Exotic but Not Expensive

Traveling should be pleasurable, memorable, enjoyable and exotic, but it could be very expensive as well. That shouldn’t be the case, lets you travel the exotic thrill yet not expensive.

Recently the dollar just dropped a little compared to the euro and pound sterling, yet travelling to Western Europe's capitals still is still very expensive. If $100 taxi rides and $50 lunches aren't your thing, head to a country where your dollars will go a long way. So to avoid scams here are some of the best deals on the planet right now, places that are easy for travelers and easy on the wallet.

Westhill Consulting Travel and Tours, Singapore provides you the following travel destination that exotic for adventurous travelers but cheap and inexpensive.

Peru

You will never go wrong with Machu Picchu, it is worth a journey. This is just some of the value-packed benefits of traveling in the country. Inca ruins could be seen all around the Sacred Valley while in South America, Cuzco is considered to be one of the most beautiful cities. If you are a fan of hiking, you can do it in the Andes. Admire the colonial architecture on the streets of Arequipa. You can do trips through the Amazon, boating across the highest lake in the world, and flying over the strange geoglyphs, the Nazca lines.

Indonesia

This Southeast Asian nation is one of the most varied and attractive destinations in the world. Experience the long string of volcanic islands and a range of topography and culture. There is Bali, Jakarta, Java and more! What’s more is it is also one of the world's best bargains of cheapest hotels going for $5 a night not to mention it is often right beside great snorkeling spots.  Even in Bali, the most developed island, you can find plenty of deals. On the other hand Java, Sumatra, and Sulawesi is trouble-free to branch out like an intrepid explorer or get pampered on the cheap in the most popular spots.

Czech Republic

In much of Europe, prices in the big cities are frequently twofold what you find in the countryside. This is particularly true in Eastern European countries like the Czech Republic, where vacationers on quick weekend breaks have driven up hotel and restaurant prices in Prague. However, in the smaller towns and cities, the country is one of Europe's remaining great values. It's an charming destination where you find castles on a hill, how about the world's best beer for a dollar in a pub, and winding cobblestone streets without crowds.

Warning! Travelling could be very tiring, exhausting and costly, but the above information is best for travelers with big expectations with a tight budget!

Black Sand Beaches Around The World

Black is beautiful and these black sand beaches from around the world show how true this saying is.

This Black Sand Beach, Lost Coast, California is so well-known for its black sand beach lies pristine and relatively untouched. It is 4,000 feet below the surrounding mountains of California. The remote beach is hard to reach and very hard to get in, the only way to get there is the small mountain roads. Camping as well as hiking are the two big things in this area. This is a perfect place to connect with nature.

You may have just found your new favorite beach in the world in Perissa, Santorini, Greece. With its crystal clear water and its smooth but devilishly hot sand you are sure to enjoy your getaway. It is known as one of the Greece’s best beaches and is protected by Mesa Vouno and the ruins of the ancient Spartan city Thera to the north. Enjoy a picture perfect scenic of the stark contrast between the black sand beach and the white buildings.Every tourist must experience the 3 kilometer hike to Mesa Vouno at dawn to take in a sunrise fit for the Gods, if not, your visit would be incomplete.

Aside from the beauty of nature in Bali and the beauty of the city in Jakarta, there is the Black Sand Dive Retrest is a small 6-bungalow quality dive resort located on a sheltered bay in a natural setting on Lembeh Strait, Indonesia’s Exotic Critter Capital. The resort focuses on personalized service both above and below the water, offering an exceptional dive holiday experience in "The Mecca of Muck Diving" Lembeh Strait for our discerning guests. Visiting divers have very limited holiday time and staying here will worth every minute of the vacation. It is the incredible diving that draws visitors to Lembeh Strait.

Vík Beach, Iceland is situatedat the southernmost point of Iceland. This is definitely one of the prettiest black sand beaches in the world. This stretch of black basalt sand is one of the wettest places in Iceland, getting about 90 inches of rain a year and is surrounded by volcanoes and glaciers – which if you ask us, makes for one heck of a unique destination.

Punaluu Beach, Hawaiiis to be found on the Big Island. It is actually a result of lava that’s flowed to the ocean and cooled, creating a beautiful, but rocky beach. Be wary for sun-bathing Hawksbill and Green turtles, you’re on their turf after all. Be sure to stay at least 15 feet away from these endangered creatures otherwise the beach patrol might cut your visit short. Oh, and taking some of that stunning sand home with you as a memento isn’t allowed either.

