Trips Back In Time

Traveling is one thing that most of us love to do. It gives us the opportunity to explore other places, discover new things, and learn more about other people’s culture and history. While it is common for everyone to search for the cheapest airfare, looking for historical sites our place of destination has to offer, contributes a great deal when it comes to planning a holiday vacation.

It is very usual that before buying our air ticket online, we make sure that we won’t just have an enjoyable experience from our trip but it will also enrich our knowledge about the country’s history, people, and culture. Here are the top historical sites commonly visited by tourists around the globe:

Egypt

Photo by Spencer Davis 

With numerous attractive travel deals on the internet offering cheap airfares and accommodation, exploring the historical sites of Egypt such as the Great Pyramid and Sphinx of Giza has become more affordable. Be amazed at the stunning beauty of the oldest Seven Wonders of the World as you learn more about the ancient civilization’s pharaohs and kings, culture, and history. Other must-see places are Valley of the Kings, Abu Simbel, Egyptian Museum, Saqqara, Luxor, and Karnak.

Rome

Photo by Ben Lee

Sometimes buying air tickets online is cheaper from online travel companies than going to the direct website of airline companies, especially when travel companies are having promotions. Thus visiting Rome might no longer be too expensive for those who desire to see those magnificent and iconic buildings of Ancient Roman, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. Get up close with the ancient ruins of the Coliseum, Pantheon, the Roman Forum, Circus Maximus, Arch of Constantine, and Fontana de Trevi and discover for yourselves why they are famous all over the world.

Petra

Photo by Emile Guillemot 

A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985, this famous “rock cut” architecture in Jordan will be worth every effort in searching for the cheapest air ticket. Petra is a “rock-carved rose-red city” built by industrious Arab people called Nabataeans who settled in the southern part of Jordan around 100 B.C. This world’s wonder is known for its majestic and incomparable scenic spots that enchant tourists of all races.

Taj Mahal

Photo by Sylwia Bartyzel

For most tourists, the main reason for joining India tours is to see one of the most stunning monuments in the world famous not only for its beauty but for its romantic story as well. Known to many as “a symbol of everlasting love”, the Taj Mahal is the most beautiful structure built by Mughals or Muslim rulers in India. Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal in memory of his third wife Mumtaz Mahal. Nearby tourist attractions such as Fatehpur Sikri, Akbar’s Tomb, Agra Fort, Temples of Vrindavan, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Ranthambore National Park, and Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary will definitely complete the India experience.

The Parthenon

Photo by Francesca Noemi Marconi

A trip to Greece won’t be complete without setting foot on the ruins of the Parthenon. This historically rich structure was built by Pericles in the mid-5th century B.C. to serve as a temple for the Greek Goddess Athena whom people of Athens regard as their virgin patron. Parthenon symbolizes not only the highest point of Greek Art but as a symbol of Athenian Democracy as well.

Machu Picchu

Photo by Ayesha Parikh 

Often referred to as “The Lost City of the Incas”, Machu Picchu is a pre-Columbian 15th-century Inca site situated on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba Valley in Peru. It is considered highly significant as a relatively intact cultural site because the site was never known to the Spanish during their conquest. After the discovery of American historian Hiram Bingham in 1911, Machu Picchu has become a famous tourist destination.

Angkor Wat

Photo by Silver Ringvee 

In recent years travel destinations in Asia are becoming more and more popular to tourists not only because of their beauty and historical value but also because of several travel deals to different countries in Asia offering cheap airfares and discounted hotel accommodations. One of the places that are attracting lots of tourists is this ancient temple featuring top classical style Khmer architecture located in Angkor, Cambodia known as Angkor Wat. This temple was built for King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century as his temple and capital city. Angkor Wat is admired by many because of the grandeur and harmony displayed in its architectural design, extensive bas-reliefs, and numerous devatas (guardian spirits) adorning its walls.

Although books and the Internet can provide us the essential facts about these ancient wonders of the world, seeing them up close will give us an experience of a lifetime that we can only get from traveling.

