hong kong

Taking a Gap Year: Destination Hong Kong

So, you’ve finished high school and would like to take a gap year before figuring out what you’re going to do next? So many people your age are in the same situation and have decided to do the same. Now, the question is what you should do during the gap year so that it’s not wasted. Well, you’ll be spoiled for choice, to be honest.

The best way to spend your gap year depends on you and your ambitions and goals. You might look for some work experience, experiment with a new career, do some volunteering work or simply travel for fun. Whatever your motive, one of the places where you can achieve your goals is definitely Hong Kong.

Why Hong Kong?

To begin with, English is one of the official languages, which makes it a natural choice for many young people. Also, there are very good employment opportunities for those interested in working hard and broadening their horizons. We should probably also mention that it’s one of the most popular destinations for adventure and cultural travel. As you can see, Hong Kong is definitely an option worth considering.

Ngong Ping 360, Hong Kong, monk — Photo by Tiplada Mekvisan on Unsplash

Fun and culture

Despite its size, Hong Kong offers a range of fun and exciting activities, from backpacking and camping on the beach to rock climbing. With many national parks, you can also immerse yourself in some of the most stunning sceneries in the world.

Hong Kong, as you might know, has a lot of historical significance. It is also an excellent starting point for exploring other parts of Asia, particularly China. The city itself is a magnificent mixture of cultures, which makes it rather unique.

Teaching English

Despite the fact that English is one of the official languages, there is a great opportunity for native and non-native speakers to teach in Hong Kong. One of the things you could do to improve your chances of landing a great job as a teacher is to sign up for the renowned Monkey Tree TEFL courses and get the necessary qualifications.

Choi Hung Estate, Hong Kong, playground — Photo by Dan Gold on Unsplash

Volunteering

Another option worth considering is sharing your time and skills with those in need. Some volunteering opportunities are through church organizations, but you can also find many other options. They range from helping children learn English and working with the physically challenged to making crafts. You can choose a program that fits your interests and you’re bound to be rewarded, though not financially.

Internship

Hong Kong also offers many internship opportunities, allowing you to explore the life there in the best possible way. Working in such a culturally diverse environment can provide you with invaluable experience, which you probably couldn’t get at home. By joining an internship program in Hong Kong, you’ll be able to develop not only professionally, but personally as well. Just imagine living and working in a foreign culture, possibly learning another language and meeting people from all over the world!

Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong, sunset — Photo by Leonardo Yip on Unsplash

Living in Hong Kong

You need to know that living in Hong Kong is more expensive than in most other cities in Asia and be prepared to pay around $20,000 HKD (approx. $2800 USD) for a two-bedroom apartment. Utilities average around $1000 HKD (approx. $ 120 USD) and you should also count on spending $450 HKD (approx. $65 USD) per month for public transport. Other expenses depend on your lifestyle.

Culture and etiquette

Hong Kong is dominated by Cantonese habits and customs. Whatever you do and whatever you achieve is a reflection upon your family. People address each other by their family names unless the host or colleague asks you to use their first name.

In terms of personal space, you can expect people to stand quite close when talking to you, but they will refrain from touching you. Also, friends and couples like to hold hands, but such examples of affection are seldom seen in public.

Ngong Ping, Hong Kong, temple — Photo by Meckl Antal on Unsplash

Health and safety

You’d be glad to hear that Hong Kong has very high standards with regards to health. Restaurants and other public places are regularly inspected and tap water is safe, though many people don’t like the taste and choose bottled water. Hospitals provide excellent care, should you need it. Also, it’s safe to walk around even at night, but you still have to be careful, since pickpockets operate in high traffic areas.

As you can see, Hong Kong is really an attractive destination for your gap year or at least a part of it. The potential benefits of your stay there by far outweigh any concerns you might have. So, don’t miss such a great opportunity to travel and spend at least a small part of your life there.

Eat Your Way Around The World At The Top Foodie Destinations

Travelling the world allows you to grow as a person, get to know different cultures and people, but most importantly, it lets you try an array of new foods. This is a dream come true for any foodie. So when you’re planning on a vacation and choosing your destinations, take the local specialities in account. After all, where else are you going to try these exotic and authentic specialities? In fact, you can see the entire world following your stomach.