Travelling and having a vacation can sometimes be overwhelming and stressful. To avoid this kind of problem, make a research beforehand. How often is it that people became a victim of scam of false advertisements? Westhill Consulting Travel and Tours, Singapore provides advice and tips as warning for travelers.

Cambodia On An Asian Cruise

Southeast Asia is a great destination for a cruise, Jakarta, Indonesia, KL, Malaysia, Beijing China, Singapore and much more, but if want to wander away from the beaten path on an Asian cruise vacation, consider booking a trip that calls in beautiful and exciting Angkor Wat, Cambodia. You will experience  many of Cambodia's ancient temples, incredible jungles, pristine beaches and exciting excursions at the nation's sole deepwater port at Sihanoukville.

The Ruins of Angkor, one of the most significant archeological sites in all of Asia, date back to the reign of the Khmer Empire between the 9th and 15th centuries.

Protected UNESCO World Heritage location, Angkor Archaeological Park spans hundreds of square miles and is consists of a huge collection of remarkable monuments, temples and capital buildings. An example is the well-known Temple of Angkor Wat located at the center of the park as well as the other architectural marvels like Bayon, Preah Khan and Ta Prohm. You can interact with residents from the local villages that still call the ruins of Angkor home.

Psar Lu Market. There's no better place than Psar Lu Market if you want to gain an up close look at how contemporary and historic cultures merge in Cambodia. To be found outside the city of Siem Reap and is known as the gateway to the Temple of Angkor Wat, this busy marketplace is a local hub of culture and commerce. You'll see vendors selling all sorts of unique wares, ranging from handmade local crafts to tourist souvenirs perfect for remembering your Cambodian vacation as you tour the streets of Psar Lu Market.

Wat Krom and Wat Leu. Considered as the most important religious structures in the area, the two well-preserved Buddhist temples Wat Krom and Wat Leu is situated just outside of Sihanoukville.

Wat Krom translates to "lower wat," and is located on a small hill on Santipheap Street overlooking the coastline. Alternately, Wat Leu - the "upper wat" - sits on a taller mountain nearby and offers picturesque views of the town below. Both of these incredible sites feature impressive stonework and are decorated with statues of elephants and the Buddha.

Phnom Penh. Sited north of Sihanoukville, the nation's capital and largest city of Phnom Penh offers tourists with a collection of cultural attractions, commercial centers, government complexes and beautiful parks.

The city still has heavy influences from French colonization during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, and you can still hear French and Cambodian spoken side by side in Phnom Penh. While the delicious combination of Asian and French foods that comprises the local cuisine in restaurants and hotels throughout the city.

Travel Light and Easy to Jakarta, Indonesia

WESTHILL CONSULTING, TRAVEL & TOURS, INC. based in Singapore carry out the business of tours and travel intermediation representing major travel suppliers.  We also provide services such as booking, tour facilitation, travel documentation and other related services to Southeast Asian countries like KL Malaysia, Beijing China, Jakarta Indonesia and many more. We will make sure that you will have the travel experience that is worth of your money and your time.  We hope that this will result to repeat sales from valued customers.


Food
Are you a vegetarian? A vegan? Fear not! we have dishes that are friendly to vegetarians and vegans. Fried tofu with rice, gado-gado (Indonesian salad), tempe (soy beans), sayur (vegetable soup), and ketoprak (Indonesian salad with rice) are easy to be found anywhere in the city. For non-vegetarians, Jakarta has a lot to offer. From traditional cuisine, Italian, Japanese, to evil chain food like you know what (McDick, Murder King, etc). Do try our traditional foods: Soto (soup), Nasi goreng (Indonesian style fried rice), or rendang (beef). Ah yes, the price, this is the best part. Food in general is quite affordable over here, normal range is $1 – $3 (American Dollar). For cheaper prices, you can eat in “Warteg”.


Drinks
We have “ciu” and “anggur merah intisari” (local wines). For local beers we have Anker, Bintang and Bali Hai. I do not recommend you to drink Bali Hai, unless you are that kind of people who drinks Budweiser.


