Issue 33 / April 2014
R E M M SU H S A L P S How to
choose
good travel agency? a
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Editor’s Talk Hello, April April is back again, well that means Thailand is completely in summer, and also means that Songkran festival, Thai New Year, is coming.
Lomprayah Team
Editor in Chief
Photjanard Kantiwong Then, we would like to provide you something about this festival, which you can find in ‘Special’ column, but if you would like to know the destination where Songkran festival is organized, check out at the event column. For our ‘Highlight’, we are talking about interesting, joyous and colorful festival, which you can enjoy in the summer. Furthermore, we still provide you various interesting topics, and we always hope that you will enjoy our magazine. Take care.
Executive Editor Wanitcha Sukchet Tinn Chacalanuwattanapong
Editorial Staff Vorapong Vongvarothai Juntiya Laoniyomthai Areeya Pichittanabordeekul Jiraporn Boonta Saksid Boonrawang Kitthawat Chaisingthong
Art Director Methakritsada Wanngoen
Photjanard Kantiwong
www.facebook.com/lomprayah
Graphic Designer Seattakit Meunnak Annop Sawatdipol
Hilight
R E M M SU H S A L P S Hot weather, sweat and sunburn may be the causes which make some people do not like summer, especially the people who is in a typical area. However, many countries have their joyous festivals in the summer, which can attract the tourists to spend the summer time in those countries.
Holi
the festival of colors
Known by many as the festival of colors, and with good reason, the Hindu religious celebration of Holi is a phenomenon not to be missed. Holi is a popular celebration observed on the last full moon of the lunar month. Participants traditionally throw bright, vibrant powders at friends and strangers alike as they celebrate the arrival of spring, commemorate Krishna’s pranks, and allow each other a momentary freedom -- a chance to drop their inhibitions and simply play and dance. Men, women and children are all invited to participate in this exuberant event marking the end of winter. Visitors will witness everything from mild-mannered celebrations to wild street parties as they are invited to join in the activities. Celebrants take no prisoners in the colorful occasion, no matter who you are, so don’t be alarmed if you are bombarded with an array of brightlycolored water balloons from an army of perfect strangers. It is participatory fun at its best. Although Holi is observed in most of India and Nepal, the most popular celebrations are in the Indian capital, New Delhi, and the regions of Rajasthan and Goa. Tourists flock to these places each year from far and wide to immerse themselves in the festival of colors. If this sounds too far for you to travel, however, Indian communities abroad have increased the popularity of Holi in much of the Western world as well. So-called ‘color runs’ are now held in a number of cities in Europe and North America, bringing the spirit of Holi to a town near you.
Boryeong Mud festival Korea
Boryeong Mud Festival is a festival held annually in Boryeong, South Korea. The festival, started in 1998, was initially meant to promote the cosmetical effect of Boryeong mud flats, but recently it has grown to become one of South Korea tourism highlight, attracting as many as 2.2 million visitors in 2007, and is said to attract the most number of international tourist compared with other events or festivals. The festival has been held at Daecheon swimming beach, there is a unique shellpowered sandy beach only found in Eastern countries. So, you may swim and massage with a mudpack at the same time. Furthermore, there are Mud massage programs (Self massage at the Beach, Ultramodern mud massage) and Mud Experiential Land program using mud powder made through the processing procedure, that is, we gather mud from pure plain and remove all impurities. There are many events such as mud wrestling, mud king contest, mud fireworks fantasy and mud sliding. There will also be a photo competition in which past members have come in first place. This is a high profile event. There is a gorgeous beach there as well, which will come in handy as you won’t have any choice but to get muddy. You will be put into a prison until you get some mud on your body.
