Almost every night of the year, you will be able to find a party at one of the thousands of Pattaya bars.  Some nights, you will be able to find many more.

The tell-tale signs that a party is going to be happening is you will see the girls blowing up balloons.  They will decorate the outside of the bar with strings and strings of balloons.

It may be for one of the girl’s birthdays or it may be the anniversary of the opening of the bar. There are also times that tourists plan parties for their birthday or to celebrate a major event, like their divorce.

Whatever the occasion, there will usually be some food to go along with the balloons.  Typically, it is roast pig on a spit with plenty of side dishes.  The food will be free, but you are expected to buy a drink or two.

On major occasions, like Christmas or New Years, just about every bar in town will have a celebration.  Many pigs will sacrifice their lives to satisfy your appetite.

There are many expatriates, and some tourists, that get accused of being balloon chasers.  These guys look for the parties in hopes of a cheap or free meal.  They can be seen nursing a coke and stuffing their faces with all the food in the buffet line.

Balloon chasers are known to frequent the Pattaya forums to see the party listings.  They will mark their calendars and hit all the parties they can.  Believe me, there can be 3 or 4 major parties going on at the same time in different parts of Pattaya on any given night.

There is nothing wrong with chasing balloons as long you aren’t a cheap Charlie.  Buy the host or hostess a drink and get one for yourself.  Eat your fill, but don’t be a pig about it.  Also, check and make sure that it is not a private party you are crashing.  Most are not.

I have seen some guys that just buy a coke for about one dollar, and then heap the food on their plates and wolf it down.  Once they have had their fill, they are gone.  They don’t even say hello or buy the host a drink.

Throwing one of these parties can cost $200 – $400 for the birthday boy or girl, so show a little class, and at least buy the host a drink.

You may also see at a party for one of the female employees, that the girl will be wearing a flower necklace.  It is tradition to give the girl a gift by stapling some Baht to the necklace.  Even if I don’t know the girl, I will give her 100 Baht.  After all, we are all there to have some fun and it is a party.

Partying in Pattaya can be a blast and there are many, many parties going on every night.  Hit as many as possible but show a bit of class and chip in by buying a drink or two.  Be a Pattaya Balloon Chaser, have fun, but don’t be cheap about it.

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Patpong Road was made famous by American soldiers on rest and recuperation (R&R) in the city of Bangkok, Thailand.  During the Vietnam conflict, many in the military took the short hop from Saigon to Bangkok to enjoy a week or two getting drunk, stoned, massaged, and spoiled by beautiful Thai women.

Paatpong is actually a small street between Silom and Surawong Roads with wall-to-wall bars and restaurants.  At night, the street is vendors catering to tourists charging ridiculously high prices in hopes of finding suckers.

There are actually 4 streets in the area catering to the nightlife.  There is Patpong I & II, Soi Jaruwan, catering to gay men, and Soi Thaniya, exclusively for Japanese tourists.

Patpong started off as an undeveloped plot of land purchased by Chinese immigrants in 1946.  The Patpongpanich (or Patpongpanit) family built some shop-houses and rented out to normal businesses.  Bars eventually overtook the other businesses on these two private roads, and the entertainment zone was created.

I was stationed in Bangkok in the early 1970’s and we would go out to Patpong almost nightly.  Back then it was bar after bar after bar.  There were no vendors blocking the road and, unlike today, it was safe to go to the upstairs bars.

Then, the bars on the ground level were just that – bars.  Second floor bars were go-go’s with bikini clad girls.  And if a bar had a third floor, it was for the special shows.

Today, vendors set up show and block the entire road, and most of the walkway, selling everything under the sun (or moon).  Tours line the street promoting shows upstairs with guarantees of no cover charge and cheap beer prices.  Don’t believe either.

If you visit Patpong, it is best to avoid the upstairs bars altogether.  The owners may try to extract large sums of money in order for you to leave alive.

There is one place that I do enjoy visiting on Patpong.  The Madrid Lounge is the only bar that has the same name, décor, and menu that it had in 1973.  It caters primarily to the embassy and expat crowd and has some great American food.  The staff is very friendly and will sit with you if you want or leave you alone if you choose.

The Madrid became a meeting place when I returned to Thailand in the mid 90’s during exercise Cobra Gold.  I took my guys there the first night and it became the official hangout from that day forward.  They still use it as a rendezvous point and place to meet.

