Money saving tips for Hong Kong Travels
A holiday in Southeast Asia is slowly developing as the current trend. Be it the beautiful and techie island of Singapore, the culturally-rich Thailand, Vietnam with its phenomenal history or Cambodia, each country has something unique to offer you. The densely populated and swanky city of Hong Kong welcomes visitors from all over the world as well. Whether you’re a travel freak or part of a planned family vacation, a thorough knowledge of money saving ideas is what you need to save those dollars. So, let’s see what experienced travelers have to say on the topic.
Hong Kong skyscrapers
1. Choose the best flight deals
The best months to visit Southeast Asia are in the months between November and April. Airlines have special discounts all the time, so keep a lookout for the cheapest prices on comfortable flights. Though flights are not the cheapest option for travel, great deals can often save you a lot of time and money.
2. Choose the perfect accommodation
Though accommodation is pretty inexpensive in Southeast Asia, don’t pay too much on hostels. Instead, look for hostels that are way cheaper and might gain you some new friends. Prices will vary from place to place, which is why you need to ask around a bit and plan ahead. You can check out various hostel websites based in your place of choice, sort out by price, check out the location, read some reviews and then decide.
3. Sample local food
Southeast Asia is a foodie’s paradise, especially if you’re wandering around marketplaces, hawker stalls and street shops. Thailand and Singapore have specific street food areas such as chicken noodles or sesame doughnuts, so look out for them. A word of advice – ordering Western food in a Southeast Asian country could cost you more than what you’re willing to spend.
For example Western meals like pasta are cheaper in the US, but really expensive in the local region which will strip you of money quicker than you say “please”. So I suggest no Western food but try local delicacies instead, such as different fresh fruit and dumplings. Opt for markets and small local restaurants on side streets.
Of course I recommend vegan meals as I have been vegan since 2013. I mean, if you can communicate somehow and find out what you are ordering :D
4. Own transport is important
Instead of choosing organized tours, look out for cheap bus, tuk tuks, taxi or train systems in the city. Make sure you know the exact address of your destination. Taxi drivers have been known to take travelers for a detour to travel shops to persuade them to book organized tours or change hotels and then charge for extra tips. Agreeing on a price beforehand and knowing your destination will help you organize your transport more efficiently. Here you can find a brief guide to Hong Kong.
Bargaining is the trick!
Once you’re in Asia, you need to learn the art of bargaining. Don’t ever buy anything at face value and haggle with the shopkeeper till you get your stuff for the best price. Buy tea, coffee or fake designer goods and you have to ask for a discount. Prices will rise once shopkeepers realize that you’re a tourist, but in the end, they will give in. Souvenirs are usually costly, so you can bank on photographs and memories.
Therefore, planning for a trip to the beauties of Southeast Asia will require a little more planning especially if you’re coming from the West. Once you’re done with your preparation, visit the eastern part of the world for a completely different experience. What things you migth find surprising in Hong Kong?
