Check out before leaving to make sure your destination hotel and restaurant accept pets.

Pack a travel kit for your pet.
Stock yourself with the pet’s regular food, water, milk, and food dishes. If your pet is big in size, manage car space before leaving. Plan stops at regular intervals to let your pet defecate, and go for a short run.

Do not feed or give water to your pet one or two hours before the start of your trip to avoid defecating during the ride. Do not feed the pet too much during the ride too as they may get carsick.

Don’t forget your pet’s favourite toy or two, a leash, regularly used cage or carrier, identification tags, including the pet’s name, your name and destination address in case the pet get lost, clean-up equipments such as plastic bags, cleansing liquid, towel, and spray-type room deodorant or air freshener if you will be taking your pet into a motel or hotel room.

Taking your children upcountry will make them healthy and give them a good opportunity to have new experiences.
One of the most important jobs you have as a parent is to keep your child safe when riding in a vehicle. Proper use of additional safety equipment helps keep children safe in case any accident happens because safety belts and airbags are made for adults and not designed for children.

An important thing for travelling with children is the “car safety seat”. Thai law does not require use of the car seat but it is a law in many countries.

There are different types of car safety seats. The type of seat your child needs depends on its age, size, and type of vehicle. To make sure your child is using the most appropriate seat, read on.

1 Infant car bed: Its shape looks similar to a basket. The infant car bed is designed for babies, especially babies who are delivered ahead of schedule. Car beds allow babies to lie down while travelling. Position your baby’s head toward the middle of the car and away from the door.

2. Rear-facing infant seat: It is designed for children younger than three years old. Place a rear-facing car safety seat in the back seat of a vehicle and never place it in the front seat that has an air bag. All infants should always ride rear-facing. Infants are at greater risk of injury in crashes because their heads are fragile, their neck bones are soft and the ligaments that help support the neck are stretchy. A rear-facing seat will support your infant’s head, protecting his or her head, neck and spine ­– and spreading the force of the crash across the back when there is any hit in the front of the car.

3. Forward-facing child seat

It is designed for older children who have outgrown their rear-facing car safety seats. Place a forward-facing car safety seat in the back seat of a vehicle. It is best to ride all children forward-facing. This type of seat may be designed to convert from rear-facing to forward-facing seats.

4. Booster seat

Booster seats are for older children who have outgrown their forward-facing car safety seats. Booster seats are designed to raise the child up so that the lap and shoulder seat belts fit properly.

With so many vehicle and safety seat models available, you may be confused about choosing a child safety seat correctly. You should ask sellers to install the seat in your car before making any decision. If possible you should have your child sit on it to check if it fits his or her weight and height.

Most mothers in Thailand carry the children on their lap and sit alongside the father, who drives the vehicle. If there is an accident both mother and child will be in danger. Unexpected incidents can happen anytime, during short or long-distance drives. Using car safety seats will help fathers drive comfortably and confidently without worrying about safety.
All children should ride in car seats from the time they are born.
Children under 10 years of age must always ride in the back seat. Also never allow two children to share seat belts.

Travelling long-distance may affect the eating, sleeping, and even defecating habits of your child. But do not be worried. They will adjust within a few days and return to their usual habits when they arrive home.

You should not forget to take along your child’s favourite toy, blanket or towel. Prepare some activities or toys to play with them during the ride. It can prevent them from disturbing fathers’ while driving.

Also be well-prepared with food and defecating equipment for children, especially wet tissue.
When your child reaches an age where he or she can be responsible, you should buy a bag or backpack for the child to manage his or her belongings. This will reinforce a sense of responsibility and ownership.

Pregnant women must avoid travelling on long trips or undertake primitive rucksack or too adventurous journeys in the first and last three month of pregnancy.

Try to limit the amount of time you are cooped up in the car. Keep travel time to around five to six hours. Use rest stops to take short walks and to do some stretches to keep the blood circulating and prevent cramp.

Pregnant women, who are driving, should keep your seat as far back from the steering wheel as you can and allow your feet conveniently put on the brake and the accelerator.