Places to Explore in Dubai

Photo by David Rodrigo 

Dubai is a city and emirate in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It has emerged as a global city and a business hub paving the way for the development of innovative construction projects that have attracted the attention of the world. Although Dubai’s economy mainly depends on the oil industry, the emirate’s model of business drives its economy with the effect that an essential part of its main revenues comes from the tourism industry. In fact, it attracted 7.8 million visitors in 2009 and ranked 7th in the “150 most visited cities by international tourists”.

Burj Khalifa

Photo by Jeremy Bishop 

With its epic boom of large-scale construction, Dubai has attracted visitors for its top-end luxury accommodations. Burj Khalifa is a perfect example of opulence aptly branded as the home of the elite. Boasting 160 stories of first-class facilities and hotel rooms, it has been considered as the tallest building in the world towering with a height of 828 meters or 2,716.5 feet. It has also the highest number of floor stories and the highest observation deck in the world. “At the Top”, Burj Khalifa’s observation deck, visitors will be surely captivated by the panoramic scene of the city’s amazing skyscrapers and city lights. Throughout the journey to the top, visitors will also be entertained by the exotic history of Dubai and the beauty of Burj Khalifa. Spending an air ticket booking to Dubai won’t be worth it without visiting this magnificent structure.

Dubai Museum

Photo by Dubai Culture

After seeing the spectacular view of the city from the world’s tallest building, head on to the city’s museum for a dose of essential knowledge about the city’s history and culture. Dubai Museum is an old building of Al Fahidi Fort which was built to defend the city from foreign invasion in 1979. Visitors will be entertained while learning about the city’s history and its people with the colourful life-sized dioramas vividly depicting the everyday life of the ancient years before the discovery of oil. The museum also possesses galleries recreating scenes from Creek, traditional Arab houses, mosques, the souk, date farms, the desert, and marine life. Dubai Museum makes learning far from boring as it provides its visitors with an entertaining way of presenting its historical facts and culture. It's definitely a must-see place for all the tourists who are planning to have a fun-filled holiday in Dubai.

Dubai Grand Mosque

Photo by Junhan Foong 

A trip to Dubai won’t be complete without visiting the magnificent mosques which are a significant part of its community. The Grand Mosque of Dubai boasts the city’s tallest minaret of 70 meters in height. It has 9 large domes and 45 smaller ones which can accommodate 1200 Muslims at once. Throughout the years, this mosque has been the center of the religious and cultural life in Dubai. Although non-Muslims are not allowed inside the building, it is still worth a visit just to see its inspiring sky-blue mosaic, sand-hued facade, handmade stained glass, and wooden shutters. 

Wild Wadi Water Park

Photo by Wild Wadi Waterpark™ 

Children and adults alike will definitely have a wonderful time at the Wild Wadi Water Park. It is the only themed amusement park in Dubai featuring 30 rides and attractions for the whole family. The concept of Wild Wadi is based on the tale of Juha and his friend Sinbad who are famous characters of Arabian folklore. Those who just love water will surely enjoy its large wave pools, several water slides, and artificial surfing machines. Wild Wadi Park has the largest wave pool in the entire Middle East and the tallest free-fall water slide in the region which makes it more appealing. Don’t miss the adrenaline rush you will surely experience at Wild Wadi Park when you purchased air tickets to Dubai.

Having been considered as one most attractive and posh destinations for tourists around the globe, numerous travel companies are now offering attractive travel deals for those who would like to spend a vacation in Dubai. Various cheap air tickets to Dubai are easily available online making it a more affordable travel destination for all tourists.

Singapore Citizen’s Travel Visa Guide

Photo by yousef alfuhig

Singaporeans are the most well-traveled people in the Asia Pacific region according to the Channel News Asia based on a survey conducted by MasterCard during the month of August 2011. The survey revealed that 85% of Singaporeans made at least one international leisure trip within the 12 month period the survey was conducted.

Having a passion for traveling, this guide for the latest visa requirement for popular travel destinations in Asia will be useful for Singapore citizens who are planning to secure an air ticket booking to spend a holiday abroad. This guide covers Singapore citizens, holders of passports issued in Singapore, and those who were born in Singapore and wish to attain a Tourist Visa, not including Business and Diplomatic Visas.