La Tomatina La Tomatina is a festival that is held in the Valencian town of Bunol, in which participants throw tomatoes at each other. The mayhem takes place on the town’s main square and Calle del Cid. At precisely 11am a large greased pole with a ham attached to the end of it is hoisted into the air, and there’s a mad scramble as people struggle against each other to pull it down. Once this is achieved, a rocket swooshes skywards and over 100 tonnes of ripe, squishy tomatoes are tipped from trucks to the waiting crowd. For precisely one hour, until a second rocket is fired, everyone joins in a frenzied, cheerful, anarchic tomato battle. After being pounded with pulp, expect to be sluiced down with hoses by the local fire brigade. Most people come for the day, arriving on the morning train from Valencia and heading back in the afternoon. But if you want the full La Tomatina experience, stay for the week-long celebration, which involve music, dancing, parades and fireworks. The night before the fight, a paella cooking competition is held where women traditionally dress in white, and men forego shirts altogether. Protection for the fight is recommended – wear old clothes and shoes and a pair of goggles to protect your eyes. As you’re hosed down with water after, a change of clothes is a good idea, although warm Valencia temperatures will have you dry in no time. What you don’t bring to La Tomatina is also important. The crazed tomato-throwers take no prisoners; cameras are seen as positive invitations to pelt the owner. Women should be aware that a wet T-shirt competition is an unofficial part of the day. Tomatoes are supplied, but ensure they are squashed or fruit might not be the only bruised bodies in town
Songkran Festival Thailand
The Songkran festival is the traditional Thai New Year’s Day and is celebrated from 13 April to 15 April. In each province has its own activities and celebrations. The date of celebrations are also different, some provinces celebrate before 13 April, while some others celebrate after 15 April. The most famous aspect of the Songkran celebrations is the throwing of water. The custom originates from spring cleaning aspect of Songkran. Part of the ritual was the cleaning of images of Buddha. Using the ‘blessed’ water that cleaned the images to soak other people is seen as a way of paying respect and brings good fortune. It also doesn’t hurt that April is the hottest part of the year in Thailand, so being soaked is a refreshing escape from the heat and humidity. Nowadays Thais will walk the streets having ‘water fights’ using containers of water or water guns, or stand at the side of roads with a hose and soak anyone who passes by.
International pillow fighting
International Pillow Fight Dayhas been going since 2008. It was started by Urban Playground Movement, a collaboration of people who believe in taking back the public spaces for the public rather than them being solely for the large corporate eventers, which in my mind is superb! Its free and it is, 100% all in the spirit of good fun and laughter, and, lets face it, you can’t knock that (not even with a pillow). The basic rules for this free event include using only soft pillows, swinging them lightly and not swinging at someone who doesn’t have a pillow. There is no set end time for the event, but participants are asked to help with cleanup once the pillow fight has concluded. Now, this event spreads more than 100 countries worldwide. Here is the official website, which you can find out the places around the world.
Batalla del Vino
Every year on the 29th of June, thousands of locals and a handful of lucky tourists climb a mountain in La Rioja, Spain, and throw wine on each other. The day is St Peter’s Feast Day, though you’d be lucky to find a local who could tell you so, and the event is known around these parts as La Batalla de Vino de Haro, or the Wine Fight. The wine fight starts the night before, on the evening of the 28th. This is the biggest party night that Haro sees, and includes the whole town in the streets, from children to grandparents, partying the night away in the town’s streets, bars and town squares. After a few hours sleep, or none at all (the street parties literally go all night), the town heads up a mountain 5kms away to cover each other in wine, dance to wine soaked bands and to kiss wine covered mouths. There are water trucks filled with wine distributing wine to water pistols, back mounted spraying devices, into buckets which are indiscriminately poured on heads and into anything else that can hold, and then dispel, vino tinto. After a few hours the fight descends the mountain and moves into the town, where the only battling is done with traditional dances and general revelry – the kind that can only be induced by hours of red wine incidentally pouring down one’s throat.
Destination Guide
Credit : http://thailand.sawadee.com/satun/kohlipe.html http://www.kohlipe.biz/ http://www.tourismthailand.org/Real-Experiences/Travel-Stories/Ko-Lipe-Hidden-Gem-of-Thailand--6
Ko Lipe
Ko Lipe is one of the most beautiful islands at the Tarutao Marine Park in Satun and is considered one of Thailand’s Hidden Gem.
The beaches are absolutely and unforgettably beautiful. The sand is pure white and soft exactly like a powder. Other famous activities for tourists from around the world are snorkeling, diving, swimming, and impression with the charming lifestyle and kindness of lovely sea gypsies in Koh Lipe village.
