Top Free Things to Do in Hong Kong

There is no place on earth like Hong Kong. This bustling and bright city has it all (including amazing food!). While Hong Kong is a must-see destination, it’s also pricey— but it doesn’t have to be!

You can have an incredible time for cheap (and even free).

People always ask me how I make travel affordable but the secret is that it is all about knowing the local tricks. Anywhere in the world can be affordable if you just know where to look.

Want to live it up in Hong Kong without breaking the bank? Here are my tips on the top free things to do in Hong Kong.

Museum of History

When you are looking for a dose of culture on the cheap side, there is nowhere better than a museum. Many museums, including the Hong Kong Museum of History, are free.

It is the perfect place to get to know the local culture and start to understand the region on a deeper level.

Symphony of Lights

While the cityscape of Hong Kong is impressive at any time of the day or night, it is truly magical during the Symphony of Lights.

Easily one of the world’s most impressive light shows, you can check out the Symphony of Lights every night at 8 pm. It lasts for about ten minutes, and you can watch the show from either Hong Kong Island or Kowloon.

Hike Dragon’s Back Ridge

With beautiful coastal views and easy access from the city, it’s no wonder that Dragon’s Back Ridge is such a popular destination. Bamboo groves and tree tunnels line the path until you reach sunshine.

If you bring your swimsuit, at the end point, you can jump in the water and swim or surf. There are also cafes close by to refuel from the hike!

Markets

Hong Kong has so much amazing shopping, and I’m not just talking about pricey department stores and boutiques. There are so many different eclectic shopping streets. It’s fun just to browse even if you don’t bring home a souvenir.

I love spots like Cat Street for antiques. For food, stop by Chun Yeung Street or Dried Seafood Street and Tonic Food Street to try incredible grub or just to take in the heady sights and smells.

The Bird Garden is another fun place to wander around. Be sure to pack your walking shoes!

Free Walking Tours

Free walking tours are one of the best budget travel hacks. Offered in destinations all over the world, I have had so many great experiences with free walking tours.

The guides are typically locals and can give you good insights into local life and cultures. You will find tons of different options that take you all over Hong Kong. Usually, the guides work on tips, so while the tour is free, it’s customary to tip your guide.

Trek to Tai Long Wan

Tai Long Wan is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Hong Kong and is made up of rolling green hills and crystal clear water. With 4 different beaches to explore, it’s worth the trip.

Getting there is a bit of a hike but if you’d rather take it easy, you can hire a speedboat for HK$200-300. You’ll just want to be brushed up on your Cantonese phrases to help you communicate with your boat driver.

Visit the Choi Hung Basketball Court

While the name “Choi Hung” might not ring a bell, there is a good chance you have seen this famous Hong Kong basketball court in photos on Instagram or online. This picture perfect location is a must-see when you are in Hong Kong.

Since it’s a little hard to stumble upon, here’s how to find Choi Hung Estate.

Explore the Art Galleries

There are so many world-class art galleries in Hong Kong and many of them are free. You can see stunning local artists as well as renowned names from all over the globe.

The Hong Kong Museum of Art has so many incredible paintings, ceramics, calligraphy, and more. They’ve always got something new on the schedule so check out the new installations and exhibits before you go.

Tea Ceremony

There are many old-school tea houses throughout Hong Kong and some offer complimentary Chinese tea ceremonies for customers. Typically guests will sit around a wooden table and a shopkeeper will brew tea leaves while explaining the tasting process.

It’s said one of the best experiences is at LockCha Tea Shop.

Visit Chungking Mansions

On Nathan Road in Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon, you’ll find the Chungking Mansions. Far from any mansion, you have ever seen, this place is a world in itself.

This massive complex is home to 4,000 people and sees a whopping 10,000 daily visitors.

This bizarre complex is filled with everything from curry restaurants to African food stands. There is a shopping mall, a mosque, and even a guesthouse. It is right next to the Hong Kong Cultural Centre and the Museum of Art, so it’s not out of the way and is well worth the visit.