Accommodation
If your band are having shows here, most likely you will be offered a place to stay by people who arrange your show; otherwise, there are lots of options. Jalan Jaksa (Jaksa street, Sarinah area, central jakarta) has lots of affordable hostels for backpackers and most of them have websites. Price range are from $10 – $100 per nights. You can also find home-stay via online. If you insist on staying at the Hotel, try Amaris, they offer $30-$50 per night.


Transportation
For those who’ve never been to a third world country, be prepared, traffics are everywhere and it’s really bad. also, air pollution and hot-humid weather is something that you need to keep in mind. Aside from that, it’s not that difficult to get around the city. We have inner city transit bus called Transjakarta, minibus, bus, bajaj (a three wheel vehicle), ojek (motorcycle taxi), and taxi. When you arrived at the airport, go find the security guard or airport staff to find the taxi places; otherwise you will get ripped off with by illegal taxi driver (there are tons of them waiting in front of the airport)


What to do
-local gigs, from hardcore to traditional music we have it all. Usual venues for hardcore & punk gigs: “Rossi Music” in Fatmawati South Jakarta, “Kafe 79″ Kemang area South Jakarta, “Lumbung Padi” Kemang area South Jakarta. Metal gigs: mostly on Sunday evening at “Bulungan” Blok M South Jakarta. Alternative/post-rock/others: Jaya Pub central Jakarta, Rolling Stone Cafe South Jakarta, Marley’s bar South Jakarta. Go check out this band when you can: Antiseptic, Straight Answer, Ghaust, Duct-tape Surgery, and Grave Dancer
- drinking places: Try Melly’s in Sarinah Central Jakarta, or Najong at pondok pinang South Jakarta. Those two have an affordable below normal rates for beer: $1 – $3. If you are looking for normal prices, try Dehoi in Pondok Indah or Tokove in Kemang.
- record stores: Movement records, Taman puring (second floor), Aksara, and Anti-music are located in South Jakarta.


What not to do
- talking to strangers at the airport. Most likely they are illegal taxi drivers trying to get you inside their car.
- Wear a jacket during daytime. Unless you’re riding motorcycle or feeling like having a weird sauna in public.
- watch TV. Shit is boring, confusing, and stupid.
- bring too much amount of cash in your wallet/pocket. Just in case you’re having bad luck.

That’s it fellas! now go pack your stuff.


WESTHILL CONSULTING, TRAVEL & TOURS, INC. based in Singapore agrees to the above information and hopes you find them useful. We hope for your safety as well, for more tips, advice and warning regarding scams and frauds, just visit Westhill Consulting Travel & Tours official website.

Go and Travel to Jakarta

Westhill Consulting Travel and Tours Singapore one of our most popular destinations Chaotic, crazy and crowded. But that’s what makes Indonesia’s capital so unique.

There are places you will fall in love with at first sight and some that you won’t. It’s usually the first impressions that makes us love or hate a place. But cities are like women. Some will throw themselves at you, and some will make you chase them. Which woman would you go for?

Jakarta, Indonesia is an example of the latter, you have to dig a little bit deeper to get to know her. She may seem hesitant at first and is happy to let you wait, until you take the time to properly understand her. Then, she’ll give you everything you need. To me, she might even be the unofficial queen of Southeast Asia.

Jakarta is not Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. Some people say “If you don’t like her, she won’t like you”. After a few days I understood why. To be honest, after landing in Jakarta I had no idea what to expect. You don’t hear much about it and as soon as you exit the terminal you already feel lost. It is big and hot and busy. Not to mention the traffic. I didn’t really get the vibe at first. Although soon enough, I understood what the magic of Jakarta was. It is truly Asia, more so than many other Southeast Asian cities you will discover on your journey.

So here are a few reasons why you should experience Jakarta for yourself.

Jakarta traffic is more symbolic of ‘Asia’ than Bangkok and Saigon put together

Three million cars, nine million motorbikes and inadequate public transport. Experts predict that in 2014 the whole traffic in the city will collapse. During rush hour the average speed in the inner city is around 10 km/h and if you’re lucky, it will only take you three hours to get to work. The average citizen of Jakarta has his breakfast in the car on their way to work.

Yes the traffic in Jakarta is full on and you need superhuman patience and nerves of steel to survive it. But it can also have positive effects. During rush hour there needs to be at least three people in the car otherwise drivers get fined, and a lot of Indonesian mothers who normally would have trouble finding employment have taken this fact and used it to their advantage. They offer their presence to wealthy businessmen and sitting in their car with them during these peak hours to help them avoid the fine in exchange for some income. Genius.

