The airport can easily turn into the most dramatic place on the globe. People push, shove, groan, and fight for space and other needs in a never-ending number of obstacles. Rushing to beat the departure time is often the cause for the struggling and lack of politeness.
If you are not careful, you are likely to be caught up in the lack of etiquette too. Everyone wants you to get along and have what they want and need.
If you want to get harmed or stumbled by their lack of courtesy, here are a few tips to help you remain sober. You do not have to join in with the craze before having the flight to your dream destination.
Airport Arrival
Regardless of the means, you used to arrive at the airport, you are always time conscious and want to beat the crowds and lines of people waiting.
With your need to get sorted in time, you may try not to linger with your goodbyes to friends and family. Spare the time and provide the space for others who need the parking.
Take this time to make necessary preparations for the flight. If you cannot resist spending more time with your family and friends, find a place to park somewhere relevant for as long as you want.
Check In
Check-in time may not be pleasant if you arrive late. Try to arrive early enough to complete your detailed check-in requirements. This will save you the time you spend in long lines.
If you do not make it early enough, there is the urge to skip the orderly lines not knowing (or caring) that everyone else is in the same condition as you are.
Check-in can be simple if you follow the instructions keenly. Simply adhere to the signs for general check-in or priority standards.
If you have an airline elite status, you may want to use the priority check-in option. Start winning fans with preparation so you can shuffle your way towards the check-in.
Always prepare the appropriate documents you need and confirmation emails, IDs before you head to the airport to avoid any inconveniences.
You do not want to have a fumbling episode at the check-in as it is awkward, time-consuming and never easy to deal with. if you need to make reservation changes—ticketing is the place to be and not the check-in.
Security
Security is a serious issue and detailed enough to fill an entire novel. Every airport and county have their specific standards to maintain. You can only be on the right side if you produce what they need and avoid the prohibited items.
For example, if the state or country of your destination does not allow some items such as cannabis induced foods, you do not want to be caught with such items.
Take out iPad or laptop and all the contents of your pockets to surrender them for checks. This includes taking off your belt, jacket, sweater, and shoes with all the miscellaneous items, which may be considered easy to carry dangerous items.
Approach the security desk with your items ready for checks. Place them on the appropriate loading space. Grab them on the other side and get used to this routine as you make it easy both for the security personnel as well as yourself.
Walkways, Trams, Trains
These are the most assumed places as travelers assume them lawless. You should, however, be keen to maintain order and obedience to rules of etiquette. Just like roads, you need to observe the necessary rules such as speeds.
Stick to the right side to avoid collisions and moving fast. This means much more than walking but bags as well. If you want the natural beauty of swiftness in the airport, it is important to find the politeness and eagerness to observe the rules of traffic.
Airport Lounges
You may have the chance to enjoy VIP treatment and lounge access. If you have such a ticket, the airport can be a nice place to be. However, there are still rules and spaces to abide by.
Regardless of how important you are or think you are, no one will be comfortable to listen to a loud phone conversation. Find a quiet corner and soften your voice to maintain the comfort of other people around.
Even if you are the most famous DJ, your music is not exciting to everyone around you. Use headphones in such a case to avoid affecting the peace of other people. It is embarrassing to become irritating to other travelers.
The Board Gate
Standing at the front of the Queue by the boarding gate at priority boarding entrance gives you a good chance. Although there is nothing wrong with sitting near the gate, you could earn the title ‘lice’.
It will give you the chance to grab the first position and spare the time to board. For this reason, airlines have invested much to avoid this situation.
However, it persists as rude travelers attempt to beat the queues as they compete for their space in the plane. Be the change you need to see by being etiquette enough to observe the orderliness of the boarding gate.
The idea of sleeping on a plane may not be one you want to play around with because of limited options. However, when on a long haul flight ( Read 10 Tips For Mastering Long Flights ); you need to find a way out or you will not be enjoying flights. In the end, you will suffer jet lag ( Read How To Beat Jet Lag ? ) and affect your trip to exotic destinations despite low airfare. To help you get a chance to get some good sleep before landing in your dream destination, here are a few tips.
The Window
This is one of the most overlooked tools in your jurisdiction. If you have a window seat, you are better placed to define and control your comfort. If you are in the middle, you have just been overtaken. On the aisle seats; you have more to worry about and little you can do to control your destiny. This means being nearest to the window gives you the best chance for a comfortable flight.
