Making the most of your stay in Hong Kong: our top tips

Have plans to visit Hong Kong this year? Whether you travelling there on business or for vacation, there are many ways one can experience this alpha world city.

If you are a tad intimidated by the prospect of planning the details of this trip, take the following tips to heart – if you do, we are confident you’ll have an amazing time.

1) Stay in a serviced apartment

There’s no getting around it: accommodation can be a challenge for visitors to Hong Kong. Hotel rooms can cost hundreds of US dollars per night, and the cheapest of the lot often possess grime that will make your skin crawl.

There is, however, an option which you have likely not considered: the serviced apartment. They provide lodging which offers touches of home like proper living rooms, kitchenettes, and bedrooms while pairing them with hotel amenities like room service, laundry service, and fitness centres.

The cost of a serviced apartment Hong Kong is comparable with hotels which fail to provide the atmosphere of the former accommodation type, making an intriguing option to consider when sorting out your lodging in this popular Asian destination.

2) Have dim sum for breakfast at least once

Considered by many to be the New York City of Asia, the city of Hong Kong punches well above its weight when it comes to the quality of its cuisine. While there are many dishes waiting for you here, do not depart this place without sitting down for dim sum at least once.

A morning and brunch favourite of native Hong Kongers, this dining experience will see carts filled with many different types of food wheeled over to your table.

From steaming dumplings to rice noodles to delightfully sweet egg tarts, any thoughts about the final bill will slip away as you indulge in your third or fourth serving of these blissful dishes.

While dim sum can be found in this destination any day of the week, the best options are available on Sundays – be sure to arrive early to beat the crowds!

3) Venture to the Outlying Islands

There is more to Hong Kong than the main island and the Kowloon Peninsula. The territory which defines this special administrative region contains 261 separate islands, many of which spread well out into the South China Sea.

These smaller isles contain wilderness, rural villages, and isolated beaches, allowing you to effectively escape the urban jungle which defines most of the populated portions of this territory.

Those not wanting to stray far from the main island will love Lantau, as Hong Kong Disneyland, coastal hiking trails, and the remains of an old fortress can be found here.

Want to get away from it all? Peng Chau is your best option, as its local culture is a direct throwback to 1930s Hong Kong in many respects. Here, you’ll find many traditional temples, hiking trails, and restaurants which serve freshly caught seafood.

4) Take in the view from Victoria Peak

Hong Kong offers many spectacular opportunities for amazing pictures, from its vibrant street life to its teeming markets. If you are in any way a photography enthusiast, you need to ascend Victoria Peak before boarding your flight home.

From the highest point on Hong Kong Island, you’ll have an amazing vantage point that will allow you to capture this business centre’s gleaming skyscrapers in stunning fashion.

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10 Underrated Travel Destinations to Visit

Huangshan is one of the world's Underrated Travel Destinations
Photo by CC user davelau on Flickr

When I hear somebody doesn’t like traveling, I just refuse to understand it. Some people do it because they long for adventures, or because of their business, or because they want to meet a Russian lady for marriage. Doesn’t matter. What I know for sure, certain gateways are famous while others remain unnoticed by most travelers. Let’s have a look at the top 10 unconventional places to see!

1. Huangshan, China

If you are a hiking- camping-addict or just in love with nature, this place is definitely worth the attention of travelers. A picturesque mountain range is found 300 km away from Shanghai, one of the most populous and lively cities of China so you can kill two birds with one stone.

2. Rumbur Valley, Pakistan

It is the smallest of three valleys populated by Kalash people, one of the ethnic minorities of Pakistan. You should prepare for challenges as this area offers almost no tourist amenities but you will be able to immerse in a unique local culture and marvel at wild landscapes instead.

3. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, USA

The Sierra Nevada is a stunningly beautiful mountain range famous for its diverse wildlife. So we’ve got two great recreational areas. I genuinely don’t know any person who wouldn’t be excited about seeing giant sequoias; moreover, there are a great many other tree and animal species.

4. Ulan Bator, Mongolia

The capital city of Mongolia is surely not the world’s most romantic gateway nor is it the center of civilization. But is you want to explore the unknown parts of East Asia, why not take such a trip? This area is rich in ancient relics and architectural monuments and, of course, natural attractions.

