No one wants to spend their vacation sick in their hotel room or worse – in a hospital. Some things can’t be avoided – but most can. A little preventive planning can make your vacation safe and keep you on the beach instead of in the doctor’s office.Take some precautions and make your holiday safe and disease-free.

Before visiting Thailand, you may need to get the following vaccinations and medications for vaccine-preventable diseases and other diseases you might be at risk for at your destination: (Note: Your doctor or health-care provider will determine what you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities.)

This comes up every year – guys wanting to know if it is still fun in Thailand when the military is in town. Having participated in Exercise Cobra Gold 4 times, all I can say- is “Come on down”. Yes, there are many guys in town with short hair – but for the most part we are working 12 – 16 hour days and don’t have much time to go out on the town until the exercise finishes. So, go to Pattaya during Cobra Gold, have a good time, and if you see a soldier or a marine – buy him or her a beer.

You have booked you flight to Bangkok and your hotel room in Pattaya – but have you thought about transportation from Bangkok to Pattaya? It isn’t that long of a ride – but can be daunting to the first time traveler.

It seems like traveling these days has become more of a hassle than what it’s worth. Gas prices are constantly on the rise, while airports remain notorious for overcharging plane tickets. Not to mention the long waits, hassle of security, and running the risk of losing your luggage. Traveling out of the country poses even more of a hassle. Despite the obstacles traveling involves, you can eliminate one worry from your mind if you’re planning a trip to Asia – spending too much money to get there.

You may not need travel insurance, if you are already adequately covered by other insurance policies. But, you should check before you go.

Going to an overseas country presents a currency challenge. Carrying a calculator helps, but more importantly, prior planning is more important. You choices - cash, credit cards, debit cards, local currency, and traveler's checks all present different kinds of problems and solutions.

If your are planning a vacation to Thailand, you will find that getting around is different than in your home country. You will have to learn to navigate on the "wrong" side of the rode (if you are from the US), negotiate with a tuk-tuk driver, and pay to ride in the back of pick-up trucks (Baht buses). It will be an experience you will never forget if you keep these points in mind.

The very first thing you have to remember is that you are a guest in a foreign country and you are subject to their rules and regulations. Ignorance of the law is no excuse. You need to do some homework and find out what the laws of the country you are visiting are so that you stay out of trouble and have an enjoyable vacation.

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.

About 3,000 Americans are arrested abroad each year. Of these, approximately one-third are held on drug charges. Despite repeated warnings, drug arrests and convictions are still a common occurrence.

Going shopping during your Asian vacation can be a lot of fun – but it can also be a problem. Be careful when shopping by following the following tips. Saving money while shopping from the local vendors is great – but it can cost you when you return and go through customs. Don’t ruin your holiday – know the rules before you go overseas and buy souvenirs that will be confiscated when you return.

As occurs every year, there is an increase in the incidents of theft during holiday seasons. These crimes generally take the form of purse snatchings and victimization by pickpockets. People are victimized while shopping or visiting public shopping markets. Pockets, purses and backpacks are picked, or surreptitiously cut, with the loss of money, credit cards, and valuable identification. The thieves often work in teams, and are exceptionally gifted at concealing their intentions.

U.S. consular officers are located at U.S. embassies and consulates in most countries overseas. They are available to advise and help you, if you are in any serious trouble.

Most people are so excited about going on their vacation that they forget to plan their. This can take almost as much effort as the initial holiday plan. But, it is better to think about your return before you leave your home. Here are some tips.