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
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.
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.
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
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
bus Singapore transport yellow bus city road Image credit-pixabay
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.
Water pouring from a faucet into a clear glass cup. | by usepagov
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.
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.
Vienna, Austria: Schönbrunn Palace. Img credit- Mr G travels Flickr
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 –
Vienna opera house (Staatsoper)
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 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–
Kunsthistorisches Museum, Image credit- Andrew Bossi
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.
Pummerin mit dem alten Klöppel, der am 11. März 2011 ausgetauscht wurde
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.
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”?
Dubai is one of the favorite destinations in the world perfect for all types of holidays. Be it an adventure escape, a romantic interlude, or a fun-filled family holiday, Dubai welcomes each and every guest with plentiful options in sightseeing, adventure sports, and remarkable recreational experiences. However, as with any destination, one must take into consideration certain facts for a comfortable travel experience and understand what is unlawful and what can seem offensive to the locals of that particular destination. As the famous saying goes ’When in Rome, do as the Romans do, in Dubai, you need to follow it sternly in order to have a pleasant vacation. It is essential to follow rules in Dubai as the emirate is also highly influenced by Islamic laws. If you are traveling to Dubai for the first time, here are some essential points you should keep in mind before you apply for a Dubai visa online and plan your holiday trip.
Keep in mind the best time to visit Dubai
Dubai, a desert land is mostly known for its monotonous climate. It is mostly hot throughout the year with temperatures spiking up during summer months. In short, the weather is typically hot or hotter. It is essential to do your homework on when to visit Dubai as its summer months are unbearably scorching. Climate change can be particularly agonizing if you are used to cooler climates. Plan your visit between October and April when the temperature descends to a pleasant warmth. This is the time when you wouldn’t have to face the harsh heat of the desert and can indulge in outdoor activities without worrying about sunstroke. Other months of the year in Dubai witness a sharp slash in prices and can feel like a good time for a budget-friendly holiday, but then you would have to spend most of your days in Dubai indoors, getting away from the sweltering sun.
Book your services in advance
The mellowed weather in Dubai from October to April allures hordes of tourists which makes it the peak season period of Dubai tourism. This is also the period when Dubai gears up for its annual festivals and events to entertain its guests and capture more tourists’ influx during its high season. This is why you would need to book hotels, flight tickets, and restaurant reservations in advance to avoid any disappointments on your holiday. If you have a particular hotel or resort in mind where you would prefer to spend your stays in Dubai, you need to keep a lookout for availability as most popular hotels get sold out swiftly for peak seasons. Hence, it would be better if you book your hotel stays three to four months before your travel date to avoid any inconvenience. Flights also get full and tickets are sold out quickly during cooler months. The same goes for high-end and popular restaurants where it wouldn’t be easy to make a spontaneous reservation on the night you prefer to dine at your choice of swanky fine dining restaurant during the bustling tourist season in Dubai.
The United Arab Emirates has one of the longest lists of banned substances in the world and it has an absolutely zero-tolerance policy against drug use. One main traveling to Dubai rule is that drugs are strictly prohibited and not allowed within the emirate. You could land in serious trouble if you are caught with traces of drugs on you. There have been cases where unaware visitors have been detained just for having poppy seeds scattered on clothing and bags. Even if someone is not in possession of narcotics, having traces of drugs in urine or blood testing also accounts as “possession” under UAE law. Even certain medicines are listed under drugs and you would require a doctor’s prescription to carry them with you while entering Dubai. Hence one of the important things to know about Dubai before visiting is its list of banned goods and drugs. If found guilty, you may have to pay a hefty sum as a penalty or be sentenced to jail.
Respect the culture and locals
Dubai being an Islamic destination has a conservative cultural scene. There are certain norms and customs you should take into consideration while visiting Dubai which in turn will benefit you to have a hassle-free Dubai trip. Always consider the comfort of the locals around you; irking them and a complaint to the local police against you can attract trouble for you. Dubai does not encourage loud noises, music, and processions on streets and public areas. Stay away from swearing and public display of affection even as little as holding hands in public as these are considered offensive to locals. While taking photographs in public places, it is better to ask permission to avoid any unnecessary issues. Taking photographs of locals, especially of women without consent, any government buildings, airports, and military sections can land you in trouble with the authorities.
Dress modestly.
Dress Code For Dubai in religious places
Dubai does not have a strict dress code but it is essential that visitors dress modestly to avoid any problems. Women travelers should be aware of what to wear and which apparel is considered inappropriate in Dubai. Apart from certain hotels and designated spots, it is essential to cover shoulders and knees, especially in public arenas. Men too are not allowed to roam shirtless or in sleeveless attires. While visiting a mosque, women should cover their heads and the attire should cover their legs. It is best to carry a shawl or a cardigan among the things you need for a Dubai city tour if you are not sure of the dress code at public spots and malls.
Be careful where you are drinking alcohol
Unlike other emirates of the UAE, Dubai doesn’t have strict bans on consuming alcohol. But there are restrictions on when and where to drink. In Dubai alcohol is allowed in designated restaurants, private clubs, and hotels that have a license to serve alcohol. Even if you plan to have a drink with your friends and chill at a licensed hotel or bar, you should not leave the premises in a drunken state as public drunkenness is an offense in Dubai. Dubai is very strict about drunk driving and consuming liquor in public areas and beaches. Publicly consuming alcohol can lead to six months of imprisonment and heavy penalties.
Show respect during Ramadan month
Ramadan tips in Dubai
It is probably best to avoid visiting Dubai during Ramadan month as it is very little you can explore and experience during that period. If you are planning to visit Dubai during Ramadan month, you have to consider following the customs of Ramadan month which mainly involve not eating or chewing in public during fasting hours. The locals practice fasting for a month between sunrise and sunset and everyone irrespective of religion is bound to respect the custom by not eating and drinking in public. Most of the restaurants will be closed during this time, some remain open behind closed screens. However, it is best to refrain from eating in public and respect the traditions of the holy Ramadan month.
Hey Friends, I am Shivam Khandelwal. I am a restless soul. The only time I am sitting still is when I am reviewing all the various places I’ve traveled. Yes, I love to travel, shop, eat good food, and write about it. I am truly living a blessed life and will continue to share my experiences with you. Let’s stay in touch!
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