We all need a break to unwind and relax from time to time, and what better way is there to do so than by going on a vacation. With flights to almost all the popular travel locations around the world, Cathay Pacific is sure to get you to your destination in style and comfort. When you fly with Cathay Pacific, you’re guaranteed to arrive with minimal hiccups with prices that are remarkably reasonable.
The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step which in this case is planning for it. When visiting destinations such as Hong Kong, there are some important pieces of information that you require to know as prerequisites. Hong Kong is a destination that leaves its visitors with awe, as well as culture shock. This has been largely influenced by the Chinese and Mandarin language and lifestyle.
Here are some of the most important things to keep in mind when planning a trip to the technological concrete jungle.
Time of visit
Hong Kong is generally a warm place; nonetheless, there are still times of the year when the weather becomes very cool and wet. The annual rainfall metrics the city gets stands at a staggering 2.4 meters. In addition to that, the place has a monsoon-influenced subtropical climate. Visiting the city between May and September may pose a problem since this is the time of year when heavy rains and typhoons are rampant. Thus, it’s in your best interest to visit the city during the warm and dry seasons. This might hinder you from enjoying some outdoor activities. Autumn, which falls between October and December in Hong Kong, is the best time to visit the place. The temperatures aren’t as harsh as they are during summer and neither is it as wet as typhoon season, making it the most ideal time to visit.
Getting around
Hong Kong is arguably one of the most developed cities on earth. Its transport systems have been improved over the years to become the magnificent and seamless ones we see today. There are many ways to get around the city including buses, trams, ferries, and the famous Mass Transit Railway commonly referred to as MTR. All these modes of transport have their pros and cons but the one thing that remains constant in all these is the use of the eminent Octopus card. It’s a reliable stored-value smart card that can be used to pay almost all your fares. it can even be used beyond just transportation. You can use this resourceful card to pay for shopping, food and drinks throughout all selected stores in the city.
No early birds
Although many aspects of Hong Kong allow it to be likened to New York, some of them differ greatly with the American city. For instance, if you’re used to queuing to get your daily coffee fix long before the sun rises, you might consider looking for an alternative while in Hong Kong. This is because most businesses begin functioning well after seven o’clock. You won’t find long lines at Starbucks early in the morning. The workday starts at around eight o’clock and even then, you still won’t find all the stores open. Thus be sure to find an alternative such as a hotel cafeteria if you’re an early riser.
The crowds
This city is considered as one of the most sought after tourist hubs: you might as well expect to find the city seething with a diverse population. The streets are packed with locals going about their daily lives and tourists looking to take in the magnificence of the city. Some of the most crowded places include Tsim Sha Tsui, Causeway Bay, Central, Mong Kok, and Sheung Wan. Here’s a tip if you want to avoid these large crowds; you should shun visiting the city and mainland China when festivals and carnivals such as the Green Week and the Lantern Festival are taking place. Also, try to avoid visiting malls and markets during the trade fair season and weekends.
Taking time to make ample preparations and arrangements will help you get the most out of your trip. Moreover, when you equip yourself with these hints, you are sure to relish your stay in the vibrant city.