Enjoy the tropical punch in Hawaii

The US is famous for many things, but some would argue good food isn’t one of them. They’ve obviously never been to a high-grade restaurant in Hawaii. Of course, in this case, the high-grade restaurants are actually authentic food trucks.

Though it may sound tacky, this is actually the best way to taste Hawaii. You can steal a piece of heaven while relaxing on the beach and eating whatever the food truck chef has recommended. After all, they incorporate regional foods with classic cooking techniques as part of a fusion method which colors your taste buds in a range of different flavours.

Discover the specialties of Hong Kong

Even though Hong Kong is one of the most urban centers of China, they still incorporate traditional specialties to their menus. You may think that there’s no point trying Chinese food when you can just get takeout in your hometown, but it’s really not the same.

Nothing beats dim sum prepared with fresh and local ingredients, sampled in an authentic Chinese restaurant. The same goes for other recipes, and you can discover them all on your visit to Hong Kong. There’s so much to see and explore, and there’s no way your home takeout menu carries the items on Hong Kong’s list.

Wake up your senses in Hunter Valley

Located in NSW, Australia, Hunter Valley is the perfect stop on the south side of the globe. There are a lot of first-class restaurants you can visit and experience all Australia has to offer food-wise. Aside from food, you can also go on one of the Valley’s famous wine tours.

When you get tired of wining and dining, you can explore the gorgeous gardens nearby or just relax in your room. Make sure your accommodation in Hunter Valley is conveniently located, so you can easily explore the whole place. Since this is a vacation of the senses, wake them up in every way possible- starting with food.

Find adventure in Paris

Who said that getting your adrenaline going had to imply doing something extreme? It’s enough to experience something new and magical. Where better to do that than in the gastronomical capital of Europe, Paris?

There’s no other place where you’ll be able to try the most bizarre yet delicious foods in the world. From snails to frog legs, and even “Tete de Veau” (calf head), Paris is bound to keep you on your toes and really give you something to talk about. Of course, you can still experience the enchanting nature of French cuisine even if you don’t opt for something so unusual.

Conclusion

In conclusion, travelling the world can completely revolve around food and still allow you to experience everything else our beautiful Earth has to offer. Focusing on food in different countries allows you to experience a layer of culture most people miss. Food is how we show our love and passion, so it’s by far the best way to get to know a new culture and travel the world.

Top Reasons Why Hong Kong is Among the Prettiest Cities in The World

Are you looking for your next travel destination? This place should definitely be in your bucket list. Located in South East Asia, Hong Kong is a beautiful city that lies between the Mainland China and the South China Sea. According to statistics, this city is one of the most visited cities in the world. The city boasts of many tourist attractions that attract millions of local and international tourists each year. So, you might be curious as why this city is so much popular. Here are some of the top reasons why Hong Kong is definitely ranking among the prettiest cities in the world today.

1. The skyscrapers tell it all.

It does not matter whether it is during the day or night, the view of Hong Kong’s skyscrapers is just epic. This city boasts of having around 1,302 skyscrapers. The tallest building in the city is the International Commerce Centre, which has at least 108 stories. The view of these skyscrapers is simply breath-taking and will be worth a few camera shots when you are in Hong Kong for vacation.

2.Theme parks.

This place is a favourite holiday destination for many because it has two theme parks, Disneyland and also an aquarium-zoo-theme-park. This makes the beautiful Asian city a favourite for many tourists. You will never run out of things to do when you visit these gorgeous theme parks. There is plenty of activities to do and things to do, not to forget getting the therapeutic Hong Kong massage.

3.The Victoria Harbour

Your stay in this city is not complete if you have not witnessed the breath-taking light show at Victoria Harbour that is complimented by the harmonious sounds of the world’s prettiest city. This takes place at 8 pm every day so you are likely not to miss it.

4.The Hiking Trails.

For all the lovers of hiking, Hong Kong has amazing hiking trails like the Dragon’s back and the Lion rock. This is a great way to unwind from the hustle and bustle of the busy Hong Kong city centre and the crowded streets. The scenic beauty of the mountains and the sea will just take you to another world of fantasy.

