Even though many of us spent most of 2020 stuck indoors without a single trip to boast about to our friends, this year is going to be different. Now that countries around the world are finally opening their borders to international travelers, it’s time to start planning your 2021 escapade as a solo traveler or perhaps with your loved ones. Of course, this should be a grand and memorable trip, so it needs to be a faraway destination.
Hong Kong comes to mind for sure, especially when you consider the fact that the city is safe and in the “green zone” for COVID travel. You can rest assured that Hong Kong is doing everything to prevent the spread of the virus, and that wherever you stay, you will be taken care of and kept safe. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some practical travel tips to ensure an amazing adventure in Hong Kong.
Pack as light as you can
Life in Hong Kong is very much centered on public transport. The streets are packed with people, and getting around usually means either taking the bus or walking. So, don’t expect to be lugging around full-size travel bags and suitcases, because you need to stay flexible and get around the city efficiently and effectively. To ensure you have a great time, start by packing as light as you can.
Ditch the oversized suitcases and embrace a more minimalist packing mindset that will eliminate the physical baggage that always becomes a nuisance two days into your trip. Prepare for the Hong Kong weather, and try to visit during the warmer months of the year between April and June.
Visiting in the warmer months will help you pack light, and you’ll be able to get away with just a couple of duffle bags and a travel backpack.
Mark all the important spots
You might want nothing more than to throw caution to the wind and just book your tickets and let your adventure take you where it may, but that’s no way to experience Hong Kong. This is a vast and expansive city, and it deserves careful planning and preparation if you are to organize a trip of a lifetime. Because after all, you want to know exactly where you’re going, and you want to organize every day so that you can maximize your time in Hong Kong instead of aimlessly wandering its bustling streets.
In the months leading up to your trip, you want to analyze the Hong Kong map meticulously, and create your Hong Kong itinerary in your phone. Mark everything you want to see and do there, and organize your days according to the distance between points of interest, their work hours, prices, and accessibility. This level of organization will ensure you don’t get disappointed at any point.
Choose safe accommodation in a secure neighborhood
Being a vast city with many amazing local stays scattered across the map, it’s important that you do your research and find the perfect accommodation for your needs. You should base your search on price, of course, but also on the additional perks that the accommodation provides, its proximity to the center and connectedness, as well as security.
Because modern travelers filter stays based on all of these features, the popular Hong Kong serviced apartments have been on the rise in recent years, as they combine comfort and amenities with safety and security. Serviced apartments are situated in safe neighborhoods, they’re connected to the rest of the city by public transport, and the stays themselves are kept safe with security systems. Choose your accommodation wisely, and you will have a great time in this bustling city.
Get around the city like a pro
When you find yourself in Hong Kong, you might feel overwhelmed with all the commotion and the busy city streets. At first, finding your way around might be a challenge, which is why it’s good to come prepared with a map, a data plan for your GPS to work properly, and a Google Translate app to translate the signs around the city in real time.
Granted, many signs around Hong Kong will be spelled out in English as well, but it’s good to be prepared when you’re exploring the city. Don’t forget to factor in the hiking spots around Hong Kong and how best to get there using public transport and your smartphone, because there’s plenty to see and do away from the concrete jungle.
Book all your tickets online
Last but not least, if you want to know what it’s like to live in Hong Kong, just try to get into a museum or any place of interest without a reservation. This is a busy, huge city with millions of people and tourists, so if you want to make sure you get into places, you have to book your tickets and reservations way in advance.
Do it months ahead of your trip to secure your spot around the city, and you will have no problem experiencing everything that Hong Kong has to offer in terms of culture, food, entertainment, shopping, and more.
Wrapping up
Going to Hong Kong is one of the most thrilling adventures you can have, but only if you organize it right. Use these tips to ensure that you and your loved ones spend an unforgettable vacation in Honk Kong this year.
