If you want to travel the world for a year with your partner and children, here are some things to know about getting it right:
Make Sure It’s the Right Decision
The reality of long term travel is that it isn’t always fun or easy. While there are plenty of adventures to look forward to, you should also prepare yourself for boredom, disrupted travel plans, poor weather, uncomfortable situations, and more.
This is not meant to put you off your gap year. Rather, it is meant to offer a more balanced perspective of what your year of travel may look like. This way, you can ensure that you and your family are better prepared for the experience.
Create a Plan for Homeschooling
If you are traveling with younger children, education may not be a pressing issue. However, with older children, the situation can be more complicated, especially since each state and country has its own laws on homeschooling. Check what the requirements are and make sure to abide by them to prevent your kids from falling behind. To make the job easier, try to register your children in homeschooling courses or systems. They will be able to follow professionally constructed lessons, assignments, and more.
Match the Destinations to Your Children’s Age
When traveling with children, you may not always get to be as adventurous as you like. This is especially true when moving around with infants and toddlers.
When it comes to babies, look for places with creature comforts and good healthcare in case of emergencies. You should also have constant access to safe water and food. Primary school-aged kids are a bit tougher, but you should still look for areas with proper accommodation and basic comfort.
When your kids enter their teenage years, you can head out to more remote areas or even into the wilderness. You can choose to live in RVs, and tents or travel to countries where you will find yourself off-the-beaten-path on a regular basis.
Travel With the Necessities
It’s only once you begin traveling that you realize how vastly different countries are, especially when it comes to supplies for your children. You might not be able to get the kind of baby formula or top quality car seats that you’re used to at home. Stock up on items that you can’t do without. If your children are quite young, take a car seat and stroller wherever you go as well.
Plan Activities Around Your Kids
When planning activities, it is important to balance out museum visits with fun activities for your kids. Otherwise, they will get bored and that’s not going to make a family gap year any easier. This doesn’t mean that you only have to hit up theme parks or play centers though.
Instead, focus trips around nature, animals, and activities that actively engage your kids. These trips keep them occupied but also broaden their minds and horizons. You may also want to do plenty of research before visiting larger cities. It won’t take long to see how kid-friendly a certain city might be and whether or not they have sufficient activities that would appeal to kids and a family.
A family gap year can be a great experience for everyone as long as you are prepared for what to expect. With the tips above, you can proceed knowing that you have properly thought out your decision and now understand how to move forward in the best interests of your entire family.
Welcome to Hong Kong, a vibrant city that seamlessly blends tradition and modernity, offering an abundance of fascinating attractions for travellers to explore. No matter how long you’re here for, there is plenty to see and do on your own, and in the company of others you may be on your travels with.
This comprehensive guide will take you on a virtual tour of the best and most beautiful places you can easily visit in Hong Kong. From Disneyland to Lamma Island, prepare to be captivated by the rich cultural heritage, breathtaking skyline, and stunning landscapes that await you in this bustling metropolis.
So, read on to find out the must visit spots in Hong Kong – it really is a travelers paradise!
Victoria Peak: Witness the city from new heights
Your breath will be taken away as you ascend to the summit of Victoria Peak, the highest point in Hong Kong. Offering a panoramic view of the city’s iconic skyline, this vantage point is a must-visit attraction. You can take a ride on the historic Peak Tram, which has been operating since 1888, and soak in the stunning vistas as you reach the top. Don’t forget your camera: this is the perfect spot to capture that postcard-worthy shot of Hong Kong to send to your loved ones back home.
Hong Kong Disneyland: Experience the magic
If you didn’t know, Hong Kong is one out of six destinations in the world to have their own Disney resort, and is the first resort in Asia outside of Japan. Located on Penny’s Bay, Lantau island, this theme park promises endless fun for visitors of all ages. From classic Disney characters, famous rides, and captivating shows for as little as HK$100, it is not surprising that millions of visitors line up to enter this attraction every year from all over the world. The resort is available all year round and you can purchase tickets online. There are always special offers available.
Tian Tan Buddha: Appreciate nature
Escape the bustling city and discover a place of tranquillity at the Tian Tan Buddha, also known as the Big Buddha. Located on Lantau Island, this majestic bronze statue stands at an impressive height of 112 feet, making it one of the world’s largest outdoor seated Buddha statues. Climb the 268 steps to reach the grand statue and be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and seascape. Thousands of visitors spend time reflecting and finding inner peace in this serene and spiritual setting.