5. Almost everyone prefers public transport.

Hong Kong is one of those cities where most people prefer using public transport because it is very affordable and a very convenient way of getting around. The buses here are double-deckers and serve the dense population of Hong Kong very well.

In a nutshell, Hong Kong, being one of the most visited cities in the world is also among the prettiest cities in the world. The city of Hong Kong also has a very rich history and it also boasts of having a great combination of the West and Asian cultures. During your stay in this beautiful city, you will also experience using the star ferry when crossing the river that separates Hong Kong as an island from Kowloon. Make sure to make your stay memorable by capturing all the wonderful memories in Hong Kong.

Most Beautiful Cities From Each Continent

While philosophers may debate whether beauty is objective or relative one thing they all agree on is that there are cities in the world which through sheer elegance help us transcend our ordinary existence and lift up our spirits to an almost divine plane of existence. These six cities are the best representation of this ideal.

6. Casablanca in Morocco, Africa

Few cities in the world can possibly hope to match the radiant beauty and overwhelming sense of history found in the city of Casablanca. As the main economic and cultural center of the North African Kingdom of Morocco, this cultural icon stands as a testament to the sheer will and resolve of a people to protect the sanctity of their heritage and sense of being. Casablanca first shot to global fame in 1942 when a movie with the same name was released with Humphrey Bogart as the main star of the film. Since then tourist have flocked to the North African city to be filled with a sense of awe as they experience the magical feeling of traveling through history as you walk among architectural marvels like the Hassan II Mosque and the Notre Dame Lourdes cathedral. Spanish and Portuguese influence can be felt throughout the city due to cultural exchange resulting from conquest and trade.

5. Gold Coast in Australia, Oceania

For anyone who loves the beach then Gold Coast feels like paradise on earth with elegant white sands and deep blue oceans. Surfers have the time of their lives riding monster waves and afterward relax watching a beautiful sunset while sipping margaritas. A whole host elegant restaurants adorn the city, several open cafes and pubs can make the place a delight for locals and tourist. Photographers often spend their time at the Currumbin wildlife sanctuary where there are cute koala bears, parrots, and exotic owls.

4. Venice in Italy, Europe

Try as it may modern architecture still struggles to match the beauty of classical architectural design and no city on earth embodies the beauty and values of classicism better than the Renaissance marvel of Venice. Venice is constructed on an archipelago of more than 100 islands through which the iconic canals of Venice pass through. Notable sites include Doge`s Palace, Rialto Bridge and the Hall of The Great Council.

3. Quebec in Canada, North America

Quebec which means where the river narrows is the second largest city in Canada featuring some of the oldest streets and buildings in North America. The Parc de La Chute-Montmorency offers one of the most scenic waterfalls in the world surrounded by the most breathtaking natural environment imaginable. Local artisans make handcrafted ornaments and commodities that come from the ancient wisdom passed on through the generations that have lived in the area for centuries. The Sainte Anne de Beaupre shrine is a divine center where pilgrims came to worship and remain as an iconic testament of the devout faith of the locals.

2. Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, South America

Perhaps one of the most iconic sites in the world is the statue of Christ the Redeemer atop a hill overlooking Rio De Janeiro. The Santa Teresa neighborhood is an elegant display of a cultural fusion between 19th century Portuguese and local architecture. Sugarloaf mountain stands at 1300ft above the harbor and is globally respected for the panoramic experience it presents to tourists who wish to see the city in all its spender. Whether its the elegant streets during carnivore celebration or white sandy beaches there can be no doubt that Rio is an iconic fit of human accomplishment.

1. Hong Kong in Asia.

The iconic Hong Kong skyline has been the source of inspiration for many photographers and filmmakers. During the night the light from the forest of skyscrapers can seem to light up the waters of Victoria Harbor and it should be no surprise that there are more skyscrapers in Hong Kong per sq ft, than anywhere else in the world. The chic modern skyscrapers put up during British occupation should not deceive you into thinking that Hong Kong doesn’t have a history. The walled village contains the spirit of the days past and embodied in the architecture of the place. The Ocean Park theme park is known as a local version of Disneyland possessing cultural symbols more relevant to the local people. So whether tourists want to enjoy a walk down history, have some fun in a theme park or even relax at one of the famous Hong Kong massage parlors, one thing to be certain of is that this place will not disappoint.