Koh Lipe is a small island. It is located in Satun Province, close to Langkawi island (Malaysia). Koh Lipe (sometimes referred to as Ko LeePay or Koh Lipeh) is part of the Tarutao National Marin Park. It sits at the southern most part of the marine park, far from the Adang island about 2 kilometer. This island has 3 main beaches: Pattaya Beach, Sunrise and Sunset Beach.
The main attraction besides the beautiful views and scenery is the Lipe Walking Street located at Pattaya Beach that stretches inwards the island. It is here that you get all the restaurants, shops, massage centers and so on. The walking street comes alive at night with food, music, shopping and partying. No actual proper bars or clubs but you get the local island style settings. Stretching about one kilometer long, there are countless places for you to spend your evenings.
The Pattaya Beach is most popular and has a wide variety of place to stay drink and eat as well as nightlife. While Sunrise beach give you more privacy and a few resorts are on this side. Sunset beach is the smallest and only a couple of place to stay. Because the island is very small you can explore it within 2 hrs.
Ko Lipe is easily accessible as there are many ways to get here especially from Phuket, Ko Lanta, Pak Barra and also Langkawi Island in Malaysia. There are no airports so the only way here is via the modern speed boat ferries. Journeys are estimated at about 1-2 hours depending on which point you choose.
Restaurant Guide
Ang Seafood
t e k u Ph
Although a basic restaurant, Ang Seafood in Sapan Hin in Phuket city is packed every night. There’s nothing fancy about the establishment there’s a roof and plastic tables and chairs. Parking is hard to find but the seafood is well worth the hassle. Favourites are the Nam Prik Goong Sieb and the Tom Yam’s also really tasty. Not to miss is Haw Mok Pla, a delicious spicy curried fish mousse steamed in bai cha-ploo leaves and wrapped in a banana leaf. Also definitely worth a go is the Tom Yam; Hoi Chak Tin, a local shell; Razor clams; and for the adventurous, ant’s eggs. Address : Sapan Hin, opposite the Bang Niew Chinese Shrine, Phuket City Opening Time : 5.00 pm - midnight
Credit : www.mydestination.com/phuket/restaurants/185905/ang-seafood
Place Guide
BAIPAI
Thai Cooking School
BAIPAI
Thai Cooking School Whether Thai food is your favorite one, or cooking is your hobby, or may be just curiosity. There is no better way to learn Thai cooking than once you are in Thailand and taking a Thai cooking course, taught by qualified Thai professional. The Cooking Course at Baipai Thai Cooking School is an ideal home-style learning environment that is different from most of the hotels and restaurants in Thailand. Come and join us to make your next vacation a culinary adventure and learn essential skills and techniques you can use everyday!
Office Hours: Monday to Saturday 8.30 am to 5:30 pm. School closes on Sunday and National Public Holidays Domestic Call: 02 561 1404 Fax : 02 941 0929 International call: 662 561 1404 Fax: 662 941 0929 E-mail: info@baipai.com Website: www.baipai.com Address: 8/91 Ngam Wongwan Road, Soi 54 Ladyao, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900
Real Story
Credit : www.noplacetobe.com/travelblog/songkran-bangkok-2013
Wish We Were There:
Songkran 2013
There aren’t many days that pass without me thinking about our time away or more accurately “What the bloody hell am I doing back here?” Often it’s the usual stuff like weather, food etc but this time of year it’s a little more specific. Undoubtedly one of the highlights of our trip, so good – we took part two years running… …Songkran!
We had been away for a few days in Malaysia and returned on the first day of the festival. After only a few seconds of emerging from the underground we spotted a group of young girls with buckets and a large barrel of water. They nervously gestured what they wanted to do (chuck a bucket of water of us) - they looked slightly apologetic but we were happy to get straight into the Songkran mood! A very gentle welcome compared to what we would experience later in the day. A long taxi ride to Khao San Road revealed that most of Bangkok was already soaked and the celebrations were in full flow, even the moped drivers weren’t safe from bucket loads of water.
The hardest thing about Songkran is describing to those who nothing about it just how much fun it can be. “Well you know it’s just a huge water fight where EVERYONE gets involved! Seriously even on the quiet streets people are throwing water over each other and…. nobody punches anyone” So maybe I’m not the best at describing events but hopefully the enthusiasm on my face does enough to convince others that Songkran really is something everyone should try and experience. Although we spent both our songkrans in Bangkok we had quite different experiences. The first year was always going to be special as we had no idea what to expect and it really is truly amazing to see just how involved everyone gets.