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How I Became Irish: Claiming Dual Citizenship By Descent

Claiming Irish Citizenship by Descent

Travel Tips

The Irish love to travel. So for years, whenever I met someone from Ireland during my adventures around the world, I’d proudly proclaim to them over a few beers that “I’m Irish too!”

Apparently, I learned much later, the Irish hate this. Whoops!

The United States is a country of immigrants, and most of us lack a truly long family history here. So we cling proudly to the heritage of our ancestors.

I think we’re subconsciously trying to anchor ourselves to places with more history & culture than our own young country has.

While I may not have been born in Ireland like my new drinking buddies, I was just trying to start a conversation and find a way to relate.

However now, after a bit of work, it’s official. I’m truly an Irish citizen!

How did that happen you ask? Well, I became an Irish Citizen by descent, and if you have Irish parents or grandparents, you can too.

The result is a 2nd (EU!) passport, and all the benefits that entails.

My Grandmother’s Old House in Ireland

Irish Citizenship By Descent

There’s something like 40 million people living with Irish heritage in the United States. I’m guessing many of them don’t realize they might be eligible to become Irish citizens.

From 1820 to 1860, almost 2 million Irish immigrants made their way to America looking for a better life, and this mass migration has created a unique opportunity for Americans looking to gain Irish citizenship.

While most countries allow people to claim citizenship if their parents came from the country, Ireland goes several steps further.

Under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act of 1956, people born outside Ireland can claim citizenship, if their parents were born in Ireland, but ALSO if a grandparent was born there.

So if you’re an American (or any nationality really) with an Irish grandparent, you have the right to claim Irish citizenship under this law.

This was my case. My Grandmother on my Father’s side was born in Ireland, and immigrated to New York in 1930.

The Irish Passport Application

How To Apply

If your parents are Irish, you are automatically entitled to citizenship. But if you’re applying because a grandparent came from Ireland, you have to establish proof of lineage with documentation.

I’ve covered the basics below, but for official instructions from the Irish Embassy, click here.

STEP 1: Collect Your Documents

• ORIGINAL Birth Certificate of your grandparent
• ORIGINAL Marriage Certificate of your grandparent
• ORIGINAL Death Certificate of your grandparent (if applicable)
• ORIGINAL Divorce Certificate of your grandparent (if applicable)
• ORIGINAL Birth Certificate of your parent
• ORIGINAL Marriage Certificate of your parent
• ORIGINAL Death Certificate of your parent (if applicable)
• ORIGINAL Divorce Certificate of your parent (if applicable)
• COPY of parent’s passport/ID (must be notarized)
• COPY of your passport/ID (must be notarized)
• Your ORIGINAL birth certificate
• Your ORIGINAL marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Your ORIGINAL divorce papers (if applicable)
• (3) ORIGINAL documents showing Proof of Current Residence (utility bills, bank statements, lease) You don’t need to live in Ireland.
• (2) Passport Photos (must be signed by your witness)

Collecting all these original documents requires the most work out of this entire process. You may have to track down relatives who have them, or order new ones from the proper officials.

Baptismal Certificate Workaround

For me, locating an ORIGINAL Birth Certificate for my deceased Grandmother was the most difficult part. Because she never had one!

During the early 1900’s, many children in Ireland never received official birth certificates, especially in more rural areas. Because doing so required traveling to the nearest big city.

Instead, local churches recorded births with Baptismal Certificates. My Grandmother was one of these, being born in a small coastal village to a family of fishermen.

In this instance, you can still apply for citizenship, but you must first apply for a birth certificate through the General Registrar’s Office anyway.

You’ll recieve a letter back saying they couldn’t find it.

Finally, forward this letter along with an original copy of the church baptismal certificate (with church stamp) when you send in your application and all your documents.

STEP 2: The Application

Once you have all your lineage documents ready, fill out the online citizenship application.

When finished, the application is submitted to the Irish government electronically. You’ll also get a PDF version that you must print out and sign, which will be mailed in with all those documents you collected earlier.

