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Showing posts with label hotel in hong kong. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hotel in hong kong. Show all posts

Luxury Holiday Hotspots -Where to Go in Asia

Asia has been known in the past as destination for travelers on a budget, looking for an exotic experience. But as there were no real luxury hotels and resorts in Asia, travelers looking for pampering and luxury in their holiday went to Europe or the Pacific islands. Nowadays, tourism employs over 250 million people in developing nations, and is the prime source of GDP income for many countries. Happily, now those looking for a luxury holiday in Asia can find one easily -it is simply a matter of deciding where to go in that wide and diverse continent! We look at what will be hot in 2008 in Asian travel.

China is a destination that cannot be overlooked for 2008. The Olympics will create an atmosphere of excitement, energy, hope and togetherness that is not often experienced while on holidays. Even recent natural events in China will not be able to dull the bright flame of the Olympic torch for globetrotters. There is a multitude of packages available, and in fact there have been over one hundred new hotel developments in China in the last four years, in anticipation of the Olympics. If you are looking for a luxury rest in Asia this year, a great place to start is China.

In many parts of the world, the weather is starting to nip at your ears a little when you go outside ... leaves are curling and browning, and the world is looking a bit greyer. However many Asian destinations are just heating up for summer in the last half of 2008 -Thailand is one of them. Thailand boasts luxury hotels at a fraction of the price you would pay for such facilities in Europe or the Americas, and the service of local staff is second to none. Try local adventures like elephant rides or Tantric massage courses for a genuine Thai experience.

India is another destination that is exploding onto the world travel scene. The country's economy is growing exponentially through the importance of information technology to the world today, and the number of luxury hotels and resorts is growing with it. India offers the beautiful sights that it has for hundreds of years, like the Taj Mahal, amazing wildlife, the Ganges, and refreshing tropical beaches. But in 2008, it also offers a standard of service which has not been equaled in the country's past, as far as tourism is concerned. Hotels and resorts in India now offer luxury and lavish comfort as well as culture, beautiful scenery and delicious native cuisine!

A recent survey of holidaymakers found that Hong Kong was named by 74% as their most likely travel destination for this year. So what is it about this small nation that captures the imagination of so many? It is a comfortable destination for Western travelers -Cantonese and English are both primary languages of the nation. You will also find such Western artifacts as Catholic churches and theaters showing the latest Hollywood blockbuster. This has meant that Hong Kong was one of the first Asian travel destinations to explore the luxury market fully. 

You'll find superb luxury hotels in Hong Kong, like the Shangri-La, the Four Seasons, or the Grand Hyatt. As a country which is used to providing sumptuous luxury for its guests, Hong Kong makes your Asian holiday experience a truly decadent one. When you are looking for accommodation in this year's hottest Asian countries for luxury travel, remember to check out the reviews on the web -you'll soon find out the best places to stay for your luxury Asian holiday, where to go and what to see.

How To Save Money When Visiting Hong Kong

If you're traveling to Hong Kong on business or vacation, you'll need to know the cost saving ways to get around the city without it costing an arm and a leg. This handy guide will show you how to save money when visiting Hong Kong on your next trip.

Airbus Instead of Airport Express
When you arrive in Hong Kong from your long flight, you'll want to take the Airbus instead of the Airport Express or taxi. While Airport Express is convenient and there are plenty of baggage handling officers to help you, the Airbus is a much cheaper way to commute from the airport to the city.

A taxi will run you about $300 USD from the airport to the city. The Airport Express will cost you anywhere from $60 USD to $100 USD each way, and the Airbus is about $30 USD to $45 USD. It may take you a little longer to get there, but you can definitely save money with the Airbus.

Octopus Card
The Octopus Card is a prepaid rechargeable card that is your ticket to all the public transportation in Hong Kong. Since Hong Kong's transportation system is so advanced you won't mind it one bit, and it will save you lots of money getting around Hong Kong. When you swipe your Octopus card, the cost of the item is automatically deducted from your available balance. Not only is it convenient, you will also get a discount on everything with your Octopus Card, so it's wise to get your card immediately upon arrival. You can even use it at convenience stores and fast food chains like McDonalds.

An Octopus card costs $150 for a $100 value and a $50 refundable deposit. You can also receive a refund on any funds not used on the card so you never have to worry about ending up with extra once your visit is over.

Sight-seeing tour for only $2
Take the double-decker trams in the city for a nice slow ride through the city streets of Hong Kong. It is one of the best ways to see the city on a budget.

Find a Cheap Hotel in Hong Kong
Finding a cheap hotel in Hong Kong can be a challenge, but with the Harbour View International House you get a reasonable room rate with a view of beautiful Victoria Harbour. It is perfectly located, close to the subway, the convention center and within walking distance to the ferry.

Tipping
A 10% tip is usually added to most services like restaurants and hotels, so do not leave a full tip in these cases. Make sure to check how much gratuity is already added to your bill before leaving additional tips. An extra 5% is appreciated in addition to the gratuity already billed.

Shopping
If you are looking for authentic Hong Kong shopping and still get some deals, Kowloon is the place. But beware! These open markets are known for selling to tourists and may sometimes overcharge. Be a discriminating buyer to get the best deals. Bargain as much as you can as some items could be discounted up to 50%.

There are lots of ways to save money when visiting Hong Kong, you just need to know where to look. Keep your eyes open, compare prices, and follow some of these money-saving tips for thrifty travel in Hong Kong.