Reasons Why Hong Kong is One of The Most Beautiful Cities in The World

If you have not visited Hong Kong, you’re in for a surprising adventure. This Island city is truly a jewel in the Orient. Planning to visit Hong Kong will surely leave you with lasting memories and the wish to always return as fast as possible. The different terrain of Hong Kong, encompassing both rural and urban aspects, will leave you amazed.

There’s no shortage of lovely activities when you’re visiting this beautiful city. Wherever your tastes lie, you’ll find something that will suit your interest. The city boasts many recreation facilities, sports and Hong Kong massage, whether you want to watch or participate. Hong Kong plays host to a lot of performing arts cultural events and festivals that are internationally popular and offer up a lot of opportunities to discover some surprising talent. In addition, it gives up many religious places of worship that are really worth viewing, starting from temples and shrines to monasteries. All these recreational, cultural, artistic, as well as devotional activities, are available in so diverse forms in Hong Kong, you’ll have a hard time selecting just a few while you’re there.

You’ll find that there’re diversified landscapes to also visit, from the heart of the urban center of Hong Kong which boasts superb-modern skyscrapers to the great desert islands as well as sandy, hidden beaches. The main office of Hong Kong bank is situated in the midst of the city, frequently described as among the world’s most magnificent buildings. The Convention Center and Central Plaza are as well, buildings of note which exemplify the high urbanity which it can give. Also, on the other side of the coin are the good-looking parks that share the city, and really make up around 40 percent of the terrain, balancing the hub of the metropolitan’s commerce as well as finance with a tranquil and peaceful place to take your lunch or a stop from a busy day to just enjoy its calming scenery.

The seascape and beaches provided by the Hong Kong’s Island nature can be seen on the beautiful beaches as well as coral reef aquarium that’s situated at the Ocean Park. There’re several bay areas that give amazing opportunities for swimming or fishing. The diversity of the city is perpetuated the more when including the nightlife observed at Causeway Bay and Nathan or Wanchai road, where restaurants and bars cater to the crowds of the late night and people who look to enjoy the certain nocturnal activity. Also, floating restaurants can be observed in the district of Aberdeen.

Hong Kong’s city is so interesting and diverse that everybody can find something of amazement and interest. Whether you’re interested in museums like The Museum of Fine Arts, or Madame Toussaud’s or Cosmonautics Museums or the Medical, you will be amazed at the assortment of choices available. You can hit up the financial district bustle or visit the Garden of Birds for you to relax and just enjoy the flowering plants. There’s indeed something that will suit all interests and tastes. You will be truly surprised by the beauty.

Florist of a New Kind – A Better Florist

You’ll find everything in Singapore that you could ever imagine. It’s the land where people rarely can’t get what they set their minds to. But, in terms of flowers, we could rarely find something that literally took our breath away. Flower bouquets can be seen everywhere, but nothing was quite standing out. Until A Better Florist came along.

Their florists have unique designs and each flower bouquet and arrangement is carefully put together, until what the arrangement is absolutely perfect. It’s exactly what you would expect to see on Pinterest, but in real life. And finally, Singapore has a florist that does amazing bouquets. But that’s not all.

They also have the best gifts delivery Singapore has ever encountered because they can pretty much tackle anything with fruits, flowers and little gifts and turn it into a spectacular gift.

Imagine having the ideal gift and accompanying it with breathtaking flowers. And now imagine having a 24-hour florist Singapore florists offer every day of the year, so you have access to amazing gifts and flowers all the time. Well, now you don’t have to imagine because A Better Florist covers it all.

They are able to maintain a swift delivery because they have a florist in Suntec City, a Bugis florist and a flower shop in every part of Singapore. This enables them to tackle any order and deliver their gifts and flowers within only 90 minutes.