But you won’t mail everything in until after the next step…

STEP 3: Find A Professional Witness

You’ll need a legal witness to help you complete the whole application process. They must fill out Section E of the application, sign your passport photos, witness you sign the application, and provide their professional contact information (business card) for follow up later.

There are only a few types of people who can be your legal witness:

• Clergy/Priest
• Police Officer
• Lawyer
• Medical Doctor
• School Principal
• Judge
• Bank Manager

In my case, a police officer who’s a family friend acted as my legal witness. However your primary care physician or local bank manager should be easy to convince too. It’s not too difficult. It just can’t be a family member.

STEP 4: Mail Everything To Ireland

This can be a bit nerve-wracking. You’re going to mail a bunch of personal, sensitive, original documents overseas to Dublin.

I recommend sending everything via FedEx, with tracking, just to be safe. It’s not cheap, but you don’t want that stuff getting lost in the mail!

Don’t worry, once the whole citizenship process is complete, the Irish Government will send all those precious original documents back to you.

STEP 5: Apply For An Irish Passport

Once your Irish citizenship application is approved, you’ll eventually receive an official Irish Foreign Birth Registration in the mail.

Congratulations, you’re Irish! Go have a Guinness to celebrate!

You’ll need your new Foreign Birth Registration document to apply for an Irish Passport, which is a separate step.

The actual Irish passport application must be mailed to you from the nearest Irish consulate (you can’t download them online).

• Fill out the passport application.
• Have a legal witness watch you sign it.
• Provide 4 passport photos (2 signed by the same witness)
• Include your ORIGINAL (American) Birth Certificate
• Include your new IRISH Foreign Birth Registration
• Include a COPY of your Passport/ID
• Include (1) Proof Of Residency document (utility bills, bank statements, lease)
• Pay Application Fee via Cashiers Check or Money Order
• Mail Everything to the nearest Irish Consulate

The Pretty Irish Port Town of Cobh

How Much Did Everything Cost?

Obtain Original Documents: $150 USD (varies depending on your needs)
Citizenship Application Fee: €287 Euros ($337 USD)
FedEx Everything To Dublin: $60 USD
Irish Passport Application: $125 USD

TOTAL COST: $672 USD

How Long Did It Take?

After first applying for Irish Citizenship, I received my Foreign Birth Registration document in the mail 5 months later. This was even after I was asked to fix part of the application (it needed a more recent signature).

Most reports online say it takes 5-6 months for this step.

Once I applied for my Irish Passport, it was an additional 4 months before that showed up at my door.

So the total process from start to finish took about 9 months, not including the time needed to track down any required family documents, like original birth/death/marriage certificates.

What About Other Countries?

Ireland is not the only country with an ancestry law like this. While it may be one of the easiest 2nd citizenships to obtain — Italy, Spain, and Portugal have similar laws on the books.

So if you have grandparents from any of those countries, I’d recommend doing more research and look into the requirements. You may still have a chance of snagging an elusive and coveted EU passport!

Just keep in mind that some countries do not allow DUAL citizenship like Ireland does, meaning that while you may be able to become a citizen of another country through ancestry, you might be required to give up your American citizenship in return.

Why Get Dual Citizenship?

The Benefits Of Dual Citizenship

So why go through all this trouble to obtain a 2nd citizenship? Is having two passports even legal? These are questions I’ve been asked a few times now.

Yes, owning two passports is legal in most countries, including Ireland & the United States. However it depends on the country.

Dual citizenship has always been a dream of mine, mainly because it opens up your options. I mean, who doesn’t want more opportunities in life?

It gives you additional freedom for travel and international living.

Freedom To Live In EU

The Republic of Ireland is a member of the European Union, and under EU rules, anybody with citizenship in one country is allowed to visit, settle, and work in other EU countries, without restrictions.

Ireland has a long, peaceful history. It remained neutral during the world wars, keeps out of global politics, and is one of the most relaxed places to live, should I ever choose to move there.

It has cheap universal health care (along with other EU countries), no mandatory military service, some of the lowest corporate tax laws in Europe, a friendly population, and a beautiful countryside.

