Recommended Restaurants for Business Meetings

You will never run out of food choices in Thailand. It's one of those countries that promise 10 pounds in three days. In fact, you don't even need restaurants. You can pretty much walk the street and you will most likely find something that will satisfy your cravings. However, if what you are after is a food and a place where you can talk business, you will not find that in every restaurant.Below is a list of restaurants worth checking out for business meetings.Mandarin OrientalThere are eight restaurants within the hotel. If you want to go French, check out the Le Normandie. The China House specializes in Chinese cuisine. They also offer other Asian food. If you want some seafood, head to Lord Jim's and The Verandah if all you want is coffee and some pastries. Their house blend is good enough but they also serve cold coffee. You can also try the BBQ Riverside Terrace if you want to feel homey. If you want authentic Thai cuisine, the Sala Rim Naam Thai Restaurant is where you will find that. You can also stay out and bask under the sun in the Terrace Rim Naam and Ciao. Finally, if you want to have some drinks, try the Afternoon Tea and The Bamboo Bar.MadisonLocated that the Four Seasons Hotel, you will find the best steaks in Bangkok in this restaurant. They also offer Asian cuisines. You might want to start out with the bread that are served right out of the oven.It doesn't have a very good view but the interior gives a very subdues aura. The place is relatively quiet and spaces between tables allows for a free conversation.KuppaThe place is just one of the most spacious restaurants you will ever find. The floor to ceiling windows also give the place a more "open" feel which can truly relax guests. This place is especially recommended if you are meeting an Australian. It is owned by a Thai and an Australian and you will that it is evident in their menu. They offer Australian beef and traditional Thai food.


Blue ElephantIf you are in the area of Sathorn, Blue Elephant is the best restaurant for business meetings there. You will not only get good food but the place itself can serve as an icebreaker because of the history of the building. It is more than a hundred years old and it is also a cooking school. The restaurant did well in incorporating the nostalgic edge they have by having dishes like Forgotten Recipes.Calderazzo & UgoliniIf you ever find out that you are meeting with someone who wants Italian food, take them here at the Caderrazzo & Ugolini. Their food is at par with dishes from restaurants in Italy. They also have the best wine selection in all of Chidlom.Tapas CafeAs the name would imply, the restaurant offers Spanish Cuisine and there is nothing better than Tapas. The place itself looks and feels more homey than other restaurants. The service is the same as what you will get in restaurants in 5-star hotels but the ambiance feels more casual. I would also suggest ordering right away because it takes them some time to cook the Tappas. You might be able to finish your meeting before it arrives.For more tips on Bangkok click here

Taking Your Kids On The Road

For many truckers it is difficult to work on the road and also have time to spend with your kids. One option that may be worthy of consideration is to take the kids on a shorter road trip with you so you can spend time together and see a bit of the country.Most kids are naturally very interested in what Mommy or Daddy do for a living and riding along on a road trip may be the highlight of their summer or school holiday long weekend. Of course, you do have to keep several things in mind when deciding if this is the right type of activity for both you and your kids.The following points can be used to help you determine first if this is a good option and then what you need to consider for the kids safety, comfort and contentment on the journey.1. How young is too young?This is really a practical consideration that you need to think through, with your spouse or partner, before even talking to the kids. General the kids need to be old enough to sit for several hours at a time without becoming really antsy and irritated. They should also be old enough to sit securely in the truck seat with the safety belt securely in place. For younger children a booster seat may be required to ensure that they are safely and properly in the vehicle.Children in their elementary school years will enjoy shorter travels while those that are middle and high school are often game for longer trips. Usually children under school age will be comfortable in the truck if the other parent, or another adult they trust, is around to keep them entertained and occupied.2. What does my spouse or partner think?It is really important that both parents are on board with this decision. This is true for both married or living together parents as well as those that are separated or divorced. If one parent is not in agreement it may be important to spend time talking about the issue and sharing ideas rather than to simply take the child and create friction or future problems in the relationship.3. What do my kids want?While Mom and/or Dad may think a summer on the road traveling to new places is a great idea, kids may have a completely different preference and agenda. This becomes more problematic as the kids get older and want to spend their summer with friends and doing activities in their home community.It is important to find out from your child if he or she is interested in coming with you. This question should be posed without trying to guilt the child into saying they want to go. Often leaving the door open by saying, "If you want to come with me in the truck, let me know and we will organize a trip you will enjoy" is a much better option than simply assuming the child will want to go.4. What is company policy?If you are an owner-operator you can set your own policy regarding kids riding along. However, if you work for a company it is a good idea to verify with a manager that the kids can ride in the truck. If there is not a written policy in place you may want to ask for written consent for the child to travel in the company truck. This will prevent any misunderstanding or miscommunication and will also support your actions if someone ever questions that the children were along.