5. Scottish Highlands

Braveheart (1995) isn’t historically accurate yet it makes you fall in love with the Highlands. Well, the region is too big to outline anything right now. There are rocks, there are old towns, there are lakes and a plenty of other great things. Choose what you want and move out!

6. Pyongyang, North Korea

North Korea seems to be a less popular destination than the neighboring countries. Its capital city has impressively long and eventful history and rapidly develops nowadays. Traditional buildings meet high-rises, new attractions appear, and more and more small restaurants open.

7. Zanzibar Island, Tanzania

Also called the Spice Island, this is the pearl of East Africa. Everything that other beach resorts have can be found here: snow-white sand, palm trees, turquoise ocean water, and lots of the sunlight. In addition, the island offers all possible kinds of amusements even if your budget is pretty low.

8. Reykjavik, Iceland

Iceland is splendid and Reykjavik provides access to major local attractions. It is also the northernmost capital in the world (if we speak about sovereign states). Whether you are attracted to studying cultures, spa resorts, nightlife, or hanging out in the wild, your expectations will be met.

9. Florence, Italy

I have to confess that it’s my favorite Italian city so I judge it to be unfair that tourists often choose more mainstream routes. Florence doesn’t offer any crazy activities – everything is soaked with sophistication here. If you want to take some Renaissance air, this is where I strongly recommend you going.

10. Kiso Valley, Japan

Japan has gone through westernization but there are still areas where its old aura preserved. The Kiso Valley is one of those: visitors just can’t stay indifferent to its lovely towns, hiking trails, sceneries, and excellent food.

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5 Destinations that Should Be On Your Radar for 2016

Prague Destination

Looking for the hottest destinations for the new year? Here are 5 destinations that should be on your radar for 2016. So make sure your passport is up to date and choose one of these travel destinations!

Cuba
cuba destination

With United States and Cuban relations beginning to normalize (indeed the U.S. embassy in Havana has reopened) there is no better time to visit this Caribbean jewel than now. How often can you fly to a McDonald’s free country just miles of the Florida coast. Cuba’s unique culture includes much more than antique cars and beautiful beaches (though those are not to be missed.) Once you get down there don’t forgot to spend days admiring Havana’s architecture or the island’s jungles.

Myanmar
Formally known as Burma, this country was also off limits to tourists until recently. This beautiful southeast asian nation is located on the northern coast of the Indian Sea and borders the l0ng time tourist hub of  Thailand. From its countless historic temples and ancient cities to spectacular views, Myanmar is not to be missed. Though this country has spectacular beaches, they may take some getting to as the infrastructure still needs some works. Myanmar’s remoteness is also its biggest asset as it will allow for an amazing crowd-less opportunities, hard to find in neighboring nations.

Argentina
This giant South American country gives travelers extreme variety; the chance to explore tropic jungles in the north, the over the top Andes,the rolling cattle plains , the long bikini crowded Atlantic beaches, and the ultimate penguin photo ops of Patagonia; for tips on landscape photography, be sure to read David Gibbeson’s blog (https://davidgibbeson.com/). Remember Buenos Aires, famous for its cultural sophistication and loud architecture. Don’t forgot you dancing shoes!

Vietnam
Recently tourists have been coming to Vietnam in increasing numbers. Many are coming for the deep and fascinating history others for the wild jungles. There is also no shortage of breathtaking beaches. Yet another reason not to miss Vietnam is its food. The Vietnamese food scene is blossoming both internationally and locally so no better time to get your food in the door and start exploring the fascinating cuisine of this culture.

Czech Republic
Prague Destination

There is no better time to visit the Czech Republic than now. This notoriously affordable European nation is even more so due to a strong dollar. Czech is a travel destination that should be on your list because it is one of the few countries you can enjoy traditional European cities and villages while staying on a budget. Prague’s remarkable cathedrals and bridges are worth the trip alone, not to mention the beer!

So I hope one of these 5 destinations that should be on your radar for 2016 striked your interest for the new year. Countries are always changing so what is an idyllic beach today could be a crowded tourists hub by next year. So get out there as soon as you can and don’t forgot the camera!

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