Find a rooftop on any evening and listen to adzan, Islam’s call to prayer

My CouchSurfing host lived somewhere in the middle of the city in a typically tall building. I explored its rooftop which overlooked the surrounding areas and on the horizon was a beautiful view of Jakarta’s skyline. It was around 7 p.m. when the sun was going to rest, when the call to prayer occurred. It was such a unique experience in this city. You could hear it from many mosques all over the city. It is hard to explain what I felt at that moment, but it really left an impression.

Indonesia is the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation with 87 percent following Islam as their religion.

If people are talking about going to the ‘stadium’ they ain’t talking about football

No opinion in Jakarta is more divided than those about the Stadium. Some people love it, and others hate it. You hear many, many stories about it and it’s up to you whether you believe them or not. One thing is for sure, whenever you ask about Jakarta’s nightlife someone will mention the Stadium.

What is this place though and why is it so popular? Well, one thing that is heavily associated with it are drugs. Sure, you will find drugs in any night club in the world but at the Stadium it seems to be a continuous issue due to the fact that because most Indonesians don’t drink alcohol due to their religious beliefs, they might substitute it with a pill instead.

True or not, most of world’s top DJ’s have performed or will most likely perform at Stadium at some point in their careers. It is a great place with awesome acts and a great audience. Otherwise people wouldn’t talk about it. I reckon it is a must see and if you like good techno, then the Stadium is definitely worth checking out.


You can experience Indonesia in just one day in Jakarta

How can I see a whole country in a day by just staying in Jakarta, that doesn’t make sense. Yes that’s what I thought too. My local friends took me to a park called Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, which essentially translates to “Beautiful Indonesia Miniature Park”. The park was opened in 1975 and unfortunately doesn’t really look well maintained. The lizard house especially looked a bit sad and I felt sorry for the animals. But once you’re there you get the chance to pat a Komodo dragon, even though it probably hasn’t moved since 1975.

But it’s still a great way to get to know the local culture of each province in Indonesia. You get to learn about local habits, look at different architecture, clothing, food and many more aspects of Indonesia’s culture. There is a big lake in the middle of the park with a little island in the shape of the country. If you have the guts to take the cable car you can enjoy a stunning view of it from above.

Indonesians will make you feel like a star

First of all, Indonesians are super hospitable people and they are very friendly towards foreigners. But there aren’t as many foreign tourists in Jakarta as you might think. You will get a lot of attention and the locals will genuinely be very keen to get to know you. That’s in fact amazing to me. In Thailand a lot of the locals seem to get easily bemused and simultaneously annoyed by the mass tourists, and this won’t be the case in Indonesia.

The most surprising thing was the local CouchSurfing scene though. I’d received about a hundred various emails offering help, recommendations and hosting offers. I was blown away by the kindness of those people so I decided to meet as many as I could. We organized a big CouchSurfing meeting and many local Indonesian travelers attended. Their enthusiasm was unbelievable and I made a lot of friends that day. Even a crew from Metro TV came and filmed a little documentary for the national channel about CouchSurfing.

Source:
http://westhillconsulting.info/blog/go-and-travel-to-jakarta/

Westhill Consulting Travel & Tours based in Singapore Offers New Family Friendly Trips

The active travel consultant company Westhill Consulting Travel & Tours based in Singapore sets international adventure vacation standards.  The company announces 10 new-for-2014 adventure destinations that are all value-driven family.

The company’s founder and CEO says, “I know how important family is and I value keeping the family tradition going.  It has been my personal mission in life.  This year we took a closer look at our itineraries and prices and offer as much value and relief as we can.  We offer kid-friendly lodgings with exemplary service and cuisine, all at a very competitive price.  We assure you won't be having any complaints.”

Westhill Consulting Travel & Tours Singapore accept children of all ages.  And since there are no age restrictions on custom and private trips, family trips are becoming increasingly popular.  Grandparents can also come with travel plans, including extended family members.

 

The company has carefully designed itineraries to include supervised activities for kids while adults enjoy a candlelit meal or some private downtime.  A special child pricing for the child or children with parents or grandparents is offered.  There are also some other special offers for families such as an extra guide and van and such-kid friendly equipment as tag-along bikes, squirt guns and games.  