Personally, I have tired of Patpong but it is a must-see for the first time visitor.  I have not only tired of Patpong, but of Bangkok as well.  I only stay in Bangkok if I have to spend the night to catch a flight the next day; otherwise I go direct to my location regardless of time.  If I am going to Pattaya, I leave direct from Suvarnabhumi International Airport and never set foot in Bangkok city.  When I am going northeast to Khon Kaen, I have to spend the night to catch a connecting flight the next day.  I usually just go out to a few local beer bars in walking distance of my hotel.

Patpong is a unique little street and should be on every first-timer’s visit list.  Don’t buy anything from the vendors in the street.  Prices are much cheaper anywhere else in Thailand.  Have a few drinks, check out activities, and avoid the second floor bars.

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Your passport is the most valuable document that you will carry abroad. It confirms your U.S. citizenship. Please guard it carefully. Do not use it as collateral for a loan or lend it to anyone. It is your best form of identification. You will need it when you pick up mail or check into hotels, embassies or consulates.

When entering some countries or registering at hotels, you may be asked to fill out a police card listing your name, passport number, destination, local address, and reason for travel. You may be required to leave your passport at the hotel reception desk overnight so that it may be checked by local police officials. These are normal procedures required by local laws. If your passport is not returned the following morning, immediately report the impoundment to local police authorities and to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Passport Fraud

Law enforcement records show that U.S. passports are sometimes used for illegal entry into the United States, or by criminals abroad seeking to establish another identity. This can cause embarrassment to innocent U.S. citizens whose names become associated with illegal activities. To protect the integrity of the U.S. passport and the security of the person bearing it, consular officers overseas have found it necessary to take precautions in processing lost passport cases. These precautions may involve some delay before a new passport is issued.

Safeguard Your Passport

Carelessness is the main cause for losing a passport or having it stolen. You may find that you have to carry your passport with you because you need to show it when you cash traveler’s checks or the country that you are visiting requires you to carry it as an identity document. When you must carry your passport, hide it securely on your person. Do not leave it in a handbag or in an exposed pocket. Whenever possible, leave your passport in the hotel safe, not in an empty hotel room, and not packed in your luggage. One family member should not carry all the passports for the entire family.

Guard Against Thieves

Coat pockets, handbags, and hip pockets are particularly susceptible to theft. Thieves will use all kinds of ploys to divert your attention just long enough to pick your pocket and grab your purse or wallet. These ploys include creating a disturbance, spilling something on your clothing, or even handing you a baby to hold!

You can try to prevent theft by carrying your belongings in a secure manner. For example, consider not carrying a purse or wallet when going along crowded streets.

Women who carry a shoulder bag should keep it tucked under the arm and held securely by the strap. Men should put their wallets in their front trouser pockets or use money belts instead of hip pockets. A wallet wrapped in rubber bands is more difficult to remove without notice. Be especially cautious in a large crowd – in the subway, on buses, at the marketplace, at a festival, or if surrounded by groups of vagrant children. Do not make it easy for thieves!

I always make a color copy of my passport and visa and carry that with me and secure my passport in the hotel safe.  Some countries require you to always carry your passport on your person.  But, most will not have a problem if you carry a color copy.

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One of the new and innovative ideas in party transportation is the renting of a charter bus to take a group of people from one bar to another. It’s a great method of having a wonderful time without having the worry about choosing a designated driver.

In the Los Angeles, California area, VanGo is recognizing the need for this type of service and has party buses available. Don’t be mistaken though, party buses aren’t just for those interested in consuming alcohol, any age group can rent a party bus from VanGo.

If you are planning a special event, be it a wedding, a baby shower, or a bachelor party, consider the benefit of party buses and how they add to your experience. If you are planning a party at a destination in the Los Angeles area and you have some out-of-town visitors attending, imagine all of the fun they’ll have aboard one of our party buses.

It’s not only an economical and easy way to get all your guests to the event it also serves as a comfortable atmosphere for mingling. Aboard VanGo party buses your guests can get to know one another before arriving at their final destination. They’ll feel more comfortable at the party having already gotten acquainted with other attendees.

Renting one of the party buses from VanGo is also a nice gesture in that your guests don’t have to worry about things like directions and parking at the event. All they have to do is jump on the bus and enjoy the ride. They’ll appreciate your thoughtfulness and will welcome the chance to leave their car behind while they use the transportation you’ve provided for them.

In addition to getting your guests to the party on time, VanGo will work hard to make them feel comfortable during the trip. VanGo can provide a host or hostess to accompany your guests on their trip. The host is very familiar with the Los Angeles area and can provide answers to any questions your guests may have about this popular area of California.

