Koh Samui, Thailand OR Classic Bali (and my first bikini... ever!)

[Kangai]

For my 30th birthday on June 22, 2013, I want to Level UP my Life. I want to wear a bikini for the first time in my life, on a beach, in public, AND I want to treat myself to my first ever dream vacation of a lifetime. (Plus this would be ticking off a major goal of mine this year- travel outside Africa!)

I've chosen to embark on one of these two vacations- an 8-day Thai island-hopping tour, from Koh Samui to Koh Tao and lastly to Koh Pha Ngan, all in Thailand OR an 8-day tour of Bali.

The Thai tour starts on June 17th, and the Bali tour starts on June 22 (prices are relatively similar). So I've a little less than 6 months to get my body beach ready.

 

The first image I've attached is of the Thai tour, the second of the Bali tour. The rest are dream-board images, if you will, so I can keep myself steady on my goal and remind myself of what I will achieve.

 

 

Let's GO!

 

MAJOR GOALSby 06.22.13

1. Lose 20-30 lbs on or before June 22, 2013
2. Exercise 6 days a week (strength, body-weight and interval training)
3. Eat healthy Kenyan meals (no junk/fast food)
4. Get a workout buddy
5. Toned arms and flat tummy (my problem areas)
6. Buy my flight ticket
7. Book the holiday
8. Buy my bikini/s

MILESTONES by 06.22.13

To be added as I go along.

1. Pay for a 6-month membership at my local gym (01/06/12- I can't afford a bulk payment for 6 months. So I'll pay monthly for now)
2. Complete at least 3 six-week NF challenges OR replace one with one Insanity Fitness 60-day challenge
3. Work out 6 days per week, starting January 7th, 2013. Track progress (weight loss, inches lost, days worked out, workouts etc) in these threads-->>
   • Miss K's First Challenge- 01/07 to 02/18/13
4. Eat healthy 6 days per week, with one cheat-day. If I miss a cheat-day, I can't have it back. Try as hard as possible to miss cheat-days and remain healthy. Track progress in Miss K's Battle Log.
5. Lose 5 lbs
6. Lose 10 lbs
7. Lose 15 lbs
8. Lose 20 lbs
9. Lose 25 lbs (or gain muscle... yet to define exactly what this should look like, or how it will be measured)
10. Lose 30 lbs (or gain muscle... yet to define exactly what this should look like, or how it will be measured)
11. Buy at least 3 bikinis
12. Before and After pictures (post on or before June 22, 2013)
13. Remain positive (how this will be measured, I don't know yet)

[Scooter McGee]

I think this is great.  It's good to have a reward system in place.  I don't know much about Bali, but I myself am currently planning a 2 week trip to Thailand in May.  I will be visiting many of the same places you mention above, specifically Koh Tao and Koh Pha Ngan.  I nerd out when it comes to researching my travels, so I've done loads of research.  

 

Just a few things to note when planning your trip:

 

Koh Tao is mainly a scuba diving island.  No doubt there are tons of other things to do, but almost everything there revolves around scuba.  It's a great (and cheap) place to get your scuba certification if you've got the time.  It will take about 3.5 days.

 

Koh Pha Ngan (especially the southern regions) is a party island.  There are also quite and beautiful places on the island, but unless you plan on drinking your face off with the people on Gap year, I would not stay near Haad Rin or Ban Tai.  They have massive parties almost every weekend (anywhere from 10,000 - 30,000 people).  I would research when these parties occur so you can plan accordingly.  Full moon is the biggest, followed by Half Moon and Black Moon (check them our here).

 

I don't know much about Ko Samui as i'm just planning on passing through.  I will fly there from Bangkok and then ferry to the surrounding islands.  Good luck and I hope you have success in your goals.

 

PS>  Here are a few fantastic sites I've used for my research.  I mainly use the 1st two - these sites also respond very quickly to your emails.  Amanda at Backpacking Tips Asia has been incredibly helpful.  I sent her my itenerary and she gave me great notes on it.

Backpacking Tips Asia

SEA Backpacker

Lonely Planet

[Sambalina]

What awesome goals You sound like you've put lost of effort into planning things out. Are you going to use the six week challenges to get there?

 

As for travel advice - I've been to Koh Samui (and spent some months in Thailand), and it's lovely. I also know people who work/ have spent a lot of time in Bali and are totally in love with it. Sounds like you'll have an amazing time whichever tour you choose! Both places/the areas  you've picked are quite 'touristy' - there's nothing at all wrong with that, but something to be aware of. Also, in both places there will be about six-gazzillion bikinis on sale, so you can stock up for cheap