Such a large number of flower shops throughout entire Singapore also enables them to keep their flowers fresh for longer, and that means, you’ll get a longer lasting bouquet. You can always count on them because they are available 24/7/365. They make Valentine’s Day Flower Delivery in Singapore and work on even the busiest holidays, so all of their loyal customers and first-time customers don’t miss out on a chance to get their loved ones flowers. This makes them the best flower delivery in Singapore.

After reading more online to find out all there is to know about them, we’ve learned that they make almost every top 10 list on the most respectable websites. They are the best florist in Singapore, best florist in Hong Kong but also the best florist in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. They have expanded beyond Singapore because their flowers impressed so many people outside of our sunny island. They are equally successful at maintaining their reputation when it comes to the delivery. The same principles and systems apply when it comes to their Dubai flower delivery and a Hong Kong flower delivery.

If you’re ever outside of Singapore, don’t hesitate to count on A Better Florist and the best flower delivery in Hong Kong.

A Better Florist is an excellent florist that every Singaporean should be crazy not to try out. They bring a little piece of flower heaven into the arms of all people who appreciate luxurious beauty.

It seems impossible that the best florist in Singapore can do it all, and still be cheap, fast and reliable, but don’t doubt it. Believe it. A Better Florist has truly revolutionized the world of flowers and you should definitely become a part of their world.

Best Places to Visit in Hong Kong – How to Experience this City to the Maximum

Best places to visit in Hong Kong – How to experience this city to the maximum

It will take you more than one trip to explore all the best places in Hong Kong to the maximum. From temple visits, early morning hikes, unique dining experiences, shopping raids to theme park rides, overnight partying and racing track betting, Hong Kong has many amazing attractions for everyone and is suitable for all seasons. Its cultural diversity and rich history make this destination special, unique and endlessly fascinating. Here are some of the best places to visit in Hong Kong as well as things to see and do but remember that this is just a tip of the iceberg of one of the world’s most visited cities.

1. The Star Ferry

The Star Ferry in Hong Kong can only be compared to the Eiffel Tower of Paris and is an absolute must while you are in this city. This vessel transports guests between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon Peninsula providing them with a spectacular view of the city. The famous skyline of Hong Kong offers amazing photo opportunities, especially during the night.

2. The Street Markets

While on a tour of this great city, make sure to explore the diverse street markets that cater to different clienteles offering different kinds of merchandise. The Ladies’ Market, for example, specializes in different kinds of women’s clothing as well as accessories and is located in Mong Kok along Tung Choi street. The Temple Street Night Market is a nocturnal marketplace that is a favorite among visitors. With brightly lit stalls and a flurry of activity, you can find anything from culinary accessories, local food, electronics to clothing including opera singers and fortune tellers.

The Stanley Market is another place of note on Hong Kong Island’s Southern Coast. This marketplace occupies an old fishing village and is home to colorful souvenirs, jewellery as well as home decor. Visitors do not shy away from bargaining prices as low vendors are always willing to drop prices especially when you are about to walk away.

3. The Victoria Peak

Also known as The Peak, this tourist attraction site offers breathtaking views where visitors can experience Hong Kong’s blue waterways and skyscrapers. Victoria Peak is located atop Hong Kong Island’s highest point providing a spectacular scenic view of the Island.

4. The Ocean Park

This place provides an amazing natural scenery on the coastline with a diverse zoo where you can find plenty of dolphins and pandas. There is also an aquarium with rays and sharks as well as incredible carnival games and electrifying roller coasters. This is a good place to take your family for an underground funicular including a cable-car ride.

5. The Happy Valley Racecourse

Thousands of Hong Kong residents flock the Happy Valley Racecourse stands every Wednesday between September and July to watch the city’s only legal form of gambling. Horse racing gives happy valley an electric atmosphere and while many residents come here to bet, others simply visit this institution to watch the sparkling city skyline after the sun goes down.

6. The Nan Lian Garden

This is the perfect place to rest your feet and relax after a long day. Situated in Kowloon, this expansive garden is a public park with well-manicured trees, peaceful pathways, gurgling springs and lotus ponds as well as beautiful Chinese timber architecture.

