Frequently Asked Questions

Taking care of the basics

1) What's the best way to get there?

Plane, train, or automobile! You can join our tour any way that makes sense for you. If you are already in Asia, we can recommend the best way to get to us.

We recommend booking your ticket with either your local travel agent, or a trusted discount online provider such as www.priceline.com. It's usually best to compare sites. http://www.kayak.com/ often offers great deals to Asia.

For those flying from North America, the West Coast is usually a bit cheaper.

2) Do I need a passport?

Yes indeed. All nationalities require a visa to enter Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos. Global Taste is not able to assist in obtaining your passport.

Check to make sure your passport won't expire during or shortly after your trip.

3) Do I need a visa?

Thailand - Visitors from many nationalities can receive a visa on arrival. Visit http://www.mfa.go.th/web/12.php for details. We'd also recommend you contact the official Thai representative nearest you.

Cambodia - Visitors from many nationalities can receive a visa on arrival with two passport sized photos and $20-30. Visit http://www.mot.gov.kh/faq.php for details. We'd also recommend you contact the official Cambodian representative nearest you.

Laos - Visitors from all nationalities can receive a 15 (or 30) day tourist visa on arrival.

4) What should I do for money?

One of the great things about going to vacation with Global Taste is that we take care of virtually all of your costs! We pay for all your meals, your hotels, your in-country transportation, culinary activities, and fees for everything imaginable.

This means that you don't need to carry much money with you. For the money you do need, you can: use in-country Debit machines (ATMs). Most machines take Visa and MasterCard. For large purchases, many shops will accept credit cards. You can also bring in an unlimited amount of the currency used in your country, and have it changed to Thai baht. Traveler's checks can also be exchanged.

Which option is the best? In truth they are all fine, and it is a personal preference. Check with your bank for applicable fees.

We recommend bringing some cash with you, to exchange at the airport or in town - this will help you avoid an unnecessary ATM fee.

Currency in Thailand is called the baht. For currency conversion, try http://www.xe.com/ucc/

5) What medical issues are involved before I go?

For this advice, consult your doctor and/or http://www.mdtravelhealth.com

6) What medical issues are there on the ground in Asia?

In major Thai cities there are a number of clinics and hospitals that offer health care services of the highest caliber. In Cambodia and Laos, health care can be spottier.

Additionally, buying medication is usually fine in Thailand. That being said, many travelers carry basic medications to avoid searching for medicine while on vacation.

7) What is the insurance situation?

Do you currently have medical insurance? If so, check to see if you are covered abroad.

If you aren't there are two main options to choose from.

First, you could do what millions do each year, which is to travel to Asia without seeing a doctor specifically for the trip and without insurance. Health care in Thailand is very affordable without insurance coverage, and in major cities there are first-rate facilities.

Second, you could choose to purchase travel insurance. A week in Thailand should cost about $35 (USA dollars) per person, or less.

Visit http://www.medexassist.com/individuals/ to get a quote.

8) What should I bring?

Here are a very travel tips: Try to pack light; bring climate appropriate clothes; bring toiletries (sunscreen!); bring your prescription or hard to find medicine; allow space in your suitcase for souvenirs!

Remember: You can do laundry in Thailand!

9) What's the deal with electricity?

If you need to bring something that needs to be plugged in, consider purchasing an electricity convertor before you go.

For Thailand and Cambodia the electrical supply is 220 volts, 50 cycles/sec. Laos is 230v/50Hz.

Global Taste

1) What is included in Global Taste's tours?

Unlike a number of "discount" tours of Southeast Asia, our price includes virtually all of your expenses.

Your price includes all of your accommodation, all of your meals, all transportation during your trip, all entrance and school fees, and all costs of other activities (including 2 traditional massages!).

2) What isn't?

We don't pay for your transportation to get to Southeast Asia.

We don't pay for any of the fees associated with your passport or visa.

We also don't pay for alcoholic drinks outside of arranged tastings.

3) What is the advantage of going on vacation with us?

We are aware that culinary tourism in Southeast Asia is a niche. It isn't for everybody.

But it is for us. And our clients. We are the premier specialists in the field for a number of reasons.

