Round the world - Best Places of Interest

November 14, 2018 Round the world, Travel

Beyond neon signs

Hong Kong china night cityscape coastline coast

The financial hub and port known for its skyscrapers and bustling markets has a scenic side waiting to be explored.

Cut through the brick and mortar and Hong Kong can be quite a revelation. The land we usually perceive as a concrete jungle dotted with shopping malls and high-rise buildings has 40 percent of the area covered by national parks. One wonders why there are not many more people exploring its majestic islands, beautiful trek and nature trails, scenic beaches, caves, fishing villages and some of the most adventurous cable car rides to reach these vantage points. Just a bit of research can change the been-there-done-that mindset that people usually have while visiting Hong Kong especially the frequent business travellers.

Nature trail

Lantau Trail Section 2 - Silver grass | by ystsoi Hong Kong — Lantau Trail Section 2 – Silver grass | by ystsoi

Get up early and enjoy one of the 25 hiking trails in Hong Kong. Nicely paved and dotted with well laid steps along the way, these hikes do not require you to be a fitness enthusiast. It was heartening to see people from all ages an octogenarian to an infant along with their families enjoying these trails. You could choose one from MacLehose trail, Dragon’s back, Hong Kong trail or Lantau trail. Each one of them is a different experience and takes you to spots that offer breath-taking views. If you think these are just small artificial stretches laid out for hiking, you could not be more mistaken. MacLehose trail is the longest and stretches up to 100km-meaning if you’re game, you can walk on and on.

Surf’s up

Hong Kong has a beach for all kinds of people. If you like surfing, head to Big Wave Bay beach. If lazing and soaking in the sun is your idea, head to Cheung Sha and Pui O beaches. Enjoy barbeques at Hung Shin Yeh beach and swimmers can head to Mui Wo and Silver Mine Bay beach. Tung Wan or Kwun Yam beaches are perfect for windsurfing fans. And if you simply want to enjoy a resort-like relaxed vibe, Repulse Bay beach is your must go.

You may also like to read 14 Best Romantic Things to do in Hong Kong

Go Fish

For a peek into the original Cantonese culture and gorgeous coastal scenery, head to seaside towns and villages like Tai O, Sai Kung, Cheung Chau and Shek O. Narrow streets, single-storey homes with clothes drying outside, roadside seafood stalls and cafes selling traditional Cantonese seafood, quaint temples and a very laid back attitude is definitely not the Hong Kong you may have seen or experienced in your previous visits. These fishing villages are mostly visited by locals on weekends rather than the tourists.

Water sports

Particularly kayaking, standup paddle-boarding, windsurfing and sailing are big with locals. Do check the weather and schedules during your visit though.

Must try

Tim Ho Wan– Cheapest Michelin Star chain across Hong Kong and the rest of the world with 50 outlets. Their dim sums and roasted pork buns are to die for.

The Flea Market of Sham Shui Po uncannily resembles Mumbai’s Crawford Market or Delhi’s Sarojini Nagar market, selling daily household items, clothes and electronics. But mostly, it’s known for its cheap and authentic street food. Try the snacks and desserts made from soft silky tofu at Kung Wo Dou Bun Chung.

A tea tasting workshop at MingCha Tea House is a tea lover’s delight.

Modern Cantonese cuisine is the latest range with many trendy high-end outlets here.

You may also like 20 Hong Kong Foods you must try

Nausheen Tareen’s article was published in Times Life dated November 11 2018

October 15, 2018 Round the world, Travel

How to Visit Singapore With a Low Travel Budget

Singapore is an excellent travel destination although it comes at a cost. However, there are numerous ways in which one can still enjoy a visit to Singapore on a budget. Obviously, you need to research and come up with some helpful ways to save money. Travel experts agree that holidaymakers can still enjoy the trip while saving a lot of money in Singapore.

Here are some tips on how to go about this

Saving on a Plane Ticket

Fake plane ticket — Travel around the world plane ticket clipart- Image credit- Pinterest

The biggest cost when preparing for an overseas trip is the plane ticket. In fact, most people do not travel overseas since they cannot raise the money for the plane ticket. If you want to save on this cost, it is advisable that you buy the plane ticket in advance. No matter where you are coming from, you will always find affordable return tickets under the economy class of your major airline. You can also compare different airlines that operate on your route to find the one that is best. Purchasing air travel insurance will provide you with the assurance that your money will not be wasted no matter what.