Generally I try to keep this blog free of politics. But after the election of Trump, the Brexit vote, and a rising trend of nationalism worldwide, I don’t mind admitting that it’s nice to have the option of living in the EU.

I’m not the only one taking advantage of this Irish law. There’s about 10 million non-resident Irish passport holders out there.

More people than ever are applying for Irish Citizenship too, especially after what’s been happening in the United States and the United Kingdom.

It’s Freaking Cool!

Yeah, I have two passports. Just like Jason Bourne and James Bond. How fun is that!? Where do I sign-up for my secret agent watch & Aston Martin DB5?

I’m proud of my Irish heritage too. Ireland is an amazing country, with fun traditions and a fascinating history. My family and I had a wonderful time tracing our roots in County Cork & visiting my grandmother’s old house.

As an Irish citizen, I can pass this privilege on down to my (possible future) kids one day, and they can pass it on to their kids. Who knows what our world will look like then.

Dual citizenship also helps me get one step closer to becoming a Citizen Of The World, someone who thinks & acts beyond borders. True freedom.

Travel Benefits

As a professional traveler, having the option to travel on two different passports has perks. Irish citizens get visa-free access to 175 countries, and Ireland’s passport is one of the most powerful in the world.

For example, it’s easier to visit some countries (Cuba, Iran, Bolivia) as an Irish citizen than it is as an American citizen.

Basically, dual citizenship from Ireland has some pretty unique benefits.

Many people spend years and tens of thousands of dollars trying to become EU citizens, so if you have the privileged option to do it in 9 months for under $1000, I highly recommend you take advantage of the opportunity!

You have nothing to lose, and everything to gain.

Now I just need to work on my Irish accent… Sláinte! ♧

READ MORE FROM IRELAND

Ireland’s Amazing Cliffs Of Moher
Finding My Roots In Ireland
20 Fun Things To Do In Dublin

Any questions about obtaining Irish citizenship by descent? What’s your opinion of dual citizenship? Drop me a message in the comments below!

This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.

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The Ultimate Best Friend Travel Bucket List

While traveling solo or with your significant other can be fun, there’s something about going on a trip with your best friends. From Vegas to Greece to Australia, there’s so much of the world that is better to see with your friends by your side.

Here are some of the best destinations to visit with your best friend!

Mardi Gras in New Orleans

Mardi Gras aka “Fat Tuesday” is the last day for Catholics to indulge before Lent begins. In New Orleans, this means masked balls, colorful parades, loud music, and beaded necklaces.

If you can swing it, try staying in the French Quarter or in a hotel that’s walking distance. They close down the French Quarter to vehicular traffic and taxis are few and far between.

Read More: The Beginner’s Guide to Mardi Gras in New Orleans

Hit the Beaches in Mykonos

Greece has become the ultimate hot spot for beach parties, and each year Mykonos beach bar parties get better and better. With tourists touching down every single day, it’s no wonder that world-famous DJs stop by to play.

All of the beach bars in Mykonos will give you a direct view of the Aegean Sea making it the perfect place to grab a few drinks and dance the night away.

Read More: Mykonos Beach and Party Guide

Road Trip Around Iceland

Iceland has popped up on the radar recently and for a good reason. With hiking, geothermal pools, waterfalls, and an iceberg beach, Iceland is a place like no other.

Read More:

The Ultimate Iceland Ring Road Trip Itinerary

Tips for Driving Iceland’s Ring Road

Pull an All-Nighter in Vegas

Sin City is always a good time, especially when you have your best friends with you. With clubs like Omnia, Marquee, and Tao, there’s no shortage of drinks and good music.

If you want to test your luck, there are no shortages of casinos like the ARIA, the Palms, and Bellagio. During the day, you won’t want to miss out on an epic pool party at one of the chic hotels along the strip.

Read More:

The Ultimate Girlfriend Getaway Guide to Las Vegas

Bucket List for Your First Trip to Las Vegas

Picnic at the Eiffel Tower

Stop by Motte Picquet-Grenelle and pick up some wine, bread, and cheese before heading to the Champ de Mars. There’s never a wrong time to have a panic under the Eiffel Tower but gather everyone up and go at sunset.

