Check out this amazing trip I've just booked for a client!

Phuket, Thailand - 10 days/9 nights

There's bar and bat mitzvahs, quinceañeras, and then there's taking a trip to Thailand for your kid's milestone birthday. That's what my clients are doing anyways, and I had a blast planning their trip. They've promised their kids that during their 12th year, they get to choose a special trip to go on, and Thailand was the final decision for this kid. She is into adventure and the family is all getting SCUBA certified this summer in preparation for their November trip. She loves animals and food too, so of course there's unique elements of both in this itinerary. Check it out below!

Itinerary

Day 1

They'll be bypassing the hustle and bustle of Bangkok in favor of the beachy Phuket. Upon arrival they will check in at the lovely Kata Palm Resort and Spa.

Day 2

Today they'll enjoy a half day cooking class: learning all about how to find the best produce in the local markets to practicing key culinary techniques from a certified Thai chef. Of course there'll be plenty of time to sample as well...

Day 3

We've left free days in so that they can arrange with the local boat companies to take them on delightful scuba dives. Because there are certifications required to be shown and verified, it is best to set these up upon arrival.

Day 4

The name of the game today is culture - they will be enjoying a heritage tour of Phuket examining buildings, shrines, and markets, culminating in a scrumptious dinner in a local restaurant.

Day 5

A must on this birthday girl's list was some time to relax on a local beach and today's a great day for that. The resort is quite close to the famous Kata Beach, where you can relax all day.

Day 6

Another requirement for this trip was to be close to local markets so the family could explore and wander on their own, enjoying the local life and tasting the delectable street food. Today they'll get the chance to do just that!

Day 7

The official religion in Thailand is Theravada Buddhism so today they will get a half day to learn more about the tenets of the religion as well as to explore some buddhist monasteries and temples in the area.

Day 8

One last day open for them to scuba dive or explore local markets before they head on to an amazing animal sanctuary!

Day 9

Today they are off to Elephant Hills, a tented jungle camp where they will get to enjoy being in the presence of elephants ethically. There is no elephant riding here, instead visitors can feed, wash, and interact with the large animals. The landscape here is beautiful too, with mangroves and jungle lakes abounding.

Day 10

On their last full day, they will explore the great Cheow Lake by local long tail boat before learning more about the local ecology of one of the world's oldest rainforests and enjoying the sound of the Gibbons apes in the forest. Tomorrow they depart for home.

Does this type of trip appeal to you?

Remember, each of the trips I plan I customize to meet my traveler's specifications, so if this type of trip appeals to you, I can duplicate it, or I can change it up to include things that are more appealing to you!