After a long day of touring, there are several Hong Kong massage centers that can be accessed easily from several places in this city. You can get a pure massage including a traditional massage for total relaxation.

Best Family Vacations You Cannot Miss in 2017

Spending time with family has become a precious activity in today’s busy world, and to take time out from hectic schedules and plan a holiday would mean that you would want everything to be perfect for your special family bonding time. The world over the decades has become a smaller place and today it is possible to travel anywhere around the world without much stress and hassles. But when it comes to planning a family holiday, your choice of destination becomes a prime aspect that you cannot overlook. The destination for your family holiday should have all the essentials to suit and entertain every member of your family which becomes a bit challenging when you have teens and little kids in tow. If you’re looking for a holiday destination that has something for the whole family, take a look at this list of best family vacations in 2017 where you and your family can choose experiences from a myriad of options to have a fun packed family time.

Italy

Italy stirs your memory to think about renaissance structures, spectacular architectures and sculptures, beautiful Mediterranean coastline, pizzas, pastas and gelato. The charming Mediterranean country has a fascinating collection of places to keep you thrilled as well as captivate the interest of your kids where they can marvel at medieval structures, run around vast landscapes, splash in timid Mediterranean waters and indulge in lip-smacking Italian cuisine. Get an insight into stunning historic heritage, beautiful churches, piazzas and works of world’s most celebrated artists at Rome and Florence. The striking sights of Colosseum, Trevi Fountains, Cathedral of Santa Maria, Palazzo Vecchio would blow your minds away. Explore the lesser known laid back quaint countryside and towns which are just few hours away from major cities. Visit the colourful seaside town of Cinque Terre, picturesque towns along the Amalfi Coast and Tuscany and the pretty lakeside villages at Lake Como and Lake Iseo. Indulge in genuine Italian food scene with delicious variations of pizzas, pastas, cheese and wine. In Italy, kids would love to dig into authentic Italian pizzas and some of world’s best desserts and ice creams. Preparing for an Italian vacation is easy, all you have to do is apply for Italy visit visa online and appoint an Italian specialist tour operator who would guide you through the best family-friendly accommodations and Italy attractions for a pleasant family holiday.

Dubai

A top notch family destination, Dubai knows how to attract and entertain visitors of all age group. A trip to Dubai – be it a short stop over or a long vacation, the futuristic city will keep you delighted throughout your journey. The bewitching sights of soaring metallic skyscrapers to contrasting toned down old neighborhoods, Dubai has sights to keep you intrigued and attractions that are superlative and extraordinary unlike any other in the world. Take your family on a journey that would leave them gaping in amazement at sights of Burj Khalifa, Dubai Fountain, Dubai Miracle Gardens, Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo to name a few. Take a stroll through the old quarters of Dubai to get a glimpse of how Dubai used to look before its rapid modernization. Venture into the Arabian desert and have an adventurous day with a desert Safari tour. Kids will have a gala time at many unique attractions such as Dinoland, SEGA Republic, Ski Dubai keeping them occupied during the holiday. If the heat is getting a bit too much to handle, spend a splashing day at Aquaventure Waterpark or Wild Wadi Water Park. Finally, a Dhow Cruise Dinner on Dubai Creek is the ultimate place to have a quiet family dinner and enjoy the gleaming Dubai city skyline.

Singapore

It wouldn’t be fair to judge Singapore by its size since the miniscule nation located at the tip of Malay Peninsula is brimming with fabulous attractions that have something engaging for every age. A family holiday to Singapore would be a thrilling experience where adults as well as kids, can enjoy mind-blowing attractions. Visit Sentosa island which houses the marvelous Siloso beach, Singapore’s iconic – the Merlion, and Resorts World Sentosa which has Asia’s first ever Universal Studios Singapore. Back on the mainland, venture into the world of animals with visit to Night Safari, Singapore Zoo and Jurong Bird Park. Get onboard the Singapore Flyer to witness the magnificent vistas of Singapore City.

