Top 20 Things to Do in Hong Kong Central

In the heart of Hong Kong, you will find the incredible neighborhood of Central. This swanky district is a world onto itself. You could easily spend your entire time in Hong Kong just exploring this fabulous area.

Ready to fall in love? Here are my top 20 things to do in Hong Kong Central.

Luk Yu Tea House for Dim Sum: You can’t not love dim sum! The Chinese version of tapas, dim sum is the perfect way to try a wide range of dishes. My all-time fave is har gow (steamed shrimp dumplings).

Peak Tram to Victoria Peak: Also know as Mount Austin or sometimes just “The Peak,” this mountain towers over Hong Kong Island and give an unbeatable view of this stunning city. It’s so gorgeous, in fact, I’d recommend going up both during the day and at night if you have time.

It’ll give you two different perspectives on Hong Kong and going up via the Peak Tram makes it easy.

Cha Chaan Teng for Tea: Home of Hong Kong café counterculture, Cha Chaan Teng offers a dose of traditional Hong Kong with a contemporary London flair. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, get there for afternoon tea.

Go to a Wet Market: Most Hongkongers still do their shopping at small local markets. To get a glimpse into how the locals live, check out the cool Graham Street Wet Market and Kowloon City Market. Kowloon also offers a tasty selection of ready-to-eat Chinese food so come hungry.

Hong Kong Museum of Art: The world’s number one museum on social media, this is the perfect place to learn about the modern world of Hong Kong and Chinese art.

Star Ferry: For a vista that you will never forget, hop aboard the Star Ferry for a trip between Kowloon and Hong Kong. The ferries run regularly and it’s easy to find. You can see all of the details on their site.

Try the Local Cuisine: Hong Kong has some of the best food in the world. Be sure to try the wonton noodles and egg tarts!

Shop at Mong Kok Ladies’ Market: Hey, fashionistas! Get down to this market to grab something one of a kind. The Mong Kok Ladies’ Market is open every day of the year, except Chinese New Year.

The market doesn’t have formal hours since it’s up to each vendor, but generally you’ll find most stalls open from noon to 10 P.M.

Picnic in Hong Kong Park: This gorgeous urban oasis is a must-see. Plan time to wander around the Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre, lily ponds, and gardens, then bust out the picnic basket!

Ride the Historic Trams: Locally known as “ding dings” for their iconic sound, Hong Kong’s historic tramways take you back in time (and all over the city!).

Enjoy Hong Kong’s Cocktail Culture: There’s nothing like heading out for cocktail hour after a long day of exploring. Head over to Quinary, Dudells, or the NYC-inspired Please Don’t Tell at the Landmark Oriental to get off of your feet and experience authentic HK nightlife.

Spa Day: While you’re at the Landmark Mandarin Oriental, treat yourself to one of their amazing spa treatments. Or, for a traditional experience, pop into any foot massage spa after a long day of pounding the pavement.

Explore the Trendy Areas: When it comes to nightlife, there is no place like the Lan Kwai Fong neighborhood and “SoHo” (South of Hollywood Road). This area is constantly buzzing, so you can just show up there and see where the day takes you.

Street Food: The local term for street food stalls is Dai Pai Dong, and they are great for breakfast. You will find delicious options all over town, so generally you won’t have to travel out of your way to find good grub on the go.

Temple Street Night Market: Between Jordan Road and Kansu Street, you’ll find this market full of food, fortunetellers, and pretty much anything else you can imagine. The market is officially open from 2 P.M. to midnight but, like most street markets, you can’t count on those exact hours.

Aim to arrive between 4 P.M. to 10 P.M. to ensure that most stalls are open.

Splurge on a Meal: If you are ever going to treat yourself to a special meal, this is the place to do it. Lung King Heen is widely considered to be the best Cantonese restaurant in Hong Kong. And the two Michelin-star, Amber, at the Landmark Mandarin Oriental is rated amongst the best eateries in Asia.

Afternoon Tea at The Peninsula Hong Kong: This iconic local hotel redefines elegance with its ultra fancy afternoon tea. Arrive anytime from 2 to 6 P.M.

Cat Street for Antiques: On Lascar Row in Sheung Wan, you’ll get a glimpse into Hong Kong’s eclectic past. They’re usually open from 11 A.M. to 6 P.M.

A Symphony of Lights: Every night at 8 pm, you can check out this show from outside of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, at the Golden Bauhinia Square promenade in Wanchai, or from a Victoria Harbour sightseeing ferries.

