First Time Travelling Alone Overseas Tips

Doggiie on 27/04/2018 - 18:48

I am having my first time travelling alone to Hong Kong and hope there are general travelling tips as well as specific ones for Hong Kong?

I am not well travelled so there is surely some common sense that I am missing, so I am a little worried. In fact, I do have a bit of anxiety going alone, and hope to be there mentally prepared to make the most of my holiday.

The only time I've ever been overseas was with parents a very long time ago, and back then it was just follow parents without direction. Now I can do whatever I want, but choices is hard!

What people have said to me so far:

  • Food, food, and more food
  • Lan Kwai Fong
  • Mongkok for street food
  • Victoria Peak
  • Big Buddha
  • Get an Octopus card
  • HK is not as dangerous as other Asian countries, but still be on your guard
Travel

Comments

  • retiredfeline on 27/04/2018 - 18:56

    Just relax it'll will be fine and you may get hooked on traveling.

    Walk a lot, it's a good way to see street life.

    Be ready to adapt plans. If there is something you find enjoyable just do more of it and don't worry about trying to do everything. You can always go again, at your age.

    Smile at people, most are helpful to visitors. Having said that expect HK people to be a bit curt as they have busy lives. Don't take it personally.

    • jjjaar on 28/04/2018 - 09:10

      I agree with walking because you see so much more than taking underground trains… but in Hong Kong, take the double decker trams and sit up top! Definitely a fun ride. Video a time lapse of it too, it comes out amazing.

  • PissLUR on 27/04/2018 - 19:10

    2 essential cards - ING and Citibank Plus cards.

  • bobbified on 27/04/2018 - 19:16
    +7

    I've travelled frequently over the years and no matter what, I always observe this one rule:

    Always, always, always be respectful to others, try to observe the local customs and smile!

    Some idiots from here travel abroad and try to act like they own the place - then they wonder why everyone hates them.

    HK is quite good and there's not much to worry about as a first timer.

    • Zedsdeadbabyzedsdead on 27/04/2018 - 19:33

      Well said. Also worth learning a few basic words. Natives prefer travellers that make an effort.

    • cockneylondoner on 27/04/2018 - 20:17
      +2

      If you work on the generic term of 'When in Rome do as the Romans do, not as an Aussie does' and you'll not go far wrong.

      • [Deactivated] on 28/04/2018 - 10:08

        Just as when doing what Australians do when in Australia, not as a pommie does and you'll not go far wrong here either.

        • cockneylondoner on 29/04/2018 - 06:19
          -1

          Thank you for your advice but I've found that in visiting Australia one should study the culture but not lower one's standards to match it.

        • [Deactivated] on 29/04/2018 - 15:18

          @cockneylondoner:

          Then you will find coming to Australia will only ever be a visit… :)

        • cockneylondoner on 29/04/2018 - 17:49
          -2

          @Warier:

          At the risk of stating the obvious, this post is asking for suggestions about their proposed visit to Hong Kong as a solo traveler and reading the replies I found them to be informative and helpful having been there whilst toing and froing between the UK and Australia on a regular basis for more than a decade. I fail to see how you can be confused between someone traveling beyond Australian shores and someone visiting Australia whilst using a derogatory term in an attempt to appear intelligent. Nothing would ever persuade me to even contemplate living in Australia, the third most expensive country in the world, even if I were paid.

          Having witnessed the continual racist remarks by most Australian citizens, especially against people of Far Eastern extraction and more so those from China, and bearing in mind that Hong Kong is part of China, my original posting was a suggestion that whilst racist remarks and Australian attitudes may be tolerated within Australia the same won't apply elsewhere.

        • Sweet3st on 29/04/2018 - 19:38

          @cockneylondoner: 'the third most expensive country in the world' says who? not saying it's not expensive… London still more so. I guess you're looking forward to getting back!