Applying for a Tourist Visa can be sorted out into three categories – no advanced planning, three-day preparation, and two-week preparation.

Asian countries like Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Maldives, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, India, and Indonesia fall into the “no advanced planning” category. It means that a tourist visa will be granted automatically upon arrival at the airport thus no pre-arrangements or payments are necessary.

The number of days a tourist was allowed to stay or the date a tourist must leave the country will be stamped on the passport by the immigration officer. That stamp will serve as a “visa” which allows the tourist to enter the country multiple times within a specific number of days, starting from the date of arrival. It is also known as a multiple-entry visa.

For countries like India and Indonesia, a visa on arrival comes with a fee. Visitors will be asked to approach the ‘visa-on-arrival counter’ to submit a visa application. A passport-sized photo will be required along with the stamping fee.

While other countries grant visas upon arrival, some countries in Asia such as Australia require visitors to submit a visa application in advance, before arrival at the entry point. The processing period takes at least three working days. Applying for a visa can be done online without handing over the original passport then the letter of approval will be sent through e-mail. A visa will be valid only for a particular period of time thus the applicant will be asked to enter the country within a specific number of days. Some nations will grant the visa without payment however some will ask visitors to pay for a stamping fee at the visa-on-arrival counter.

On the other hand, tourist visa applications for some countries such as Myanmar and Russia take around two weeks processing period. In this case, an applicant must approach the embassy of the country he/she wishes to visit to apply for a visa. Another option will be through a travel agent as they have “runners” who can process the application in the embassy without the presence of the applicant. Usually, the validity of the visa begins once it has been issued, not on the day the visitor arrived in the country.

Wizarding World Of Harry Potter in Asia?

Photo by Jules Marvin Eguilos

Harry Potter in Asia? Millions of “Harry Potter” fans in Asia were elated with the news of having a theme park based on the character of the “boy who lives” as part of the future attractions in Universal Studios Singapore and Japan.

Asian fans of the famous J.K Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series might get a chance to experience the magic of the ‘Wizarding World” in Japan or Singapore according to TravelWeekly.Asia. It said that reports have suggested that themed parks based on the character of the famous boy wizard could be coming to Japan and Singapore. If this attraction will push through, air ticket booking to Japan will increase in numbers as fans across Asia surely would not miss this exciting experience.

NBC Universal will be rolling out its “Wizarding World of Harry Potter” to the theme park of Universal Studios in Los Angeles after its successful launch at the Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida last year.

With the movie’s phenomenal success worldwide, theme parks of Universal Studios in Japan and Singapore could also be in line for future “Wizarding World”. Although there has been no confirmation from the management of NBC Universal, this project will surely attract more tourists to book air tickets to Singapore and Japan.

SOURCE : 

TravelWeekly.Asia is a business travel news portal in Asia for news and research for organizations that manage travel. It provides daily business travel news updates and regular tourism-related information.

Tourist Attractions in Bali, Indonesia: Flying off to Paradise

Photo by Harry Kessell 

One thing which not everybody knows is that paradise can actually be spelled as B-A-L-I. For indeed, the beautiful island of Bali Indonesia is basically a preview of all the good things the heavens can offer.

Deemed a major island in Indonesia, Bali is presently hailed as one of the best tourist spots in the country. The primary attraction is its vast ocean of blue which complements the purity of the white sand on its shores. It is further emphasized by the humidity of the tropic weather. Tourists who love hitting the water will definitely find great pleasure at the mere sight of it.

Besakih Temple

Photo by Andrey Bond

However, the island does not content one’s satisfaction with its beaches alone. It also features the thousand year-old Besakih Temple. In it, tourists who are in search of peace of mind and solitude may find the calmness they have been longing for.

Safari and Marine Park

Photo by Megan Soule

For those who love the wildlife, taking a trip to Bali Safari and Marine Park is a strong advice. Doing so will not just improve one’s knowledge about life in the jungle and underwater. Through it, tourists may also understand how good it feels to be part of the protectors of the wild and the sea.