Watch Fireworks for the Chinese New Year: If you are lucky enough to be in Hong Kong over Chinese New Year (which is Feb 5 in 2019), you can see the spectacular fireworks over Victoria Harbour.

Shop my looks for Hong Kong!

Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links and, at no additional cost to you, I earn a small commission if you make a purchase. That income goes to supporting this website and keeping it free for you and everyone else! As always, ideas and opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own

Read Next: Where to Find the Best Food in Hong Kong

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10 Day Itinerary for French Polynesia

Just 8 hours west of LA, I found paradise. One of the most beautiful places in the world, French Polynesia is a beach lover’s dream come true.

Made up of 100 islands in the South Pacific, French Polynesia has some of the best diving and beaches on the planet.

Ready for the ultimate tropical escape? Here is my 10-day itinerary for French Polynesia.

Three Nights in Bora Bora

This is the place that dreams are made of. If you want to have your mind blown the second, you step off the plane, start in Bora Bora.

With a gorgeous turquoise lagoon and a dramatic dormant volcano at the heart of the island, this island has it all. People typically get into French Polynesia with a flight to Tahiti.

From there, the island hopping carrier, Air Tahiti, is the go-to option.

Try to fly into Papeete overnight, then catch a morning flight to Bora Bora so you can start your day early! The properties in Bora Bora are meant for doing nothing but relaxing and treating yourself, so kick back and enjoy.

Bora Bora is a prime place for diving, snorkeling, jet skiing, and just spending every possible moment enjoying the beautiful outdoors. This place is all about the laidback island lifestyle.

You won’t find a crazy nightlife, but you will find beautiful five-star resorts all over the island. The island has a range of big-name options.

You’ll find luxe picks like Conrad Bora Bora Nui, where I recently spent five nights celebrating my 30th birthday, as well as more affordable picks like Sofitel and LeMeridien. Most of the options in Bora Bora are resorts loaded with amenities, and it’s easy to spend most of your days just living it up on private beaches.

Three Nights in Le Taha’a

For a little extra dough, you can get from Bora Bora to Le Taha’a by a 15 minute, scenic helicopter flight. This saves you about half a day at the airport and maximizes your time on the islands!

Known as Vanilla Island for its fragrant fields of this lovely smelling stuff, the luxury private island of Le Taha’a is another must-see. When I stayed at Le Taha’a Island Resort & Spa, they provided us with a boat transfer (and the scenery was incredible).

There is no airport in Taha’a, but there are a range of ferries and other chartered options if your hotel doesn’t provide a transfer.

Tip: Anytime you are island hopping, it’s important to pack light. With Air Tahiti, the maximum weight carry-on luggage weight is 5 kg (11 lbs), and you can only check one 23 kg (50 kg) piece of luggage. If you’re bringing diving gear or shopping as you go, you might hit those limits sooner than you’d think.

While you are there, be sure to check out the rich natural wonders of the island. The Vallee de la Vanille is a fascinating look into a vanilla plantation, while local pearl farms are cool places to learn and buy an ultra-local souvenirs.

This is also a great island for snorkeling so be sure to get the view from under the sea!

Two Nights in Rangiroa or Mo’orea

One of the largest atolls in the world, Rangiroa is just over an hour flight from Bora Bora. There are flights three times a week so, while you have to plan, it’s easy to organize.

Like everywhere in French Polynesia, it’s all about dazzling turquoise water and lush white sand beaches in Rangiroa. The Polynesian-French cultural fusion is one of a kind and, in addition to lazy beach days, you can take in local dances and try amazing food.

This island is all about what you can find underwater. You can snorkel or dive here, visit the blue lagoon or just take a dip in the ocean. This was one of my favorite islands because of all the unexpected adventures!

During my trip to Rangiroa, I stay in the picture perfect Hotel Kia Ora Resort. This four-star hotel is the ultimate tropical getaway. Best of all, the diving right outside of Kia Ora is world class. The Blue Lagoon is filled with stunning reefs and sharks.

From Rangiroa, you can take a direct flight to Tahiti. If you opt for the island of Mo’orea instead, you can grab a quick ferry back to Papeete if you would rather not fly.

Two Nights in Tahiti

The largest island of French Polynesia, this island is a tropical wonderland. Wander the black sand beaches, bathe in the waterfalls, and hike up extinct volcanoes. Tahiti has a natural beauty that few places on the planet can compare to.

I went on the lava tube adventure and would highly recommend it if you’re looking for something different to do. You can also pay a visit to Teahupoo to see one of the most famous surf breaks in French Polynesia.