Time
We all have different times we take naps or sleep. It is important to choose a flight aligned with this timing to give you a chance to sleep adequately. Not all of us can find it easy to doze off at 2 pm hence the need for your natural timing. This is a simple way you can adjust your schedule to fit your needs and avoid jet lag. The best flight would be a 10 pm flight, which gives you a chance to sleep off naturally.
Meal
Meals are not always necessary to help you realize a great restful flight. For example, traveling for short overnight flights from the east coast to the west coast, you may not need to focus on your meals, as sleep will come naturally. This is the same case when traveling from the USA to Europe.
Avoid meals on the plane because they will waste your sleeping time. Trade the meal for quality sleep time. You may choose to eat at the airport before and after the flight or at home before you leave for the flight. Resist the urge for plane food.
Game
If you are not in business class, you may have to improvise. For example, sample out any rows going empty that may give you a chance to stretch in three or four seats. This is a simple and basic way to improvise and enjoy a good night’s sleep. Learn how to play the game and secure space to sleep especially at the back of the plane.
Melatonin
If you get a chance to converse with frequent other travelers, you will notice much about melatonin. This is a naturally occurring hormone. It helps synchronize sleep cycles and circadian rhythms with 100% effectiveness. This solution is considered one of the best sleeping pills available. Most people use this with chamomile tea to prepare you for a good sleepy flight.
Browse
In the recent past, there have been increased offers and opportunities to book lucrative business class seats at lowered prices. premium economy has also been offered for lesser prices, which are lower than the economy. Luckily, this is now a frequent phenomenon and could really be happening soon. Do not rush to book a flight without at least checking out the other price columns as you might be missing out on huge offers. Never miss a great flight deal just because you never bothered to check or at least glance at the price list
Bulkhead
The bulkhead may lead you to think that the rest of the economy cabin has lots of space. However, this situation is only limited to the first row. Here, legroom is naturally better and the proximity of the door makes them spacious. Paying a little extra for the bulkhead or exit row can make all the difference especially on a long journey.
Amenities
Carry all the amenities you need from an eye mask, blankets, pillows, and earplugs. Find one that is comfortable before you get to the airport because those sold at the airport may not be of quality and may not serve you will. A decent pillow from home can give you the comfort you need.
Miles
Some airlines give you a chance to upgrade international plane tickets. For example, a certain amount of points gained during flight time can be the difference you need to upgrade to premium economy. In fact, you may upgrade to business class from economy class. It is wise to check out airlines so you can determine the friendliest upgrade policies and see what can be done to get most out of the offer.
Noise is one huge enemy of quality sleep and there is a need to cancel out the noise. Noise may emanate from engines, neighbors, and crying babies. Noises may be irritating and will deprive you of your much-needed sleep. Headphones can help you achieve noise cancellation, as is the case with most travelers. You should, therefore, invest in a decent pair of noise cancellation headphones to change your flight experience.
Conclusion
Enjoying a good flight requires preparation. Focusing on a few things you need is important as you prepare for the flight. If you neglect the need for quality and comfortable sleep, you will be suffering from jet lag and there will be no way to avoid it.
Most people shatter their traveling dreams simply because they can’t afford. No doubt, hotels are expensive and you might need to save for a whole year or more to get to one of your destinations. Before you even book accommodation, plane tickets will scare you off.
However, not everyone who travels spends as much. You need to learn some tricks to save money and even stay for free. Yes, you can spend several nights at a 5-star hotel without any payments. Whether your trip is domestic or international, you can enjoy free stays in hotels.
Here are some tips:
Refer a friend
Most of the 5-star hotels have programs to attract customers. The referral is one of the techniques you should explore and surprise yourself with a free night. In this case, you let your friends and colleagues do the work and you enjoy the benefits, kind of entrepreneurial spirit.
Only that the benefits are not profits. You can sign up on a hotel’s portal, usually under referral programs and let your friends know why they should choose the specific hotel. It is about positive reviews.
Every successful referral will count. If you want a free night in hotels like Ritz Carlton or any other Marriott hotel you can use Refer a friend program.
Promotions
Just like other business industries, hotels run promotions on a regular basis. It can be as simple as earning points by following them on social media.
The same platforms can be used for referrals to earn you a free night. Some hotels create a challenge like a person with the most comments or likes earns a given number of points equivalent to a free night.
Follow travel blogs and social media accounts for specific hotels to make use of such opportunities.
Loyalty programs
Most major hotels have a loyalty program. Find out a preferred hotel and sign up on for the program. Be sure to book your stay through the logins.
Any time you are visiting the region, be sure to check in at the hotel. Even if it is a business trip, make use of it to increase your points and chances of any upcoming offers.
