Travel

Are you planning to travel to Hong Kong this year? Then keep on reading to find out more about the must-visit colonial buildings in Central Hong Kong. You can expect to find architecturally beautiful buildings that carry the signatures of the British although Hong Kong was released from the British sovereignty a long time ago.

Make sure to check out the amazing flight deals at Cathay Pacific by clicking on this link.

• Victoria Prison

Victoria Prison, located in the Bailey Street of Central Hong Kong should be your first stop in your exploration of colonial buildings. It is the longest-running prison in the city, being opened first in 1841. Originally, this was known as the Victoria Gaol and it was built by the British to house notorious criminals. The Victorian architecture you see here, mostly of granite and brick can be considered high end for prisons like this. However, it was renovated into a shopping destination along with an area to display cultural arts known as “Tai Kwun”, after the prison closed in 2006.

• Old Central Police Station

The old Central Police Station, located in the Hollywood Road of the city’s centre is also a part of the shopping destination Tai Kwun Hong Kong. It is the best-preserved police station from the 19^th century and the oldest structure you see here is a three-storey barrack block which was built in 1864. Completion of the police station was in 1919 and the Police Headquarters Block was constructed. The power of the police is displayed by the initials of King George V at the entrance top, Romanian arches and Greek columns in the exteriors.

• Former Central Magistracy

The former Central Magistracy is also a part of the Tai Kwun shopping destination in Hong Kong. Originally, the site was home to the first Hong Kong Magistracy but it was replaced by the new buildings which you see here today, in 1914. The architecture is impressive; with Gothic Revival style in the interiors and Doric columns which dominates the building. Most parts of the building were constructed using granite blocks and the pillars of the façade were made with red bricks imported from Guangzhou.

• The Supreme Court

The Supreme Court, which is now known as the Court of Final Appeal is an impressive neoclassical architectural building in the city’s centre. It was built in 1912 by two British architects who were also responsible for designing a part of the Buckingham Palace in England. It was also used as Hong Kong’s Legislative Council in the 1890s. Today, you can see a statue of the blind-folded “Lady Justice” on the top of the greatly done granite building. It is also used as a venue for engagement and wedding photoshoots by the locals.

• Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware

Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware is a museum that displays different kinds of teaware that are used in Hong Kong. It was built in 1846 as the Headquarters House for Major General George Charles D’Aguilar and was also used as the residence for British Forces Commander until 1978. The architecture you see here is Greek Revival styled and this is the oldest such building in Hong Kong. So, it will be history and art appreciation two in one as you will see many exhibits relating to tea. There is a collection of Chinese ceramics which should not be missed, and also check out the tea demonstrations at the museum to know more information about teaware.

• St. John’s Cathedral

St. John’s Cathedral is considered the oldest church in Hong Kong and mostly, the Gothic Revival architectural building is what attracts visitors to the cathedral. It serves as the cathedral of the Anglican Diocese and the mother church of Hong Kong Island. It was intended to be used by the British Army for their military purposes. Later, during the Japanese invasions, it was converted to a clubhouse and many of the original arches and glass windows were removed. Today, it is an active cathedral and Sunday services are held regularly.

• Former French Mission Building

The former French Mission Building is another masterpiece in the city’s centre and it was built by the French Society of Foreign Missions as its Procure of Hong Kong, in 1917. It was also used by the Hong Kong Government before WWII, more precisely until Japan took control of Hong Kong in 1941. The building you see here is three-storied and the architecture is in Neoclassical style. It dates to the Edwardian period and you can see its old glory even although it was renovated from time to time.

• Rawlinson House

Rawlinson House was built in 1910 as two Warrant Officers Married Quarters and today, it serves as one of the most beautiful Marriage Registries in the country. It used to be the major attraction in Hong Kong Park in the 1980s. The house was named after a general who served the British Army, Sir Henry Rawlinson. The two Warrant Officers Married Quarters were later combined into the house of the Hong Kong’s Deputy Commander British Forces.