Khao San Road was just mayhem, as you would expect, but incredibly good fun and we spent most of the day and night refilling our super soakers with ice cold water and “going at it”. We also got to meet and hang out with some other travel bloggers, which is always good fun. A year passed and despite our plans to head home being set we opted to stay in Bangkok longer to enjoy another Songkran rather than squeeze in a trip to somewhere new. Having lived in Bangkok for a year we had decent group of friends and more idea of what was going on. After having so much fun the year before it wasn’t hard to get excited for another big water fight.
This time we headed to Silom rather than Khao San Road and found it to be just as crowded and exciting if only a little more Thai. Fire hoses sprayed (Blasted? Those things packed a punch) constantly and ice cold water regularly made it’s way down the back of your neck.
With three days to enjoy Songkran in all it’s glory it would be easy to enjoy both of these places, both of which are as much fun as the other and won’t disappoint. We’ve heard a few people mention how they get sick of Songkran but for us it’s the perfect way to really let your hair down and take part in a very unique and eventful celebration. Tip: Clay paste is also very popular during Songkran and can become quite a pain but Khao San Road is a clay free zone. Don’t let that stop you trying out the other areas during Songkran, you just have to supersoaker yourself to wash it away. Are you celebrating Songkran for the first time this year or perhaps you have your own tale of water fights to tell?
www.nangyuan.com
Top of the World
Most
VISITED CITIES
In The World 2013
MasterCard published its Global Destination Cities Index, based on international visitor arrivals in 132 of the world’s most important air travel hubs.
This is the first time an Asian city is in the top rank since the Index was launched in 2010. London is now followed by Paris, Singapore, New York, Istanbul, Dubai and others.
Due to the MasterCard Global Destination Cities Index, the top destination city by international visitor arrivals in 2013 is Bangkok, edging out London, the previous No. 1, with 15.98 international visitors who generated an estimated US$14.4 billion. International visitor numbers rose a vigorous 9.8 percent in 2012. Bangkok’s top five feeder cities are Singapore, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur and Seoul.
Paris remains third, but is the only destination city among the top 20 that shows a decline in the estimated number of international visitor arrivals, by -0.7 percent in 2013. In contrast, Istanbul and Dubai show the strongest growth (along with Bangkok) in increasing their arrival numbers by 9.5 percent and 10.9, percent respectively. With the exception of Bangkok overtaking London to be in the top rank in the world, the lineup of the global top 20 in 2013 is the same as in 2012
Special
Songkran Festival For centuries, the Songkran Festival has been observed as a symbol of hospitality, love and the importance of maintaining strong relationships within families, communities, and society as a whole. Timed to coincide with the Aries period on the astrological chart, the auspicious occasion is intended to help people cool off from the midsummer heat, show respect to family elders and receive their blessings and pray for near and dear ones who have passed away.
Sand pagodas are built as a way of making merit, young people and children enjoy water fights and perhaps most importantly, a special cleaning day is held in homes, towns and villages nationwide. This greatly contributes to the sense of community. This year, the date of the Maha Songkran or the ‘New Year’ is set for 13 April, when day and night are of equal length. This will be followed by Nao Day (Middle day) on 14 April and the New Year itself on 15 April.
Horoscope Predictions for the month of
April
By Mr.
Rup Krishen Baqaya
Aries: This is a very important month for you, particularly if you are waiting for results of recent meetings. There is no getting away from the fact that whatever you do, the outcome will depend on other people; partner’s desires and actions will be paramount. Taurus: The month favours renovation, decoration, alteration, buying and selling and preparing for a major shift of home or office. It may not be smooth sailing all the way this month. You need to cope up with the demands of friends and loved one’s. Gemini: The month will see improvement in family ties, parties, dinners and many social gatherings for you. You will be in good spirits and health too will improve. Opportunities for progress and joy should be seized.
Cancer: Partners and loved one’s need to be handled with great care. Money, loans, taxes will be important issues over the month. Overall an exciting but uneven month. Leo: The month could see you face many challenges and emotionally trying times at home. This does not mean that you will be experiencing unpleasant events. Rather, you may be stimulated and excited by the need to relate to new people and respond to high expectations. Health needs care.