“We've created the perfect blend of cross-generational activity, comfort and adventure to satisfy adventurers of all ages with many choices and flexibility on our family vacation trips,” Westhill says.

 

Accommodations are carefully designed to combine child-friendly elements.

 

Here is a sample of new family friendly trips of Jakarta, Indonesia Tour: source http://www.expat.or.id/info/funactivitieskidsjakarta.html 

 

Laser Game

Technology has improved on paintball and now you can enjoy the same fun as paintball without the pain of getting hit or the mess of the paint.  Laser Game uses infrared technology to record hits on an individual or a team. At the end of the session a printout is generated with the record of all the action during the 15-minute session.  Played in a maze with black light, this is a great activity for children 8 years and older - all the way to adults.  Corporations are a using a lot laser games as a way to encourage team building or outings for their young executives. The company offers a free training session which includes safety advice and warnings. 

Kidzania

Kidzania is a role playing indoor theme park. Children are given the opportunity to work at over 70 professions with opportunities to become a doctor or a pilot or baker for the day. They are paid with Kidzos, the official currency of the park. There are two sessions during the day, 9:00– 2:00 and 3:00 – 8:00. Because of its popularity, it is best to make reservations for your child. Kidzania is located in Pacific Place Mall in Jakarta.  

Winter Sports Destinations You Must Try

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Winter snow sports have become a hot tourist attraction in the growing popularity of adventure tourism in India. The country has one of the finest snow-clad peaks where you can enjoy these thrilling adventures. We provided a list of the country’s top five winter adventure destinations for all those seeking a dose of adrenaline.

• Auli

In the Himalayan region of Uttarakhand ther lies Auli. It is one of the uncharted ski destinations. According to many foreign tourists, Auli can be compare with the best ski resorts in the world. Garhwal and Kumaon offer another exciting sport – ski touring amongst the glaciers together with their wide open spaces above the snowline. For the avid skier, cross-country runs of 10-20 km are now available, with the added advantage of fresh powder snow. You can also enjoy thrilling white water rafting aside from skiing.

• Rohtang Pass

The majestic Rohtang Pass is situated at the altitude of 3,978 metres in Himachal a 50 km drive from Manali. This year-round snowy pass is mostly visited for its adventure snow sports activities such as snow skiing, paragliding, zorbing and trekking. This place is a favorite for the extreme sports enthusiasts throughout winters when the temperatures drop to freezing point which makes.

• Solang Valley

Another round the year favorite is the fun-filled place at Manali where adventure sports are popular and fun never stops. A perfect spot for skiing, the natural slope during winters and the locals have an alternative for all the summer i.e zorbing. An extremely well-liked destination where there is adventure sports for all walks of life and ages. Paragliding, parashooting, skiing, zorbing are some of the popular sports. People who are not so adventurous can take a nice yak ride.

• Gulmarg

Gulmarg is one of the best skiing destinations as many are describing it, not only in India but around the world. From the month of December and the fun continues till late March it is the season for adventure snow sports kicks off in. This vastly visited tourist spot is famous for skiing, snowboarding, sledging, skibobbing, heliskiing. The adventure admirers can go both uphill and downhill and enjoy the thrill of skiing with the new ski lift introduced early this year, the adventure admirers can go both uphill and downhill and enjoy the thrill of skiing.

• Gangtok

Indulge in adventure activities like trekking, white-water rafting, hang gliding and mountain biking at Gangtok. The place offers interesting treks to the Pemayangtse, Khechopalri, Yuksam, Tsokha, Dzongri, Thangshing, Zemathang, Chaurigang, Tashiding, Varsey, Yangang, Rabongla, Sang and Sikip.

Winter Holiday Budgets Up Forty Eight PCT This Year

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According to the report, high inflation is not coming in the way of holiday spends as more and more travelers are booking longer and expensive holiday packages this winter compared with last year.

"The average holiday budgets per person per night have increased to Rs 2,325 this winter from Rs 1,564 in 2012, indicating a 48 per cent rise.

"Trips have become longer by 36.3 per cent with travelers taking an average trip of 3.8 nights this year," says holiday information portal HolidayIQ.com's report 'Insights: Winter Holidays Prediction Report 2013'.

In the middle of November 2013 and January 2014, it analyses the patterns.

People are preparing trips in smaller groups with group size decreasing 16 per cent even though not being thrifty on the budget.