Bali Botanical Garden

Photo by Bali Botanic Garden

It is this experience which will literally awe the tourists of the different wonders of nature manifested on various species of trees and flora; with some exclusively found in Bali.

The island of Bali definitely brings forth surprises to any visiting vacationer. With its intrinsic beauty and gloriousness, it is undoubtedly a paradise in its own right. And more than anything else in the world, it is an air ticket to Indonesia which could bring one to a paradise called Bali.

Sights to Explore in Singapore - Part 2

Photo by Janna Maica

Although Lion City is just a small country, you’ll be amazed how it maximized its land to pave the way for parks and nature sanctuaries perfect for re-charging and relaxing after a day of conquering the streets of Singapore. Botanical Garden, Bird Park, National Orchid Garden, Marina Bay, and Esplanade are some of the places where you can just sit and take a rest while enjoying the sights around you.

Marina Bay

Photo by Reuben Chew

Another attraction that will be worth booking air tickets to Singapore is the Asian Civilisation Museum. It is considered the pioneering museum in the region to specialize in pan-Asian cultures and civilizations. It offers in-depth information regarding the material history of China, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and West Asia, from which the diverse ethnic groups of Singapore trace their ancestry. Paying a visit to this museum will certainly enrich one’s knowledge and understanding of the country and its people.

For those who just love to be with animals, exploring the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari will surely be an entertaining and enjoyable experience. Singapore Zoo is one of the world’s most spectacular zoos, using natural barriers like streams, rock walls, and vegetation to separate the animals from the visitor, to present an “open zoo” concept. It is home to 3,600 mammals, birds, and reptiles, including rare and endangered species.

Photo by Wayne Chan 

Night Safari is considered the world’s first nocturnal zoo. It is among the popular tourist attractions in Singapore, housing more or less 1,040 animals of 120 species, 29% of which are endangered species. The Night Safari is an open-air zoo set in a humid tropical forest that is only open at night. Its eight geographical zones can be explored by foot or by tram.

A tour of Singapore’s outlying islands will give its visitors an experience of total contrast to life on the mainland. Offering peace, tranquility and in some cases, a traditional village lifestyle that has changed very little over the years, these small islands are perfect for those who would like to have a break from the crowded street of the city. The island of Pulau Ubin, Kusu Island, St. John Island, The Sister’s Island, and Pualu Hantu is just around the corner from the glittering skyscrapers of the CBD area and the swanky shopping malls of Orchard Road, thus making them easily accessible to tourists.

It also features varying fascinating sightseeing opportunities, fantastic attractions, and activities who would like the best destination for outdoor lovers; its strong economy attracts millions of business travelers each year; this tiny island occupies a strategic position, it has always been the gateway of the surrounding countries to the rest of the world. As one of the busiest cities in Asia, Singapore has the highest standard of hospitality to achieve the satisfaction of all levels.

Singapore always welcomes you with a promise to give you a breathtaking experience that will always last in your memories. To experience this modern island in its full strength you would need a little help and guidance to reach the island's talking points.

 Sights to Explore in Singapore - Part 1

Sights to Explore in Singapore - Part 1

Photo by Jisun Han 

Singapore is a paradise for tourists offering a unique blend of modern, historical, and natural beauty. The city has a modern transportation system, world-class hotels and restaurants, an English-speaking population, and a mix of Chinese, Malay, and Indian cultures. With its unique blend of cultures, reflected in its architecture, festival, and cuisine, Singapore offers a multitude of sightseeing opportunities to anyone who wishes to book air tickets to Singapore to explore the lion city.

Its tropical climate allows each visitor to have a wonderful time discovering the city’s places of interest at any time of the year. The country’s efficacy and modern technology also entice tourists in securing an air ticket. Being a small country with an area of 693 sq. Km., you can even do sightseeing in Singapore within the day or while waiting for a connecting flight to your destination. Here are some of the places commonly visited by tourists in Singapore for their significant and important role in the country’s history and development.

