In 2006, I had a short stopover in Bangkok but never had a chance to get out of the plane and explore the airport at least. As the plane continued on its journey towards my final destination, I looked down and thought, “Bangkok, next time I’ll stay a while.”
Before 2010 closed in, I’ve been contacted by a PR representative of TAT – Tourism Authority of Thailand, asking if I would be interested in participating a ‘familiarization’ trip for 5 days to Thailand on February 2011!
Of course I immediately slapped myself to check if I was dreaming.
What is a ‘familiarization’ trip (also called fam trip)?
It’s a method for the city, resort, state or country to get positive publicity. It’s entirely a business arrangement. The entity invests time and money to bring journalists and/or photographers to visit. Once back home, the participants are expected to write their stories and/or images about the destination.
Travel + blogging, ah, two things I absolutely love…
Naturally, I said, YES!
So, me and the blog are leaving on a jet plane on the night of February 20 and will come back to Dubai on the night of the February 25. In between those dates, I will be out and about in Bangkok and Hua Hin, Thailand – two destinations chosen for me (and other 3 participants) to explore.
Sounds exciting? It will surely be! So anyone up for arm chair traveling, sit back and watch this space. Also? If you have been to Thailand before, I’d appreciate travel tips, do’s and don’ts!
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Finding Backroads 
No way! I’m SO jealous – Thailand is one of my very favorite places on earth! I would go back there tomorrow if I could (and eventually I will)… It’s a beautiful country, the food is fabulous and the people are amazingly friendly. And the photo ops. Ohh, the photo ops… *swoon*
You are going to have the best time!
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My photography is available for purchase – visit Around the Island Photography and bring home something beautiful today!
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Yes, way! Thanks Robin! I don’t know why I’m chosen but I sure glad I am! 😀
I love Thai food and has had so many invitations to go to Thailand from my Thai friends at the university in Japan but I never had the chance.
The photo ops — I want a better lens! 😦
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I’m so excited for you! I hope you’ll have fun!
And when you’re there, touch a white elephant for me. 😉
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If I couldn’t find a white elephant, a normal one I would find and touch. Hope it doesn’t stomp me flat!
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Oh my gosh! What a great opportunity! I look forward to your future trip posts.
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WOW! Will you be going alone or with the family?
Either way, Have fun!
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Sadly, I will be going alone. The hardest part of this trip will be being away from Pristine!
Fortunately, my mother and father will be here in Dubai when I am in Thailand!
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HAppy trip Grasya!!!!
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Want to bring a friend?
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Ha ha ha. I would if I could!
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That’s great opportunity, Grace! I hope it opens more opportunities to free traveling in the future 🙂
Have fun!
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Gracie..dili na jud na matabas-tabas imong unreachable power oi.. Enjoy ug pics dayon ha…Hapit ka Singapore? hihihi
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That’s great news! Should be lots of fun. Glad to see that blogging is bringing you exciting opportunities. Looking forward to the photos too!
papalogic
PS – there’s a message below the comment box that says your commentluv plugin needs updating
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OMG Grace, I’m SO jealous! No seriously, I’m turning a lovely shade of envious green as I type this. LOL
That’s freaking AMAZING!! Congratulations on being chosen for such a great opportunity! I hope one day I’ll be able to do something like this 🙂
I can’t wait to hear all about it!!!!! I’m so excited for you xD
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Oh don’t be! These press trips aren’t vacations – according to travel writer, blog friend Kristin Luna (you should read her awesome blog http://www.camelsandchocolate.com/)
My itinerary starts as early 7 am and ends at 10 or 11 pm. Will try to enjoy it as much as I can do! This will be overwhelming!
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Have a great time and congratulations. Take lots of photos to show us.
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Thank you, I will!
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Oh wow-you are so lucky. congratulations on being selected. You know many of us will be sitting in the front seat waiting to see and hear about your adventures.
Enjoy to the max!
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Have a great trip and plenty of wonderful memories! ..and pics 🙂
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That’s great news! Congratulations!
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Yay! Your blogging really pays off! Enjoy!
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Congrats Grace! Puede mo uban??? Tig dala lang ko sa bagahi and camera! hehehe
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Bow na giyod ko Grace! Will be waiting for all the juicy posts 🙂
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Congratulations Day! This is a recognition of your remarkable ability in writing. We are so proud of you.
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OMG! Congratulations – I am sooooo excited for you!
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Sounds exciting, I am sure you are going to have a blast. Congratulations! I look for to reading/and photos of Thailand.
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That is a very sweet deal. I went to Thailand a while back. I think the Grand Palace in Bangkok may well be the most “photogenic” man-made location I have every seen. You can’t help but take great photos. Have a great time.
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Thanks for this great article. I have been telling my friends to read your stuff!
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