Though you could easily spend a week lounging in the famous overwater bungalows of Tahiti, if you’re limited on time, it’s a handy spot to just spend your last day because it’s the location of the main airport.

SHOP my French Polynesia travel essentials!

READ NEXT: 10 Reasons to Visit French Polynesia

 

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Massive Discount on Luxury USA Hotels This Week

People often ask me how I can afford to travel so much, and I’ll always say that it’s all about finding a good deal. I’m forever on the lookout for insider tips on how to nab a low price or a free upgrade. When I found out that Hotwire is having a Fourth of July sale, I was all over it and wanted to share!

Here’s what you need to need to know about the Hotwire Effect XL Sale running June 26 – June 28.

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Just in time for the Fourth of July, Hotwire has crazy deals going on. We’re talking luxury four and five-star hotels for only $49 USD.

What better excuse is there to travel? Fall in love with the United States all over again on Independence Day and check out the countless events going on all over the country.

Incredible events like Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks in New York City, the National Mall Independence Day Celebration in Washington D.C.,  Navy Pier Fireworks in Chicago, and stunning firework shows are happening in every American city. The options are endless and the weather is gorgeous pretty much everywhere in the country so it’s the perfect time to get away.

You can book the Hotwire Effect XL Sale from June 26 – June 28th, and travel anytime between June 26 to July 8.

You can have your choice of the best destinations from all over the country anytime during the thirteen days around the Fourth of July. Prices are just $49 per night for the first two nights of your stay.

The cool thing about this Hotwire sale is that it covers even the priciest cities in the country. You can steal $49 per night hotel room in places like San Francisco, where the average hotel is $189, or Austin, where you’ll usually pay $179 per night.

Here are the cities included in the Hotwire Effect XL Sale:

• Austin (average price: $179 per night)
• Chicago (average price: $169 per night)
• Los Angeles (average price: $179 per night)
• Miami (average price: $139 per night)
• New York (average price: $167 per night)
• Orlando (average price: $140 per night)
• San Francisco (average price: $189 per night)
• Washington D.C. (average price: $133 per night)

So, where are you going to go? Even if you aren’t ready for a trip out of town, the Hotwire deals are your excuse for a staycation! I’m a huge proponent of playing tourist in your own city. It gives you the chance to see your hometown in a new light and fall in love with it all over again.

Get 4+ Star Hot Rate® HotelsFOR ONLY $49 in top US cities with The Hotwire Effect XL Sale! Book by 6/28 or while supplies last.

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Fourth of July Travel Tips

While the Fourth of July is the perfect time to get away, it can also be a crazy time to travel. It is one of the biggest travel days of the year.

44.2 million people travel for Independence Day and the roads, airports, and tourist destinations of the country can get packed. Here’s how to deal…

Use Google Maps: Traffic gets intense over the Fourth of July. Use Google Map’s traffic feature to spot traffic jams before you get on the road.

Stay Safe: More people die on the roads on the Fourth of July than any other day of the year. It’s a scary stat, and a reason to use extra caution.

Stay alert when you’re driving and never, ever get behind the wheel after drinking.

Organize Your Schedule: Try to avoid the craziest times. People often leave for a long weekend over the Fourth of July so the roads and airports are especially busy on Sunday afternoon and evening when everyone is heading home.

Of course, on the big day, everything gets crazy around 10 pm to midnight when the fireworks are ending. Try to organize off-peak travel times!

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Read Next: Top Summer Weekend Getaways in the USA

 

This post was written in partnership with Hotwire. As always, thoughts and opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

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The Perfect Travel Bags by Lo & Sons

Over the past six years, I’ve tried out a lot of camera bags, crossbody bags, totes and weekenders along my travels, and a lot of those didn’t stand up to constant travel and heavy use. But, if you’ve followed my adventures, you’ll know that there are a few bags I’ve been rocking consistently over the past few years– and those are my Lo & Sons bags!

I ALWAYS pack the Lo & Sons Claremont (yes, I have it in a few colors) because it is my go-to day bag and a high-quality leather camera bag all in one. If I’m going away for the weekend, I take my Catalina Deluxe Weekender bag because it fits everything I need for a getaway; and I rock the Pearl Crossbody on days when I’m leaving my camera at home, which can also double as a clutch for a night out.

I just finished my most recent California coast road trip last month, and I took all my favorite travel bags along.

Check out my favorite travel bags + road trip packing inspiration below!