5. How long of a trip for the first time?As a parent you know your child better than anyone else. Generally the younger the child the shorter the first trip should be to ensure that if there is a problem or if the child is not enjoying the trip it isn't a lengthy time they are away from home. Some kids will travel happily for days with Mom or Dad while others may become bored in the first few hours on the road. Remember, even though you are spending your time with your kids you are still at work and have schedules to follow and loads to pick up and deliver.Once you have determined that the trip is on, you then have some advanced work to do. To make the first trip a success for both the parent and the child be sure to consider the following:• Talk to the child about the rules for riding in the truck. This could include things like wearing the seatbelt at all times, remaining in the cab when the truck is at the dock or when picking up or dropping of a load, or getting assistance in getting in and out of the truck for younger kids.• Talk about the fact that Mom or Dad is at work and, while there will be times to look around and see the sights, during the days or nights you will be driving and your attention will have to be on the road.• Take some games, electronic devices, books or activities that the child can do in the truck to minimize the risk of boredom and irritability.• Schedule your route to make frequent stops where the child can get out and run, spend some time out of the truck and interact with you when you aren't focused on the road.• Try to plan the route to stop in areas of interest to a child. This could include a park, a museum, an attraction or something of interest to the child.• Check to make sure all places you have to enter with your truck allow children in the vehicle. Liability issues have led many companies to have very strict policies about who can even be in the cab let alone outside of the vehicle on their premises.• Have a contingency plan where the other parent can come and meet you should the child become bored, ill or simply not want to travel with you.Taking kids on the road can be a wonderful experience for all involved. However, you do need to plan in advance and take into considerations several factors to make this a memorable time for your child.

The Need For Printer Cases On The Road

Printers are expensive pieces of equipment. They can cost upwards of thousands of dollars depending on the features. When you're on the road, who knows what's going to happen? That is why it is important to own printer cases. Whether if you travel a lot to see family or your company is constantly doing trade shows, a printer is almost always needed.There are very few companies that can thrive anymore without attending some form of a trade show. In most cases the trade show does not give a lot of the equipment the business will need to succeed so it is pivotal that they bring their own. People want information on whatever it is a company is offering or displaying at a trade show. If these shows are a commonplace practice for a business, it is more cost-effective to use the company's own printer and not run to a copy place every time.Using printer cases is the smartest way to transport this expensive equipment so it can make it to the destination and back every time without fail. How often do you watch the airport workers tossing baggage into the bottom of the plane as if every piece of luggage has fluffy, indestructible pillows in it? Well your $3,000 printer probably won't land as smoothly as the bag of pillows. These protective cases will keep equipment safe in a situation such as this.


There is a lot of other important equipment to consider for this type of convention as well. Trade show cases are very useful for the display. More often than not if you are going to a show, the host will offer either no tables or some old wooden table. One way to remedy this problem is by bringing your own trade show cases. These are usually equipped with an easy assembly table that fits in a compact case. Once assembled, the table is a much more aesthetically pleasing addition to the company's set. The better a business' set looks, the better chance it will have to leave a good impression.Lastly, a business that attends trade shows should have cases for all of their other equipment as well including accessories. If there is a television displaying a presentation, that definitely needs to have a case. Keyboards and other smaller, but just as useful, tools must also be in cases. It may seem like overkill, but keeping your equipment safe will prevent you from losing big sums of money with something you cannot control and also save the business a lot of frustration.

How to Conduct a Smooth Last Minute Moving?