Photo by Lily Banse

Chinatown is one of the oldest Chinese settlements in Singapore. It is an ethnic neighborhood featuring distinctly Chinese cultural elements and a historically concentrated ethnic Chinese population. The Chinatown Heritage Center, Chinatown Food Street, and Chinatown Night Market are among the popular places which appeal to tourists. While exploring Chinatown, you can taste the traditional Chinese food and pick up some artistic handicrafts from the shops along the way.

Photo by paul silvan 

The fascinating Little India is a place where one can experience Indian culture. It’s quite popular with tourists because of the authentic cuisine and an array of souvenir items that can be purchased at very affordable prices. Mustafa Shopping Centre, Tekka Centre, Tekka Mall, Little India Arcade, and Serangoon Plaza are some of the places where one can find the cheapest stuff. The temples, mosques, and churches reflecting the diverse culture and religious beliefs of its citizens are also sights to explore so be sure to have your camera with you.

Aside from these above-mentioned places where one can experience the different cultures existing harmoniously in the modern city of Singapore, a tour of the city itself will enrich the visitor’s knowledge about its humble beginnings and its greatest achievement as one with the strongest economy in Asia.

Photo by Steven Lasry 

The Parliament House which is located in the Civic District within Singapore’s Central Business District is a cultural landmark that houses the Parliament of Singapore. Within the Central Area which features the tallest buildings and landmarks of the country is Raffles Place, the commercial district named after the founder of modern Singapore - Sir Stamford Raffles. Across the road is the Supreme Court building designed to represent a contemporary architectural expression of its stateliness and authority. The prism-shaped top of the building is considered a modernist take on the traditional dome.

Sights to Explore in Singapore - Part 2

Lao Airlines Fly Directly To Singapore

Lao Airlines is the newest link of Singapore to its neighboring countries, which means that the Lion City is now directly connected to all other nine ASEAN members. November 29, 2011, marked the arrival of the first direct flight from Vientiane to Singapore. Flights from Vientiane to Singapore will be a thrice-weekly service.

This newest direct flight shows strong bilateral ties between Laos and Singapore. According to Travel Weekly Asia, Laos’ top ten foreign investors include Singapore, with investment from sectors of manufacturing and hospitality. It also stated that the bilateral trade between the two countries saw a substantial growth of 40 percent year-on-year to reach U$ 29 million during the first nine months of the year 2011.

Since Laos joined the ASEAN in 1997, Singapore and Laos have been regular cooperation and exchange partners in education, health care, and tourism. Passengers traveling between the two countries increased steadily within the last five years. The statistic shows that Singaporean visitors to Laos grew by about 8% annually while the number of citizens of Laos who purchased an air ticket booking to Singapore increased by some 25% every year. With the direct flight connecting the two countries, business and leisure travel are expected to increase in numbers.

Laos is also positioning itself as an attractive place for investment as well as a tourist destination featuring rich heritage sites which visitors from around the globe will enjoy.

Home to many ancient wonders such as the mysterious Plain of Jars, the UNESCO World Heritage of Luang Prabang, and the Vat Phou Temple complex, Laos is indeed rich in culture and history.

With this new direct flight, Singapore is more accessible now for the citizens of Laos who would like to seek medical treatment, tour the Lion City or expand their field of study as well as use Singapore as a stop-over point to other destinations.

Toy Story Land - The Latest Attraction at Hong Kong Disneyland

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With an additional attraction at Hong Kong Disneyland, tourists have one more reason to book air tickets to Hong Kong. Toy Story Land was officially opened last November 17, 2011. This new themed area is based on the Pixar movie entitled Toy Story.  Toy Story Land is designed to replicate Andy’s backyard from the movie itself. It contains giant props intended to make visitors small as the toys in the film.

They used bamboo to act as giant blades of grass surrounding the area. Many themed props and characters from the movie were used such as giant Woody, a giant Rex, an oversized plane, and also a large ball.

The three main attractions are Slinky Dog Spin, RC Racer, and Toy Soldier Parachute Drop. Children will howl with laughter as they join Slinky in a rollicking spin to catch his tail. RC Racer provides the thrill as it races along a 27-meter-high U-shaped coaster while visitors will experience a high-flying adventure in the Toy Soldier Parachute Drop.

