Solo Travel - City Break

colcheslad

Hi all,

As a long time singleton I've been to city breaks in Europe (Krakow and Sofia) and very much enjoyed them. I now want to spread my wings a little further, and was thinking of Hong Kong. Would 4-5 nights be worth it for the travel time? I've been backpacking to SE Asia so have done Bangkok/Singapore/KL etc but always fancied HK.

Flights in March (climate seems to be OK then?) seem to start at around £340 rtn, hotel for the duration another £120 (can anyone recommend anything near the centre for dirt cheap which would suit a singleton?).

Any other suggestions welcome (although I have never been keen on the idea of Dubai).

Thanks in advance! :beer:

Doshwaster

HK is great fun for a few day but it can be expensive and a long way to go just for a short break. When I've been there I've done it as a stopover along with a week somewhere cheaper in SE Asia to balance out the costs.

Everynamestaken

All depends if you think its worthwhile spending a quite considerable amount of money on a short trip. I've done Bangkok in a week, Australia in 9 days before, and I was toying with the idea of going to Dubai and Abu Dhabi in 4 day, but I just feel with such a short space of time, I should be more financially astute.

I was literally searching and searching for ideas but I came up with the idea of Riga and Tallin in the end. If I had abit longer, I would haveliked to go to Finland and Lithuania too.

Not sure if you did want any other suggestions but I've taken the decision now that places like Hong kong will be visited when I have more time for stop off or a wider trip like China.

Ballard

I'd suggest Jerusalem if you'd like something on the exotic side but not too far away (and no jet lag). You'd obviously have to consider the security aspect and I would suggest that a guide is pretty much essential as you really wouldn't want to wander into the wrong area.

I've been a couple of times and found it fascinating and although there's always tension in the air I always felt pretty safe.

Combine it with a day or two in Tel Aviv which has some of the best beaches in the country.

It's an expensive place to visit, though.

colcheslad

Thanks for all the input, certainly food for thought!

Yes, the expense is irritating but I've found Air China flights for £290 rtn which seems almost comparable to destinations much closer to home. In what way is HK expensive for those of experience? Food/sightseeing etc?

I'd love Israel, but the accommodation seems steep, not concerned about security though so if day to day expenses are reasonable perhaps its an idea?

zagfles

Jerusalem isn't that expensive, try for instance the Abraham Hostel which is a cracking place, it has private rooms, good breakfast, a bar with loads going on, and does reasonable value tours. Or do the Sandeman walking tours to see the city.

When I was there the old city seemed safe but I wouldn't go east eg to the mount of olives without a guide, I did the Sandemans tour where they drive you up there and walk back.

Transport is very cheap, as I remember it was about £3 for the coach from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem! Eating out was reasonable, probably cheaper than the UK. But of course the pound has gone down since I was there.

Had no problems with security - was surprised how easy it was.

Ballard

Food and drink in Israel isn't cheap but if you were only there for a few days I imagine that you'd cope just fine.

I was in HK towards the end of 2015 and didn't find it too expensive. You could eat in caf!s without breaking the bank.

The flight price that you've got for HK is fantastic. I don't know what the prices to Israel would be but probably similar.

My guess is that day to day expenses would be cheaper in HK than Israel but for a short trip I would go to Israel as the lack of jet lag would be a big plus for me as I do suffer in that respect.

zagfles

Easyjet from MAN or LGW to Tel Aviv is usually around £150-200 return.

worried_jim

As soon as I saw this thread I thought "Jerusalem". I've been loads and always felt perfectly safe and met some truly, albeit bonkers, wonderful people. Tempted to go again soon now I've thought about it.

First went on my own and have been back with different friends over the years.

zagubov

Your prices to HK seem like a steal. It's a remarkable place, feels really safe and comfortable but also a bit different. You may be able to cross to Macau (we took the hydrofoil) and the PRC for a day or so. I'd normally suggest combining it with a trip to somewhere like Aus or NZ but at that price, I'd consider it as worth a trip on its own.

bigadaj

I'd just be a bit wary of who you are purchasing tickets from, some of the consolidators have a poor reputation.

Also for Hong Kong on an indirect flight you could easily be travelling for a day each way, it's eight hours ahead so time difference will also have an impact, so would question whether it's worthwhile for a few days.