughing, assuring me she’s seen worse. And I don’t doubt it.

Nim, our small, but fiery Thai cooking teacher has been working for May Kaidee for many years: long enough to see many spilt sauces and more than a few small fires. The May Kaidee vegetarian restaurant and cooking school, our culinary institution for the day, has been teaching the secrets of Thai cooking for over 20 years in Bangkok and several years at this Chiang Mai location. We’ve been invited to participate in the class by Cookly, a marketplace connecting foodies with chefs and cooking schools to learn and enjoy a unique culinary experience.

At Cookly they believe that learning to prepare authentic meals is the perfect way to dive straight into a new culture. And because we love authentic travel, and eating, it was a match made in heaven. Cookly has classes throughout Southeast Asia in Vietnam, Indonesia and Thailand and will expand to other regions including Australia, Europe, India and Morocco throughout 2016. For our experience today we chose the well-respected May Kaidee vegan and vegetarian cooking school in Chiang Mai to learn the classic dishes of Northern Thailand.

 

 

Our instructor Nim teaches cooking classes every day, sometimes three times a day and usually the same dishes. To say that she could do this with her eyes closed is an understatement. With such expertise comes the right to adapt hundred-year-old dishes to suit your liking. Measurements are flexible, if not downright instinctual. Nim gives us instructions like one “lady hand” (literally the amount of product that the average Thai women could hold in her hand) and fry till fragrant. It’s these instinctual processes that separate her perfect Pad Thai from our decent one. I know that going back to the United States and repeating these meals for my family will be one level further removed from the tastes of Thailand, but I’m determined to do my best and learn the secrets of authentic Thai cooking.

 

 

Visiting a Thai Food Market

Our day starts with a trip to the local market. Several other small Thai cooking classes crowd around stalls and I feel grateful that our class includes only Jules and I. Nim shows us the ingredients we’ll be cooking with today. She brings out a pre-organized basket of fresh produce and points to what looks like a green pea no bigger than a blueberry.

“Do you know what this is?” she asks.

After a series of guesses, Nim shakes her head. “Eggplant!”

Jules and I peer into her palm and try to sensitively correct her that this tiny vegetable could not possibly be an eggplant. Just as patiently she insists that she is sure it’s an eggplant.

 

 

“Eggplant. Or maybe you called it aubergine?” she asks. Okay, clearly she knows her stuff.

The market lesson continues with a series of herbs that she places in the palm of our hands to smell. Lemongrass. Coriander. Sweet basil. All the smells of our favorite Thai dishes come alive in our palms, as our appetites begin to grow.

As we continue the market tour Nim teaches us Thai versions of ingredients we cook with at home. Kaffir limes and their leaves. Galangal ginger. When we ask if we can simply replace galangal with our regular ‘ol American ginger, she responds with a resounding no! When we ask what we should use if we don’t have galangal, Nim nonchalantly states that we should just skip ginger, but she seems like she really wants to say don’t bother cooking the dish at all. As relaxed as Nim is about cooking, there are certain non-negotiables when it comes to mixing up these classic dishes.

 

 

May Kaidee: The Best Chiang Mai Cooking Class

Back at May Kaidee we start preparing our dishes for the day. Today’s lineup includes: fresh chili paste, Tom Yum soup, Green Curry, Papaya salad, peanut sauce, Pad Thai, spring rolls, pumpkin hummus and mango sticky rice for dessert. As we begin cooking we notice that most of the dishes are some combination of same 10 or so ingredients. Two lady hands of onion, tomato and carrot. Two tablespoons of soy sauce, combined light and dark to taste. Brown sugar, juice from two lime wedges, heaping scoops of coconut milk. And yet, somehow, each dish comes out looking and tasting vastly different. Tom Yum has that salty sour taste, where as Pad Thai comes out salty sweet.

 

 

Cooking Thai food really is a five senses experience. Simply tasting a dish to assess its quality isn’t enough. Scent, sight and even sound play a huge part. Most recipes we learn today include a step like “fry until fragrant” or “grill until you smell garlic.” Dishes should have a certain color, as well. If your green chili paste isn’t quite green enough, add sweet basil to double the color. Nim assesses our chili paste by its color just as much as its taste. Even sound plays a part. Heat the oil until you hear the sizzle of onion when it hits the wok.

 

Book a Chiang Mai Cooking Class

 

Ah yes, the wok. Thais certainly have mastered the one dish meal. But what looks like a simple cooking utensil, actually takes quite a bit of finesse to handle. Our first few attempts see us throwing a lady hand of onion a bit too forcefully into the wok, releasing a retaliation of hot oil spat in our direction. Gracefully sliding the ingredients down the side of the wok yields much better results.