Budget Accommodation

Do you know that Singapore offers numerous budget accommodation services? The most important part is to identify them. For those who want to stay for a couple of days, accommodation can be a major cost. Instead of choosing a five-star hotel, find a basic and clean hotel that offers relatively small rooms and a wi-fi connection. Better still, one can opt for furnished units with a kitchen especially when travelling with the family.

Public Transport

Singapore has an amazing public transport system that is convenient no matter where you are travelling. Rail transport is the most popular and cheapest of them all. If it does not reach where you need to go, you can still use a public bus or van.

Various authorities do offer shuttle services that you can use. Some of them include airport transfer service, city tours and a trip to the Singapore Zoo. If you can keep the taxi and private travel arrangements to a minimum, you will save a lot of money.

Eating at the Hawkers’ Kiosks

The fear of eating unhygienic food should be put aside. The Lion City is relatively clean compared to many other Asian countries. For a person who is on a budget, there is a need to save money on food. There is no better place to buy cheap food in Singapore than a hawker’s stall. Surprisingly, they make delicious food that is similar to food found in a fine restaurant. Their menu is diverse as well.

You may like to read Street food in Singapore

Drink Tap Water in Singapore

The Singapore authorities have put a lot of effort into providing people with clean and potable water. They have declared tap water to be safe for drinking. You should not hesitate to refill your water bottle in preparation for the day’s trip ahead. There are also many other ways to save on costs while in Singapore. Knowing all these tips will ensure that you enjoy your trip while spending little money.

So if you are planning to visit this wonderful country, with considering all the above tips, you can visit Visa Express Consultancy for assistance with travel documents.

October 12, 2018 Round the world, Travel

Autumn in Austria! – Part 2

Continuing Autumn in Austria

Vienna

Vienna is an eventful city with lots of things to see and visit. We began by taking a two-day hop-on hop-off pass on Vienna tourist bus as that allowed us entry to a lot of places free. This is advisable to avoid queues at venues as these passes have priority acceptance at most landmarks.

No trip is worth it if you have not visited Schönbrunn Palace to name a few of the sights. Together with the zoological garden the Schönbrunn Palace is the most popular tourist target in Vienna. The Palace served as an imperial summer residence. Only a small part of the 1441 rooms are publicly accessible. If you are interested in history, splendor and imperial lifestyles you should not miss the opportunity. One can choose from various tour options available.

The Imperial Tour usually takes at least 30 minutes and the Grand Tour approximately 50 minutes. It is an excellent choice if you have further time and interest. Please make sure you have time to visit the private zoo of the Palace as well.

Vienna Opera House –

was built-in May 1869 and has 1709 seats and 567 standing-rooms from where the audience can watch daily opera performances, ballet shows and concerts.

One of the most popular events is the Vienna Opera Ball where the dress code (tailcoats for men and evening dresses for women are mandated) and the glamorous opening performed by the young ladies and gentlemen make this ball in Vienna a very important occasion.

For a guided tour, which lasts around an hour, one can buy tickets for 9 Euros. The tickets are sold directly in the foyer or free if you hold a Vienna Sightseeing Pass.

Vienna Parliament building–

Austrian Parliament, Vienna — Austrian Parliament building Image credit- Filip Maljković

has a splendid Pallas Athene statue at the front. Build between 1874 to 1883. You are unable to go inside if the Parliament is in session.

The Hoff burg Vienna is an impressive building at the Heldenplatz with long history. It is located at Vienna’s splendor boulevard, the Ring Strasse and is reachable from there through the Burgtor gate.

Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna–

brimming with works by Europe’s painters, sculptors and artisans gives an unforgettable experience of a trip to Vienna.

The Graben Vienna is an exclusive and pulsating shopping street in the heart of the inner city with a plague column. The area is surrounded by popular alleys, streets and places, which stand for the typical flair, elegant tradition and gourmet pleasures of Vienna. It is a pedestrian zone. Wonderful buildings house luxury brands all around the area. With a tax rebate for tourist, one can enjoy some high-end shopping.

The Stephenson Vienna with the famous Pummerin Ball.

The Romanesque Church St Stephan in the heart of Vienna was consecrated in the year 1147. The local people use the name Steffel for this impressive Cathedral. As it’s a high tower, one can climb 300 odd steep steps to reach the top but one needs to buy a ticket for 6 euros or free to those holding a Vienna Sightseeing pass.