• Dr Sun Yat Sen Museum

Dr Sun Yat Sen Museum, which is better known as the Kom Tong Hall is a museum dedicated to Dr Sun Yat Sen who had revolutionary ideas to hold campaigns in Hong Kong. The building you see here today was the residence of Ho Kom Tong, the brother of Sir Robert Ho Tung, a reputed businessman in the city. Ho Kum Tong and Dr Sun Yat Sen studied in the same class back in 1866 and graduated together from Central School. The surprising fact is Dr Sun has never set foot in the museum and it was in collaboration with the Ho family, the government selected this place to establish a museum. The building is three-storied and the architecture is mostly in the Greek style.

While planning a vacation is never necessarily an easy task, especially during the current global pandemic, if you’re a senior citizen, planning future trips can get even more complicated. But luckily, there are some things you can do to simplify this process, use your time spent on the road to create lifelong memories, and maintain your finances for future adventures.

To help you see how this can be done, here are three tips for planning a vacation as a retiree.

Use Social Media To Help You Plan

Although technology isn’t something that many retirees are super familiar with, when it comes to planning a trip, tapping into social media can be extremely helpful.

According to Patricia Doherty, a contributor to Travel and Leisure, using social media can help to influence the decisions you make during the planning phase of your travel. For example, you can use social media to help you uncover places that you’ve never thought of traveling to before, find restaurants that you might not have tried, and learn from other people’s experiences as they have traveled to the same places previously.

If you’re unsure of the best way to use social media to your advantage when you’re planning an upcoming vacation, you may want to start by asking your Facebook friends for the recommendations or by looking on platforms like Pinterest or Instagram until you find images of places or food that strikes your fancy.

Take Multiple Trips At A Time

For many retirees, having enough time to travel isn’t really an issue. But despite this, it’s wise to use your time as best you can, as you never know when health or other conditions will make it so you can’t travel anymore.

With this in mind, Craig Stephens, a contributor to U.S. News and World Report, suggests that you try to take multiple trips at a time when you travel. If you’re going to be close to an area that you’ve always wanted to visit, it could be well worth your while to add on a few more days to your trip in order to experience these things now rather than waiting for a future vacation that you may or may not actually take.

Find Ways To Stretch Your Budget

Growing old can get expensive. What with medical bills, the cost of assisted living facilitates, and other expenses, it’s a good idea to save as much of your money as you can while still enjoying the years you have left.

To help you with this, Michelle Ullman, a contributor to Investopedia.com, recommends that you consider some budget-friendly travel options. In many cases, things like cruises, volunteer trips, or switching homes with another retiree can make for a great vacation without the huge vacation price tag.

If you’re having a hard time planning a vacation as a retiree, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you with this.

 

With the summer coming to a close, many hunters are starting to get ready for the opening of hunting season. Depending on the type of hunting you like to do, the seasons will open at different times and last for different lengths. But regardless of this, there are things you can and should be doing to get yourself prepared and have a fun and successful hunt.

To help you with this, here are three tips for preparing for a hunting trip.

Start Your Prep Early

According to Stephen Spurlock, a contributor to GoHunt.com, avid hunters can find ways throughout the entire year to prepare and get ready for their preferred hunting season. From staying in shape to doing target practice and brushing up on your field skills, there are activities you can always be working on that will make your hunt more successful.

But if you’re not wanting to spend an entire year preparing for a big hunting trip, you should at least start planning and preparing about a month in advance. This will give you the time to learn about the area you’ll be hunting, get all of your gear ready, and make sure everything is in place so that you can spend your entire time out on your hunting trip solely focused on filling your tags.

Plan To Keep Your Gun Dry

Despite all the planning you do, one thing you’re not going to have any control over is the weather. And if the weather is bad, it can make for one miserable hunting trip.