Not only will you be able to see a gorgeous sky but you’ll be able to catch the amazing light show!

Read More:

The Ultimate Paris Travel Guide

Five Reasons France is the Perfect Place to Picnic

Attend a Festival

Who doesn’t love music? There are many different festivals to choose from Coachella to Tomorrowland and from Ultra to ACL. Even events like The Yacht Week and Burning Man are amazing experiences to share with your bestie. What do they have in common? The sense of community you feel with your friends and strangers you meet.

Incredible music goes hand in hand with an unforgettable time, no matter which event you choose.

Read more:

The Beginners Guide to Burning Man

The Ultimate Survival Packing Guide for Burning Man

Ski Trip in Austria

Did you know that Austria has some of the best skiing in the world? Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, take a weekend to ski with your best friends.

There’s also The Ski Week in Austria, Japan, Canada, and Aspen. World class resorts, mountains and music, and making new friends while skiing makes The Ski Week an incredibly fun time.

Read more: 10 Reasons to Go on The Ski Week

Backpack Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia attracts visitors from all over the world with its lush jungles, diving, and incredibly tasty food. It truly caters to any budget.

The best part about traveling the region is the convenience. Southeast Asia has made backpacking incredibly easy!

Visit destinations like Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Singapore!

Read More: The Beginner’s Guide to Backpacking Southeast Asia

Glamp in the Pacific Northwest

Glamping means camping without the bugs, mud, and tents. Sounds perfect, right? There are many beautiful amenities in the Pacific Northwest from Oregon, Washington, and Alaska.

Whether it be a lookout tower, a yurt, a cliffside tent, or a treehouse, the options are endless. With fall right around the corner, now is the perfect time to enjoy the cooler weather and the leaves changing color.

Read More: Amazing Glamping Destinations in the USA

Go Scuba Diving

Scuba diving requires a built-in buddy system, so it’s the perfect activity for you and your bestie.

There are countless destinations to scuba dive around the world. It’s an underwater world that’s just waiting to be discovered. You can see everything from whales to sea turtles to stingrays to sharks!

Read more: Scuba Diving Tips

Be a Kid Again at Disneyland

There’s no happier place on Earth than Disneyland. Whether you grew up going or have never been before, the nostalgia of Disneyland will have you feeling like a kid again.

After a day on the Teacups or Space Mountain, indulge in some dole whip or a churro. You’ll never want to leave!

Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Disneyland with a Toddler

Visit Harakuju in Tokyo

The Harajuku neighborhood of Tokyo is renowned for its colorful street art and quirky fashion. In this neighborhood, you’ll find trendy coffee shops, small bars, vintage stores, and upmarket boutiques. With everything from photo booths to cute food to girly nail salons, it’s the perfect place for a girl’s trip.

Read more: A Quick Guide to Tokyo’s Major Districts

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Itinerary for Australia’s Great Big Outback

Australia is one of my favorite places on the planet. During one of my first big international adventures, I traveled far and wide to see the best of the land “down unda.” On my second visit to Australia a few years later, I adventured deep into the Red Center to experience the Australian Outback.

The Outback is an absolutely massive place, and it’s one that I think deserves a spot on every traveler’s bucket list. From Alice Springs to Kata Tjuta and beyond, this vast red desert is truly magical.

Ready for a trip you’ll never forget? Here’s my itinerary for Australia’s Great Big Outback.

Day 1: Alice Springs

Start your adventure in Alice Springs. You can fly there from most major airports or drive from the city.

There is a lot to do in Alice Springs so plan plenty of time to explore. Check out spots like the Kangaroo Sanctuary, Aboriginal Art Galleries, Uluru Mala walk and Alice Springs Desert Park.

It’s the second largest town in the Northern Territory, and it’s a major hub for tourism because it’s a popular gateway into the Outback.

Uluru also has some of the most epic sunsets! Don’t miss the changing colors of the red rocks as the sun descends, it’s truly magic.

