Solo Travel - City Break

Doshwaster

zagubov wrote: »

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.

The prices quoted in the first post seem a little too cheap. I've had a quick look on Kayak and the £300 flights to HKG are via bucketshops that I've never heard of are with Air China with a 15 hr connection on the way back. No thanks.

I dread to think what sort of accommodation you'd get in Hong Kong for £120 for 5 nights. I was paying that per night on HK Island for a room the size of a shoe box.

PompeyPete

Doshwaster wrote: »

I dread to think what sort of accommodation you'd get in Hong Kong for £120 for 5 nights. I was paying that per night on HK Island for a room the size of a shoe box.

I was in a 24 man junior ratings Messdeck onboard HMS TIGER. Them wer't days, 'Flying the Flag' around the Far East with all its delicacies for months at a time, and being paid for it.:)

colcheslad

Thanks again all, really helpful!

The HK flights were through Skyscanner, so perhaps they are from the dodgy agents. The flight time was about 15 hours so yes, perhaps somewhat ambitious for a few nights!

Israel is looking attractive - has anyone been in March, is it pleasent?

Also, if I flew into Tel Aviv would there be plenty to occupy myself for 4 nights? Days are usually fine, the evenings I struggle to fill!

Doshwaster

Throwing another city into the mix which would count as somewhere "different"... Beirut. Never been myself but I'm told is a very interesting place and is a lot more liberal/diverse than other middle eastern cities.

colcheslad

Thanks for all the advice received thus far, I've booked to go to Tel Aviv in March!

Looks like the main attractions are the beach, Jerusalem and the Dead Sea. Anything else anyone can throw into the mix?

melanzana

colcheslad wrote: »

Thanks for all the advice received thus far, I've booked to go to Tel Aviv in March!

Looks like the main attractions are the beach, Jerusalem and the Dead Sea. Anything else anyone can throw into the mix?

You may not want to leave Tel Aviv, it's a great place. But what's on your agenda is doable and very interesting too, I think it's enough TBH.

I wouldn't try to pack too much in in four/five days. But Jerusalem is a must. Such a mix of cultures and religions and despite all the news items, they get on fine. If you can fit in a float in the Dead Sea, that's a bonus too.

Enjoy. And you will.

Ballard

I think that March should be nice although Jerusalem is quite high and it can be chilly there so be prepared.

Looking at the Jewish calendar they have Purim on the 12th March so if you happen to be there at that time you should expect to see lots of children dressed up.

I usually don't take guided tours but I'd suggest that you look into it for your trip to Jerusalem and The Dead Sea. Unless you hire a car I'm not sure how practical it would be to get to The Dead Sea without taking a tour.

In the relatively short time you have there I think that you'll probably have enough to do already but you could look at Ceasarea which can easily be done on a day trip from Tel Aviv.

worried_jim

It's great driving (literally) down to the Dead Sea from Jerusalem. You set off in winter and an hour later you are in summer. Have a great trip!

Blue264

colcheslad wrote: »

Thanks again all, really helpful!

The HK flights were through Skyscanner, so perhaps they are from the dodgy agents. The flight time was about 15 hours so yes, perhaps somewhat ambitious for a few nights!

No it's not. I've been to HK for 4 nts in March and saw loads, but could have easily spent 2 weeks there and not got bored.

It was a work related trip, so I don't know the true cost of things, but I only spent a fraction of the £200 spending money I took. Use the local transport and try to see Aberdeen, Repulse Bay, Stanley, and if you're a decent walker, see Big Wave Bay. A lot of tourists tend to stay in Kowloon or the north coast of the Island for the duration of their stay, but there's so much to see if you just catch a local bus round to the south side of the Island. If you do get bored of the Island, head over to Lantau.

I spent very little time in Kowloon, but enjoyed the nightlife in Soho and Lan Kwai Fong on the Island where there are loads of options for cheap street food.
Lan Kwai Fong

Read more at: http://www.hong-kong-hotels.ws/nightlife/hong-kong-island.htm?cid=ch:OTH:001
Lan Kwai Fong

http://www.hong-kong-hotels.ws/nightlife/hong-kong-island.htm

colcheslad

Thanks everyone, looks like I will have plenty to entertain me!

Maybe I'll look again at HK towards the end of the year, when I can take a bit more time.

Thanks again!