It is true that people move houses, states and even countries for a variety of different reasons. People move out of their houses as they don't like their neighborhoods, people change states and move houses as they get a bigger and better job while entire families move countries to get a shot at earning more. There may be a variety of different reasons for moving places but the thing that remains constant will all relocations is that they are not fully planned and usually happen in a rush. Last minute moving can become a big headache if not handled professionally with the help of truck rental companies.Truck rental companies offer and help facilitate moving houses by providing transportation services. One always needs a large transportation medium to move all the household items that will be moved along with the family and the truck rental companies provide just that. The truck rental companies offer different types of transportation mediums like moving vans, medium sized trucks and large-size trailers and it depends on the quantity and size of the items that need to be moved. If one does not have large goods to move then a small moving van should be enough while if furniture, master-beds and other large items needs moving then a medium to large size truck is used. To help facilitate quick contact in case of last minute moving, truck rental companies have online websites and they can be easily contacted through the website.


Some truck rental companies not only rent trucks or moving vans to help facilitate last minute moving but also offer labor and packing items so as to further help the client. When moving at the last possible moment, having labor to pack the goods and load them into the transportation medium can be really helpful. The client mostly has the choice whether to choose this service and if the client doesn't want labor and packing items then moving companies simply offer a transportation medium along with a driver to move the goods.It is important to note that the truck rental companies provide quotes after analyzing the size of truck that one would need and the distance that needs to be covered. Moreover, extra charges for labor and packing equipment (if used) are also inducted in the final quote. One can easily ask two or three truck rental companies about the quote before finally settling for the company that offers the best rate.

Pets On The Road: Tips For Truckers

There are a lot of drivers today that want a bit of company in the cab but don't want a team driver or a partner. For some people a spouse or family member can ride along for companionship, but for others the best possible option is to have a dog with them on the road.Dogs, like people, can make great companions or they may not be a good option. Truckers need to consider several factors when determining if a dog is the right choice in their truck. Taking a bit of time to consider breed factors, size, exercise levels and even the training of the dog and what you want the dog to do is essential before deciding your four-legged co-pilot.Breed SelectionWhen you stop at a highway rest station you will find a variety of different dogs out there with their truck driving owners. It is not uncommon to see small breeds of dogs as well as some huge dogs, but there are some pros and cons to each option.Small dogs are usually a good match in the smaller spaces of the cab and sleeper of a truck. There is really no comparison between a Chihuahua and a Great Dane when it comes to how much space they will take up, especially in the sleeper area of the truck.Breeds traits are easier to predict in purebreds than in mixed breeds, so if you know you want a particular personality or temperament it choose a purebred from a reputable breeder. Of course all dogs will have their own personality but it is largely determined by genetics combined with how they are raised and socialized.You may want to think about the actual logistics of a particular breed or type of dog as well. If you choose a long haired breed that sheds you are going to have issues with dog hair as well as possible issues with a wet, muddy companion in the truck on those miserable days. Short haired dogs can also shed but you won't have long hairs to deal with. Non-shedding or very low shedding breeds are available in all sizes and types, something that is well worth considering.Energy and Activity LevelsBesides the breed traits and characteristics you will need to consider the energy and activity levels that the dog will require. Many small breeds, including the very popular terriers, are generally considered to be high energy dogs. High energy dogs typically will not mellow out with age and even senior dogs will need lots of time to run and play. This doesn't mean they can't be good dogs in the truck, but you will need to schedule regular times for the dog to get out and burn off some energy.


Dogs that are moderate to low energy levels are usually a good match for the more sedate lifestyle of a trucker's dog. They can be calm in the truck and sit and watch the miles roll by but then ready to get out and run and play when you take a break. Having a dog like this is motivation for you to take a walk and get away from the road for a few minutes every couple of hours or so.Puppy Or Adult DogWhile it is a good idea to get a puppy used to traveling in the truck as soon as possible, practical issues also need to be considered. A puppy that is not "truck-trained" is going to be a problem and one that can cause distractions when you are trying to stay on a schedule or just pay attention to the traffic.Puppies, as well as older dogs to a lesser degree, will need ongoing training and socialization. This means that you need to spend a bit of time every day in training and allowing your dog to be around other dogs and people. For most truckers this isn't a problem and can be a great way to unwind after a long day on the road.Protection or Companion?Some truckers want a dog that is there purely for companionship. This really leaves the breed and size selection up to personal preference as well as individual dog temperament. If you want a dog that is also going to be a protection or guard dog for the vehicle and yourself you will want to select a larger dog that will be respected by others.Not all large breeds are natural protection or guard dogs. In fact, many of the large breeds, especially the popular breeds like Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers and most of the hound breeds are very friendly and, while they may bark, they are more likely to quickly befriend a stranger than to actually protect your vehicle.Staying SafeRegardless of the age, breed and size of dog you choose make sure you have the dog microchipped as well as wearing a collar with your cell phone number and information. In addition have a picture of your dog on your phone so it can be emailed to the various shelters or other agencies in the event that the dog gets lost on the road.Always talk to your vet about taking your dog out of your local area, there may be vaccinations that are necessary to protect your pet in different areas of the country or when traveling internationally. Be sure to carry your dog's health and vaccination record with you, especially if you are crossing the border into Canada or Mexico.

