Disclaimer: This is a contributed post.

Much has been written about Thailand and its beautiful landscapes, luxury hotels and magnificent architecture and rightly so, but what about the local cultures and customs of this incredible destination. This often gets overlooked in the travel journals but visiting far reaching outposts such as Thailand can present some interesting challenges. Nobody likes to fall foul of local customs or cultures or offend the locals and in Thailand it can be easier than you might think. So if you are thinking of visiting consider the following.

Thai Religion and Practices

Buddhism is ubiquitous in Thailand. It is hugely important. Tourists should enter Buddhist temples in bare feet and in appropriate clothing. As in Christian and Muslim religious buildings, short clothes and bare shoulders are inappropriate. Caution should be exercised when buying statues of the Buddha from shops and souvenir stalls. Ancient statues may only be taken to Europe with the permission of the Department of Fine Arts. Monks should not touch women. For this reason, a woman should not expect one to take something from her hand. Alms can be presented through a man or placed on the floor.

Uncomfortable Smiles

Thailand is the land of smiles. This charming historical expression is more than just a sign of friendliness. It also performs a wider social function. Thais smile so as not to lose face in front of another. If they make a mistake, they smile. This encourages the other party to forgive them. If they don’t know the answer to a question, they smile. Rainer Föppl of Thailand.ch (who is an expert on Thailand) advises: “Tourists should always carry a street map with them so that in an emergency they can find their own way back to their hotel”. Because of cultural conditioning, a taxi driver will not admit when he does not know the address of a hotel. He will keep smiling at his guests in friendly way and ask a colleague for advice.

Taboos and Money

In Thailand never point your finger directly at another person. Bare feet are also considered inappropriate because they are an unclean body part. The head, however, is considered sacred, so it must not be touched by other people. Thais are often very wasteful with money. They live in the here and now and so rarely see the point of saving up. Instead they like to spend their money on clothing and festivals. Thais place great emphasis on neat, clean and beautiful clothes. The travel expert Rainer Föppl of Thailand.ch advises: “If you are invited to a meal by Thais, leave your beach clothes in the wardrobe. Choose long trousers or a dress.” The free use of money is also reflected in tipping practice. Thais are famously generous and tourists are expected to add at least 10% of the bill as a tip. Since the king is depicted on banknotes, notes may not be folded too much. The reigning monarch is revered by Thais as a god.

If you keep these simple things in mind then you will no doubt have a great trip and be able to fully immerse yourself in Thai culture.

Disclaimer: This is a contributed post.

Disclaimer: This is a contributed post.

Eastern Turkey is less developed than the Western half of the country, but no less rich in culture or things to see. If you are thinking about going to Turkey in 2013, you should definitely investigate the lesser-known side of the country. Cheap holidays don’t have to mean being surrounded with lots of other tourists, or finding deals in the most popular resorts. Here are a few of the hidden wonders of Eastern Turkey that are worth venturing away from the crowds:

Gobëkli Tepe

It’s hard to believe that the oldest monument ever found was only discovered a decade ago. But this newly excavated temple in Eastern Turkey is 11,500 years old, which makes it older than any other known building in existence. If you’re visiting the area, you must take time to explore the ruins and see the ancient pillars. You don’t have to be a historian to appreciate that the structure’s construction in 9,600BC makes it mind-boggling old.

Lake Van

This highly alkaline inland sea is quite off-the-beaten-path, and wonderfully under-developed as a result. The stark scenery includes mountainous peaks and important historic buildings, like the recently restored Armenian cathedral on Akdamar Island. This church contains some lovely frescos and requires a fun boat ride to get there. The castle high on the hill opposite is also worth a visit for its great views. And don’t leave the area without stopping at one of the famous breakfast halls, for a traditional meal including local cheese and honey.

Lake Van

Mount Nemrud

This vast mountaintop is a bizarre sight, flanked by giant statues of ancient gods. Many of the statues are ruined in such a way that archeologists are sure it was the result of ancient vandalism, which makes for an interesting enough story on its own. But it is believed that the site was originally built as a tomb for a member of the royalty in 1^st Century BC. You would think that, as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the temple and the mountain would get more visitors, but it is not as well known as other Turkish archeological sights. Despite being lessor known, there are tour companies that run nighttime tours, making for a different way to see the ruins.