Virgo: Hard work and extra efforts will be rapidly rewarded with increased earnings. This will stir you on to seek further achievements. By and large a very busy month. Health may need extra care. Libra: As Venus the owner of Libra has gained direct motion, children, loans, funds, creative pursuits etc. will fire your imagination and help you give your best shot. Keep friends close and stay away from unhelpful people. Scorpio: An old relationship will come to an end and a new one may begin. You are advised to attend to all calls, letters, invitations, ads etc. Sagittarius: New links and ties are foretold during the month. Old friends and favourites will also pitch in. Property affairs could take a priority. Renovation/decoration/reshuffling at office/shop are also on the cards. Capricorn: You will be pushing ahead full steam, winning plaudits, raking in money, shedding away old attitudes and ideas and readying yourself for victory. It is absolutely certain that opportunities await you now. Aquarius: A strong focus on job, profession, finance, family. Try to be friendly but keep your self respect if it comes to the crunch. That is the key to future success. Travel is a strong possibility. You may expect visitors too. Pisces: An abundance of energy and enthusiasm will characterize your actions. New activity, ample sales, teaching and preaching, writing and financing are predicted for you..
Trend
www.stylelist.com/view/15-tips-for-keeping-your-makeup-in-place-during-hotsummer-month
YOU’RE BURNT...
NOW WHAT?
Sunburned? Tsk, tsk. Now that we’re done scolding, check out these tips for easing the pain, the peeling, and (possibly) the damage. Just promise us you won’t do it next time, OK?
BURNT URNT BU POP SOME PILLS
As soon as possible, take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or aspirin, says WH advisor Francesca Fusco, M.D., an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York. The meds will stop inflammation and also ease redness and pain.
SHOWER OFF
If you’ve been lounging by the pool or beach all day, Fusco advises taking a cool shower as soon as you get home. The cool water will soothe your burn and help to remove any chlorine or salt on your skin, which can further dry out sunburned skin.
LOTION UP
Dig out the richest moisturizer you can find, says Fusco, who recommends Eucerin or Lubriderm. Moisturizing lotion will soothe your skin and help prevent peeling. Whatever you reach for, make sure it doesn’t contain any anti-aging chemicals (like retinol or hydroxy acids) or alcohol, which are drying to the skin and can increase redness.
BURNT URNT BU COOL DOWN
If your burn is localized (like, say, you missed a spot while sunblocking up), cold compresses are just what the doctor ordered. Fusco suggests soaking a washcloth in equal amounts of cool milk and ice water and pressing the cloth against the area until the cloth doesn’t feel cool anymore. Repeat for a total of three compresses. The coolness, pH levels, and the proteins of the milk all help soothe the skin and make you a much happier camper. Cool green tea is another great compress; it helps protect the skin from UV damage while reducing inflammation.
FIGHT INFECTION
If you have small, blistered areas of sunburned agony, apply antibacterial ointment three times a day. Do not (we repeat, do not) pop the blisters! This can lead to infection, and that’s the last problem you need when you look like a lobster. If you have blistering over a large part of your body, get your burned butt to the doctor right away, Fusco says.
LOOSEN UP
Say good-bye to those skinny jeans (for a while). It’s time to don some loose-fitting, natural-fiber clothing. Tight clothes can rub you raw and make you even more prone to peeling, while synthetic materials can irritate your tender skin. Don’t worry: Linen is totally in right now.
Lompraya News Lomprayah joined the Nice Scene Green Song event. On 6th April 2014, Lomprayah has joined the Nice Scene Green Song event at Larn Mangkorn, Phuket. In this event, there had many activities such as children’s showcase, concert and celebrity’s stuff auction, to contribute to Vachira Phuket Hospital.
Farm Trip Agent Andaman Coast to Gulf of Thailand were welcomed by Lomprayah Lomprayah organized the event to welcome the Farm Trip Agent from the Andaman Coast (Surat Thani, Krabi and Phuket provinces) to the Gulf of Thailand on 22-24 March 2014
Kleaw Kluen Coffee Shop will be opened the new branch. Kleaw Kluen coffee shop will open the three new branches soon. The first two branches will be opened at Koh Samui, and another one will be opened at Hua Hin. Moreover, we will also open the new office on Petchkasaem Rd., Hua Hin.