Winter Driving Safety Tips For Big Rig Drivers

Driving a truck means working in all types of weather conditions. With strange weather patterns spreading snow and ice even in the southern states it is important, as fall and winter approaches, to take some time to plan for winter driving conditions and brush up on ideas to stay safe on icy, wet and snowy roads.The key to winter driving for truckers, as for any other type of driver, is to make sure to be prepared. The good news is that there are now a number of apps for smartphones as well as automatic notification programs that can alert you to problematic winter driving conditions and bad weather miles before you reach the area. This not only lets you prepare for the difficult roads but it also may allow you to plan alternate routes that keep you out of the worst of the weather.Tip 1: Know Your LimitationsJust because you are driving a truck that has a legal weight of over 40 tons and measures 70-80 feet from end of the trailer to front of the cab, it doesn't mean you can across any type of road safely. Ice, snow and combinations of ice and snow can lead to treacherous conditions even on straight, flat roadways. Combine this with curves, hills, stops and turns and you have a definite recipe for disaster.If you are unsure of the road conditions or feel completely out of control in the vehicle stop and pull over. This could be because of heavy snowfall, blizzard conditions or clear visibility but terrible road conditions. It could also be due to concerns about black ice on the road that is impossible to see until you are into a skid. Trying to simply drive your way through is never the answer as stress, tension and mental fatigue will all play a part in making your drive even more dangerous in these types of conditions.Tip 2: Know Your RouteIn the winter it is not advisable to try a new route. It is far better to stay with a familiar route where you know where the chain-up areas are as well as where you can safely pull over to get out of traffic. Knowing your route means you also know where rest areas are located, where parking is available for rigs, and also where fuel stations and restaurants are that are trucker friendly.If you have to take a new route be sure to study the route using a navigation program. Most of the trucker specific travel apps for route planning have very detailed information and are much better than a standard mapping app or program. Many of these also provide the option for travelers and truckers to post current weather conditions, road closures or road conditions that are usually more up to date than anything you will hear on the news or through radio reports. Keep your CB on and listen to the chatter, other truckers will be a great resource as to road conditions and weather issues.


Tip 3: Check Your Truck Each DayWinter inspections before heading out are cold and not much fun, but they are essential for you stay safe on the road. Be sure to check each tire, you don't want to have to deal with changing a flat in the snow and ice. Not only is this difficult to do but you are at greater risk of being injured or, in a worst case scenario, being hit by a vehicle that simply couldn't see you in the snow.Check all airlines and brakes and make sure everything is working and all tires are turning. Sometimes if the truck is parked overnight and the brakes freeze all it takes is backing the truck up to correct the problem.Lights, including those on the trailer sides and top, should all be working. Each bulb adds to the ease of visibility for your truck for other drivers. Always carry a few spare bulbs for all lights on the truck and trailer and change them out as needed.You should also make sure your chains are ready for the season and in good repair. Chains are a relatively low cost way to add grip to your tires, especially when traveling through the mountains or in snowy conditions on less travelled roads.Tip 4: Have The Right Winter GearPlan to have the gear you need to stay warm, frostbite free, and able to work on your vehicle should the need arise. Most winter gear is very compact and easy to store in a small space. With the various thermal materials available you have a good selection to suit the type of conditions you think you may encounter.You should have on the truck with you a good pair of winter boots. These should have a solid sole that has lots of traction if you have to get out on icy roads. In addition look for a winter parka that has reflective material or consider a reflective vest in a large size that will go over your outside coat. Warm hats, several pairs of gloves and a full balaclava are all must have items in your winter kit. Also pack several pairs of warm full length socks so you can switch out wet socks and gloves as needed.Make sure you have road flares and signs as well as a good flashlight and lots of extra batteries. If you have a sleeper make sure you have power, food and a heater that will work off of your inverter. Always travel with your diesel tank full and make sure to use anti-gel with each fueling, don't wait for problems before adding.

