Wait it out for cash

The low-cost airline is now handing out cash coupons to delay-hit passengers. AirAsia passengers whose flights are delayed longer than three hours will be compensated by an e-gift voucher for the inconvenience.

"If we keep you waiting, you will get a Bt1,800

e-voucher," confirms an advert banner on www.AirAsia.com. E-vouchers can be used to purchase air tickets and airline merchandise.

The compensation does not cover delays due to circumstances beyond the airline's control, such as bad weather and air traffic control problems.

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Go Anywhere for your next holiday

Save up to 40 per cent when purchasing holiday packages and air tickets at the Anywhere Travel Fair until tomorrow at CentralWorld Plaza. This annual fair, held by the travel magazine Anywhere, is aimed to help travellers catch up with world's most stylish resorts, finest clubs and most-talked-about destinations. It also showcases the best offers and promotions on the market, among them a package at Samui's Punnpreeda Hip Resort that starts at Bt8,000 and a 40-per-cent discount on air tickets to Europe.

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Don't forget the kids

The recently opened Marriott Courtyard Hotels in Hua Hin and Phuket promise a special welcome for families travelling with children.

The Courtyard in Hua Hin has 243 ocean-view rooms and is located on Cha-Am Beach. Nearby attractions include the King's Palace and Summer Palace, mountain waterfalls, elephant riding, a National Park, golf courses and night markets. The resort in Phuket fronts Surin beach in the north of the island.

Both properties feature a Kid's World and a playroom full of coloured balls to chuck the children into.

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Lighting the way to Lent

Ubon Ratchathani is gearing up for its annual Candle Festival, which will be held throughout July. The festival is held to celebrate Buddhist Lent, the three-month-long retreat for monks and Buddhist devotees that begins on July 18. From July 7 to 13, the Isaan region will host the International Candle Carving Contest with artists from China, Germany, Italy and elsewhere competing to create the finest giant wax sculpture. A special highlight takes place on the night of July 17, when villagers show off their candle floats in a long procession through the heart of Ubon. The festival continues until July 31.