For the best protection in a vehicle wear a lap–shoulder belt every time you travel. The safety belt will not hurt your baby. You and your baby are far more likely to survive a car crash if you are buckled in.

When wearing your safety belt always wear both the lap and shoulder belt. Buckle the lap belt low on your hipbones, below your belly. Never put the lap belt across your belly. Place the shoulder belt across the center of the chest (between your breasts)—never under your arm. The upper part of the belt should cross your shoulder without chafing your neck. Never slip the upper part of the belt off your shoulder.

Safety is the most important thing whenever you travel with children and pregnant women. If you are careful and have proper planning it can prevent you from unexpected incidents.

For tourists who do not want to go on a long drive or whose car is not ready for a long trip can rent a car from car rental companies. There are many car rental companies in tourists’ attraction|:

• Avis Thailand: Car rental service for travel in Thailand. Make a reservation at 022511131-2, 0-2255-5300-4  or  click www.avisthailand.com

• Krungthai Car Rent: Offers various types of car with good service and special price. Call head office 0-2291-8888, 24 hours Call Centre 0-2246-0089, or click www.krungthai.co.th

• Budget (Thailand): Car-rental service for travel and business in Thailand and international, short-term and long-term. Budget has 26 locations throughout Thailand and over 3,000 locations in 130 countries.  Domestic call 0-2203-9222 and international call 1-800-283-438 (toll free) or click www.budget.co.th

• VR Car Rent:  Largest wide range of selections of cars as requirements.  Company’s offices are in Pattaya, Rayong, Bangkok, Suvarnabhumi Airport. Free delivery and pick-up service at your company or residence. Call 08-9931-5577, 08-6336-0080, 08-6329-0512, 08-9802-0220 or click www.VRcarrenT.com

• Pattaya Car Rent: 24 hours service and free delivery and pick-up service. Call  08-9802-0220, 08-6336-0080

• Songkhla Car Rent: New sedans, big vans, buses, and pickups for rent in Songkhla, Satun, Trang, Patthalung, and   Nakhon Sri Thammarat. Call 08-1276-0137, 08-1128-8464 or  click www.songkhlacarrent.net

• Krabi Car Rental: Offers various brands of sedans, pick-ups, and jeeps for rent in Krabi. Call 08-1895-5138 or click www.krabicarrental.com

• Phuket New Car Rent: Car rental service for travel in Phuket. Call 08-6951-1117 or click    www.phuketnewcarrent.com

• Hua Hin Car Rental: Car rental service with various vehicle choices in Hua Hin. Short-term, long-term, and monthly car rental. Call 08-6006-2924 or click www.huahincarrental.com

• Cash Car Rent: The leader of car rental service in Chiang Mai with more than one hundred of cars. Call 08-0032-2522 or click www.cashcarrent.com

• Northern Car Rent: Car rental service in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai provides many vehicle choices such as sedans, pick-ups, jeeps, vans, and SUVs at various prices, including first-class insurance, and with or without drivers.  Free delivery and pick-up from Muang District. Call 08-1716-1211, 0-5380-6696 or click  www.northerncarrent.com

• Mae Hong Son Car Rent: Offers car rental for travel in Mae Hong Son and other provinces in the north. Call 08-6183-5401, 08-4151-3725 or click www.maehongsoncarrent.com

When preparing for travel you have to be ready for unexpected incidents. That’s where travel insurance comes in. There are two popular types of travel insurance:

• Accident insurance, which covers funeral expenses for preparation and return of the insured’s body to hometown.
• Accident plus medical health insurance, which covers hospital and medical expenses too. But insurance premium is higher than for accident insurance.
The insurance premium depends on benefits and risks of each journey.

How to purchase travel insurance

After checking information and choosing an insurance company then make a phone call to the company. The company will ask for personal information such as name, surname, and address. You may be asked to send your identification card too. You should tell the company details of your journey such as where and how you plan to go, and how long the trip would last. After that the company will send an official acknowledgement signed by an authorised person and a receipt to you. You have to keep the documents as records.