Leave your party transportation needs to the professionals at VanGo. You’ll appreciate the chance to leave those worries to them and your guests will be impressed by your gesture. Traveling to any party in comfort and style sets the tone for a great event. Let VanGo party buses take on your guest list and get everyone to the event on time.

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Travel forums are gold mines of information if you care to review the postings of enchanted and disgruntled travelers coming back from abroad.

As Senior Editor of “Paris Eiffel Tower News”, I often peruse these forums to find out about the concerns voiced by fellow travelers headed to the ‘City of Lights’.

Among the postings which keep coming back, one stands out from the crowd: what does a 3-star rating really mean? Travelers tend to be confused by the many star-rating systems in use. I felt the subject called for an educated explanation.

The meaning of stars in the US

First of all, let’s be clear: there is absolutely no relationship whatsoever between the number of stars commercial travel sites award to hotels, and the hotel rating system in use in France.

The core business of commercial travel sites is to sell you hotel rooms, flight tickets, car rentals, and cruise packages. They purport to guide your choice by awarding stars to the products they peddle.

When you book a room on such sites, a significant portion of your money goes to the travel operator which presents the hotel – up to 50% on well-known websites.

For this reason alone, you could reasonably ask yourself: are these ratings unbiased, or tainted by corporate greed?

To make matters more complicated, each travel website uses its own rating method. Consumer Reports published an enlightening article on the topic in its November 2005 issue.

In other words, the number of stars awarded by commercial travel sites is not a fully reliable yardstick for selecting a hotel.

The meaning of stars in France

The French hotel rating system works on a completely different set of rules.

1.It is a standardized system: meaning, all hotels across France are categorized on the same unique basis.

2.The rating system was not born out of mercantile purposes: it was framed by the French lawmakers without any concern for profit.

3.Last but not least, the French hotel rating system does not measure quality. Instead, it uses 22 measurement criteria to assess the presence or absence of certain features in the hotel.

Among the main criteria used:

- Room sizes and numbers
- Room soundproofing
- Heating and air-conditioning
- Design of bathroom facilities
- Phone system
- Electrical equipment
- Elevators

Each requirement varies from one star category to another. (See link to full article below.)

Subjective quality vs. objective quantity

The French rating system does not take into account subjective quality criteria.

And because of this limited approach, it does not guarantee your expectations will be fulfilled.

First, there are keen differences in perception between populations. For example, American travellers are used to larger sizes of rooms and beds than the average room and bed sizes offered in Parisian hotels. This can be a source of disappointment.

Moreover, the French rating system does not measure service quality – cleanliness, absence of smells, staff attitude, speed of service, etc.

It may thus be chancy to base your hotel choice solely on the French rating system.

The safer bet

To afford the best chances to pick the right hotel in Paris I recommend the following 4 steps:

- Have a basic understanding of the French rating criteria
- Check guests’ reviews on Travelocity
- Visit the hotel’s own website
- Do not hesitate to e-mail your questions to the hotel.

Many travellers use Travelocity to write reviews on the hotels they stayed at. No hotel satisfies 100% of its guests throughout the year, so both extreme judgments and moderate opinions can be found on this open forum. My advice: favor moderate reviews with some flesh on the bones. They will usually give you a useful picture of what to expect from the hotel – good and less good.

Visiting the hotel’s website will usually allow you to see multiple views of its rooms and bathrooms. I insist on visiting the hotel’s own website since it usually is the place which offers the greatest number of photos.

Lastly, e-mailing your questions to the hotel owners may or may not get you an answer, usually depending on the proficiency of the receptionist in your language. Receiving informative answers to your questions is a good sign that the hotel cares for his prospective guests.

Following these 4 steps should help you minimize the risk of being disappointed during your stay in Paris. This is no guarantee though. Remember that cultures differ from each other, and your expectations of service might not be fully understood. In such case, communicate with the owner. They are usually keen on serving you to the best of their means.

Have a safe and pleasant trip to Paris!

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Another good market for second hand clothing is the Porte de Vanves Flea Market (Blvd. Lefebvre, 14th Arr.).We suggest you contact the tourist offices for any update on markets days and location.

Flower and fruit markets are scattered all over Paris. Montorgueil Market (Rue Montorgueil and Rue Montmartre, 1st) is good for both fresh fruit and pastries also. For organic products, every Saturday mornings we suggest to go on Boulevard des Batignolles.

