Hong Kong Vacation Packages: Urban Excitement & Cultural Delights with Travel Answers

Travel to Hong Kong

This bustling metropolis offers a stunning interplay of towering skyscrapers and traditional temples. Ride the iconic Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour, then shop in the neon-lit streets of Mong Kok. Hong Kong is not just a city but a phenomenon, with its unique blend of Eastern and Western influences, offering culinary delights and panoramic city views from The Peak. It's a city that energizes every sense, with endless discoveries around every corner.

Discover Hong Kong

Hong Kong and Macau, while distinct, share a similar history which links them. While Hong Kong was colonized by the British and Macau by the Portuguese, both were critical trading posts and links between the East and the West. A visit to both is to gain a deeper understanding of their shared history, which will enrich your appreciation of this dynamic duo.

A visit to Hong Kong usually includes a side trip to Macau, and vice versa! These two diminutive destinations are tourism giants and have enough to keep travelers busy for a week, or, alternatively, make a great 3 night stopover choice.

Hong Kong - Delectable dim sum, floating islands, and a breath taking skyline are just some of Hong Kong’s unique features. Take the tram to the top of Victoria Peak for unparalleled views of the most vertical city in the world, then shop until you drop at any of Hong Kong’s markets or designer stores. Finally, dine on exquisite Chinese cuisine. And that is just day one…

History

Hong Kong - The Hong Kong we know today was born when China’s Qing dynasty government was defeated in the First Opium War in 1842 and ceded Hong Kong Island to Britain.

As a British colony, Hong Kong served as a center of international trade. In the turbulent years of the early 20th century, the city’s population was bolstered by refugees, mostly from China. The arrival of immigrants in large numbers helped launch a new role for Hong Kong as a major manufacturing hub. It also brought economically stimulating energy and industry to the city’s character.
In recent decades, as the economy of Mainland China has undergone a process of opening up, Hong Kong has transformed yet again – this time into a service-based economy as well as an important gateway to the world’s largest market.
Under the principle of ‘One Country, Two Systems’, Hong Kong became a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People’s Republic of China on 1 July 1997. This arrangement allows the city to enjoy a high degree of autonomy, including retaining its capitalist system, independent judiciary and rule of law, free trade and freedom of speech.

Currency

The Hong Kong Dollar is the currency of Hong Kong.

Best Time to Travel

Hong Kong and Macau enjoy pleasant weather from October to December and this is an ideal time for a visit. Spring time (March to April) is also a great time to travel. Hong Kong and Macau tend to be hot and humid between May and October. While May is the wettest month, July is the hottest with an average high of 92°F. January and February are the coldest months with temperatures dropping to about 50°F.

Health Requirements

No medications or vaccinations are required for entry to Hong Kong and Macau.

Visa Requirements

US passport holders are granted a 30 day entry permit on arrival at no charge. Passports should have at least 6 months validity.

Tipping & Porterage

Tipping is expected of US visitors, although the Chinese themselves do not routinely tip. Tipping Guidelines will be included with final documents.

Credit Cards

Master Card and Visa are widely accepted in department stores, hotels and restaurants. American Express is often not accepted. Cash is required for shopping in markets and food stalls.

Electrical Appliances

The voltage in Hong Kong and Macau is 220 Volt, which is different from North America (120V) and may require a voltage adaptor for some devices. Hong Kong and Macau electrical outlets take three square pin plugs, type G.
For more information on plugs and voltage, please visit http://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plugs-and-sockets/

Hong Kong