To hedge your bet against this, it’s wise to get gear that will stand up well to rain, snow, or high heat, since there’s really no telling what kind of weather you’ll be facing. Along with this, HuntersHandbook.com reminds hunters that the worst enemy of their gun is moisture, so make sure you have a plan in place for keeping your gun dry so you can safely hunt throughout your entire hunting trip.

Realize That You’ll Be Uncomfortable

Not only should you be preparing physically, but you should also prepare mentally before you take off on a big hunting trip.

According to Tyler Freel, a contributor to Outdoor Life, one of the best things you can do to prepare yourself mentally is to give up the false notion that your hunting trip will be a comfortable experience. From having to wake up early to being cold and wet and potentially hungry, it’s fair to assume that most of your time will be spent being at least partially uncomfortable. But if you can tough it out, you can still have a great experience.

If you’re wanting to take a hunting trip this fall, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you prepare for this adventure.

Everyone in this world wants to visit different countries to refresh minds as well as to spend some time with their family. If anyone wants to visit Canada, there are various places which are very wonderful and make life beautiful. But not everyone knows about these places, and they can often miss these stunning locations. This is why planning your trip and fitting in the places you want to visit is so important and here are some of the most spectacular places you can visit in the country that are often featured in the best Canada tour holidays.

1. Niagara Falls

It is one of the most important places to visit in Canada. You should visit this place at least once in your lifetime as it is a magical destination anytime of the year. The most popular time to visit is from June to August.

2. Whistler

It is the land which is full of snow. Skiing, snowshoeing and other winter activities are the sports for which this place is famous for. You can visit the city and see the different cultures in the summer as well. The best time to visit this city is from June to August and December to March.

3. Quebec city

If you want a magical experience as well as a romantic environment, you should visit this city. You can visit the city with your family or with your partner and the best time to visit is from June to December. You can relax in the park and play some games with your family members and appreciate the stunning scenery.

4. St. John’s

It is one of the most popular areas in Canada. It is mostly popular for its distinctive crayon-coloured houses. The best time to visit St. John’s is from April to May and September to October. You can visit the lighthouse, or learn about the history and eat the food available at the Water Street.

5. Tofino

Renowned for its stunning coastline and golden beaches, Tofino is a great place to head to if you want to relax and enjoy the marine wildlife. The best time to visit is from March to May and September to November. You can eat the famous fish tacos and can go camping in the national parks nearby.

6. Churchill

It is considered one of the most famous places in Canada. It is a small town that has become famous for its nearby polar bears. The best time to visit the ‘Polar Bear Capital’ and to get a sight of these iconic animals is from October to November.

Conclusion: Canada is full of natural beauty with its majestic waterfalls, mountains and lakes, but it is also home to some beautiful cities as well. This guide should hopefully give you an idea about some of the places you could visit.

 

If you love to travel, you’re likely always looking for ways that you can stretch your money in order to visit more places. Luckily, there are quite a few things that you can do from a financial perspective that will allow you to save money and apply that savings straight to the money you spend on travel experiences.

To show you how this can be done, here are three ways to save more money for your travel fund.

Make It An Investment

When people want to make money without putting forth too much effort on their part, choosing to invest their money can be a great way to accomplish this goal. However, because a lot of high yield investments are long-term, you might not have thought about this as an option for saving money to travel.

But according to Miranda Marquit, a contributor to The Balance, using an investment account as a way to save money into a travel fund is an easy way to allow a small financial investment to grow much bigger than it would have just sitting in a traditional savings account. Especially if you’re planning to take a bigger trip in a few years and need some time to plan and save, investing your money could be a great option for you.

Lower Your Monthly Spending

If you’re wanting a more traditional way to save money in order to facilitate more travel, the most obvious thing to do is to reduce your monthly spending habits so you can add more to your savings account each month.