Some of the city’s bakeries and pastry shops are at the Mouffetard Market (Rue Mouffetard, 5th) while the Port Royal Market (Blv. Port-Royal, 5th) has not only food produce, but cheap clothing also.

Throughout June and July Paris holds a yearly International Rose Competition at beautiful Parc de Bagatelle. It definitely is a place to see, where a riot of colours explodes everywhere making the air perfumed and a walk through the park something divine.
If you wish to crown your desire for flowers, blossom and rejuvenation you might consider taking a 40 minute train ride to Giverni and visit Monet’s enchanting house literally floating on a pond of nymphs, lilies, tulips and narcissi.

If you wish to stay in Paris and dedicate an entire day on regular shopping, you can visit some department stores as: Au Printemps (Blv. Haussmann, 64; ph.: +33 01 42 82 50 00) or Le Bon Marché  stores (24, Rue de Sèvres, ph. : +33 01 44 39 80 00) or the Galeries Lafayette (Blv. Haussmann, 40, ph: +33 01 42 823 456) the flagship of Paris retailing with one of the largest stores.

It handles Duty Free purchasing and Tourist Tax Refunds, has a Welcome Desk with interpreters and restaurants. An inexpensive chain of department stores is Tati (76, Av. de Clichy, 17th Arr.). Open Mon-Sat 10am-7pm. It has other branches around the city.

Very nice places where to rest in your trip are boutique hotels offering colourful rooms, fresh ambience, secret gardens or terraces where to enjoy your breakfast. Many of them are located in central Paris but a little out of the standard circuits as they privilege a more authentic touch and a familiar relationship with their guests.

You may try these ones where prices range from 30-50 euros per person: Cecil hotel, Taylor hotel, Des Artes hotel, Altona hotel, Mon reve Hotel, Bac Saint Germain ( in Latin quarter) or the Hotel du Parc Saint Charles.

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If you plan to spend your vacation in Thailand, it is probably a good idea to use paper and plastic while you are there.

Since I am a regular visitor to the land of smiles, I usually have a few thousand Baht left from my previous trip.  Along with that I will also bring about 500 US dollars in cash to see me through the first few days.  Don’t exchange currency in your home country.

I have stopped using traveler’s checks for a couple of reasons.  I don’t have a local bank account; I do all of my banking online.  So, if I want to get traveler’s checks, I have to pay a fee.  Then I will have to pay a small fee to cash the checks at the bank. I also don’t like being restricted to accessing funds only when the banks are open.

I would never cash a traveler’s check at a hotel because of the terrible rate of exchange they give.  Unless you get the checks for free, I wouldn’t use them at all.

Using your credit card in Thailand is very risky.  Even at the finest of hotels, the local staff is not paid much at all.  It is very easy to skim and clone your credit card.  It may not get used for months since the bad guys will wait until you get back home before they use it.

If you must use your credit card, keep an eagle eye on it.  Don’t let it out of your site.  Don’t let the hotel desk clerk take it to the back room.  Don’t let the waitress take it back to the cashier.  Don’t use it unless you absolutely have no other means of funds.

Using a debit card with an ATM machine is the easiest and most convenient way to acquire the local currency.  I use a separate account and transfer the funds to it a week or two before I go to Thailand.  That way, I know exactly how much I have available when I arrive.

ATM machines are located about every 10 feet in Thailand and are even available in the smallest of cities throughout the country.  You will get a good exchange rate and you can access them 24 hours per day.

You still need to be careful with ATM machines because bad guys are everywhere.  I try to use the ATMs that are in a foyer or inside of a mall.  If you access one on a small, dimly lit street at two in the morning, you are definitely risking your money and your life.

If you intend to do any online banking, do not access your account using any of the internet cafes.  You never know what software is on those computers or whether someone has installed a keystroke logger to steal your password.  Using your own laptop will be as secure as it is at home.  It is best to complete as much of your online financial transactions before you go, just to be safe.

So, you should use a combination of paper and plastic on your Thailand vacation.  Bring some of your home currency to cover you during your first couple of days.  You can exchange this at the Thai airport at any of the currency exchange booths.  If you don’t want to carry that much cash, you can always use your debit card at the airport ATM machines.

For your day to day funds, I would again use the ATM machines.  Do this during the day for additional security and make sure that you keep your plastic locked up in the safe along with your passport, plane ticket and any other valuables.

Remember to only carry as much cash as you will need for your day or night activity and the rest in the safe.  You can always go back to your room if you need additional funds.

If you have any Baht left over at the end of your trip, you can exchange it at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok, or keep it stashed away for your next Thailand holiday.

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