Know Which Hotels Are the Best Before You Travel

When you think of hotels, you may think that the only time you need to be selective is when you are going on vacation. While this is an important time to be discriminating, you need to realize that you should always be selective. Things are always changing in the hospitality industry. One place may be on top today and they may fall off the charts by next week. Any time you decide to go somewhere away from home and you need to find accommodations don't forget to start your search earlier on.It helps if you have a good idea of things you want and can't do without while you are away from home. For example, if you need to stay where there is nothing but business professionals around, in order to increase your networking opportunities, then you need to consider staying at places that cater to business folks. If you plan on traveling with kids, then you should really consider kid friendly hotels.Of course, it is only natural that you are going to be concerned about your finances, there is another reason why you need to be diligent about the places you find to stay at during your travels. Even though you may constantly watch some of the best travel sites, in hopes of finding a deal, you need to remember that you are not the only one looking. If you do happen to spot something that looks incredibly enticing, don't just click and make the reservations right away, pick up your phone and contact that place directly and negotiate a better deal. You'd be surprised at how many people use this tactic to get bargains that aren't even being advertised online.


If you are traveling around the same time as some of your friends and colleagues, consider adjusting your travel dates so that they coincide with theirs and see if they would be interested in trying to get a group rate. If you weren't already aware, it is possible to get cheaper pricing by traveling in groups. This can really save you a great deal of money if you are traveling with family as well.Whenever you have a bad experience or concern after staying at any particular place, don't be afraid to let the managers at the place know. If you don't speak up, the managers won't know what they can do to improve your future visits and further accommodate you while you are a guest. In addition to voicing any complaints, make sure you actually take the time to fill out the survey cards. Believe it or not, all hotels look at these. They take into consideration what their guests are saying and make changes accordingly. If you ever happen to need special accommodations, don't be afraid to ask for them either. You will find that the hotels that are willing and able to accommodate you the best are the ones that rank consistently as the best in the industry.

The Advantages Of Making Early Bookings

Gone are the days when you could show up at any hotel and ask for a room without any prior notice. Today, most hotels require visitors to make bookings or reservations before they show up. Advanced bookings are an advantage for both the hotel and the visitor. The hotel is able to plan for the guests when they are expected. The visitors, on the other hand, have the peace of mind of knowing that they have guaranteed accommodation whatever time they turn up.The best way to get cheap accommodation is by booking online. Many online sites offer discount deals for those making reservations. The sites will save you time and effort, and you get much lower rates than you would get by booking directly from the hotel. There are many discounted rates for hotels around the world. The savvy traveler knows how to travel to different locations at a discount, and will even get deals for other services like meals and entertainment.If you are planning a holiday, there are many things you can do to ensure that you save money on your trip. The first and most important step is to research the location on the Internet. Most people are surprised to discover the options that are available online. For every single location, numerous hotels charge different prices. You can visit a certain location and end up spending less than half of what someone else in the same place is paying.


Research is very important as it helps you to find out everything that is on offer. The time or season, when you choose to travel will make a big difference in what you spend. If you travel during the off-peak season, you can take advantage of numerous price discounts. When hotels are fully booked, they can afford to dictate their terms. On the other hand, if the hotel is less than half-full, they are happy for any business and will be more accommodating in their prices.When you make advanced bookings, you are essentially assuring the hotel that you will be visiting. This will help them to prepare for your arrival and you can expect to get great service. Many people do not like to feel ambushed and turning up somewhere without a booking makes people feel unprepared. If you turn up for a hair cut without booking an appointment, you should not be surprised if you are the last person to get service.Those who make early bookings often have the advantage of choosing the best service. You can get the best room or seat, because you have a choice. Those who come at the last minute will have to settle for what is available and in most cases, it is never the best. While the rooms in the hotel may be the same size, the location will make a big difference. There are those rooms that have a better view than others do, and they often go to those who book early.