Temple Street Night Market: embrace the vibrant nightlife
The perfect place to experience the energy and liveliness of Hong Kong’s nightlife is Temple Street Night Market, a bustling open-air bazaar that comes alive as the sun sets. Explore the maze of stalls selling everything from clothing and accessories to electronics and souvenirs and indulge in local street food delicacies such as stinky tofu and fish balls while enjoying lively street performances by fortune tellers and opera singers. The fun begins from 8:00PM so ensure to be there on time!
Lamma Island: Unwind in nature’s paradise
If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat while in Hong Kong, visit the urban jungle and venture to Lamma Island, a hideaway characterised by its pristine beaches and lush hiking trails. The island offers charming fishing villages, quaint shops, and delightful seafood restaurants. There are seven top hiking routes and each one rewards you with breathtaking coastal views and tranquil landscapes you won’t see anywhere else.
Wong Tai Sin Temple: Discover spiritual harmony
Delve into the rich cultural tapestry of Hong Kong at Wong Tai Sin Temple, a revered religious site that attracts locals and visitors alike. Dedicated to the Taoist deity Wong Tai Sin, this temple exudes an air of serenity and harmony. There are so many intricate architectural details to appreciate here and it is a common practice for tourists to burn incense for good fortune, and have your fortune told by a knowledgeable fortune teller. The temple’s vibrant colours and gardens create a captivating ambience that will leave a lasting impression on you to remember forever.
Hong Kong Museum of History: Learn about the past
Hong Kong is rich in history, and there is no better place to learn about it than at the Museum of History itself. This is an incredible place in which to learn about the city’s past, evolving as it did from a humble fishing village to a global metropolis. The museum offers interactive exhibits, artifacts, and multimedia displays that showcase the rich heritage and cultural diversity of Hong Kong, for free! There is no ticket price to gain entry. It is open between 10am to 6pm most days, but is closed on Tuesdays.
Ocean Park: Dive into marine wonders
Experience the ocean’s wonders at Ocean Park, a world-class marine-themed park that combines entertainment, education, and conservation. Home to a wide range of sea life, thrilling rides, and captivating shows, this park offers an incredible and memorable experience for visitors of all ages. Interact with dolphins, witness the grace of giant pandas, and embark on a thrilling journey through the ocean’s depths. From the adrenaline-pumping roller coasters to the mesmerising underwater tunnel, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Symphony of Lights: A dazzling spectacle
As night falls, prepare to be dazzled by the Symphony of Lights, a synchronised multimedia show that illuminates Hong Kong’s iconic skyline. This breathtaking spectacle involves more than 40 buildings on both sides of Victoria Harbour, creating a symphony of music, lights, and laser beams. Find a vantage point along the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade or hop on a harbour cruise to witness this mesmerising display that has well and truly earned its place in the Guinness World Records as the world’s largest permanent light and sound show.
Which Will You Visit First?
So, there you have it. Hong Kong offers a diverse range of captivating attractions that cater to every traveller’s taste. From soaring skyscrapers that are best seen via the heights of a private jet to tranquil temples and bustling markets, this city has it all. Whether you’re seeking cultural immersion, thrilling adventures, or simply a place to unwind, Hong Kong’s best and most beautiful places are waiting to be explored.
So pack your bags, embrace the city’s vibrant energy, and embark on an unforgettable journey through the wonders of Hong Kong.
The first time I traveled to Melbourne, Australia was back in 1998 as part of a student exchange program during my university years. And during the 6 months that I spent here ‘studying’, as well as dying my hair bright blue and having my eyebrows pierced, I fell in love with this city more than I ever imagined I would. Perhaps it was due to the simple fact that Melbourne was the first foreign destination that I had visited on my own, but whatever the reason, as I boarded my return flight to the US at the end of the semester, I knew that it would not be long before I revisited this city and this country.
I know that a lot of people say such things about places they visit. “I’ll be back soon” or “I’ll return one day” are common phrases for travelers to utter moments before they leave a country. I’ve uttered those very words countless times as well, and just like most people, I have not returned to most of those places.
However, when it comes to Australia, and Melbourne in particular, I did return. As I write this, I am actually in the midst of my fifth trip to this city since 1998, partly due to the fact that I’ve managed to find inexpensive flights to Australia at times over the years.
To me, Melbourne is one of those destinations where, no matter how many times I visit, I am always as excited to be here as I was the first time.