Suggestion: Frequent travellers should buy travel insurance coupon from the company you are in contact with. It is more convenient and cheaper than buying per trip.

Most of the travel coupon is valid for one year. When you want to travel you just inform your name, surname, and age, plus your coupon’s number to the company. The company will contact you and ask for details of your trip. You then wait for an official acknowledgement signed by an authorised person and a receipt. You have to keep the documents as records.

The most important thing in purchasing the travel insurance is the accuracy of your name and surname as it is needed for verifying when an accident takes place during your trip.

These days national parks are popular tourist sites. Urban people go back to nature and love to travel to the parks. In the past, it was a bit difficult to travel to the national parks. Nowadays many parks offer facilities such as food shops and accommodations though in limited numbers. So tourists who plan to stay overnight in any national park, should make a reservation for the accommodation.

An accommodation reservation must not be made earlier than 60 days prior to check-in date. Each reservation cannot be booked for more than three consecutive nights. After getting the reservation, you have to pay an accommodation fee within two working days.

How to book an accommodation reservation

1. Online booking at www.dnp.go.th

1. You can directly contact by telephone, mail or personally at a park’s reservation counter and online service. Below are the reservation counter services

• The National Park Office of the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department at Pairotesuwannakorn  building (+66 2562 0760)
• Bureau of Protected Area Management 11-16 and its branches
• National Parks (only Internet service provided)

3. Making a reservation online first and then submitting a   permission request and other details to the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department at +66 2579 5269.  Tourists who do not want to stay at the national parks’ accommodations can go directly to the parks without making any contact in advance.  But you have to pay an entrance fee and bring your own tents and bedding accessories.

Entrance fee for tourists

The National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department has set new entrance fees based on the environment, and facilities of the National Park, as well as public utility.

• Entrance fee for Mu Ko Surin and Mu Ko Similan National Park, Phang Nga, is Bt80 for Thai adult, Bt40 for Thai children, Bt400 for foreigner adult, and Bt200 for foreigner children.

• Entrance fee for the national parks below is Bt40 for Thai adult and Bt20 for Thai children. Fee for foreigner adult is Bt400 and for their children it is Bt200.
Doi Phahompok National Park, Chiang Mai
Doi Inthanon National Park, Chiang Mai
Thung Salaeng Luang National Park, Phitsanulok- Phetchabun (Thung Nang Phaya, Thung Noan Son)
Khao Yai National Park, Prachin Buri, Saraburi, Nakhon Nayok, and Nakhon Ratchasima
Mu Ko Lanta National Park, Krabi (every island)
Hat Noppharat Thara
Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park (every island)

Fee for all other national parks is Bt40 for Thai adult and Bt20 for Thai children. Fee for adult foreigner is Bt200 and for their children it is Bt100.

However some small national parks may charge an entrance fee of Bt20 for a Thai adult and 10Bt for Thai children, according to the announcement of the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department.

Tourists who travel with their own cars have to pay the entrance fee for driving their cars into the parks too. Entrance fee for cars, pick-ups and vans (not exceeding 12 seats) is Bt30 per unit, except at Khao Yai National Park where it is Bt50.  Fee for cars not exceeding 24 seats is Bt100 and more than 24 seats is Bt200.

During normal use, you should regularly make simple examinations of the radiator, engine oil, battery fluid and water for the screen wiper. This should be done at least once a week, and particularly before every long trip.

Water in the radiator should be at the maximum level required.

• You should check the battery’s fluid level. For the wet type, the fluid level should not exceed the ceiling, which is the lowest level of the plastic part that is connected to the top cap. Overflowing fluid will release a corrosive acid that can damage the battery’s poles and the engine’s metal parts. All of the battery’s openings should be equally filled with distilled water.
• Check the level of the engine oil. You should have a one-litre can of engine oil in your car in case it is needed. Engine oil is likely to be reduced in off-road or tough driving conditions.
• Water for the windshield wiper is necessary, especially when driving during the rainy season. Wet roads tend to cause water to be splashed on the windscreen, and wiping the windscreen can ensure proper visibility.