The Claremont in Sienna

 

The Pearl in Sienna

The Catalina Deluxe Weekender in Dusty Rose

The Catalina Deluxe Weekender in Dusty Rose

The Pearl in Sienna

The Pearl Convertible Crossbody Bag

For the perfect everyday travel bag, I opt for The Pearl — it’s a convertible leather crossbody bag and clutch by Lo & Sons. It’s buttery leather exterior adds a stylish and luxurious touch to any outfit and is perfect for transitioning from a day of exploring to a clutch for a night out.

It also features padded zipper compartment for protecting sunglasses or a smartphone and has tons of pockets for your essentials.

• Fits All the Essentials
• Multiple Zippered Pockets Keeps You Organized + Items Secure While Traveling
• Convertible Strap
• Premium Materials

 

The Claremont Crossbody Bag

I never leave home without my camera so it’s important for me to store my camera in a discrete but practical bag, rather than wearing it around my neck so I don’t stick out as a tourist and don’t become a target for theft.

The Lo & Sons Claremont Crossbody Bag is the ultimate blend of style & versatility, while still being perfectly practical. The leather exterior ensures durability and the padded interior protects my camera while I’m out exploring. Plus, I can fit my camera, an extra lens, batteries, a wallet, a phone, and a few other essentials all at once.

• Designed for DSLR Cameras
• High-Quality Materials (I’ve used mine heavily for three years!)
• It’s Discrete + Doesn’t Look Like a Camera Bag
• Thoughtful Features

 

The Catalina Deluxe Weekender

This weekender bag from Lo & Sons is my go-to for short trips, and longer trips as a carry-on bag. It’s made of sturdy, lightweight canvas and comes in adorable colors! I’m a big fan of the Organic Canvas and Dusty Rose colors.

There are two sizes of the Catalina Deluxe weekender, small and large, and it is easy to throw in the wash and fold away once you’re home from your dreamy vacation. With the lower zipper compartment, perfect for shoes, I always surprise myself how much I can fit into this bag!

• Fits Enough for a 1 Week Trip
• Lower Compartment for Shoes + Extra Organization
• Sturdy Canvas
• Pass Through Sleeve That Secures Your Bag to a Suitcase
• Different Size + Color Options

Packing for a 1-Week Road Trip

I’ve put together my packing list for a one week summer road trip, including the perfect travel bags, here for you! Watch below.

EMBED VIDEO

Read Next: The Best Carry-On Luggage, Totes and Travel Backpacks

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Tips for Visiting the Great Blue Hole in Belize

Few places in the world can compare to the Great Blue Hole in Belize. Easily one of the most beautiful places in the world, this submarine sinkhole in the Caribbean is a World Heritage Site of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization.

Of course, for me, it’s all about the diving here. The Great Blue Hole in Belize has incredible natural beauty that makes it one of best scuba diving sites on the planet.

Ready to fall in love with this natural wonder? Here are my essential tips for visiting the Great Blue Hole in Belize.

See It from Above

Part of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, you can’t miss the opportunity to see the Great Blue Hole from above. I took a small charter plane over this natural wonder and it was jaw droppingly beautiful.

Getting up in the air will give you perfect photo ops and a view you’ll never forget. There are a range of options that will take you over the top.

You can book before you get there or just pick on arrival. You will find numerous local companies that offer helicopter and small plane trips taking off from different destinations (Belize City is a popular departure point).

They are pricey but well worth it for this once in a lifetime opportunity.

Tips for Diving and Snorkeling the Great Blue Hole

I explored the area while staying at the Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort, which is an award-winning eco resort that is dedicated to sustainability and aiding the local environment.

This 5-Star PADI Resort took me around to dive at the all of the best spots. I got the chance to dive the Great Blue Hole, Glover’s Reef Atoll, Turneffe Islands Atoll, the Elbow, Lighthouse Reef Atoll, Half Moon Caye, and other amazing dive sites.

While I’d recommend diving at the Great Blue Hole, it’s not the only way to experience it. You can also have an amazing time snorkeling!

Of course, if you are a diver, the Great Blue Hole is a dream destination. No matter how you experience it, it’s good to know that there isn’t a whole lot to see down below– especially as a snorkeler. There isn’t much marine life or coral. The magic of this site is the amazing underwater stalactites, indicating that they were once above water!

You’ll have do a deep dive here to reach the dramatic stalactites, as they don’t start until about 130ft below sea level.

While the Great Blue Hole is a deep dive and you’ll need your Advanced PADI Certification to complete it, it doesn’t have to be intimidating. Ultimately, it’s all about finding a dive company that you are comfortable with and having a good dive partner.