Of course, this depends on your company policies, if they allow you to book as an individual. In the Indian context, OYO has a loyalty rewards program called OYO Wizard. (Read about OYO Wizard Program )
Reward cards
Every hotel with a loyalty program certainly has reward credit cards. Reward cards make more sense after signing up on loyalty programs. The points earned depending on a number of nights you stay at the hotel are linked to this card.
Signing up as a member of the hotel automatically qualifies you to own a reward card. You will enjoy more benefits of this card if the hotel has established internationally.
Travel portals
The primary function of these companies is advertising on behalf of the hotels. The travel portals are often the same people issuing reward and credit cards. It is not only easier but also cheaper to book hotels through these portals.
In fact, you have higher chances of earning a free night when you are active on travel portals. In the Indian context, MakeMyTrip has a reward program (Read MakeMyTrip Rewards )for its loyal customers primarily based on points. In the international context, if you collect 10 nights in Hotels.com, you will get 1 free night through the Hotels.com rewards program.
Hotels.com also have silver and gold membership. You will need to collect 10 nights to become a silver member and 30 nights to become a gold member. Gold membership will help you access premium services like VIP access, priority customer service and more.
Online travel agencies
This is probably the easiest way to earn free nights at a hotel of your choice. If you are a frequent traveler, make use of these agencies. Find a reliable one and be consistent with your bookings.
In most cases, they calculate your total expenditure over a certain number of days and associate it with a reward. Either you earn cash back or free nights. Reward points are redeemable. ( Read 5 benefits of using a travel agent )
Hotel credit cards
A hotel credit card guarantees you a free night ( Read 10 Easy Ways To Free Hotel Night ) after given intervals depending on the hotel’s policy. Such credit cards are associated with referrals that determine the kind of rewards.
While you may have to pay an annual fee for a credit card, you will be sure for a free night certificate at least every year. It can more frequent depending on your bookings.
Cash back
Cashback might not be directly linked to a free hotel night but will certainly pay for your hotel nights. Cash back credit cards mean you earn money for paying using a credit card.
Whether you make payment at a restaurant or gas station, there will be a plus in your bank account. Consistently using such credit can amount to costs of several nights in a hotel of your choice. This is technically free.
Flexible reward cards
This is different from traditional reward cards. In this case, you can redeem the points for cash back, a free night or transfer the points to another reward program.
Different reward programs have different benefits, you can transfer these points and earn you several free nights on a preferred package. The flexible reward card allows you to access more travel benefits.
Work for a hotel
If traveling is your lifestyle, you can get a part-time job at a hotel and in exchange for accommodation. Hotels allow this for as long as you wish. You can go and explore the city when you are off duty but make sure you are on time for work.
To earn a free night at a 5-star hotel might require lots of points. Find out the number of points in each of your credit cards and maximize on them.
The backpackers love for Southeast Asia is evident, the states in the region not only provide great value but are also cheap. The costs of traveling and living in most cities are lower than your expectations. This has nothing to do with quality; in fact, the service quality can be higher than most places in the world of this caliber.
Don’t worry if you are on a tight budget, once you arrive in Southeast Asia, you are assured of great service and value for your money. You don’t have to break the bank to enjoy your vacation in Southeast Asia 8 Southeast Asia Safety Tips.
Nevertheless, not every place is cheap. You need to learn some tactics to get the same quality of service at a lower cost. Of course, as a tourist, you are likely to spend more because of unfamiliarity.
But the people in most of these countries are honest and welcoming, you won’t be overcharged at any point. Whether you are alone or cost sharing, you need to be specific with your budget before identifying a country to visit in this region.
The easiest way to determine the costs of a country is through accommodation costs. Hotels tend to price their services based on economic factors. The cost of food, transport, and energy in a country influence accommodation hence a reliable indicator of price ranges.
Here are some of the gorgeous cities in Southeast Asia; with all the incredible views, the costs are unbelievably low. They fit in your tight budget.
Northern Thailand is renowned for its scenic views. Chiang Mai attributes to the beauty of the country; it is a mountainous region with the serenity you desire, it might be the best place to visit if you are a lone adventurer, the tranquility here is incomparable.
Still, if you have company, the views here will naturally calm everyone down. Nature calls for personal attention to experience magic. Besides, this region is popular because of its delicious food and unique culinary skills. Everywhere you turn to has attractive food. Even with expertise, food prices are extremely low.
Are you traveling for adventure, culture, or relaxation? This is the place to go. Most people visit Cambodia and fail to notice this hidden treasure. Nothing is fabricated in this part of the world; the natural beauty makes it incomparable.