Read More: Tips for Visiting Alice Springs

Day 2: Uluru and Kings Creek

There’s nothing more beautiful than watching the sun rise over the red rocks, so, start your day at Uluru for sunrise.

At Uluru, you’ll find the Aboriginal Cultural Centre which is the perfect place to learn more about the native culture. Sample the indigenous food, learn about bush medicine, and have your eyes opened to a completely different way of life.

The Valley of the Winds is the perfect place for a long walk or hike. Uluru looks completely different depending on the lighting, so I’d also suggest getting to a location from which you can watch the sunset hit the rock. (Pack a bottle of bubbles and some snacks to make the moment extra special!)

Once you’re worn out, get to Kings Creek Station to spend the night under the stars.

Optional Activities: Helicopter Ride or Quad Biking Off-Road Tour.

Read More:

Tips for Planning Your Trip to Uluru

Kata Tjuta and Hiking Valley of the Winds

Day 3: Kings Canyon

Start your day with an early hike through the gorges and valleys of Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park. If you have the time, I’d highly recommended hopping on a camel. Some tours run through Uluru, Alice Springs, through the Ilparpa Valley, the MacDonnell Ranges, and Kings Canyon.

You will find some good glamping options around the area or you can make the relatively short trip back to stay in Alice Springs where there’s a good range of everything from hostels to luxe hotels and resorts.

Read More:

Hiking King’s Canyon in Australia’s Outback

Day 4: Ghan Train and Alice Springs

One of my fave experiences in the Outback (and all of Australia!) was the Ghan Train. It’s a throwback from the golden age of rail travel, and it’s such a cool experience.

You can experience The Ghan trip from Alice Springs to Katherine, which is a two-day journey that goes through some of the best areas around Australia’s Northern Territory.

If you can make the time for it, I’d recommend checking out The Ghan Expedition. This epic journey is three days and four nights through The Bush. It will take you from coast to coast for the 1851 mile (2,979km) trip from Adelaide to Darwin.

When you opt to take the long trip, you’ll get to see the incredibly diverse landscape from the stunning red scenery of the MacDonnell Ranges down to the lush tropical region around Katherine and Darwin.

I made the trip from Alice Springs up to Darwin / Katherine. I loved it and, because the train leaves in the evening, it gave me the chance to explore more of Alice Springs.

Day 5: Katherine Gorge

After an overnight train from Alice Springs, you’ll arrive at Katherine. The train stops for approximately 4 hours, so you can explore Katherine Gorge by flat-bottomed boat, a scenic helicopter ride, or with a walk around the gorge to enjoy the views.

Day 6: Darwin / Litchfield Park (Disembark Ghan Train)

You’ll disembark the Ghan around 7 am, so head out to explore Litchfield National Park. There is so much to see! Be sure to get to Florence Falls, and the Buley Rockhole then make time for a wetland nature cruise to meet the local crocs!

Bring a bathing suit to swim at Buley Rockhole (it’s an awesome spot to laze the day away) and be sure to check out the giant termite mounds.

You can also take a jumping crocodile cruise to see the saltwater crocodiles!

Day 7: Kakadu National Park

Head to Kakadu National Park to check out the Aboriginal Art or hike down the gorge to take a dip in the pools below. There is a lot to learn about Australian Aboriginal culture here so take advantage of the opportunity.

Day 8: Gunlom Falls to Darwin

Before heading all the way to Darwin, pack your bathing suit and head to the incredible Gunlom falls. Take a short trek to the top of the falls to find more pools to swim in. From up top, you’ll find an amazing viewpoint that looks over southern Kakadu.

NOTE: Gunlom Falls is only accessible during the dry season (April to October).

Ikoymarrwa is also a perfect spot for swimming. The access road is rough and restricted, so it’s normally less crowded.

The area at the bottom of the falls is a great, peaceful spot to lounge and take in your surroundings.

Finish your trip in Darwin and explore the Top End of Australia. With a ton of history and beautiful gardens and beaches, there’s a ton to see and do!

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