Hawaii

Looking for a piece of paradise to revel in while kids have their own enjoyment time, head to Hawaii Islands and experience laid back bliss while spending quality family time. Hawaii islands is everything about sun, sea and sand – right from the moment you touch down on these islands, you would get a gist of how pleasant island living can be. Get pampered by Hawaiian hospitality and friendly locals then laze around the serene beautiful beaches facing azure waters under the tropical sun while your kids can enjoy splashing around and making sand castles. Take a family cruise and explore the tranquil ocean surrounds where you might even sight humpback whales on your trip. If you are looking for a detour from the idyllic break, go exploring Hawaii’s beautiful national parks which are preserved among volcanic mountains. A Hawaiian holiday gets your family to experience leisure at sun-soaked beaches, discover untouched landscapes and revel in the warmth of friendly locals and extraordinary culture.

Australia

The colossal continent is filled with appealing attractions and destinations that you would be spoilt with choice in regards to what to see and where to go on your Australian vacation. The airy skies and long stretched open meadows, stunning elegant cities and beautiful nature trails, Australia takes you amid a blend of modern elegant cities, fascinating nature vistas, pristine beaches and exotic wilderness. Come face to face with kangaroos and koalas, take nature walks together with your family, have thrilling family bonding sessions at splendid theme parks, enjoy the sunny beaches, explore the Great Barrier Reef or head down to the pleasant vineries of South Australia. Australia is much more than just the usual destinations of Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast. Head down to New South Wales or Southern Australia and you will be surprised at how much Australia has in store for your family to have a great time together.

Hong Kong

One of the most favoured destinations by families, Hong Kong gets kids delighted for one reason – Hong Kong Disneyland. The star attraction destination in Hong Kong manages to allure kids to come with their families to Hong Kong year after year. With its expansion and addition of more themed attractions, Hong Kong Disneyland works its magical charm on families to spend a day or two here while visiting Hong Kong. Apart from Disneyland, families can have fun time amid wilderness and animals at Ocean Park and Global Geopark. Head to Tian Tan Buddha familiar as The Big Buddha and explore the surrounding panoramas or get to the top of Victoria peak to view unperturbed vistas of Hong Kong city below. A ride aboard a ferry on the river lets you marvel at the amazing illuminated skyline. Later, let loose and go shopping at various street markets and malls, and grab a bite of Asian or international cuisine at countless restaurants and food outlets.

Start the year 2017 earlier than rest of the world by waking up in Australian dawn or simply experience the New Year in a whole new destination either on a serene beach of Australia or Hawaii, or roaming around contrasting urban and cultural towns of Italy and Dubai. With a fantastic range of destinations waiting to be explored, pack your bags to head forth in full of energetic verve into an adventurous new year 2017.

Relaxing Holiday: 3 Amazing Destinations of the Far East

Exotic cities, people, and lifestyles – the Far East is a unique mixture of radically different cultures, all put together into a lively, crowded but charming melting pot. Whether you visit its large cities or rural areas untouched by the ongoing urbanization, it is one of the most astonishing areas of the globe.

Bali

Known by nicknames such as the “Island of Peace” or the “Island of the Gods”, Bali is the most popular Indonesian tourist attractions, featuring great beaches, cultural heritage, tourist resorts and scenic beauties. The best-known destinations include the town of Ubud or the Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, a water temple in the island’s interior.

A fabulous combination of beaches and resorts in Bali

Ubud is a great place for exploring the traditional Balinese lifestyle and customs, as well as cultural and religious traditions. A calm, tranquil town, it’s a place of many galleries and museums showcasing Balinese history, and a number of colorful local festivals takes place every year.

The Pura Ulun Danu Bratan or the Temple by the Lake, (as it is located on Lake Bratan) is an ancient Shivaite temple, surrounded by beautiful nature. Visitors can enjoy exploring the temple, learning more about Balinese history, or simply enjoy the landscape and the nearby Mount Batur, a popular climbing and hiking site.

