The worldwide coronavirus pandemic has changed travel more than any single event in my lifetime. I traveled in Asia at the beginning of the outbreak and as it got worse. I “got stuck” due to the fast closing web of travel restrictions and will have to travel again, while the pandemic is raging on. In a series of posts, I … Continue reading
Category Archives: Travel Better

Travel has shut down worldwide to a degree never seen in my lifetime due to the novel Coronavirus pandemic and most airlines have shut down or severely reduced their schedule, some around 90% of their flights. Even the most frequent travelers are staying home and will fly or spend enough with airlines to meet the targets to renew their elite … Continue reading

The 3Nagas was the first boutique hotel in the beautiful old town of Luang Prabang, Laos. It offers large, traditional rooms in a 100 year old, colonial style building. It’s located in the heart of Old Town, with the traditional alms-giving ceremony on its doorstep. The service is fantastic, offering the warmth and friendliness Laos is known for. The food … Continue reading

If you are still considering international travel, now is the time to postpone your travels to a later time. And if you are thinking of riding out the CoVid19 – storm abroad, now is a time to consider going home to the US!. The US State Department has issued a global level 4 health advisory – do not travel. It’s … Continue reading

The Best Western Amaranth Bangkok Airport offers large, modern rooms, a beautiful pool and gym and a good breakfast with a free shuttle to the airport, making it a convenient stay before or after a flight. The service was friendly and the elite treatment excellent, making this a great reward stay for elite members. This was one of the nicest … Continue reading

Pattaya and it’s Southern neighbor Jomtien Beach are inexpensive destinations and outside high-end hotel restaurants, most restaurants are pretty basic, too. Cafe John in Jomtien is a nice exception offering great food, friendly service and a nice ambiance, still at very good prices. If you are looking for a dinner without bare tables and paper napkins, check out my review … Continue reading

Some restaurants have a wow effect and some just win you over with great food and service over time. Koku, a Japanese restaurant in Salcedo Village in Manila’s financial district of Makati is the latter: We found ourselves going back over and over, so it’s long overdue that I write a review, so you can add it to your list … Continue reading

The Chocolate Factory Pattaya in the Phratamnak neighborhood is a great place to have a romantic dinner or celebrate a special occasion: It’s set on top of a cliff overlooking the ocean and facing the sunset. You get good food and service at reasonable prices and have a chance to take home some chocolates for an extra-dessert afterwards. If you … Continue reading

The Centara Grand Phratamnak Pattaya is an upscale city hotel, between South Pattaya and Jomtien, a short walk from the beach. You get a small room with upscale finishes and fast internet, as well as professional service and a very good breakfast. You’ll have a nice rooftop pool, but are not oceanfront. It wouldn’t be my first choice for a beach … Continue reading

The Heritage Beach Resort has a prime beachfront location on Jomtien Beach, Pattaya, just a short ride from Bangkok! It offers full resort benefits, including a multi-level pool area, big gym and spa, as well as a restaurant, making this one of the best places for a relaxing beach getaway from busy Bangkok and resort experience. The room is huge … Continue reading