Hong Kong, with its population of over 7,000,000, is the destination of choice for many tourists from around the globe. Spread over some 200 islands, even the far corners of this international gem offer amazing discoveries for the first time visitor.

The location of Hong Kong in Eastern Asia is ideal with its proximity to China and the South China Sea. Occupied by the British in 1841 and eventually leased for 99 years to Britain, the city has a very storied history. During a formal ceremony in 1997, Great Britain transferred sovereignty of Hong Kong to the People’s Republic of China. Because of all the influences that have impacted Hong Kong, it offers religious, cultural and lifestyle diversity.

The official languages of the city are English and Cantonese so visitors should have no problem communicating. Tourists can explore the vibrant city and experience the culture with the comfort of knowing that they will be able to find assistance if they need it.

Although the value of the Hong Kong dollar (HKD) against the US dollar (USD) varies, it is roughly 8 HKD to 1 USD.

Renowned for its exquisite food, great shopping and spectacular skylines; Hong Kong offers incredible photo opportunities. Make sure to bring a camera on your visit because you never know when a breathtaking vista, startling event or every day occurrence will move you to capture the memory for your photo album.

Tucked away in Hong Kong, there are small shops that exude local flavor and charm. On the other hand, there are several upscale shopping areas that rival high-end shopping districts found in cities around the globe. By far, the best shopping experience is found in the street markets that seem to have a life and culture all their own. In the markets you can bargain and haggle to your hearts content and, if your skills are good, you will leave with many a bargain.

As with buying anything, don’t dive in headfirst until you have looked around and compared prices. The shopkeepers and stall tenders are canny and can haggle with the best. Make sure not to get caught up in the moment. Set a price point in your mind and stick to it. Remember that the price you settle on is the price you pay because there is no sales tax in Hong Kong.

Getting around Hong Kong can be a daunting task for a novice. To eliminate any monetary issues, get an Octopus card. This card can be used throughout most of the public transportation system. Not only can you use it for your transportation needs but many convenience stores, vending machines and fast food restaurants are able to accept it.

Some of the key places in Hong Kong are:

- Ocean Park is an amazing place to spend a day or two exploring. It combines the rich marine life of the ocean, the wondrous world of nature, and a dazzling array of goldfish with the joy of being a child. Your admission to Ocean Park allows you free admission to Middle Kingdom which is a recreation of China’s history in miniature. In addition to being a fun thing to do, it is very educational as well.

- Lamma Island has a natural, almost unspoiled beauty and offers a unique experience to explore a way of life quite different from the hustle of the city. For a small island, it packs a powerful punch when it comes to activities and uniqueness.

- Lantau Island has expansive woodlands that take you away from the congestion for a while. There is a Buddhist monastery there that offers simple vegetarian meals if you are so inclined. A walk up the long flight of steps will take you to a 100 foot tall Buddha and incredible views.

Despite the huge population, Hong Kong has many great green spaces and a beautiful natural landscape. This can be appreciated if you take the tram up to The Peak and look out over the city. With its vibrant lifestyle, incredible beauty and eastern charm, Hong Kong should be on every traveler’s “Must See” list.

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For those of us that are conditioned to hopping into our car and driving to our destination, getting around Hong Kong can be a daunting task. Driving in Hong Kong is for those that want to spend their vacation sitting behind the wheel of a car, getting nowhere and paying through the nose for the privilege. Hong Kong has a vast and efficient public transit system once you know how it all works. For tourists, getting around Hong Kong can be overwhelming.

Car rentals, even for a small car, are extremely expensive in Hong Kong, costing upwards over $600 per day. The roads in this densely populated area are heavily congested and laid out in a complex, confusing maze, at least to the uninitiated. If by chance a driver gets to where they want to go, they are unlikely to find a parking space because of the rarity of parking spaces. In the event that renting a car is unavoidable, unlike mainland China, Hong Kong does recognize International Driving Permits and driving is on the left side of the road. Be warned that if you decide to drive to, or in, mainland china; you will need license plates from the Guangdong authorities and a Chinese issued driver’s license.