Pura Bratan, one of Bali’s most iconic temples

Thailand

A jewel of Southeast Asia, Thailand’s tourism is developed enough to provide cozy tourist resorts, yet still wild enough for an off-the-beaten path wild adventure. Whether you explore its fine beaches in the south, or the mountain areas in the north, Thailand has plenty to offer. It’s cheap and delicious food, often sold on streets, will satisfy your craving for spicy food. Street vendors are everywhere, selling goods such as natural soaps, hand-dyed textiles, essential oils and even musical instruments.

A breath-taking view of Phi Phi islands

Thailand’s cities, such as Chiang Mai or Bangkok, are vibrant hives known for commerce, but the essence of Thai culture lies in its rural areas, where you can witness its rich wildlife from close range. For example, the Phi Phi islands, one of the country’s most popular resort areas, are a place where you can meet face to face with animals such as elephants or monkeys; especially on fun spots such as Monkey Beach or Maya Bay, offering a plethora of tourist entertainment facilities.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a multicultural metropolis, a city so vast that it’s a clashing point of different cultures, lifestyles and religions. A business center of Asia, airlines – who use it as a connection point – made it a popular stopover duty-free destination. It’s also a major health resort, offering a variety of treatments such as acupressure, aromatherapy, reflexology and various massages. Although it features some of the most impressive buildings in the world – such as the 118-storey International Commerce Center or the Central Plaza – there are plenty of parks, green spaces, and quiet areas to escape the crowded streets.

Hong Kong sunset cityscape

The best way to witness its amazing skyline is to head to Victoria Peak, a mountain in the western half of Hong Kong Island. One of the city’s most famous attractions, visitors can enjoy the cityscape looking through telescopes. Large shopping centers such as the Peak Tower and the Peak Galleria are also located there.

The Shopping Jewel of the East: Hong Kong

Located on the Southern Coast of China, the city of Hong Kong is famous for its beautiful harbor, breathtaking architecture and futuristic financial district. Yet Hong Kong is also home to some of the best shopping facilities in the East. From trendy boutiques and sprawling markets to luxury designer stores, Hong Kong boasts a range of shopping areas that cater for all tastes and budgets. Read on for some of the best places to shop in Hong Kong, so that you know where to browse the racks and pick-up some incredible clothes and gifts on your next trip to the Pearl of the Orient.

Frequently mentioned on top ten lists as the ultimate place to shop in Hong Kong, Causeway Bay is plastered with a huge array of shops, departments stores and markets. This is where you will find SOGO, which is the largest department store in Hong Kong, as well as the Times Square Shopping Mall which has a whopping 230 shops spread out over 16 floors. The shopping center is also a great place to sample some local cuisine or watch a movie. Wander the shop-lined streets to find hidden gems like independent fashion retailers for some hip and young clothing. You can get to the Causeway by taking the MTR to Causeway Bay.

Another popular shopping destination is that of Mongok. Mongok is an area that is known for being the most densely populated area (square meter for square meter) in the world. Amongst the crammed walkways you will find hundreds of market stalls that are overflowing with products such as electronic items, flowers, tourist souvenirs and Chinese fashion. Prices are cheap, just remember to bargain politely before making a purchase. There is also a large electrical outlet store called Mongkok Computer Center, which provides a great spot to pick up affordable computers and related accessories. You can get to Mongkok by taking the MTR and getting off at the Mongkok stop.

If you’re looking for some high-end fashion boutiques that wouldn’t look out of place in London or Paris then you should head to Hong Kong’s Central District. Here you can find world famous brands such as Luis Vuitton and Harvey Nichols. Lane Crawford luxury department store also offers a host of designer garments for the fashion conscious traveler. Check out Shanghai Tang for some beautiful fashion pieces that are popular with Honk Kong’s in-crowd. Jewelery-lovers can shop at De Beers, Larry Jewelery, Pianegonda and Tiffany and Co. The area is also home to the Michelin Star Restaurant, Caviar Gaspia, which is located inside of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Central has its own MRT stop which puts you right near to the heart of the shopping action.

After a long day browsing the rails and snapping up some beautiful garments and gifts you can relax and unwind with a pampering treatment or massage at a spa. Hong Kong has some exclusive massage centers which are highly-rated and provide the perfect tranquil oasis so you can relax and unwind away from Honk Kong’s bustling streets. Happy shopping!