Mount Nemrut Dagi

The Kackar Mountains

The mountainous region is an outdoor lover’s paradise. With trails to hike, rocks to climb, rivers to raft, and even mountains to ski in the winter, there is far too much to do. Any of the lakes make great starting points for a wander, but if you’re up for a challenge, you should definitely try climbing one of the peaks. You need proper mountaineering equipment to climb Mount Kackar, but the views are unparalleled, as are the flora and fauna you’ll see on the way up.

Mount Kackar

Disclaimer: This is a contributed post.

Disclaimer: This is a contributed post.

For many millennia, Turkey has captivated the five senses. With its diverse topography and deep historical roots, you will find it difficult to visit this region and feel like a mere sightseer. Instead, you will embark on a much richer experience that exposes 13 civilizations layered and woven together like textile fabric. Following the thread from ancient history to modern times can prove dizzying in magnitude, but if you stick close to the heart of Turkish culture you will surely feel the strong beating pulse of this remarkable country. Travellers on a small budget are, in a sense, perfectly primed to get to know the real Turkey and truly savour all it has to offer.

Get in touch with unspoilt nature

The shoreline along the southwest coast of Turkey has been compared to the French Riviera, but its allure runs much deeper than glamorous beachwear. Story has it that, Roman hero, Mark Antony, chose this sandy expanse as a wedding gift for his beloved Cleopatra.

At first glance, the Turquoise Coast, might seem better suited for big spenders with tastes for gület cruises (tradition Turkish sailboats) and spa treatments, but this seaside paradise proves hospitable to backpackers and budget travellers too. Flying to Dalaman with Monarch puts travellers in close proximity to several destinations boasting supreme natural beauty. While mega resorts have mushroomed up all along the coast, Butterfly Valley, which is a half-hour drive from Fethiye is a secluded oasis only reachable by taxi boat for 15 Turkish lira. Tents and tepees are available on site, and prices vary from 10 lira (in March) to 34 lira in the summer high season. Described as a sort of Garden of Eden for butterflies, this picturesque canyon—far from other tourists—attracts hikers, photographers and hippy travellers, who prefer taking it slow. Although not the best place to interact with locals, Butterfly Valley, offers a wonderful chance to connect with the natural landscape without being bombarded by sightseer activities.

Butterfly Valley a secluded beach and cove a short distance by boat from Olu Deniz, Turkey

Butterfly Valley

Discover life by the seaside

If you prefer a less secluded atmosphere, cheap Bodrum flightswill land you in what was once a sleepy fishing village with crystalline views of the Aegean Sea. Home to a population of 33,000 people the peninsula thrives with the quiet routines of anglers, farmers, and boat builders. The summers tend to be overrun with cruise boats, yachts and tour buses, but even then there are plenty of activities that speak to the true feel of this seaside outpost. Before you’re tempted to visit the medieval Castle of St. Peter and the Halicarnassus Mausoleum—one of the seven wonders of the world ease into provincial way of life by taking time to savour a few essential Turkish pastimes.

Have a cup of coffee

There is no better way to start the day than to find a café overlooking the moon-shaped harbor below. One could argue that coffee culture got its start in Turkey, with one of the first coffee shops opening in Istanbul in the 1500s. Turkish coffee is amazing—both thick and syrupy, it is brewed from finely ground beans and boiled in a long handled cezve, poured into tiny cups, and sweetened to taste. You can still find traditional shops that roast their coffee over wood fires, and you won’t miss the screeching steam wand sounds of westernized coffee shops.

Bathe like the Turks

Another essential experience is visiting a local Turkish bath, or hamam. At the Bardakçi Hamam, founded in 1749, men and women bath separately, and treatments typically entail sitting in a doomed steam room, laying on heated marble slabs, getting scrubbed down with abrasive gloves (sounds worse than it feels), followed by a soapy lather rubdown, and a message with scented oils. Full service is about 50 lira, far below the sky high prices found at local hotels. Many claim they’ve never felt so clean and relaxed.