Some of the best ways to drastically cut your monthly spending, according to Sarah Kuta, a contributor to The Penny Hoarder, is to reduce how much money you’re spending on food by eating out less, using coupons, and being smart when you shop. Other things you can try can include stopping subscriptions that you don’t use or need, refinancing your car loan, and changing your daily habits of spending small amounts of money. Every little bit you save can help you get traveling sooner.

Prioritize Your Budget

For some, the biggest hindrance to saving enough money to make travel a reality is that they don’t make it a priority in their monthly budget. While you may carve out money for buying new clothes or other spending, if you don’t set travel as a priority for your money, you’ll find other ways to spend it.

To stop this habit, Ed Hewitt, a contributor to Smarter Travel, recommends that you set up automatic transfers into a savings account that you use just for travel. This will ensure that you’re always saving money, even if you might forget to do it on your own.

If you need help saving money for future travel, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you make the necessary financial sacrifices and adjustments.

Anchor yourself along a premier site in Sandston and delight in princely perks when you stay at the 3-star Hilton Garden Inn Richmond Airport. Its premier location lays a short drive from points of interest like the Virginia Aviation Museum. Cool off in the indoor swimming pool after sweating out in the fitness center. Retreat to guestrooms complete with cable televisions, complimentary wired and wireless internet access and refrigerators.

Reserve your hotel room at Hilton Garden Inn Richmond Airport with Reservations.com

You Should Know:

• Great American Grill, a casual restaurant serving American dishes for breakfast and dinner
• Room service available during limited hours only
• Refreshing indoor swimming pool and a spa tub
• Fitness center complete with cardio and strength facilities
• Meeting rooms with audiovisual facilities
• 24-hour business center providing fax, copy and print services
• Complimentary wired and wireless internet access
• Complimentary newspapers in the lobby
• Complimentary airport and area shuttle service

In and Around:

• Know more about Aviation at the Virginia Aviation Museum
• See exciting sporting events at Richmond Coliseum
• Witness exhilarating races at the Richmond Convention Center
• Stop by the Virginia State Capitol
• Pass by the Kings Dominion
• Tour the Edgar Allan Poe Museum

 

Most of us would love to spend time at one of Orlando’s famous theme parks. However, tickets can be quite expensive and the cost can put some people off. The good news is that it is possible for you to save money on your florida park tickets, you just have to know how.

This is where this article will help, it will talk you through how you can save money on those attractions so you can have a whole lot of fun!

Book as Far in Advance as you Can

One of the best ways for you to save money is to book your vacation as far in advance as you can. While some people choose to buy their flights and park tickets a few months before they go, they could be making a huge mistake. Ideally, you should book your tickets at least 6 months in advance. This will ensure you get some great discounts. This is because the closer you get to the date of your vacation, the ticket rates start to rise.

You should also make sure you plan to visit the parks when the kids are at school. This will make your tickets cheaper still.

Take as Many People With you as you Can

If you plan to buy your theme park tickets and stay at a resort, you could save even more money. If you travel with as many people as you can, you could find your vacation ends up costing less. This is because you’ll be splitting the cost between all of you, making your vacation so much cheaper. Let’s imagine there’s a hotel room that’s ideal for 6 people. Rather than each of you having your own room, why not stay in the same hotel room? it’ll cost less and be a lot of fun.

Take the Shuttle

You’ve saved up some money for the best theme park tickets and you’ve booked your hotel. But have you worked out how you’re going to travel between theme parks? Chances are you will want to visit some of the other famous theme parks out there. So, rather than hiring a car or booking a taxi, why not take one of the many shuttles to a theme park? they’re usually free but you might have to book your seats up to 24-hours in advance.

These shuttles will leave at specific times of the day and pick you up sometime in the early evening. This allows you to have most of the day to explore all that the theme park has to offer.

If you are staying on a resort, it’s unlikely you will need to travel to get to the resort in question. You can easily walk to the parks, saving you money and a bit of time too.

