Hi RLJ, you are in the same boat as me then and we are both travelling from Manchester too which will be good. Yes I was the same shall I go on a trip in Europe as a starter, but for the same reasons as you Thailand just looked so good I just thought no I'll be very daring and go for it. It is nice to be able to chat on here and speak with others as you dont feel on your own....Great keep in touch and look forward to meeting you all soon 😃