Indulge in the catch of the day

There’s no better follow up to a Turkish bath than a quiet meal with origins from the Aegean sea. The trick to finding great local seafood is to walk down to the ports and chat with local anglers and perhaps share some fishing tales. A plate of cold octopus or cured blue fish will leave you feeling as content as a sultan.

Disclaimer: This is a contributed post.

Disclaimer: This is a contributed post.

If you’re looking to make a difference in one of the most diverse places in the developing world, a volunteering project in Kenya can give you that experience. A friendly and hospitable country, Kenya has plenty to see, including exotic wildlife, beautiful landscapes and many varied cultures.

During your placement, you can live with a host family and experience the country first-hand while you work on your exciting placement. Here are five options for your trip.

Care

If you are interested in working with disadvantaged children, a care placement will help you improve the lives of local young people. The HIV and Aids epidemic in East Africa has had a huge impact on local children, with many young people now living without one or both parents. Many orphans are taken in by other family members, however they are often already affected by poverty and find it difficult to cope.

Care volunteers in Kenya can work in orphanages and care homes, with children aged from 0 to 14. Tasks may include feeding or bathing babies, taking children out for trips, helping with homework or playing games. As a care volunteer, you will be an essential part of helping local children develop and learn new skills.

Caring for the environment

The Kigio Wildlife Reserve is situated two hours north of Nairobi, and is a breeding ground for a huge range of wild animals. An environmental placement here will allow you to work to conserve this beautiful stretch of land, protect the local ecosystems and share your knowledge with the local community.

Environmental work in the reserve will involve a combination of observational research and hands-on activity. You may be removing invasive plants, studying mammal populations or conducting outreach programmes in local communities. If you have a passion for nature, then this role is perfect.

Healthcare

Kenya has some of the poorest medical institutions in the developing world and volunteers are needed to work in both the smaller clinics and the larger hospitals. Your level of medical experience will determine what you will be able to do, but if you are looking to begin a career in medicine this is a great way to start.

You may start off by observing the doctors and nurses and building up a good working knowledge of local medical conditions. More practical hands-on work will develop later on in your internship.

Sports

Sports projects in Kenya are a good way to help disadvantaged young people learn new skills and connect with each other. By mentoring and training young people, you will be improving their fitness levels and helping them to try sports which ordinarily they would not get the chance to play.

Your role may include coaching matches, supporting community outreach programs and helping children and young adults to develop responsibilities and routine in their daily lives. Look at the Projects Abroad UK website for more details.

Teaching

You don’t necessarily need a teaching qualification to work abroad in schools. Volunteering in a Kenyan primary or secondary school is a good way to gain work experience for a future career, while giving something back to local children.

Education is very important in Kenya with a huge number of children wanting to attend schools. Unfortunately, there aren’t enough teachers to cover every class, so volunteers are always needed. Starting off as a classroom assistant, you can then progress onto planning and delivering classes for students of all ages.

Once you’ve completed your Kenyan placement, you can take some time to travel and explore the local area. Kenya is a beautiful place in which to live and work – perfect for anybody looking for a unique and exciting gap year placement.

Disclaimer: This is a contributed post.

Disclaimer: This is a contributed post.

The Mediterranean country of Spain is known for its many beaches, cultural landmarks and tapas. Barcelona, Madrid and the coastal resorts of Málaga are the most visited cities.

Malaga City

Málaga is an historic city located in the southern region of Andalucia. The city is the home town of Pablo Picasso, and the Pablo Picasso Museum is located in the Renaissance style Buenavista Palace. The city’s main landmarks are the fortified palace of Alcazaba, de Gibralfaro Castle built by the Moors on Phoenician ruins and the Roman Theater. Visitors can join one of the many walking tours around the city, spend a day at the beach and visit the Arab baths for a relaxing massage.