The entrance of this imposing building is free and the numerous arts, historical and architectural details like the pictures, altars, figures as well as the atmosphere in this cathedral of Vienna are worth visiting. Both towers offer an impressive view over the city center.

No visit is complete if one does not visit the biggest mall in Vienna: Donauzentrum. One can reach it through the metro as well. It has many stores and restaurants with free Wi-Fi available.

christkindlmarkt (advent market) in front of the town hall of Vienna — Das Wiener Rathaus am Rathausplatz im 1. Wiener Gemeindebezirk, Innere Stadt wurde von 1872 bis 1883 nach Entwürfen des Architekten Friedrich von Schmidt im Stil der Neogotik errichtet. Hier findet von Mitte November bis Ende Dezember der alljährliche Christkindlmarkt statt.

Rathausplatz Vienna– In the summer months you can find a lot of different food stands offering various cuisines. You can also enjoy an open-air cinema or screening, free of charge.

So, have you been to Austria? What are your #favourite attractions in #Austria”?

October 10, 2018 Round the world, Travel

Autumn in Austria!

Salzburg, famous for being the birth town of 18^th century classical composer Mozart, is the fourth largest city in Austria and renowned for its baroque architecture. Tourists visiting Salzburg make it a point to tour the historic centre and the scenic Alpine surroundings.

Mirabell Palace, Salzburg — Austria, Salzburg, Mirabel Palace Image credit- Steveurkel

1) The Mirabel Palace and Gardens–

built in 1606, is used for political business. It houses the offices of Salzburg’s mayor and the municipal council. The Mirabel Gardens are a joy to visit. Considered to be one of the most beautiful Baroque gardens in Europe, they are world-famous, thanks in part to being features in the classic movie ‘The Sound of Music’.

Its centrepiece is the Pegasus Fountain, which was installed in 1913. If one plans to visit, please note of its timings…normally open from early morning till dusk. The admission to the Mirabel Gardens is free. Great photo taking opportunity with beautiful gardens as backdrop. It’s huge area to walk around and admire the lush surroundings and expert gardening, with seasonal flowers blooming.

As you walk further, you come across the birthplace of Mozart. The building he grew up in is a museum. One must visit the museum to have a look at the famous composer’s work. Take some time to see the various sections. Entrance is free if you hold Salzburg tourist card.

Mozart Platz Square, Salzburg — https://farm5.staticflickr.com

2) Mozart Platz Square

In the heart of the old town of Salzburg holds the statue of Mozart and the area is well-connected with horse-drawn carriages for tourist to enjoy a refreshing ride. You will find some historic buildings all around this area including the residence of Mozart, now turned into a museum.

3) Further walking along, one comes by The Grand Cathedral, which is truly awe-inspiring. Rebuilt in 1181, with its three huge domes and paintings all over, the area above the entrance of the Cathedral has four large sculpted figures of Saint Rupert holding a salt barrel, Saint Vigilius holding a church, Saint Peter holding keys and Saint Paul holding a sword.

Getreidegasse, Salzburg — Image credit Sage Ross, Flickr

The Getreidegasse near the Cathedral is Salzburg’s busiest lane: one super-expensive boutique next to another! The area has quite a few alleyways where you can find some exclusive shops and restaurants all decked up. What we noticed is people eat early, by 6pm, most of the restaurants were full.

Hohensalzburg Castle, Salzburg Austria — Hohensalzburg Castle (German: Festung Hohensalzburg, literally “High Salzburg Fortress”) is a castle in the Austrian city of Salzburg, atop the Festungsberg mountain. Erected at the behest of the Prince-Archbishops of Salzburg, it today with a length of 250 m (820 ft) and a width of 150 m (490 ft), is one of the largest medieval castles in Europe.
Img credit- Rene Rivers

4) The next day we visited Hohensalzburg Fortress, which is the biggest fully preserved castle in Central Europe. This emblem of Salzburg is one of the most famous landmarks in the ‘City of Mozart’. Discovering more than 900-year-old Hohensalzburg Fortress is truly an amazing feat of Salzburg’s medieval history.

The castle hosts many events during the year and it also has a major concert hall. Inside the castle there is a permanent Fortress museum that can be visited anytime of the year. The visit to the castle costs approximately 9 euros per person but they have various packages to suit a larger family. If you hold a Salzburg tourist card entrance is free. The opening hours are from 0930-1800, but this can change if they have an event, details of which can be obtained when buying your ticket at the Funicular railway desk.

To be continued…Autumn in Austria – Part 2