Toy Story Land also features interactive soldier drill training at the Toy Soldier Boot Camp. Barrel of Fun offers picture-perfect moments with some of the movie’s characters like Woody and Jessie. Visitors will have fun playing with Cubot as they mix and match different faces and voices of this spinning block toy. These attractions are accompanied by a range of souvenir shops and F&B outlets.

Hong Kong Disneyland will be opening more themed areas in the near future such as Grizzly Gulch in 2012 and Mystic Point in 2013. Upon the completion of these expansions, the park’s footprint will increase to 23% and bring the total number of attractions, entertainment, facilities, and shows to more than 100.

Let your children be the first ones to share stories with their friends about the fun-filled attractions in the newly-opened Toy Story Land, search for affordable air tickets to Hong Kong, and have a wonderful time playing with the toys of the Toy Story Land.

The Truth about Philippines

Photo by Yannes Kiefer

It is not a secret that the Philippines is viewed by many in a negative light. Being a third-world country, many people pessimistically think that this Southeast Asian nation is dangerous, poor, and a bad idea – making it difficult to sell an air ticket to the Philippines.

But what these people do not know about the Philippines is that it is much more than the news would report about it. Though there are isolated cases of terrorism attacks, the Philippines is still worth it to book tickets online.

Factors are the beautiful places in the country, particularly the beach. As the Philippines is an archipelago with more than 7000 islands, it somehow follows that the country flaunts pristine and spectacular beaches. A few of the most acclaimed islands give a home to the most beautiful summer destinations like Boracay, Potipot, La Union, Batangas, and more. Among these, it is Boracay which is deemed the place for which most people book an air ticket to the Philippines. 

Photo by Bambi Corro 

Aside from the beaches, the Philippines is also made spectacular by the different festivals celebrated in the country. The festivals reflect the long-standing and blissful heritage of the Filipino people. Totally colorful and attractive, these festivals are ways of putting the Philippines back to where it really should be, and these act as convincing factors o make one book an air ticket to the Philippines online immediately.

Booking an air ticket to the Philippines online also allows travelers to immerse themselves in the one-of-a-kind culture of the people. Aside from the festivals, Filipinos’ way of living is definitely worth discovering. Doing so will permit foreigners to answer all questions they have in their minds about the Philippines. Further, it will make them experience the hospitability and cheerfulness of the Filipinos. After all, the locals are very sociable.

The Philippines is not a first-world country. It may not have commercial districts, shopping malls, or entertainment centers that are comparable to other countries but it has its own unique charm that comes from the pristine nature and vibrant culture it gives home to.

So foreigners need not hesitate to book an air ticket to the Philippines online. For cheap air tickets, one can obtain an experience that is worth a lifetime.

What an air ticket to Malaysia is worth?

  

Photo by Azlan Baharudin 

The beauty of Malaysia is unquestionable. Being one of the most visited countries in Asia, it gives home to a lot of attractions, pristine nature reserves, and vibrant cultures that are unfathomably unique and beautiful. These are reasons why people keep on availing of those air tickets to Malaysia.

But ‘attractions’, ‘pristine nature reserves’, and ‘vibrant cultures’ are too general to truly determine what an air ticket to Malaysia is worth. So below are some of the most popular tourist destinations in the country which define the significance of Malaysia-bound air tickets.

1. Kuala Lumpur. The capital city of Malaysia, it is the center of the country’s economy. It gives shelter to different aspects of a dynamic community; like business & government offices, shopping malls, high-rise residential areas, and a lot more which serve as proof of being upscale.

2. Langkawi. The beauty of Malaysian nature is blatant in Langkawi. Aside from the famous beaches, it also boasts of different mountains, forests, lakes, rice fields, and rivers that are definitely breathtaking; which definitely makes a tour package to Langkawi worthwhile.

3. Penang. Another Malaysian city, Penang is the place to be if you want to explore the colorful heritage of the country. The whole place is like a quintessence of the hybrid of the different cultures which molded present Malaysia.

