I'm a coach, author, and entrepreneur who loves to talk about travel, culture & entertainment, and lifestyle. Subscribe to my newsletter.
Share
Thailand's the talk of the town, and for good reason | Opal and Finch
Published 3 months ago • 6 min read
Bringing Travel To Life
"If happiness is the goal, then adventures should be a priority" ~ Sir Richard Branson
Hello Fellow Traveler!
The past days have been cold here in Texas and it's got me thinking about white sand beaches, hiking in beautiful world, and exploring new cities. I'm all for laying on the beach but as it's getting towards Spring I'm feeling like I need some active adventure.
A friend recently sent me a photo from a trip we took to Thailand together and it brought to mind the fun we had wandering the streets of Bangkok, figuring out the foods, and our slightly unusual taxi ride back to the airport (wasn't a taxi, just a friend of the front desk 😬.
Thailand, and Asia, is travel on a whole different level. It's a cacophony of sounds the mix with the wonderful aromas of food and incense. We saw massive gold covered temples, climbed up tall temple towers, and rode taxi-boats around the canals. If you've never been, definitely put it near the top of your Go No trip list.
The two of us bumbled around and missed a lot of the good stuff because neither of us really had any idea what we were doing. It was fun but next time I got hopefully soon, I'll definitely be going with a small group or on a custom made itinerary. I feel like even with the limitations that can come with a tour, I get far more out of the experience when I'm traveling in a place so different from my normal. I like not wasting time guessing when I'm enjoying a new place.
(not me) Somewhere in Thailand | Intrepid Travel
There are couple of great tour companies to look into if you are wanting to go but don't have the budget for a tailor-made trip with A&K or EXO. Certainly there are the big companies but I prefer ones that are small group and focused on giving a close up experience. Intrepid Travel and G Adventures both offer premium options that are very engaged with the destinations. I love both of them and both are wonderful partners to work with. The other people on these trips are always the kind you want to hang out with, rarely a curmudgeon amongst them.
There are a few differences though -
Intrepid Travel is focused on 40-50+ year olds giving a higher level of comfort, while G Adventures gears a bit younger, 20 - 35 year old and is comfortable but a bit less
Both use solid hotels or home stays - comfortable, clean, locally owned
Both employ their own guides who are local and experts in their fields, not just rando's
Both invest in the communities they work in, whether through direct investment or partnering with the locals to build opportunities
Both offer a great value for their trips - an excellent way for a family or group of friends to all head out together. They also both embrace solo travelers
If 2025 is the year you are thinking about going to Thailand, now is a great time to get that trip on the books. Currently Intrepid Travel is having a sale on their trips to Thailand offering 15% off if you book by March 3 and travel before December 14, 2025.
Take a peek at the example trips I've included below and let's talk about what works for you. The pricing is excellent and is a really good value, which is important.
If you're thinking about a trip of any kind, email me - let's get you outbound. Now is the time to book your 2025 trips. I've already been booking into 2026. Travel is not slowing down.
Thank you for keeping me in mind for your travel needs and referring me to those you know. I look forward to helping you fill your passport with stamps from journeys that create memories for a lifetime.
Be sure to check out my website at www.opalandfinch.com for updates. And I appreciate your sharing with your friends and family.
Are you ready to bring travel to your life?
Have a beautiful week.
15% Off* book by March 3, 2025
Thailand's the talk of the town, and for good reason
For more about G Adventures and their options -> click this link
8 Days From $1,377 per person
Discover Thailand’s highlights: Bangkok’s vibrant streets, Ao Nang’s charm, Khao Lak’s serenity, and Phuket’s stunning beaches. Savor renowned cuisine, explore bustling markets, or relax on pristine shores.
From cultural adventures to beachside bliss, experience the best of Thailand in one unforgettable journey.
Embark on a seven-day sailing adventure through Thailand’s stunning islands. Explore the Andaman Sea, snorkel in turquoise waters, relax on white beaches, and kayak around limestone peaks. From Koh Phi Phi’s iconic landscapes to vibrant Phuket, enjoy swimming, paddleboarding, and sunset views. With a private chef and like-minded travelers, savor fresh Thai flavors and unforgettable moments.