        • cockneylondoner on 29/04/2018 - 23:11
          -2

          @Sweet3st:

          Kochie on Sunrise around 2 weeks ago. He said that Australia was the third most expensive country in the world after Japan and New Zealand. I know the geezer is a bit of a prat and sometimes should be very careful what he says on air (like Sam Armytage should) but that's what he said and I couldn't find any Aussie who would dispute that.
          Surprisingly, you would find that, generally, the UK is a lot cheaper than Australia if you had actually done your homework before making incorrect statements.
          If it wasn't for the severe restrictions your government puts on the movement of certain sections of the Australian population, and upon those from other countries who might consider migrating to Australia, then it wouldn't be necessary for me to keep visiting the country, which I find backward in so many ways.

        • [Deactivated] on 29/04/2018 - 23:56

          @cockneylondoner:

          Which is worse racism or British invasion and destruction of indigenous peoples of the world?

        • [Deactivated] on 30/04/2018 - 00:06

          @cockneylondoner:

          And the only thing backward in Australia are the archaic statues of your Captain Cook and other British colonialist figures left over from the horrendous British invasion and mass genocide that occurred some 200 years ago…

        • Sweet3st on 30/04/2018 - 10:16
          +1

          @cockneylondoner: I wouldn't regard Kochie on Sunrise an authoritative source! Please do some homework yourself!

        • cockneylondoner on 30/04/2018 - 16:11
          -2

          @Sweet3st:

          You may have a point but it's fair to assume that when a television presenter makes a statement on air that what they say is factually correct and doesn't need further investigation, else make an apology for the inaccuracy, but your Channel 7 isn't very good at checking facts or making an apology but instead chooses to cover up things, even to the extent of running pre-recorded background footage to cover up a demonstration against them!
          Actually, it's of little interest to me where Australia ranks in the table of prices (luckily I don't live there) but I conclude from the last sentence of your reply that you may have accurate information that disproves Kochies statement that perhaps you might care to share with me - lol

        • cockneylondoner on 30/04/2018 - 17:44
          -2

          @Warier:

          Are you really an idiot?

        • [Deactivated] on 01/05/2018 - 06:55

          Yes, it becomes difficult continuing to pretend to be the victim doesn't it when history exposes who the true villain is.

          And I just wonder, Hong Kong, which was invaded and segregated from China by the British as they continued on with their genocidal massacres, are the residents there allowed to utter any derogatory words against their former colonial rulers or would another massacre ensue because derogatory words shall not be tolerated?

          https://www.telesurtv.net/english/multimedia/Great-Britains-…

  • Blottski on 27/04/2018 - 19:20
    +1

    Some common sense stuff (but stuff I always do when I travel alone - which is often for work)

    never put anything (phone/wallet) in your back pocket in crowded area. always front pocket.

    if you take a taxi and pay by card, always check you have your card before you leave the taxi (did this in London at 3am in the morning - took another cab afterwards to the airport, didn't have a way to pay - highly embarrassing)

    always take 2 forms of payment (2 cards etc) leave one in the safe of your hotel in case you lose the other. (never did this until what happened above with the taxi)

    always put valuables (esp passport) in the safe in the hotel (don't just leave them in your luggage in the room thinking they'll be safe - Hotel room cleaners can't be trusted)

    Always lock your door of your hotel when you are asleep. You'd be surprised how many people don't/forget.

    what was said above: Don't be a loudmouth jerk in other countries (esp if you've had a few drinks). Be respectful but also don't be a sucker. Be street smart.

    • Eeples on 28/04/2018 - 09:29
      +1

      Most, if not nearly all, hotel cleaners, in my experience can be trusted.

      But, common sense says of course use the safe.

  • GourmetFoodie on 27/04/2018 - 19:36

    At a high level you will be fine as HK is as westernised as Asia gets.

    From a pure safety perspective you just have to be on your guard a bit more when traveling alone. Especially if you're a woman, but males are the target of scams, violence etc too.

    Some helpful rules I would follow after ignoring some of them in the past and almost paying the price one time which I escaped by the skin of my teeth.