 

 

Vegetarian Pad Thai Cook Up

After making homemade peanut sauce, we move on to a personal favorite, Pad Thai. This dish is a staple of Thai street carts and, quite frankly, the perfect 2 am drunk food. We’ve seen an infinite amount of locals whipping up this dish, four plates at a time in great big woks, and it seemed pretty simple. It seemed!

The recipe starts off easy enough, steaming rice noodles until soft. Then add oil, chunks of tomatoes, onion, garlic and cubes of tofu. Fry until fragrant. We are then instructed to push these ingredients to the side of the wok to make room for the egg. The egg is cracked directly onto the hot metal surface and begins to cook immediately. This sounds easier than it is.

 

 

My heat is turned up too high and my vegetables immediately start burning. The wok tips from the uneven weight distribution, meanwhile my egg is frying into a crisp. Nim steps in and sorts me out, turning the heat to medium-low and skillfully scrambling the egg. Crisis averted. The noodle and veggie mixture is tasty enough, but the toppings are really what makes the Pad Thai: fresh, crunchy bean sprouts, hot chili flakes and roasted ground peanuts for extra flavor. Yum.

 

Culture and Cooking: A True Authentic Experience

Throughout the class our cooking is punctuated with singing. In the back of our recipe booklets is a traditional Thai cooking song. Nim has a lovely voice and Jules and I follow along, attempting to mimic, but inevitably butchering almost ever word. After all the cooking the day is wrapped up with dancing, but we’re absolutely stuffed with food. Nim teaches us a traditional Thai dance, middle finger and thumb together, wrists held outwards, arms gracefully gliding up and down. We dance in the middle of the restaurant where other patrons have just sat down for a delicious lunch. We dance despite being absolutely stuffed and we dance until we’re laughing out loud.

 

 

The staff send us home with full bellies and take away containers filled with curries, spring rolls and a Pad Thai that tastes just as good eaten cold in bed later that night. And while we may not have mastered Thai cooking from one class, we do have a few simple, tasty meals under our belt, as well as a greater understanding of the Northern Thai cuisine.

 

Book a Chiang Mai Cooking Class

 

A big thanks to May Kaidee, the best cooking school in Chiang Mai, and Cookly for inviting us to such a special experience. Jules and I love eating, but as vegetarians, food has always been just as much of a challenge as it is a pleasure while traveling. With a fully vegetarian menu, however, we were able to uninhibitedly nibble, savor and relish every dish and ingredient. Our class gave us a taste (pardon the pun) of traditional Thai culture and we loved learning a new skill that we can take back to our families to give them a taste of Thailand.

 

Makati City Guide

Most travelers complain about Manila. Unless they’re catching a flight or have just landed from overseas, it’s uncommon to see backpackers spend much time here. Yes, the traffic is a constant headache and it’s hard to get around, but scheduling in a long weekend in Manila is totally worth it if you have time to explore Makati City. The Makati neighborhood is the financial center of Manila and is home to many more upscale businesses, residences and attractions than the rest of the city. While some areas of Makati are super fancy, another area is considered one of Manila’s red-light districts. The diversity and vibrant action throughout the neighborhood is what drew us and kept us entertained. We’ve gotten to know Makati City pretty well, so Expedia.com asked us to share our knowledge. Here are our top picks for what to do while in Makati City.

 

Do

Greenbelt Shopping Center

Even if you’re not big on shopping, the Greenbelt Shopping Center in Makati City is a must-see. It’s without a doubt one of the most extravagant malls we’ve ever seen (think Beverly Hills plopped in the middle of Manila). Luxury stores line the walkways. We’re talking Gucci, Burberry and Coach; not much within the budget of a backpacker, or anyone short of a millionaire really. But the landscaping throughout the shopping center is beautiful with green patches, koi ponds and lawn areas to sprawl out on a summer day. There is also an impressive amount of restaurants and lots of coffee shops with free Wi-Fi, perfect for a day of catching up on blogging!

 

See

Nightlife

Sure, you can go to Manila and experience the culture through museum visits. But the real reason to stay in Makati is to the experience the city’s thriving red light district. The neighborhood’s streets turn into pulsing epicenters of nightlife as soon as the sun goes down. From midget boxing to “lady bars,” Makati City is anything but tame. If you’re not into a wild night on the town, we enjoyed simply walking the main strip and taking in the craziness as spectator.

