The Vacation Gateway

How to plan a stress-free vacation to Hong Kong – Make things work within the ‘Pearl of the Orient'

Few destinations across the globe can stand toe to toe with the pace at which life, in general, is lived in a city such as Hong Kong. With plenty to do and see, the city serves as a popular holiday hub for vacationers with varying likes and needs. Should you be considering a visit in the near future, then here is how you can beat the stress and enjoy your outing.

Hong Kong - Photo by Andres Garcia on Unsplash

Choose the best time

The dual seasons of spring and fall are undoubtedly, the best times to travel to Hong Kong each period noted for its own perks. Come spring (March to May), the city showers itself with warm and conducive weather for getting about and ticking off every item on your bucket list. Fall which impacts Hong Kong from September to November presents mild temperatures with occasional rain spells to contend with. However, a good reason to spend your vacation during this time of the year will be that you will have access to reasonable rates on Hong Kong hotel accommodation.

Pack early

Leaving matters to the last minute can carry a considerably higher risk of forgetting to bring along your essentials. With tasks such as paperwork known to exhaust a majority of your time, it will be prudent practice to begin sorting out your travel bags and deciding on what to take and leave behind. If it is a family trip, then the stakes would be greater as you will need to ensure that the kids have everything they would need. A practical way to get around this will be to rely on a ‘to-do’ list that will help you save time and avoid unnecessary delays.

Accommodate a ‘convenience first’ approach when deciding on where to stay

If you yearn for clear views of Victoria Harbour and ease of access to a slew of restaurants and shopping options, then look no further than Kowloon’s Tsim Sha Tsui area. On the flip side, street food fans and budget-hungry travellers will surely find an abundance of value in residing at Mong Kok. For a more upscale atmosphere made up of dazzling malls and fancy restaurants, Causeway Bay should do the trick while if you still want to remain within a stone’s throw of the former but not pay as much for lodging, then it would beneficial to check out Wan Chai where service providers like Cosmo Hotel Hong Kong is located.

Budget well

Though, often sprinkled with subjectivity, your general budget per day excluding shopping sprees ought to be within the range of HKD 520-550. Also, for accommodation, it would be better to zone in on facilities that will not have you spending over the HKD 460 mark while for meals, expect to pay as little as HKD 15 for street food. Overall, a daily budget of HKD 150 per person will suffice.

Invest in a ‘Hop On Hop Off Tour

Are you looking at covering as many of the city’s most sought-after attractions? Then avail the services of the ‘Big Bus Tour’ that will have you dropped off at landmarks including Ladies’ Market, Causeway Bay, Repulse Bay and Peak Tram.

Get an Octopus Card

As a traveller equipped with an Octopus Card, you can make use of the same on public transportation as well as at supermarkets, bookstores and coffee shops. The standard card will cost you HKD 150 and can be purchased at all MTR stations and at the very outset, you will be provided with a stored value of HKD 100 and HKD 50 deposit which can be refunded after your trip. Furthermore, the card can be reloaded at all MTR stations, restaurants, coffee shops and service providers situated throughout the city.

Rent a pocket Wi-Fi device

Staying connected to the internet while on the go will be fundamental to your stay in Hong Kong. From navigating busy streets to discovering hidden gems, a pocket Wi-Fi device will stand you in good stead regardless of where you end up at.

Carry the right power adapter

Power outlets in Hong Kong are Type G and thus, you will need to factor this into your packing list. Added to this, the electrical voltage capacity is 220V while the standard frequency remains at 50Hz.