Taxis are likely the most tourist-friendly mode for travelers to get around in Hong Kong. You get the views and retain efficiency. One important thing to remember is that taxi drivers are required to change bills up to 100 Hong Kong dollars so if you need something bigger changed, make sure that you get change before getting in the taxi. There are three colors of taxis and the color indicates the areas that it serves. Red taxis are the ones to take when in doubt but red taxis cannot go to Lantau Island. Blue taxis serve Lantau Island and green taxis service the New Territories. The best news is although tips are appreciated, they are not expected however drivers will usually round up to the nearest dollar when they give change.

Buses, trams, bicycles, trains, ferries are other forms of transportation around Hong Kong. A common form of payment for a lot of the transportation is an Octopus card that is a prepaid smart card. Octopus cards can also be used at some fast food chains, most convenience stores, roadside parking, vending machines and some parking lots.

The transportation options for getting around Hong Kong are numerous and all have pros and cons. For the first few days of your visit, it is worthwhile to get to know the options that are in the vicinity of your hotel and get hotel staff to help you with instructions. It will make your visit to Hong Kong more enjoyable if your transportation needs are met efficiently.

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Not surprisingly, Disney has made a foray into Hong Kong with their theme park, Hong Kong Disneyland, in 2005. Already home to Hong Kong Ocean Park, the introduction of Disneyland gave visitors and locals a choice of entertainment.

Owned jointly by the Government of Hong Kong and The Walt Disney Company, Disneyland is located on Lantau Island and is about 30 minutes from the MTR Hong Kong station. The 310-acre resort houses Hong Kong Disneyland and two hotels.

As with the other Disneyland parks, the Hong Kong Disneyland is divided into themed areas. The park currently has four themed areas; Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Adventureland, and Main Street USA. Each area has restaurants providing quick service and snack carts. Expansion plans to expand the current park are underway which means that there is construction in areas of the park.

If you have children from 5 – 9 years old, you will find that the majority of the park is geared to that age group. Although the park is the smallest of the Disneyland parks and is not completed, you will find that you can keep young children entertained all day long with the rides and sights. The price is a bit expensive but the memories that a visit to Hong Kong Disneyland will create for you child are priceless.

Fantasyland brings the world of Disney fantasy to life. Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto are joined by Chip and Dale, Cinderella, Woody, Tigger, Dumbo and many other Disney characters. In the lush Fantasy Garden, you can have your child’s picture taken with the Disney characters. The settings and interaction with the Disney characters will solidify your child’s belief in their favorite character. With Storybook Theatre, Fantasy Gardens, the entertainment and the amazing rides will leave your child hungry for more.

The futuristic Tomorrowland offers up Space Mountain, Autaia, interactive rides will make your child a believer in the future. This area is probably more suitable for children that love Stitch and Buzz Lightyear and will not be frightened by the rides. Younger children will love the interactive Stitch Encounter show.

A riverboat cruise down a jungle river will keep your children enthralled. The jungle cruise includes scenes that will transport your child to the jungle and its inhabitants. At the end of the cruise, there is a war between the fire god and water god that will enthrall young and old alike. The cruise, entertainment at Theater in the Wild, exploring Tarzan’s Treehouse and more will give your child memories of a lifetime.

Main Street USA simulates an American town at the turn of the century. Quaint streets, day parades, vintage vehicles, and nightly fireworks will provide older children with an endless source of fun.

Within Hong Kong Disneyland there are three themed shops selling exclusive Disney keepsakes. The keepsakes include: clothing, accessories, plush toys, stationery, and a wide assortment of headwear. Your child’s love of princesses, Pooh and friends, Sorcerer Mickey & PhilHarmonic Donald should be fulfilled by the offerings.

When you decide on the length of your visit to Hong Kong Disneyland, there are two hotels from which to choose. Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel, the flagship hotel, is the place to stay if you have young children that believe in the magic of Disney characters. Featuring a spa, indoor and outdoor pool, Mickey Maze, entertainment and a lot of kid friendly activities; this hotel gets rave reviews for the amount of time children get to spend with Disney characters.

If your children are older, you might want to choose the less expensive Hollywood Hotel. The Hollywood Hotel features a piano shaped pool, vintage car displays, gardens, scavenger hunts and lots of green space. There are lots of activities to keep the children entertained but less elaborate than at the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel.

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