The Lighthouse Reef surrounding the Blue Hole is dense with coral and marine life and, in my opinion, is the unexpected highlight of a trip to the Great Blue Hole in Belize.

Because of its amazing reefs and natural beauty, Belize as a whole is one of my favorite diving destinations on the planet!

SHOP my favorite Belize-inspired styles!

Read Next: 20 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Belize

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Affordable Veneers in Cape Town

The first thing I noticed about my boyfriend, Meyer, was his open personality and friendly smile. However, as we became closer and I got to know more about him, he confided in me about how he has always been self-conscience about his teeth.

Many of you may not know this, but Meyer has a history of playing professional rugby. Rugby includes extreme physical contact that causes extreme grinding, chipping and even loss of teeth.

While Meyer had not lost any teeth (thankfully) during his sporting career, his teeth had felt the damage through the grinding and chipping. This is something that severely impacted his self-confidence, not only around family and friends but due to his current client-based real estate career.

Once I found out how big of an issue this was for him, I decided to do some research on veneers and other cosmetic dental surgery options before his visit to the States. It was important for me to have him smile confidently in photos, regain his self-confidence and, more importantly, for him love his smile!

Here’s a little more about his experience getting affordable veneers in Cape Town!

Learning About Cosmetic Dental Procedures

You can only imagine my shock when I found out that even ordinary veneer procedures for a single tooth in California is between $1000-$2000 (quite extreme in my opinion). Most medical plans do not cover cosmetic surgery and most dentists recommend getting at least the first front facing 8 teeth at once.

All of this considered, it really doesn’t seem like an easily accessible option for something that can be so necessary– not only for aesthetic, but general dental health reasons.

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AFTER

Cosmetic Dental Procedure in Cape Town

Not wanting Meyer to spend a small fortune on veneers, we decided to do some research into cosmetic dental surgery in his hometown of Cape Town, South Africa.

The beautiful city of Cape Town is renowned in the medical world for being the first to have success in heart transplant surgery. However, what most people do not know is that Cape Town has some of the most talented and educated dentists specializing in dental veneers and many other cosmetic surgeries.

After extensive research, we were referred to Dr. JJ Serfotein who runs a premier dental practice for Cosmetic Dentistry in the vibrant area of Gardens, Cape Town. We were highly impressed with the consultations and service we received by not only Dr. Serfotein but his entire team from the get-go!

They were incredibly professional and helpful and made sure that we understood every step of the procedure even before he got started.

BEFORE




AFTER

According to JJ’s expertise, Meyer’s teeth and mouth were suffering from severe wear and tear which is a common condition that affects people of all ages. Of course, in Meyer’s case, it was fueled by a condition called Bruxism (teeth grinding) and trauma due to his rugby career.

Many people are under the impression that veneers are still done using outdated technologies like porcelain and metal crowns, which can be incredibly invasive, and can cause root canals and tooth loss in the future. Dr Serfotein and his team use a ceramic called Lithium Disilicate (“Emax”) that is far superior in strength to porcelain.

This leads to much less tooth structure sacrifice and, ultimately, the preservation and protection of the already fragile remaining tooth structures.

BEFORE




AFTER

Furthermore, they took note of the worn-down lengths of his teeth and built them up to their ideal lengths to perform better, which relieves stress from the muscles, ligaments and joints.

All of the above procedures were done using state of the art technology that included CAD/CAM, 3D printing, 3D x-rays, 3D scanning, laser technology and x-rays. Due to their complete digital workflow from start to finish to create precision, predictability and reproducibility, we were able to be a part of the process from start to finish.

To put the above into context, Meyer not only received an aesthetic uplift, but he got veneers that restored the biology and function of his teeth as well! His experience taught us both the importance of healthier teeth (the beautiful aesthetics that came with are just a fantastic bonus for him).

Turn Your Dental Surgery Into a Traveling Adventure

From Dr. JJ, we found that many people from London and other parts of Europe fly down to Cape Town specifically for this fantastic dental veneer procedure and, in addition, score an amazing holiday! This is an opportunity that I feel many Americans might not have considered.

Considering the current dollar/rand exchange rate, it’s a even more enticing opportunity. Plus, in Cape Town, you could be getting your cosmetic surgery done by the BEST in the game and only paying about R8,000.00 – R11,000.00 ($590-$800) per tooth, which is a considerable discount compared to standard procedures done in the States.

Every time I look at before and after photos of Meyer’s teeth, not to mention the way his confidence has skyrocketed, I believe that this is one of the best investments one can make concerning the health of your teeth!

Thank you to Dr. Serfotein for this service. As always, the thoughts and opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

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