Whether you like sunset or sunrise, you can have both experiences. You might have to cancel your plane ticket to extend a few more days in this lush setting.
It is the most resourceful place in Cambodia yet the most affordable. No filters added to the incredible views.
Luang Prabang, Laos
Luang Prabang
It doesn’t take a minute to understand why this place is a top tourist destination in the world. The infrastructure and architectural design all attribute to its link to UNESCO World Heritage.
In fact, the whole town is characterized by European colonial architecture. If you think modern building designs are beautiful, visit and see the beauty of traditional designs in this part of Southeast Asia.
The city can be described as exhaustively. Besides the buildings, its popularity is attributed because of rich and affordable food markets, waterfalls, and caves.
Diversity in religion is also a good thing; there are multiple temples and monasteries. If you are using Western currency, your expenditures will be more than comfortable.
Hanoi, Vietnam
Hanoi
Vietnam is no doubt a top tourist destination. Hanoi as the capital is nothing less of class. The town is best described as buzzing. Everything runs here for 24/7. Classy does not mean you can’t afford it on a tight budget; all you need to learn is directions to keep off some high-class streets.
This is common in any city. There is no better place to spend your Vietnam vacation than in the capital. Be sure to get to Ha Long Bay. Pay for a private tour if you can, it is worth it.
The Philippines offers all the experiences you need on a vacation. Irrespective of your budget, there is a lot to view and experience in the country.
Manila is the most suitable place if you are on a tight budget. Nothing can be compared to the sunset views over Manila Bay. Even if it is only this you achieve and go back home, it is a lifetime experience.
If you have more money to spend, take a trip to Palawan to experience more of the natural beauty that includes pristine beaches.
Bali, Indonesia
Bali
Typically, Bali is associated with class and high costs. One can easily brush it away when focusing on savings but you will be surprised at how you can live here for a week or two with half of the standard amount.
Instead of main tourist resorts and routes, rent a villa. Besides price, you will interact easily with locals, quality traditional food, and affordable spa.
Although most South-East Asian travel destinations are affordable, there are some tips that will make your travel even cheaper.
travel in a group. traveling in a group will definitely make your travel more affordable
find affordable accommodation
choose the right location
use public transportation instead of a car or taxis. good public transport like trains, bus, tuk-tuk is available in this region which you can use.
travel during offseason
learns how to drive a motorbike
to buy reasonably priced travel tickets. ( starting from airplanes to other forms of transport, you can always get cheap tickets )
go slowly
Traveling in Southeast Asia is only expensive if you make it so. Food, taxis, accommodation, and flights are necessities. If you want to party, souvenirs, or tour guides, you should be ready to spend more. But none of these should deter you from traveling.
Hong Kong is an amazing country that brilliantly and seamlessly integrates the fundamental cultures of the Chinese and the English, making it one of the most densely populated; and most incredible places in the world.
With a population of 7.4 million amazing people, Hong Kong has developed immensely over the years to become one of the world’s most respected tech hubs, leading to the small independent territory having the largest number of skyscrapers in the world. However, its amazing office buildings are not all Hong Kong has to offer.
Whether you are going to Hong Kong on a business trip, a personal vacation or a family getaway, you can rest assured that there are tons of surprisingly amazing places where you can create indelible memories in this quaint little country. So, in this article, we bring you the top ten most amazing places and activities for a fantastic tourist experience in Hong Kong.
Causeway Bay shopping streets
If there is something Hong Kong has in abundance, it’s shops and malls where you can buy virtually almost anything; from clothing and accessories to high-end tech devices.
Most of the shops are just along the highway, giving you a feeling of intrepid excitement as you get lost in the busy bustle of the magical streets. The amazing lights, the surrounding buildings, and the warm, friendly people would make you feel incredible as you move from shop to shop, picking items and meeting locals.
The street shopping scenes show Hong Kong as it truly is: a country that helps to brilliantly incorporate corporate culture and the warm, fuzzy feeling of home.
You would also get immersed in the allure of the eye-catching billboards, which take on a completely magical feel if you are staring at them through the ‘Ding Ding’ trams that are found all over the city. You can take advantage of competitive prices, buy as much as possible and simply soak up the amazing Hong Kong culture.
The Peak
Hong Kong’s most famous peak is a spot about 500 meters above sea level and feels like heaven. Even if you are afraid of heights, you are bound to fall in love with the amazing view of the mix of Hong Kong’s corporate and local culture that the peak provides.
