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United Airlines Flights to Ireland - Deal Alert

Late November / early December tends to be a bargain to fly from NYC to Dublin, Ireland. I remember, when I was a lad - (all of 10 years ago!) the fare was ~$300 but those days are long gone. These days, $600 is a great deal and that just happens to be what's on offer for Thanksgiving (November 28th, 2013). On Wednesday night, I booked a direct flight EWR- DUB for the missus, wee man and I, for $750 per adult (traveling Thanksgiving weekend). On Thursday I just happened to re-check the prices and the fare had dropped to $600 so I was able to cancel the previous reservation using United's less than 24 hour rule and re-book for the cheaper fare. Don't you just love bargains..

Tags: ..United Airlines Flights to Ireland - Deal Alert..

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Travel to Burma aka Myanmar

It was a brief but rewarding visit to this (almost) tourist free land before the recent chain of events. Back then Burma was under the watchful eye of big brother aka the Burmese military machine. Our movements were restricted and recorded in a manner I never thought possible e.g. Surrender passport at border. Register at local police station at each location visited.

These images and the reception we received as strange outsiders will likely be soon lost forever as the country embraces democracy, freedom and mainstream tourism. I'm glad we got to experience the former but also glad the people of Burma will hopefully be better off, free from the shackles of military oppression.

Tags: .Burma aka Myanmar..

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Back to Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok is a lot more civilized since I first visited the polluted sprawling mess in 2004. It's practically night and day from back then but mostly in a good way (from a tourist perspective). It's a shoppers paradise and a food lovers delight with a deviants heaven thrown in for good measure (not that there's anything wrong with that - within boundaries). Photos below..

Tags: ..Back to Bangkok, Thailand..

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Four Seasons - Chiang Mai, Thailand

We deserved a little treat as bus weary backpacking road warriors so we headed to the Four Seasons resort outside Chiang Mai which did not disappoint. I'll let the photos below do the talking.

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The Long Neck Tribe - Chiang Mai, Thailand

While headed to North of Thailand, we visited the Karen hill tribes (Long Neck or Padong) who originally lived in Myanmar (Burma) but now occupy a rather tacky touristy village near Chiang Mai and sell souvenirs while still demonstrating how life used to be lived in the village and maintaining their long necks via metal rings over the years. It was all kind of sad and fascinating all at the same time.

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Thailand - Koh Samui

As one of Thailand's most popular and most expensive islands, my best advice here is to arrive off-season where the good hotels will negotiate for nightly rates. We originally planned on staying at a Lonely Planet recommended dingy backpackers for USD $30 for a double room but got a 3.5 star private beach front resort bungalow with swimming pool / jacuzzi down the road for $50 per night. Needless to say it was well worth the extra $20 per night.