First off, we offer the best service. We work with the best cooking schools, we stay at amazing hotels, we know and eat at the best restaurants and markets, and we arrange the most enjoyable and creative culinary activities! If you peel us to our core, we have the best recipe for your culinary vacation!

Second off, we offer the best prices for culinary tourism hands down. Nobody else is competitive with our prices.

Discount tour providers that offer cheap prices, offer cheap, generic, impersonal tours. And in the end, you're likely to pay more for your vacation with them, because their price isn't all inclusive.

The list could be much longer, but we'll spare (rib) you. We offer an incredible range of options. We can work with your personal needs and wants to help you fully enjoy every aspect of your vacation! Our small group tours max out at 14 people and always feel personal - or custom tours are totally up to you!

4) Can Global Taste arrange hotel bookings before and/or after tours?

We sure can! Just ask us to do it for you, and we'll do that at no extra change!

5) What other services can Global Taste arrange?

We can work with you to create any itinerary you want.

If you are a culinary club or culinary school of any variety, we can work with you to suit your group's needs. If you speak Mandarin, or any language other than English, we are often able to find guides who can speak your native language.

Simply Contact Us with any request or question you have!

6) Why doesn't Global Taste book my plane ticket to Asia?

There are a number of reasons we don't book plane tickets. More and more travelers are comfortable booking their own tickets on the internet. By booking your own ticket, we offer you the maximum amount of flexibility in terms of dates, airlines, and ability to use your frequent flier miles.

7) What can Global Taste arrange for vegetarians and vegans?

Unfortunately, Thai food is not particularly vegetarian friendly.

Our regular scheduled small group tours are not designed to be particularly friendly to vegetarians or vegans. Of course, you can come and eat well, but bear in mind most dishes we'll eat will be, minimally, cooked with fish sauce.

We can arrange for vegetarian and vegan custom tours. However, please keep in mind that many meatless dishes are traditionally made with an animal based broth.

8) What can Global Taste arrange for people with allergies?

Some Thai dishes are made with peanuts. Otherwise, very few nuts are used.

Global Taste is not able to make special arrangements for people with other allergies.

9) What is the refund policy?

More than 60 days till departure: 85% of the cost of the tour is refunded

45-59 days until the departure: 75% of the cost of the tour is refunded

20-44 days until the departure: 50% of the cost of the tour is refunded

0-19 days until the departure: 0% of the tour is refunded

Customs and Cultural Issues

1) Why is being mindful of local customs important?

Even though Thailand has been receiving Western visitors for several decades, it is important to know that certain behavior considered appropriate in your country, may be considered rude in Thailand.

Global Taste believes respecting local customs is important for two simple reasons.

We are the guests. It is only fair to stick to the rules set by the home team.

Also, the rules are easy, simple, and fair enough to enhance one's experience abroad; not detract from it.

2) What cultural issues should I be aware of?

Listed below you'll find some basic rules that'll help you be a responsible traveler. For a more comprehensive listing, visit http://wikitravel.org/en/Thailand and click on 'Respect' on the left column.

Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia:

Avoid touching people on the head. Avoid pointing your feet at people and Buddhist images. Avoid insulting religious figures. Try to wear appropriate clothes. Women: Be sure to avoid physically touching Buddhist monks.

In Thailand offending the monarchy is very serious - please refrain from behavior or comments that could be considered 'insulting.'

3) Is tipping necessary?

Tipping has become more common for certain services, but large tips are generally not expected. If a restaurant or hotel changes a 'service fee,' then a tip is definitely not expected. If a bill is 95 baht, it is fine to give the taxi driver a 100 baht bill. Tour guides are some of the biggest receivers of tips in Thailand!

4) Should I be worried about the political situation?

No.

Laos and Cambodia have been politically stable for some time and there is no reason to think that this will change.

Thailand has gone through a rough spell recently, in terms of political stability. Don't let recent events fool you - the airport situation was an anomaly, it had never happened before and likely will never happen again.

Even during times of political wrangling, most vacationers aren't affected.

Of course, Global Taste can't guarantee political stability. However, we are well aware of Thai political maneuverings, and we are well equipped to deal with any situation. You can rest assured that we'll do everything in our power to act in the best interest of our clients.