These are simple checks that can be done regularly in our everyday use of car. However, before your long trip, you should have your vehicle examined. New cars or ones with a few years of use may not pose serious problems.
But older cars need to be carefully examined, particularly when you are about to travel on difficult roads with a lot of bends and elevations. If that is the case, you should have your cars examined at service centres with the focus on brakes and the clutch.

Clutch: In cars with automatic transmission, clutch is not much in use. However, clutch is still in need for vehicles with a manual shift system. You should have it examined when there are problems like difficulty in pressing the clutch lever, in putting the clutch in its position, or in shifting the gear. If you have the device checked regularly, there is no cause for concern.

Braking system: For modern-day vehicles, motorists can rest assured that their wheels will not get locked for sudden braking. Almost all vehicles of today are fitted with an ABS (anti-lock braking system). However, you also need to have it examined for the sake of safety before travelling on a route that has many curves and goes into a mountainous area.
For those who have 4WD vehicles modified for off-road drives, you should pay attention to the braking system. Opt for quality brake oil and brake pads that can withstand heat. You should also regularly examine the brakes. The more powerful your car is, the better brakes you require. This is particularly true for off-road driving, where there is no room for a mistake.

Tyres: They are like the feet of the vehicle. With bad feet, it is difficult to travel. A simple way to take care of tyres is to fill them with air.
Many people are unsure about the appropriate level of air to for the tyres before a long trip. You should consult the vehicle handbook. Air-filling should be done when the tyres are not hot or after a drive of no longer than two kilometres. Before a long trip, you should add an extra 3-5 pounds/square inch. Also, you should check the spare tyre and fill it with extra air.
Passenger cars and pickup trucks require different levels of air for their tyres.
For passenger cars, the tyre’s air pressure should not exceed 35 pounds/square inch, depending on the size and type of the vehicle.

• In small passenger cars, the tyre requires air pressure between 25 and 30 pounds/square inch.
• In middle-sized and large saloons, the tyre’s air pressure should range between 30 and 35 pounds/square inch.

For pickup trucks, the tyre’s air pressure should not exceed 35 pounds/square inch. But for trucks with heavy loads, the tyre’s air pressure can be added up to 50-60 pounds/square inch.
An over-filled tyre:

• is prone to cause the middle outer surface to wear down;
• leads to reduced flexibility and resistance to pressure and can cause an explosion due to a heavy load or an impact;
• leads to poor stability and contact with road surface.

An under-filled tyre:

• causes the tyre’s shoulder to wear out faster and more easily;
• makes it more difficult to turn or control the steering wheel;
• leads to reduced stability of the vehicle

Lighting system: Make sure that the car’s lamps, tail lights, turn signals and reverse lights are all working. If any of them is not, you should have it replaced, for your safety. You may do it yourself or have a service centre do it for you.

Windscreen wipers: Many motorists neglect or take windscreen wipers for granted. They find out that the device is not fit for use only when they need it. Raindrops on the windscreen can reduce visibility and as a result can be perilous to the driver and fellow motorists. This can be the case on a trip that passes through different areas where abrupt changes in the weather are common.
Regular maintenance of the wiper’s motor, joints and other parts can lengthen its life. The joints should be oiled, preferably with a waterproof lubricant. The wiper’s arm is the most ignored part, possibly because it rarely causes damage. You should check to see if the nuts that hold the joints are firmly in their place. The most important part is the wiper blade.
Do not buy the wiper because of its low price alone. It must suit your use. You should change the wiper every year and opt for a replacement blade with the same length as the old one. A shorter wiper blade means a shorter wiping radius, and a longer blade will rub against the windscreen’s rubber edges and damage itself. Stains on the windscreen may reduce the wiper’s effectiveness. You should clean the blade with damp cloth, rubbing lengthwise. You should do it every time you clean your car even though the wiper has not been in use for a long time. Remember to avoid detergent; it can deteriorate the rubber and damage the car’s paint.