Beaches

The province of Malaga is known for its many beach towns, located on the Costa del Sol. Benalmádena and Fuengirola are two coastal towns that attract tourists looking for beaches and nightlife. They are a popular destination for a holiday, where visitors can enjoy aquatic activities, strolls by the promenade and both international and national food in the many pubs and seaside chiringuitos.

Jet Set

Marbella is a jet set coastal resort a couple of kilometers away from the city. Filled with chic clubs and private villas, it is a destination for those who seek some pampering. Although this celebrity-filled city might not amount to much on the cultural scene, the city does not lack history, with the Castle Walls that used to protect the city being the main attraction. A walk along the maritime boardwalk offers views towards the beaches, the sea and the yachts docked near Puerto Banus.

Tradition

The region of Andalucia is one of Spain’s more traditional regions. There are many typical towns that can be visited during a day trip. In the small city of Ronda visitors will find the bullring of Ronda, one of the country’s most visited bullrings, where they can watch a bullfight and visit the museum.

Benahavis is a small traditional town known for its bars and restaurants. Many visitors take a detour to visit this town and savour traditional dishes, including suckling pig and lamb. The town is located in the hills, and typical activities include a visit to the ruins of the Moorish Montemayor Castle, fishing and trekking.

The hills near the coast are peppered with the pueblos blancos, traditional Andalusian white villages. These villages have steep cobbled streets and whitewashed houses decorated with colourful flower pots. Nerja is a white village known for its caves and the Balcón de Europa, a large observation platform with views towards the city and the sea. Mijas is another white village with a traditional white church in a tiled plaza on top of a hill.

Disclaimer: This is a contributed post.

Disclaimer: This is a contributed post.

It can take a few days to fully appreciate Liverpool and all it has to offer, often requiring a day or two to explore what this vibrant city holds. Rich in culture and history, not to mention being credited as the pop music capital of the world, it’s easy to see why the amount of visitors has skyrocketed over recent years.

The Albert Docks alone offer a diverse range of culture, heritage and vibrant eateries for you to peruse at your leisure. If you book a cheap hotel in Liverpool with Travelodge, you can be at the heart of the action for more than just a day, meaning you can enjoy more of the attractions before heading home.

Autumn provides a number of events being held within the Albert Docks complex, making it an opportune time to make a visit to this vibrant north-western city. The Docks are the most popular free attraction in the northwest and it’s easy to see why.

The award-winning Beatles Story is a must-see unique attraction, offering the visitor a journey into the world of The Beatles. It takes you back in time for a nostalgic look at the life, times and music of one of the best exports in the UK music industry. Relax in the themed coffeehouse before exploring the interactive Discovery Zone. Listen to the Beatles Story, narrated by John Lennon’s sister, and admire the rare artefacts that are homed here.

Head over to the Mersey Ferries Terminal, where the second instalment of the Beatles Story has been created. Here, you can catch some smashing exhibitions as well as the Fab 4D Experience that allows you to enjoy the rock and roll journey not only with 3D animation but also 4D special effect technology.

Until the end of October, you can catch a special exhibition of the works of Turner, Monet and Twombly at the Tate Liverpool. A collection of their more experimental works has been compiled in this breathtaking spectacle which pushed the boundaries when they were created and continue to push them now.

The untold story of the relationship between Liverpool and the icebreaking ship, the Titanic, will be exhibited until April next year, giving you plenty of time to visit the Maritime Museum to receive a new insight on the most famous shipwreck, including key statements from personalities that survived the tragedy and some of the last remaining remnants from the disaster.

Further your cultural awareness and pop by the Tate Liverpool. As well as the special exhibition mentioned previous, it is also home to the National Collection of Modern Art in the north of England and benefits from being the most visited gallery outside of London. In this beautiful converted warehouse, you can revisit modern classics as well as engross yourself in some spectacular contemporary masterpieces.

The Albert Docks are a haven for any culture vulture, providing something for everyone this autumn. Be sure to make the most of your time in the city and book a hotel for an overnight stay, to ensure you can appreciate as much as possible.

Disclaimer: This is a contributed post.