Saturday, May 19, 2012

Dream Destinations (Series 2): Cuba

Cuba remains popular for holidays

A recent survey has found that Cuba remains one of Britain and the world’s favourite holiday destinations. And with its amazing year-round weather, vibrant culture and unique architecture it is no wonder Cuba holidays remain so popular. 

Recently Fidel Castro surrendered the reigns of power in Cuba and since then things have become even more relaxed for tourists and for the Cubans themselves. Good Friday was celebrated in Cuba this year for the first time in decades. The move was requested by Pope Benedict when he visited the country last week.

After the 1959 revolution religious holidays had been banned in Cuba. However this year Good Friday was a declared a public holiday and it was reported that many Cubans appreciated the day off.


Varadero Beach (Credits)
Cuba started becoming a popular tourist destination approximately ten years ago, and visits by prominent celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio further boosted the profile of the country. Cuba is known for many things, including its cigars, dancing and opulent hotels and resorts. Also these days many prominent travel agencies provide holidays to the country, Thomas Cook vacations to Cuba are especially popular. 

One of the most popular resort locations in the area is Cayo Largo, a small island belonging to Cuba. Cayo Largo is the second largest island off Cuba and features pristine beaches, scuba diving and incredibly wildlife, all of which are a major draw for tourists from the US, Europe and farther afield.

The most beautiful beaches on Cayo Largo are considered to be to the west of the island, Playa Sirena and Playa Paraiso. In total there are five all inclusive resorts on the island which feature restaurants, water sports, catamaran trips, and dolphin attractions. 

For those not inclined towards resorts, there is always the city of Havana, one of the most interesting and diverse in the world, well known for its lively nightlife and unique architecture. 

Saturday, May 5, 2012

How To Apply Visa for Thailand in Laos

I just got a Non- B visa in Laos two days ago just a month after my last visit for my tourist visa. I am glad  to have it at my first attempt and now I am already spared of the long hours of travel by bus and the many "what if's" during the entire period of application.      

You see, the application of visa is an intricate process not to mention the hassles of queuing and waiting. Then there's this fear of being denied of a visa being applied for.  For the many Filipinos who are here in Thailand, visa run to the nearest border country is a common denominator. Malaysia, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos are the usual destinations for this purpose. 

Here's how the application goes: 

1. Complete and sign an application form.
2. Submit with the completed form: 
  • Passport/ Travel document which should be valid for at least six months from the date of application.
  • Photocopy of your passport
  • Two recent color photographs (2x2)
3. For other purposes than tourism,submit evidence substantiating your purpose of stay.
  • TRANSIT VISA: present confirmed travel document (air ticket, etc.) showing Thailand as point of transit.
  • BUSINESS TRIP: present a letter from employer and/ or business counterpart in Thailand.
  • EMPLOYMENT: present a letter of employment from your prospective employer, such document should be addressed to the Royal Thai Embassy, Vientiane. (I'll make a separate blog post on this.)  

Notes: 

  • Visa application must be submitted by hand from 8:30 A.M to 12:00 P.M. on Mondays through Fridays except for official Thai holidays at the Consular Section of the Royal Thai Embassy located in Burichan Road, Vientiane, Laos. 
  • Applications take not less than one working day to process. 
  • The collection time is from 1:00 P.M to 3:00 P.M the next day. 
Fees:

Transit Visa:                                       800 Baht per entry
Tourist Visa:                                    1,000 Baht per entry
Non Immigrant Visa (Non B):          2,000 Baht for single entry
                                                         5,000 Baht for multiple entries

Note: Visa Fees are non-refundable.