You can save money on Orlando attractions if you know how. Just make sure you book your vacation as far in advance as you can. Travel with as many people as possible and don’t be afraid to travel by shuttle. Save your money and still have the best vacation ever!

Everyone needs a break every now and then. However, not everyone has the luxury of time and money to have a vacation somewhere far away and exotic. Thankfully, Malaysia has its own jewels that can give you the rest and relaxation you deserve without you breaking the bank and needing to take a long time off from work. One of these places is the state of Penang, located on the northwest coast of peninsular Malaysia.

Some local tourists would probably gloss over this part of the country, but Penang is definitely a must-visit. Here are a few reasons to convince yourself to go on a Penang tour instead of visiting Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, or other popular Malaysian destinations.

It’s a Haven for Foodies

Tourists and even media outfits all over the world agree: Penang is one of the best food destinations not just in Malaysia but also around the globe. With influences from Chinese, Indian, and Malay cuisines, among many others, Penang has a lot to offer to food lovers. From char kway teow, white curry mee, and Assam laksa to muah chi and tau sar piah, you can spend an entire day touring the streets of Penang to sample all the flavours it offers. What’s even better is that the food here is so affordable. You can find delicious treats for as low as 5 ringgit! Make sure to visit Line Clear Restaurant in George Town and order their nasi kandar. It’s arguably the best version of the dish in Penang.

It’s Full of Gorgeous Art

If you love art, you’ll love Penang. In particular, you’ll love that almost every corner in George Town has urban street art created by both local and international artists. These larger-than-life masterpieces depict slices of life in Penang and involve not just paint and the walls but also real-life objects like bicycles and swing sets. If you want to see them all, you can easily find a map online and then trace their locations on foot. Penang is quite a walkable place, and you’ll surely love the sights and sounds as you search for every work of art on the map.

Aside from street art, Penang is also full of amazing architecture. You’ll see colonial buildings, intricate Chinese and Indian temples, and old-fashioned shops like they’ve been stuck in time. There are also some Malay villages in Penang, where you can marvel at their traditional “kampung” style of construction. Some of the best places to see marvelous architecture include George Town, the Snake Temple, Fort Cornwallis, the Thaipusam roads, and various local landmarks like the clock tower in the city square.

Its Heritage is Unique

Malaysia is a product of multiple cultures, but nowhere is this more evident than in George Town. Penang’s capital is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its streets full of beautiful structures influenced by Malay, British, Chinese styles. Visit Harmony Street and you’ll even find churches, mosques, and temples within steps of each other. In addition, many of these historical, well-preserved structures are still in use, whether for their original purpose or otherwise.

Another beautiful thing about Penang is that it’s multicultural down to every member of the society. Because of its strategic location, it was an important midpoint for trade in the olden days. Thus, mixed marriage became commonplace and the descendants of those marriages now populate the colourful streets. You’ll find a lot of unique groups in Penang, like the Arab-Chinese and the northern Peranakan. This multiraciality is also evident in religion. In fact, Penang is home to the only Jewish cemetery in Malaysia.

It Has Its Own Share of Natural Wonders

Penang is partly an island state, which means it has its own beautiful beaches like Batu Ferringhi, Tanjung Bungah, and Gertak Sanggul. Aside from beaches for swimming and water sports, there are also various nature hotspots like Penang Hill. Here you can enjoy cool, fresh air, walk under the canopy of towering trees, and enjoy the beautiful views of the city below. There are also plenty of destinations in Penang where you can have fun and enjoy nature at the same time, like Escape Park, Penang National Park, Teluk Bahang, Balik Pulau, and more.

Penang has everything going for it: great food, colourful history and culture, natural treasures, and great people. There’s a lot to see and do in such a small place, but the happy and “chill” vibe means you won’t feel rushed to explore everything at once. Consider a Penang tour for your next holiday. Visiting the so-called “Pearl of the Orient” might just be the kind of fulfilling vacation you’re looking for.