Advance planning

could be the key to a wonderful journey.  This is especially true if you intend to be at the steering wheel. Good preparation means knowing when you plan to go, having all the required information, getting your baggage and vehicle right.

First of all, you should look for information to decide where you want to go. We’ve made it easy for you. Just check out chapter 4 onwards in this book.

You have to think about the most appropriate time to travel. For instance, it is not the right time to travel out into the sea, jungles, and caves during rainy season or spring. If you choose the perfect timing, you would be taking a big step towards having a memorable trip.

• Rainy season: Avoid travelling to islands, jungles, and caves particularly in areas where there are heavy rains. There is always the risk of flash floods and mud slides rushing down the snaking road. Rainy season, mostly, comes first to the northeast and north regions, then the central and the south. In the south, it tends to be windy and rainy.

• Winter: Most tourists love to flee the hot weather and travel to the north and the northeast in winter. There, it is the best chance to experience fog and the cold weather. Flowers are in full bloom in winter. Pink Sakura or “Phya Sua Krong” always bloom in very cold weather. However, the blooming time depends on the weather. The earlier the winter comes, the faster it blossoms. Mostly, “Phya Sua Krong”
blooms between mid-December and mid-January. Even in winter time, the south often gets rains.

•  Summer: Most people may dream of wonderful beaches, jungles, and waterfalls. If you are a backpacker and love jungles, summer is the best time to explore the south. There is no shortage of water and the weather is cold in the night. The temperature is below 20 degrees Celsius. It is also interesting to go for a dive and enjoy the coral reefs since the sea is quite tranquil. But you should go before April because the monsoons start to come after that. Many islands with famous diving sites will be closed due to heavy winds and waves.

• Transitional period between the rainy and winter seasons: This is also a great time to travel. The rains have ceased and all nature is reviving. Tourist spots are fresh. You can get a better view of sea fog than in the winter months. But rain continues to fall throughout the south.
When you have made your decision regarding when and where to go, it also important to decide the length of your stay. The more time you have, the further you can travel and the longer you can spend in one place. However, irrespective of how much time you have, it is important to prepare your baggage, your car, and yourself.

Preparing yourself and your car

You should not be too nervous if you want to enjoy your trip. Get yourself physically ready, and also your travel stuff for your adventure.

Clothing: You should take only necessary clothes. Take your pajamas to make you feel comfortable. In addition, you should carry…
• Raincoat – You will have a chance to use it often as you can expect rains everywhere in Thailand.
• Windcheater – It can help protect you from sunlight too. Wearing a colorful windcheater will also make you look smart when taking a picture.
• Coat – The weather in Thailand is hot so you should take a coat along only when travelling in winter.
• Towel – If you stay in a camp or tent you should keep a towel. A light towel is better than a heavy one. The heavy towel will easily become damp and smell bad. “Pha Khao Ma” or thin bathing cloth is very popular among jungle-loving tourists because it is light and comfortable.
• Lingerie – You should have enough for the whole trip.

Personal belongings
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, and comb
• Small pack of shampoo and liquid soap
• Body lotion
• Sun block
• Sanitary napkin (In addition to being useful for women during menstruation, it can be used in emergencies such as accidents, especially if you are far away from a hospital or town.)
• Cap and sunglasses
• Small umbrella
• Sleeping bag (If you are staying in a camp, you can rent it from any national park).
• Slippers

Tent: A tent for three persons is the perfect size because it won’t be too big, and would be easy to set up. You should bring a ground sheet too. It is multi-purpose. You can put the tent on the ground sheet or use it as a mat. Throw it in your trunk. It doesn’t take up much space.

Medicine: You should take along some necessary medicine such as paracetamol, muscle relaxant analgesic, medicine for stomachache, inhaler, balm, tincture, plaster, and bandage. You should put them in a small bag and keep it in a place where you can lay hands on it easily. Also add a small scissors and a pocket knife to the medicine bag.
You should also take some snack and water in your car in case you are hungry though it is very easy to find convenience stores at petrol stations along the road