4. Kota Kinabalu. Your tours to Malaysia will never be put to complete use without visiting Kota Kinabalu. The capital of Sabah, tropical luxury is best revealed in this place. With its areas dominated by lavish beach resorts which define opulence and total comfort, Kota Kinabalu is a nice destination to discover just what your air tickets are worth.

5. Batu Ferringhi. One thing not all people would believe is that an air ticket to Malaysia is a key to paradise, and that paradise is Batu Ferringhi. An island in Malaysia, it gives home to the most pristine and spectacular beaches in the area. From there, you can enjoy white sand beaches and azure ocean water that are at par with the world’s bests.

The abovementioned are just some of the places to help you determine the worth of your air ticket to Malaysia. So explore paradise. Online air ticket booking sites will help you with settling your air tickets.

Top Tourist Destinations in Hong Kong

Photo by Unknown Wong 

Hong Kong is said to have multiple personalities. A lot of beautiful spots and attractions can be seen in the region – perfectly satisfying the cravings of people for total entertainment and relaxation; and definitely proving that purchasing an air ticket to Hong Kong is a good decision.

A small country it is, but it is gifted with natural beauty and is furnished with awe-inspiring modernity. The most popular tourist attractions in Hong Kong are as follows:

1. The Peak

Hong Kong flaunts a very beautiful skyline and there is no other place in the region that could give a more stunning view of it other than The Peak. Located a few hundred meters above sea level, this spot surely provides a good escape from the bustles of the downtown. The air is fresh and lush greens abound. Though quite commercialized already, The Peak is still an ideal destination for people who wish to calm their minds and souls. 

2. Victoria Harbour

Splendid particularly at night, the Victoria Harbour is definitely a precious gem for the tourism industry of Hong Kong. It is one of the places that people will never get tired of. The main feature in the area is the Symphony of Lights wherein colorful light beams can be seen dancing on the blank sky, as emitted by more than 40 skyscrapers by the harbor. It is a magnificent sight to see, especially while on a romantic cruise across the river.

3. Ocean Park Hongkong

Since its opening in 1977, Ocean Park Hong Kong has always been a great attraction. It houses fascinating animals like pandas, monkeys, rodents, alligators, salamanders, and more species that are natives of Asia. It also has an amusement park wherein the main attraction is a 360-degree water-screen show.

4. Hong Kong Disneyland

One reason why one should purchase an air ticket to Hong Kong is the Hong Kong Disneyland. The fare to this magical world is relatively cheaper so people will have more cash intended for fun in the park. Features include rides, parks, and encounters with Disney characters like Mickey Mouse, Daffy Duck, and the Disney Princesses.

5. Ping Shan Heritage Trail

To fully appreciate Hong Kong, one has to understand its history and to do so, tourists must visit the Ping Shan Heritage Trail. It gives home to ancient pagodas, temples, and edifices in which walls the colorful and rich history of the region is etched.  It is a haven for photographers. 

There are lots of other places in Hong Kong which tourists must discover for themselves. It is certainly worth the visit.

Best Asian Cities for Food

Photo by Markus Winkler 

There are lots of reasons why travelers from all over the world flock to Asia, and one of them is to taste the unique, mouth-watering cuisine that the continent has to offer. Foodies from the West couldn’t get enough of the various Asian dishes that they sample during their travels, so much so that they look for the same dishes back home or learn how to make the dishes themselves. If you are on a big gastronomic adventure in Asia, here are some of the top cities that you should visit for an eat-all-you-can adventure. 

• Bangkok, Thailand

When traveling in Bangkok, food is everywhere. Not just in restaurants but on food courts and food stalls that crowd the streets. For those who are on a budget and looking for something exotic, try the stalls that serve delicacies such as insects. Clearly, this is not for the squeamish traveler with regular Western tastes. Must-try food items include som tam (papaya salad), curry, and different types of rice. The city also has lots of restaurants for other cuisines, and you can have your fill of Lebanese and Indian food here as well.

 

• Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

If you still don’t know your way around KL, try the dishes at the food court inside the KLCC mall, which is underneath the Petronas Towers. Lots of international dishes are here under one roof, so you can feast on Malay, Indian, Chinese, and Western food here without having to venture elsewhere. Of course, when you set out to explore the city, make sure to head to Chinatown, where you can sample the best Chinese food around the area.

