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Leah's mom
We are a family of 3 (as of right now). My daughter will be 2-3 years old when we go and I wanted to know how many days should we go for since it's so far away. We want to have enough time to see a lot and we don't want to feel rushed since we have a child with us.
Also, any suggestions on "clean" hotels (we normally stay in 4-5 star in the U.S.) and activities for toddlers?
Answer
Welcome to the Pearl of the Orient! Its stunning Victoria Harbour and The Peak have just been rated as Asia's No.1 skyline by a Japanese TV Station. If you do not want to feel rush with a young child, I would suggest at least staying there for a week as there's so much to see and have fun with for a family ie Disneyland, Ocean Park, The 360 Tram, The Peak, Tsimshatsui East Harbour Corridor, crossing the Star Ferry etc should all be fun for both children and adults not to mention the great varieties of shopping and sightseeing. Cleanliness shouldnt be a problem particularly for a 4-5 star hotel.
HK has rich culture and history of a perfect blend of the west and east. Walk up the Escalator which begins from Central District and goes all the way up to the mid Levels. Along the Escalator you'll come across the early English settlement near Aberdeen Street, you'll also pass by Soho, South of Hollywood Rd which gives a very distinct bar and restaurant street. Hollywood Rd is famous for selling genuine Chinese antiques.
From Causeway Bay - Central District - Tsimshatsui District - Mongkok District along the MTR (subway) route are where most of the fascinating shoppings, restaurants, night life and gorgeous harbour view lies.
If you like green, sea and nature, and are not in a rush in going to places visiting one of the outlying islands. Another beautiful mountain and sea area is Sai Kung District, there's a Seafood Street where you can handpick life seafood, have the restaurant cook them any way you like and enjoy it in front of the sea. There're many beautiful mountain trails in Hong Kong, there's one that goes all the way down to Aberdeen from the Peak. It'll take more than an hour to walk down. In Aberdeen District (you could also take a bus in Central, Causeway Bay or Wanchai Districts to get there), the boat restaurant "JUMBO" lying out in the sea is quite amusing.
Buying brand names is popular in HK since there's zero sales tax nor import tariffs, brand names are often 10% - 50% cheaper than anywhere else in the world. Street vendors or flea markets is another interesting shopping paradise, they have all sorts of products selling at knockoff prices, eg the Ladies Street, the evening Temple Street vendors in Kowloon side, Stanley Market etc. Small street shops in Mongkok and Causeway Bay Districts may give you surprises too. There're also many street vendors located in small side streets of Central District, Wan Chai District, near Johnston Road and Causeway Bay District, opposite to Sogo in the other side of the Henessy Road, that sell factory exports "left-overs". Most prices in HK are fixed, you may be able to bargain a few $ though in small shops and street vendors. You will hardly find any fakes or copies in HK as the law enforcement is rather strict.
Everywhere in HK is well connected by its efficient and timely public transportation system, the MTR (subway), big & mini buses. Cost is from under US$1 - $2 per ride. It's easiest to travel by MTR which runs pass all the central shopping and business districts, then either connect to a bus or walk to your destination. Separate fares are charged for each ride. Star Ferry that crosses the Victoria Harbour, and the Island Tram that runs from the East (Shaukeiwan District) to the West (Kennedy Town) of the HK Island are only HK$2 per ride which is a must for most tourists. If you like exploring on your own, simply follow the map, people on the streets always happy to offer directions. HK is one of the most foreigner-friendly cities on earth, plus lots of fun and excitment, visitors often find the place the most vibrant, exciting city that never sleeps, even when you get bored at 3 AM, you could go and have a delicious late snack. Convenience Stores are located in almost every corner of the main streets and are opened around the clock. The best of all, HK is extremely easy to get around being supported by affordable and well connected public transportation. Many Hongkongers are very responsive, efficient and persistent in their work that make shopping, dining or doing business a very wonderful experience. You'll also notice that Hongkongers will automatically stand by the side when walking up and down the stairs and escalators, not blocking people behind, which many Asian places are now following suit. In brief, HK is a fun place to be in, there's always so much happenings around 24/7. Check www.discoverhongkong.com and have a wonderful stay!
Welcome to the Pearl of the Orient! Its stunning Victoria Harbour and The Peak have just been rated as Asia's No.1 skyline by a Japanese TV Station. If you do not want to feel rush with a young child, I would suggest at least staying there for a week as there's so much to see and have fun with for a family ie Disneyland, Ocean Park, The 360 Tram, The Peak, Tsimshatsui East Harbour Corridor, crossing the Star Ferry etc should all be fun for both children and adults not to mention the great varieties of shopping and sightseeing. Cleanliness shouldnt be a problem particularly for a 4-5 star hotel.
HK has rich culture and history of a perfect blend of the west and east. Walk up the Escalator which begins from Central District and goes all the way up to the mid Levels. Along the Escalator you'll come across the early English settlement near Aberdeen Street, you'll also pass by Soho, South of Hollywood Rd which gives a very distinct bar and restaurant street. Hollywood Rd is famous for selling genuine Chinese antiques.
From Causeway Bay - Central District - Tsimshatsui District - Mongkok District along the MTR (subway) route are where most of the fascinating shoppings, restaurants, night life and gorgeous harbour view lies.