 

Whether you prefer visiting established tourist destinations in locales such as Hawaii and Australia or you’d prefer to get off the beaten tourist track and party on a beach in Goa, India, continue reading to discover some of the most popular beach destinations that are worth finding cheap flights for in order to visit.

The Most Popular Beach Destinations Around The World:

1. Waikiki Beach, Hawaii

Waikiki Beach features white sand, turquoise blue water, luxurious oceanfront hotels and resorts and restaurants and bars which feature million dollar views. Whether you’d prefer to relax on a beach chair and sip on a Mai Tai or you’re keen to book a surfing lesson, you’ll be sure to have the time of your life, if you choose to visit Waikiki Beach.

If you’re tempted to plan a trip of a lifetime to Waikiki Beach, you may also be interested in attending an evening luau where you’ll get to sample traditional Hawaiian food and watch Polynesian performances. As an example expect to be wowed by watching a fire dancer twirl a fire baton around and to be entranced by a traditional Hawaiian hula.

Alternatively, for a unique experience, which you’ll never forget you can even learn how to surf on an outrigger canoe, which is a lot of fun!

2. South Beach Miami

South Beach which is located in Miami is famous for its bustling nightlife and is a calm, swimmable beach which is lined with a multitude of cafes, restaurants, and bars. If you’re looking for a picturesque beach to swim in during the day and which you can party around at night, it’s well worth planning a beach getaway to Miami.

3. Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia

Bondi Beach is a famous crescent-shaped surf beach which is located in Australia’s most populous city Sydney. Each year a staggering 2.6 million visitors flock to Bondi Beach in order to sunbath, swim or surf. Bondi Beach is a popular destination for international surfers due to its favorable surfing conditions and its reliable waves.

If you visit Bondi Beach, it’s well worth booking a surf lesson and enjoying a cafe lunch at one of the many cafes which overlook Bondi Beach before enjoying a gelato from one of Bondi Beach’s luxury Italian gelato boutiques.

4. Blue Bay, Mauritius

Blue Bay which is an idyllic tranquil beach in Mauritius, which is located off the coast of East Africa, is the perfect location for snorkellers as you’ll be able to swim amongst schools of brightly colored parrotfish. Better yet as Blue Bay is sprawled out across 872 acres, you won’t have any trouble finding a spare spot of sand to sunbathe on.

If you’re looking for a luxurious destination for a romantic getaway you can’t go wrong visiting Blue Bay in Mauritius, which also features two luxurious oceanfront resorts the Shandrani Beachcomber Resort and Spa and the Blue Lagoon Beach Hotel, both of which boast private access to different parts of Blue Bay’s beach. If you need further convincing the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge William and Catherine frequently vacation in Mauritius and celebrated their honeymoon in Mauritius.

5. Corniche Beach, France

Corniche Beach is one of the most popular beaches in France and features a massive sand dune which is 357 feet high and 1640 feet long and is the biggest sand dune in Europe. If you’re up for an adventure, you’ll be able to book a parasailing experience, where you’ll get to parasail straight off the beach’s mega sand dune.

Another reason why you’ll love spending time at Corniche Beach is that it offers remarkable views of the Atlantic Ocean as well as soft, golden sand is the perfect destination for amateur photographers and professional photographers to take stunning pictures.

6. Palolem Beach, Goa, India

Palolem Beach is one of the most visited beaches in Goa, India’s number one seaside resort destination. Palolem Beach draws international tourists and locals alike due to its calm, safe swimming conditions and its bustling nightlife.

During the day, you’ll be able to relax on the beach underneath a palm tree and at night you’ll be able to party the night away at a beach club. For a unique experience, Palolem Beach frequently hosts silent dances, where guests dance to their own music, whilst wearing headphones.

So if your ideal vacation includes swimming, snorkeling and surfing, it’s well worth visiting all six of the stunning beach locales mentioned above.