THE BOND WE SHARE
I will forever maintain a strong bond with Melbourne because of the education it offered me during that one semester abroad. However, I’m not talking about what I learned in the classroom or on the university campus at all. While I often mention that first “3-month backpacking adventure to Southeast Asia that has now turned into 11 years of travel”, I would actually never have even taken that trip had Melbourne never come into my life.
During my semester here, I found myself suddenly exposed to a wealth of new ideas, one of those being backpacking, an entire form of travel that, truthfully, I knew nothing about at the time. Combine this discovery that people of all ages were strapping backpacks to their backs and traveling the world on tight budgets, with the heavy Asian influence in Melbourne, much of which derived from cultures I again, knew nothing about, and the seed of my wandering lifestyle was unknowingly planted.
And I say ‘unknowingly’ because despite learning about the idea of backpacking to exotic Asian lands, my brain was still quite focused on my education and the career I hoped to commence once I graduated. My budding dreams of world travel were stored away in the basement of my brain as I focused on becoming the next Jerry MaGuire. (Yes, it was my goal at the time to become a big-time sports agent.)
WHAT I LOVE ABOUT MELBOURNE
So, here I am back in Melbourne and of course, I am not here this time to study at university or to dye my hair blue for that matter. So why am I here? Why did I board a flight for the several thousand mile journey to this city, just as I’ve done every 2-3 years since 1998?
Here’s a few of the reasons…
Variety Of Food
I’ll never forget my first visit when I couldn’t believe the incredible diversity of food available in this city. From Tibetan to Afghani to Ethiopian to Nepalese and Lebanese, I wanted to try it all and most of the time, I loved what I tried.
Now, each time I visit Melbourne, I typically spend the first few days visiting all of my favorite eating establishments. I happily slurp up huge bowls of Vietnamese noodle soup at Mekong (Swanston Street), dig into flavorful thalis at Flora Indian Restaurant (Flinders Street), wait an hour for a table at the Vegie Bar (Brunswick Street) for the chance to bite into any of their creative vegetarian dishes, take my time eating the perfect falafel sandwich at Half Moon Cafe (Sydney Road) and giggle in disbelief as I cover my aromatic rice with scoops of insanely delicious coconut-based curries served up at Thaila Thai (Lygon Street).
A Place To Work
Despite Australia’s notoriously poor internet connections (sorry Australians, it’s not the best), the State Library of Victoria in the heart of the city has proven to be my savior during my last few visits. Basically, it’s a free office for me to use and I love walking up the steps each morning, wandering across the large halls and finding a hidden work desk or comfy chair to settle into for a few hours. With the most reliable internet connection in the city, as well as a variety of quiet, bright rooms that each offer their own unique atmosphere, I accomplish more work during the hours I spend inside of this library than when I am working anywhere else on the planet. Knowing that I can come to the library and efficiently check things off of my never-ending list of work to be completed is something I look forward to with every visit.
The Great Outdoors
Of course, once the work is over, I’m ready to wander outside and enjoy the Melbourne summer as much as possible (except on those cold summer days that appear with more regularity than I would like to see). Luckily, I never have to walk far to find something interesting. From tiny cafe-filled alleys improbably wedged between tall office buildings, the Southbank Promenade along the Yarra River, the endless paths through the expansive and impressive Royal Botanical Gardens and the abundance of open-air markets to get lost in, there is no shortage of places to explore by foot. Often times I’ll simply jump on a tram and ride out to the edge of the city, where I can spend hours strolling through the beach community of St. Kilda, in and out of the second-hand shops, beer gardens and Middle Eastern restaurants of Sydney Road or the Vietnamese cafes and bakeries on Victoria Street.
Strong Friendships
Without a doubt, one of the main reasons I return time and time again to this city is the great group of friends I have that live here. Many of these friends are people I first met during my studies and with whom I’ve stayed in close contact, while others are people I’ve met during subsequent visits or Australian travelers I met overseas during my adventures. The result is that I now have a larger community of friends here in Melbourne than I do in any other part of the world, including anywhere in the US. And having such a network of good people to spend time with is not too common for someone who spends most of the year, every year, out on the road.
So yes, even a permanent nomad finds comfort in such a strong community of friends. In fact, I derive so much enjoyment from the interactions and gatherings that result, that I am willing to travel halfway across the world every few years in order to experience it. And this is the very reason I have now realized that Melbourne is no longer merely a travel destination to me, but more of a ‘home’ instead.