Grab the Opportunity! Make Money Online

Many people are now making money online because of overflowing online business opportunities. If you reach out to your relatives, friends and former colleagues in the corporate world, you may be surprised to find out that more than half of them are doing well with the home-based internet enterprise.The welcome news is that the home-based enterprise is proving to be beneficial especially for those who persevere. Prospects are good if you are agreeable to putting in substantial time to learn the techniques, build your network, get clients and plan you business strategy. You can jump start your business provided you follow some rules in this particular industry. You have to specialize and build a niche. This is the only way for you to become effective. Identify your target customers and stick to this group. Strategies that work for one niche will not necessarily work for the other. There are no instantaneous results in online work so dismiss the idea of get-rich-quick. It is definitely a necessity to know the fundamentals of search engine optimization, social media marketing and internet marketing.Discover the Different Online Opportunities
Numerous prospects are open to enterprising individuals like you. You can focus on affiliate marketing which is a revenue-sharing undertaking that involves two major parties, the website owner and the online seller. The site owner puts out ads that are meant to promote the vendor's merchandise and bring in prospective customers to the seller's site. You can earn income by means of three online techniques - pay per sale, pay per click and pay per lead.


Another one of the online business opportunities that will surely make money is marketing electronic items that do not require you to manage product inventory, storage and shipping. It has been said that you get 100% profit from making sales. You can even engage in selling other goods or services, remunerated subscriptions and memberships providing important information that consumers are not capable of obtaining anywhere.Why Choose a Home Business?With the home enterprise approach, you do not even have to leave the house to do your work and fulfill your commitments. You do not have to drive or commute. You are even spared from intrigues or competition in the work place. All you have to do is to satisfy the requirements of your clients or be successful in selling if the work concerns online selling. However, it is important to consider the following aspects before you start your own online entrepreneurship:• You have to be ready and this means it has to be a full 100%.
• It is mandatory for you to own a computer and a 24-hour internet connection.
• You need to build self-discipline, stay away from distractions and make a commitment. This means that it is important to prosper through new innovations, challenge yourself and accomplish your objectives as an entrepreneur.
• Spend several hours daily for your endeavor. Your income will rely on the efforts you exert since you are not a full-time employee anymore.

How to Accurately Price Your Courier Work

Over and under pricing are pitfalls that any courier company can fall into. There needs to be the right balance between your cost of operation and customer satisfaction.By having a proper understanding of your customer's needs and the resources that you have available, calculating your quotes does not need to be guesswork.Mileage. This may seem like the most obvious factor to take into consideration but it is surprising how often this can become your greatest pitfall. If your distance calculation is incorrect, this can easily add or subtract hundreds of pounds to your courier work price estimations. Always ensure that you use an accurate system to measure the route distance and the amount of fuel you will be using. Vehicle wear and tear also needs to be taken into consideration and factored into the overall mileage cost.Size and type of delivery. No two loads are the same and having a good understanding of the items to be delivered will help to keep this cost factor accurate. Make sure your courier work has a set pricing structure for oversized items and stick to it. If the individual items are over the dimension size that you have specified, be sure to add in additional cost for the space lost which could have been used to store another package.Discounts. It's a common practice to offer discounted prices for your courier work with repeat customers. This goes a long way to developing and sustaining long term relationships. Offering a discount may reduce your short term profit but will show benefit in the long term when your customers return for repeat business. It is also beneficial to inform new customers that you offer discounts if they choose to use your services on a regular basis.


Binding and packaging. It may not seem like you use many of these materials on an individual delivery basis, but over the course of several weeks the cost of securing and wrapping items can become quite substantial. Not all types of courier work need to offer this facility, but if your company offers this service be sure to add it to the total costing.Airport surcharge. You will need to add this charge as airport deliveries and pickups are often subject to delays, custom checks and multiple security checkpoints. These delays can add up quickly and will result in idle time and lost revenue unless factored into the costing.As you will always want your courier work quotations to be accurate and as competitive as possible, always try to adhere to a set list of pricing guidelines to make sure your customers will keep coming back to you time after time for a great value service.