    1. Don't get drunk and watch your drinks at all time.
    2. Treat everyone as a stranger you might meet on the street back home. It's easy to let your guard down when traveling and be more trusting - especially if you're feeling lonely or lost. So think twice. Don't go back to a strangers house. Don't allow yourself to be alone in an isolated spot with a stranger. Don't drink with strangers. Etc etc.
    3. Respect and obey local customs and rules. Even minor stuff. It's not the time to jay walk etc.
    4. Keep money options in multiple locations so if one card gets stolen, you have another back at the hotel.
    5. Listen to your instincts e.g. If someone stands too close on public transport, yes, they are probably trying to pickpocket you.
    6. Pay attention to your surroundings at all times. Be alert and aware. You will be amazed how many dodgy situations you can avoid by just walking down another street instead of the one you originally intended.
    7. Ask your hotel which areas on a map you should avoid or be careful in.
    8. Use google maps on you phone and put ear plugs in so it's telling you voice directions and you're not obviously staring at a map,
  • Donaldhump on 27/04/2018 - 19:43

    Chill, you will be fine….just go with the flow. hk will be pretty safe and easy, as long u don' t look for trouble.

    I personally keep all my id n cash/cards on my at all times in deep pockets and with my hands in them when on transport. If hotel has a safe could leave there but at ur risk . Most of the human race no matter where in the world are helpful

    I sometimes keep my wallet in my jocks, no one is gonna steel that and we'll makes look hung too.

  • myusername on 27/04/2018 - 19:54
    +2

    Lan kwai fong is for drunk foreigners, no real local culture there just drunk gweilos

    HK is safe as house have been there 7 times.

    try Kowloon peak or Lion rock for a real decent view of hong kong

    sneaker street in Mongkok near ladies market for shoes.

    make sure you get an octopus card, load it up with cash and you can use it to at heaps of places.

    travelling alone is like sex the first time, you're nervous but once you do it you want to do it more.

    i only travel alone, have been travelling through asia for the past 7 years solo and loved every minute of it.

  • [Deactivated] on 27/04/2018 - 19:59

    I enjoyed walking around Soho and Hollywood road. For genuine souvenirs, art and other trendy stuff. Great place to eat and grab a drink.

    HK skyline is a big attraction. Go to a bar in a skyscraper and enjoy a drink while viewing the nightly light show over the harbour.

    Get your fill of dumplings and Tsingtao.

    As a solo female traveller I didn’t feel the need to be ‘on my guard’ or take any additional precautions. The place is always teeming with people and feels safe. The main thing you need to look out for is the masses of pedestrians whose eyes are glued to their phones.

  • Cheaplikethebird on 27/04/2018 - 20:18

    Stay in backpacker hostels, hang out in the common areas, meet new people.

  • sraymond on 27/04/2018 - 20:35

    Try a few coffee shops until you find a good one. Stay out of Starbucks. Then start the day off at a pastry shop or get into the egg waffles. Hong Kong Park has the best bird avairy. Plus you have to take a ride on the tram up to the peak. If you want some good jade pieces go to Temple St markets early in the morning and just haggle them savagely.

  • rambutann on 27/04/2018 - 20:36

    As above, HK is safe as.

    You'll feel safer their than most Australian cities.

    You could go check out Macau for the day - Its fairly interesting with its Portuguese influence.. And its Las Vegas-like area…

    Also, if you do feel like checking out the largest tech manufacturing city in China then catch the train to Shenzhen for a day or two. I don't believe you need a Chinese visa to go there, I think you can get a Shenzhen specific visa for like $30-ish. Haven't been to Shenzhen, but i have been to various other chinese cities. If you're spending more than 5 days in Hong Kong you may run out of things to do.

  • nandystam on 27/04/2018 - 20:52
    +1

    Take the ferry to Macau. No visa needed for AU passport holders. Go see the historical area or the Cotai Strip for Asia's answer to Las Vegas.