You will stare in wonder as the city slowly unravels before you as you climb the peak, and you would have your mind completely blown to smithereens as you watch the sunset against the backdrop of the city’s skyscrapers. It’s unbelievable.
You can also choose to use the tram instead, to climb the peak. The team has a specially dedicated gallery that showcases the rich history of Hong Kong in intricately detailed images of life in the 19th and 20th century in Hong Kong. An especially lovely piece in the gallery is a replica of the first-generation peak carriage. Simply put, the peak will take your breath away.
Hong Kong Disneyland
There are still only a few places in this world as immensely exciting as a nice amusement park with great breathtaking rides. Hong Kong Disneyland offers comfortable accommodation, amazing rides, and unforgettable memories.
You can watch the amazing fireworks that are set off each night from the comfort of your room window or an amazing position on the Ferris wheel. Hong Kong’s Disneyland consists of four themed lands: Main Street, USA; Fantasyland, Adventureland and Tomorrowland, each zone with its own special, unique appeal.
Big Buddha
This unbelievably huge landmark that serves as a monument of inner peace and tranquility was constructed out of bronze and is called the Tian Tian. Big Buddha proudly sits, watching over Hong Kong from the amazing Lantau Island.
The huge bronze monument was constructed to represent the harmony between man and nature, and it will serve as a reminder for you to be conscious of how you relate to the world around you.
The monument is Hong Kong’s most remarkable Buddhist site, which means you’ll be able to witness how Buddhists worship in their own outstanding way while admiring the amazing designs in the old but beautiful Buddhist temple near the monument.
Stanley Market and Murray House
These two iconic tourist attractions situated in South Hong Kong Island attract both locals and tourists in droves every single day, and the reason is not far-fetched.
One allows buyers to purchase amazing souvenirs, clothing, and household items at unbeatable prices, while the other is a huge structure that depicts Hong Kong culture in its truest, unadulterated form.
At Stanley market, you can close the most amazing deals and find the best bargains on different household items while taking advantage of the opportunity to interact with the locals and learn a little about the amazing Island.
At Murray house, you can eat the most amazing local dishes in the comfort of the ambient, delicately designed restaurants, and afterward, look at some of Hong Kong’s rich culture in the Murray House maritime museum.
Temple Street Night Market
Gear up for night shopping in Hong Kong! In this amazing market scene filled with lots of souvenirs and hand-crafted items, you can find the best bargains and admire the beauty of Hong Kong’s nightlife, the bright flashing lights, the lit-up billboards and the glowing faces of the locals as they talk excitedly to you about their country. This is going to be unforgettable for you.
Lan Kwai Fong and Soho
This is where Hong Kong has most of its skyscrapers. You won’t be able to stop looking up in wonder as you admire the brilliantly designed eye-catching skyscrapers in this L-shaped lane that houses some of the world’s most respected and reputable technological development companies.
The corporate scene is surrounded by over 100 bars, clubs, and restaurants, meaning that you can come here to dance, meet new people and enjoy amazing local food after a long day of work or sight-seeing.
Star Ferry Crossing
Hong Kong is an Island, so you are bound to be tempted by the amazing waterfront scenes all over the city. Star Ferry Crossing exudes a feeling of historical appeal, and you would stare in wonder as the beautiful, well-maintained ships ferry you across the crossing that allows you to appreciate the beauty of Hong Kong from a different perspective.
Hong Kong rooftops
Have you ever had dinner at a rooftop bar in a beautiful city? Hong Kong’s incredible rooftop bars offer breathtaking views of the lovely city and great food options that span a mouth-watering mix of local and international cuisines.
You can also get to meet amazing people at these rooftop bars as you admire the bustle and beauty of one of Asia’s busiest places.
The Avenue of Stars and Symphony of Lights
The Avenue of stars is an amazing boulevard that just overlooks Hong Kong’s spectacular Victoria Bay in Kowloon. The astounding walkway is magnificent both during the day and at night, as the view of the bay is unbelievable any time you choose that take a walk here.
As you walk along, you’ll see a hundred beautiful stars dedicated to the legends of the Hong Kong film industry, reminding you of the Hollywood walk of fame.
The Symphony of lights, on the other hand, is a wonderful nightly laser show that begins at 20:00 on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays with narrations in English.
The symphony would get you reeling with nostalgia as you admire the historically-themed nightly lights with their bright color bursts against the backdrop of the amazing bay. It’s sensational.
This is our compilation of Hong Kong’s must-visit destinations when you get the chance to visit the beautiful little country. Trust us, memories made in these places would stay with you forever.