Embark on a cultural and culinary journey from Bangkok to Singapore via Malaysia. Explore golden temples, pristine beaches, and vibrant markets. Savor tantalizing seafood, shop in bustling spots, and soak in the region’s rich flavors and landscapes. This adventure promises a delightful blend of discovery and indulgence.
Embark on a 10-day small group adventure through Thailand’s highlights. Savor spicy cuisine, meet majestic elephants, explore golden temples, and visit vibrant hilltribe villages. Cruise Bangkok’s canals, discover ancient Sukhothai, and learn to cook Thai dishes. Experience the country’s beauty, culture, and charm on this immersive journey.
Curious about another destination or have questions about travel, join me for a conversation over at Meetup for my upcoming group conversations or send an email with this link -> Let's talk about your trip
River Cruises: Which River Cruise Line is right for you? | February 26 (Wednesday): 7 pm CT: Register here
Open Q&A on Travel: Join me on the third Monday of the month for a Q&A about travel. Get free advice about the trip you're working on. Register here
Need to book a quick HOTEL? Use this link to book on your own and still get all those Virtuoso Amenities because of our partnership with Virtuoso.
Travel Insurance- Use the link to purchase a travel insurance policy with Travel Insured, my preferred travel insurance partner.
General Travel Tips and ideas | Check out the website section Travel Tidbits for more travel tools and information ->the page is getting a refresh so it's not as pretty as the other options.
👇Follow Opal and Finch on social media, come join our small but growing party 👇
The new Virtuoso, The Magazine is out, and it’s full of useful tips from Virtuoso travel advisors who, like us, can’t stop fantasizing about the next exotic getaway.
TRIPS OF A LIFETIME
My expertise and access to Virtuoso's network of the world's best travel brands, perks, and experiences mean your most memorable trips are yet to come.
Hello. I’m Martha Day, owner and head travel designer at Opal&Finch, a boutique luxury travel company based in Dallas, TX, and (spoiler alert)
I LOVE travel. It is a joy to assist others with their travel needs.
My design goal is simple: that you return from your journey refreshed. Whether you head to a far-flung exotic destination, choose to relax deck side on a ship, or need your feet in the sand kicking back by the sea, whatever you choose, my desire is for you return home rejuvenated with great stories that bring smiles.
Opal&Finch exists to inspire connections through travel. We provide effortless travel planning, management, and concierge services to busy people so they can take memory-filled vacations even when schedules are packed and it seems impossible to get away.
We believe travel is a means to bringing positive change to the world and its communities
We believe meeting our global neighbors, through personal experience, benefits us individually, locally, and globally
We support suppliers who are continuing to support the destination they operate in towards a positive future
If you’re looking to travel, I’d love to help bring your travel dreams to life.
Bringing Travel To Life "If happiness is the goal, then adventures should be a priority"~ Sir Richard Branson Hello Fellow Travelers! I hope you had a lovely Easter and were able to spend it with those you love. This morning, on Holy Monday, the Catholic Church announced the death of Pope Francis. For those headed to Rome, the logistics over the next weeks and possibly months, will be slightly different as they hold the funeral and then head into Conclave to select the next pope. For those...
Bringing Travel To Life Hello - I'm just landing in Dallas after my week-ish in Italy/Sicily and let me just say, I LOVE Italy!! I forget how much la dolce vita is found in the Italian version of living. The pace is different, the volume louder, but there is an underlying goodness. The Italians are just so lovely. I managed to pull the worst thing ever as I walked out of the hotel this morning. Normally I do a triple check of the important stuff before stepping out the front door but...
Bringing Travel To Life “Hold on dear friend, for this is not the end. You have traveled so far and you have worked so hard. Carry on with courage and do not give up. And not because things will be easy but because these seeds you are sowing matter, and they will grow in time, if you do not lose heart.” —Morgan Harper Nichols Hello Fellow Traveler from Siena, Italy! I am so fortunate to be working from the road, this time in Tuscany, Sicily, and Rome. This quick note is coming from Siena, a...