Global News Thailand named Asia’s Top Tourist Destination Thailand has won “the most popular tourist destination in Asia” award conferred by the German travel industry group Go Asia. Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Mr. Thawatchai Arunyik received the award on behalf of the Thai tourism industry at a ceremony organized during ITB Berlin on 5 March, 2014.
And the world’s best airport is ... Singapore airport has been crowned the beast in the world for the second year in a row at the World Airport Awards, based on a surveys conducted by Skytrax an international travel research and consultants firm, which polled 12.85 million passengers across 110 nationalities about 395 airports worldwide.
TAT and VISA again launch “Thailand Splash & Spice 2014” The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Visa International (VISA) have teamed up for organizing an extravaganza of Thai cuisine and culture known as the “Thailand Splash and Spice Festival.” This event will run from 10 April to 31 May 2014, by showcasing the variety and unique flavors of Thai food and providing promotional packages in Thailand’s major provinces. Thanks : www.traveldailynews.asia www.tatnews.org www. .cnn.com
Tip to Trip
How to
choose
good travel agency? a
Complaints against travels agencies are not uncommon. Issues include clueless drivers, inexperience guides, skipping of included attractions, being harassed for tips and buses leaving without its passengers. How can one protect themselves from being victims of a lousy vacation? For starters, we do have to differentiate between failure of the tour operator to deliver and issues that are out of the tour operator’s control. With more people traveling nowadays, equipment like buses and boats get used more often, leading to wear and tear. It is inevitable that something will break eventually.
Credit : www.asia-travel-notes.com/how-to-choose-a-good-travel-agency
For example, we have been on a bus that has its air-conditioning system breakdown near the start of our journey. It took the bus operator about 2 hours to send a replacement bus to our location and our bus driver suggested driving the bus further up the road to try to shorten the distance between our bus and the replacement. It was hot as hell in that bus as we traveled 30 minutes up the road but the people on the bus were understanding and knew that things like that can happen. With increasing tourist numbers, more agencies have also started springing up around the world. These newer agencies might not have the experience or the resources to handle the load or the tours that they have committed to. To stay competitive, some even over-promise but underdeliver and even try to cut corners. So what can you do?
Reputation
Look for a reputable agency. Most of the newer agencies are untested, while they might be cheap, you do not want to run the risk of getting a bad deal. The more established agencies have more to lose if people start spreading negative experiences of their vacation, so they will pay more attention to their overseas partners and usually have a representative to help ensure that your interests are taken care of. If the agency you go to gives you bad vibes, leave. You have no obligation to stay and book a vacation with them. Sometimes, a simple Google search will tell you what kind of reputation a company has.
Scrutinize the itineraries and prices
There are no standard itineraries out there. Some might seem really cheap at first glance, but most of the items are listed as optional activities. This means that if you choose to participate, you will have to pay extra for that activity or be dropped of somewhere for some “free and easy time�. These optional activities can add up and soon that cheap package might not seem so cheap anymore.
Targeted demographics
Find out what type of people go on the tours organized by a particular travel agency. You wouldn’t want to end up on a tour bus catered for more mature travelers if you are looking to party all day. Conversely, if you are looking for some quite time, it would not be a good idea to go on a Contiki tour. People like to hang out with like-minded people, so just make sure that the agency you pick is suitable for you. Keep records
Keep records
Keep a copy of your payment records and the details of the trip as indicated by your tour agency. This will serve as your first line of offense when seeking refunds from your agency if they do not deliver.
Read the fine print
There are usually clauses that state what the agency will do to compensate to you if they are unable to stick to the itinerary. For example, if you were promised a particular 4 star hotel and it was unavailable, they should put you up at a hotel in the same vicinity and of the same quality.
Question
Feel free to question the agency to help fill the gaps. If you think that some parts of the itinerary are unclear, ask them. Be sure to get the agent to write down what they say and get their name and contact details as well.
Safety
Check to make sure that the company adheres to safety standards so that you know you are in good hands. Even though you might have travel insurance, it does not mean that you can forget about safety. Remember, it is your hard earned money and vacation time, so it pays to do a bit of homework before you hand your cash over to a travel agency.