If you like green, sea and nature, and are not in a rush in going to places visiting one of the outlying islands. Another beautiful mountain and sea area is Sai Kung District, there's a Seafood Street where you can handpick life seafood, have the restaurant cook them any way you like and enjoy it in front of the sea. There're many beautiful mountain trails in Hong Kong, there's one that goes all the way down to Aberdeen from the Peak. It'll take more than an hour to walk down. In Aberdeen District (you could also take a bus in Central, Causeway Bay or Wanchai Districts to get there), the boat restaurant "JUMBO" lying out in the sea is quite amusing.
Buying brand names is popular in HK since there's zero sales tax nor import tariffs, brand names are often 10% - 50% cheaper than anywhere else in the world. Street vendors or flea markets is another interesting shopping paradise, they have all sorts of products selling at knockoff prices, eg the Ladies Street, the evening Temple Street vendors in Kowloon side, Stanley Market etc. Small street shops in Mongkok and Causeway Bay Districts may give you surprises too. There're also many street vendors located in small side streets of Central District, Wan Chai District, near Johnston Road and Causeway Bay District, opposite to Sogo in the other side of the Henessy Road, that sell factory exports "left-overs". Most prices in HK are fixed, you may be able to bargain a few $ though in small shops and street vendors. You will hardly find any fakes or copies in HK as the law enforcement is rather strict.
Everywhere in HK is well connected by its efficient and timely public transportation system, the MTR (subway), big & mini buses. Cost is from under US$1 - $2 per ride. It's easiest to travel by MTR which runs pass all the central shopping and business districts, then either connect to a bus or walk to your destination. Separate fares are charged for each ride. Star Ferry that crosses the Victoria Harbour, and the Island Tram that runs from the East (Shaukeiwan District) to the West (Kennedy Town) of the HK Island are only HK$2 per ride which is a must for most tourists. If you like exploring on your own, simply follow the map, people on the streets always happy to offer directions. HK is one of the most foreigner-friendly cities on earth, plus lots of fun and excitment, visitors often find the place the most vibrant, exciting city that never sleeps, even when you get bored at 3 AM, you could go and have a delicious late snack. Convenience Stores are located in almost every corner of the main streets and are opened around the clock. The best of all, HK is extremely easy to get around being supported by affordable and well connected public transportation. Many Hongkongers are very responsive, efficient and persistent in their work that make shopping, dining or doing business a very wonderful experience. You'll also notice that Hongkongers will automatically stand by the side when walking up and down the stairs and escalators, not blocking people behind, which many Asian places are now following suit. In brief, HK is a fun place to be in, there's always so much happenings around 24/7. Check www.discoverhongkong.com and have a wonderful stay!
What was your experience traveling with your baby/toddler?
Any tips from your personal experience would be great. Can you also say what age your baby was the first time you traveled with him/her & how you prefer to travel? Etc...
Also, what are some items you would recommend (or you think are absolutely necessary) for traveling with a 6 month old baby? & Do you think it would it be better to drive or take a plane or train?
Thanks :)
Answer
We have traveled by plane and car several times with our infants and toddlers. Very often we visit my parents in Toronto during the winter break, and with seven children, we have brought our fair share of small children back and forth at least once every year.
My tips are pretty common-sense and are probably things you have already considered, but here they are:
1. Bring some plastic bags that are easy to reach during the trip. Why? Because children get messy and a garbage container isn't always close by. Dirty undies, half eaten goodies, wipes, wet clothes... all these things are likely to happen with little ones and you don't want to be puzzled and grossed out while trying to put these things away.
2. Make sure you pack medication in an easy to reach place in your bag. Prescriptions meds go without saying. Things like tylenol, cough syrup, aspirin for you, a thermometer and band-aids could be your life savers. I don't always use them, but the few times I forgot to bring them were the time I needed them urgently.
3. Do not stuff your bags or trunks with toys, coloring books and movies for the children. By the end of the trip you are likely to realize that most of the stuff you carried went unnoticed and it only robbed you of space and energy by having to carry them around. Plus, some things might get lost if you bring tons of things. If your child is old enough, involves him or her in choosing which toys will come and which will wait at home. If your baby is too little, bring a blankie or something to help him or her sleep and a small trinket to keep them entertained.
We have traveled by plane and car several times with our infants and toddlers. Very often we visit my parents in Toronto during the winter break, and with seven children, we have brought our fair share of small children back and forth at least once every year.
My tips are pretty common-sense and are probably things you have already considered, but here they are:
1. Bring some plastic bags that are easy to reach during the trip. Why? Because children get messy and a garbage container isn't always close by. Dirty undies, half eaten goodies, wipes, wet clothes... all these things are likely to happen with little ones and you don't want to be puzzled and grossed out while trying to put these things away.
2. Make sure you pack medication in an easy to reach place in your bag. Prescriptions meds go without saying. Things like tylenol, cough syrup, aspirin for you, a thermometer and band-aids could be your life savers. I don't always use them, but the few times I forgot to bring them were the time I needed them urgently.
3. Do not stuff your bags or trunks with toys, coloring books and movies for the children. By the end of the trip you are likely to realize that most of the stuff you carried went unnoticed and it only robbed you of space and energy by having to carry them around. Plus, some things might get lost if you bring tons of things. If your child is old enough, involves him or her in choosing which toys will come and which will wait at home. If your baby is too little, bring a blankie or something to help him or her sleep and a small trinket to keep them entertained.
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