    Check out the cooked food centres for decent food at good prices. Probably slightly above street food pricing but below most restaurants. The name slips me but the infamous Squid Ink pasta can be had at one of the cooked food centres in North Point.

    Other tip. Take a pen and fill out the immigration card on the plane. Invariably there's hordes of people filling them out at whatever airport when they land, so plan ahead and beat as much of the immigration queue as you can.

  • altomic on 27/04/2018 - 21:21
    +1

    put your money in a wallet and put the wallet in your pocket.

    don't staple your money to the outside of your clothes.

    also check out the night markets - e.g. Ladies market.

    take the hop-on/hop-off bus.

    catch a random domestic bus and just travel around checking whereever it goes (I really enjoyed doing that in HK)

  • ozb10 on 27/04/2018 - 21:56
    +1

    I would recommend keeping a hard photocopy of your passport (in addition to a soft copy on your phone) and another bank/credit card in a separate bag, just in case your handbag is lost or stolen.

    Could also consider turning on the location sharing or tracking for your mobile phone and share with your family.

    For sightseeing, I would recommend you to take the tram on Hong Kong Island, I very much enjoyed it few years ago, at a cost of less than AUD$1..

  • itsdougie on 27/04/2018 - 21:57

    I'll come with you and you will no longer be alone

  • Doggiie on 27/04/2018 - 22:20
    +1

    Should I get an international SIM or just buy one over there for data?

    • kingmw on 27/04/2018 - 23:13

      Get one over there. Way cheaper, can do local calls if required and most plans have unlimited data (but are capped at 3-5 gigs which technically is not unlimited..)

    • myusername on 28/04/2018 - 10:38

      chinamobile at the airport it's a few bucks for unlimited data

  • sraymond on 27/04/2018 - 22:43

    Depends who your carrier is here. Vodafone is only five bucks a day. Most others are ten. Some motels provide a mobile for free.

  • Findo on 28/04/2018 - 00:03
    +2

    Don’t forget to say ‘diu lei’ nicely to everyone you meet, the locals love it when you make an effort to say hello in their language.

    Make sure you have pocket tissue packs on hand. They’re dirt cheap in HK, most public toilets and cheaper restaurants do not supply toilet paper or serviettes.

    • rgr on 28/04/2018 - 07:12

      Don’t forget to say ‘diu lei’ nicely to everyone you meet, the locals love it when you make an effort to say hello in their language.

      LMAO

      • myusername on 28/04/2018 - 10:39

        otherwise op may encounter "gwai lo wai" lololol

  • Eeples on 28/04/2018 - 09:40

    1. If you can’t afford travel insurance you can’t afford to travel

    2. Give someone at home a copy of your travel insurance, hotel info, itinerary.

    3. Get a local SIM card for data. Use messenger or whatsap to keep in contact with Australia. Use google maps when out walking.

    4. Eat at busy eating places…. queue if you have to… there is a reason why some eating places are busy. (Most likely this will stop you getting sick too).

    5. Give your seat up for old ppl. Insist.

    6. Go out early in the morning, go back to the hotel during the heat of the day for a nap, go out again late afternoon/evening.

    7. Have fun.

    EDIT:
    8. And as a previous poster said: take toilet paper with you.

  • Sweet3st on 28/04/2018 - 10:38

    Hong Kong is very safe, but busy. What did we do before Google Maps??? Subway very efficient but trams are more fun. I suggest checking out the night (horse) races at Happy Valley. Costs a couple of HK$ entry (use your Octopus card), fun atmosphere, people are very friendly. Ferry trip out to one of the islands also nice.

  • Dont Care on 29/04/2018 - 19:09

    If someone asks you to take back a bag of headphones, Don't.

    • try2bhelpful on 30/04/2018 - 21:31

      This is a bit of a joke but it has an undercurrent of truth. Don’t do anyone a favour that sounds dodgy and watch your drink when you are out Listen to your spidy senses.

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