 

• Beijing, China

The list wouldn’t be complete without Beijing, where naturally, Chinese food is at its best. There are thousands of dim sum restaurants where you can feast on every Chinese food imaginable. Make sure to drink lots of tea to make room for more of the dishes. It is too easy to get stuffed when eating Chinese food. Never leave Beijing without tasting the Peking duck, which is regarded as one of the best poultry dishes in the world.

What to Expect in Hong Kong Travel

A fair lot of tourists think of Hong Kong as one small, dynamic country where you can already explore everything in a week. But those who have stayed longer in Hong Kong to fully enjoy the worth of their air tickets know that there is more to Hong Kong than meets the eye. The cluster of tourists usually just stays within Tsim Sha Tsui and the Causeway Bay area, but if you make the effort to explore the innermost parts of the country, you will find inexhaustible delights that any type of tourist will surely appreciate.

Forty percent of Hong Kong’s open land is allotted for tourism, recreation, and conservation. You will find marine parks, beautiful coasts, and country parks all over Hong Kong. Nature lovers will surely enjoy spending time at the Tai Po Kau Nature Reserve, which houses various types of woodland creatures. Another place for nature-tripping is the Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, which serves as a great sanctuary for plants and people who are dedicated to agriculture.

No vacation in Hong Kong will be complete without enjoying the country’s shopping sites. If you manage to save a lot in getting an air ticket to Hong Kong, then you can spend it when you shop for both luxury and cheap items. There are lots of designer stores for those who can afford it, and there are lots of night markets for those who are on a budget.

Hong Kong is made for those who love water activities. Those looking for great surfing will surely enjoy testing the waves at Tai Long Wan or Big Wave Bay. Surf in waves as high as fourteen feet or simply enjoy the buff bodies walking around the area.

Dolphin lovers will find their place here in Lantau Island, where you can join their exciting dolphin tour. Watch out for those cute pink dolphins and the white dolphins, which are considered as one of the endangered species.

Those who are into mountain biking must explore Hong Kong’s trails, such as the Dragon’s Back, Wan Tsai Peninsula, and Chi Ma Wan. Make sure to go only to designated trails to avoid accidents.

Exploring Hong Kong's Popular Tourist Spots

There is a reason why Hong Kong remains to be one of the most favorite tourist destinations in the world. This small but dynamic country has everything that tourists could possibly want or need. There are lots of tourist spots that must be included in your itinerary, which are definitely worth your cheap air tickets to Hong Kong. Here are some of them:


• Disneyland

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Do not even think of getting out of Hong Kong without visiting the happiest place on Earth. This sprawling park near Lantau Island needs no introduction and thousands of tourists spend considerable time here with their friends and family. Disneyland Hong Kong is a perfect alternative for those living in Asia who don’t want to go all the way to Disneyland in Florida.


• Times Square

Shop till you drop here at Times Square, which holds lots of stores that offer everything from designer items to cheap thrills. Times Square is the perfect place to be if you are going to be in Hong Kong in time for the Western New Year.


• Wong Tai Sin Temple

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Those who are into religious attractions should visit Wong Tai Sin Temple, with its elaborate red pillars and golden ceilings. Here you can observe a mixture of Taoist, Confucian, and Buddhist traditions.


• Victoria Peak

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It ranks high up there with Disneyland as one of Hong Kong’s must-see destinations. Enjoy the magnificent view of the highest point in the city, which is definitely a very relaxing way to spend a day of your vacation. Make sure to buy some of those souvenirs sold in those shops to give to your friends and family.


• Star Ferry

Enjoy the views of the waterfront by taking the Star Ferry, which will take you across Victoria Harbour.


• Hong Kong Museum of History

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History buffs should not miss taking a tour of the Hong Kong Museum of History. Explore the rich variety of artifacts housed in this museum. You will get to see traditional costume displays, old photo collections, and village house replicas, among other things.


To get to know more about the other attractions in the country, visit other travel websites and check out the list of tourist spots that you would love to visit in case you will get a tour package to Hong Kong.