Eat

Sunday Market

The Legazpi Sunday Market was one of our favorite places to eat in Manila. Each week part of Legazpi Park is transformed into a pleasant farmer’s market. Some of the city’s best restaurants set up stands and sell incredible food. There are lots of options, so we recommend to pace yourself and try a bit from a bunch of stalls. We loved the dumplings, mee goreng and churros for dessert! They also have organic vegetables and delicious fresh ginger ale for sale. Live music gives the event a lively, communal atmosphere.

 

Drink

Speakeasies

If you’re looking for a fun night out but aren’t interested in the seedy activities of the street bars, check out Makati City’s speakeasies. These “underground” bars have been popping up all over Manila, especially in the Makati area. We highly recommend The Curator, coffee shop during the day and classy cocktail bar by night. The bartenders here at the best in the biz and will whip you up a specialty cocktail depending on your particular taste. I had the best espresso martini of my life here. Don’t miss it. Other fun speakeasies in the area include Exit and The Blind Pig.

 

Stay

Z Hostel

Makati is popular with travelers so there’s no shortage of hostels and hotels. Unfortunately for backpackers, Makati is on the pricier side with private rooms often costing $30+. Skip the annoying walk around the neighborhood trying to find a bargain and just head directly to Z Hostel. Owner Ben de Vera has created a haven within the chaotic streets of Manila. Z Hostel is an upscale boutique hostel that mixes the luxury of a hotel with the social atmosphere of a hostel. They host weekly parties and events that we recommend you check out even if you don’t stay there. You can read our full Z Hostel review here.

See more photos of the vibrant Makati City in the Expedia Viewfinder Image Library! 

Blocks Hostel: The Best Hostel in Sukhumvit Bangkok

If you’re looking for the best hostel in Sukhimvit area that has the perfect combination of class, atmosphere and price then you can’t go past The Blocks Hostel. Located in a prime location for shopping, nightlife and transportation, you’re only ever a short distance to the best attractions in Bangkok, regardless of the hectic traffic.

Before we arrived at The Blocks we’d actually met people who were staying there, so we were already really excited about checking it out. On arrival we walked up the steps to the hostel, kicked off our shoes, entered and were immediately met with a good feel about the place. First impressions indicated a clean, spacious and fun hostel, and over the next few nights we can definitely confirm those feelings as correct.

 


 

Facilities

The Blocks has a nice open common space downstairs, where we were immediately met with other friendly travelers before we even got the chance to check in. Downstairs the hostel offers some quiet passive working stations (as well as computers) before two big doors open up to a chill out cinema area with scattered bean bags across the floor. There’s also a washing machine and dryer at hand (for free), which is a great extra feature when you need a quick turnaround on that stinky laundry.

After checking in we headed for our room. With rooms spread out across a number of floors we boarded the old service elevator to reach the top. Equipped with a double-sided sliding screen door, this elevator is one for the ages. Hesitantly we jumped inside, but we arrived safe and sound.

 

 

Rooms

In classic boutique fashion there are some really awesome features on offer at The Blocks Hostel in Bangkok. The rooms are set up with comfortable and wide beds, perfect pillows and soft sheets. There are individual charging stations for each bed, as well as a light. Spacious lockers round off the room’s features, with enough space to put your whole bag in if needed. It’s another testament to the good quality thinking that is going into hostel designs these days.

 

 

Location

The Blocks Hostel is located in an amazing position. Just a short walk from the ever-interesting Sukhumvit Rd you’re only a 5min walk to the Nana BTS station. From there it’s quick access to the shopping district of MBK and Central World. Or head somewhere different and check out Terminal 21, only a short walk from The Blocks. This shopping centre is based off the concept of an airport, with each floor representing a different world destination, workers dressed like flight attendants and escalators looking like departure gates.

 

Vibe

One of the best things about The Blocks is the chilled out vibe. You can really be as social as you want to. The kitchen is a great place to mix pre-drinks and make friends before heading out for the night. And the next morning, nurture your hangover in the movie room. The keep this area super dark and have tons of pillows to lay down on, basically made for hangovers. The staff here are super friendly and always down to hang out and give recommendations for the best attractions in the area. Ask Pixie if you plan on going shopping in the city, he knows all the best markets.

Overall, we loved our time at the Blocks Hostel. The management has done a terrific job designing a practical and visually appealing hostel with a chilled out social atmosphere. If you’re looking for the best hostel in Sukhumvit, make a reservation at The Blocks.

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