Beach and hill station destinations are most popular this winter, accounting for almost 78 per cent of the holidays planned, according to the report.

Families form a significant part of tourist traffic because of the winter holidays in schools.   This is 26 per cent of planned trips.

The report says traditionally, travelers prefer to travel within the region they reside in. However, this winter there is a marked increase in travelers choosing holiday destinations outside their region.

In the previous year merely forty one per cent of winter trips were intended outside the traveler’s region of residence whereas in the current year the said trips account for sixty six per cent of all trips planned.

People from east and north-east travel outside more while majority of south Indian travelers have a preference travelling within the region.

Couple travelers plan longer and more expensive holidays allocating the highest average budget of Rs 2,611 per person per night, followed by family travelers at Rs 2,137, group travelers at Rs 1,974 and single travelers at Rs 1,693, it said.

Holidays planned by women have 8 per cent higher budgets than those planned by men, it added.

First images of the New Great House on Necker Island

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The Great House on Necker Island now complete and ready to welcome its first guests.  It is the private home of Sir Richard Branson and part of the Virgin Limited Edition collection.

Following a two-year project the exterior and interior layout of the new Great House has been remodeled on the original design, with the addition of some innovative design twists.

The inspiration is from the beautiful features and Balinese style of the original structure, the new Great House offers breath-taking panoramic views of the Caribbean, the Atlantic and neighboring islands.  Each one of the eight guest rooms has a balcony, and all come with king-size beds and spacious en-suite bathrooms.  The Master Suite is on the upper level, which is a whopping 1,500 square feet and has been designed for panoramic views from virtually every angle and includes a two-person Jacuzzi, a stand-alone outdoor bath and a kitchenette area with a fully-stocked fridge.

The Great House is the located where people get together and has an open outdoor terrace with hammocks and sofas and a large dining table for everyone to gather round to enjoy their meal.  There’s a fully-stocked bar for favorite cocktails and up on the roof the crow’s nest has stunning views where you’ll find a Jacuzzi - perfect for sipping champagne as you watch the sun set.  And if you feel like a quick dip in the sea before lunch, then hop on the zip-line that quickly transports you from the Great House terrace all the way down to the sandy white beaches.

Sir Richard Branson commented: “Necker Island has been my home for more than 30 years and for me it is the most beautiful place in the world. The brand new Great House is the heart of the island and I’m thrilled with the results. This signals a new dawn for Necker, which I’m very excited about.”

For exclusive use bookings, accommodation on Necker Island includes nine bedrooms in the Great House including the stunning Master Suite and six individual Bali Houses dotted around the island.  There is also a bunkroom in the Great House that sleeps up to six children.  In totality, the number of guests that can be accommodated on Necker Island is 30 plus six children at a nightly rate of USD $60,000 until the 31st December 2013.

Apart from being the ultimate relaxing paradise, the island can also be your perfect setting for a wedding or a celebration with family and friends that you’ll will forever cherish.

There is also an option if you do not want to hire the entire island but you want to enjoy the full Necker experience, you can try ‘Celebration Weeks’ provide the opportunity to book an individual room ‘hotel-style’ for seven nights.

This ravishing Necker Island is located in the British Virgin Islands, a spectacular and unspoilt area of the Caribbean and is surrounded by turquoise waters and coral reefs and fringed with beautiful white sandy beaches.

Tips For Smooth Trips

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Pack with purpose



• Bring Your Own Everything. 1. A small (inflatable) pillow 2. Ziploc bags (useful in so many ways) 3. Entertainment (include one non-electronic thing for when you have to power down) 4. Snacks, and a reusable water bottle.



• Pack light. Try to take only one suitcase, preferably a roller carry-on.  This will be very convenient in any way.



• If flying, check out the current rules and restrictions at tsa.gov.  You are only allowed one carry-on that must fit in the overhead compartment and one that must fit underneath the seat in front of you; this means you are only allowed to have two carry-ons.  Some airlines charge you extra to check a bag.



Plan like a pro



• Get a passport now, everyone must have one.  Get one now even if you don’t have immediate travel plans because getting one can take as long as 90 days.  Photo copy your passport and travel plans such as confirmation numbers, etc.  Always bring the copies with you and even email a copy to your family and yourself.  There are instances that the rental agencies or hotels will ask for your passport.  It will be safer if you will just give them a copy Instead. Treat your passport like gold.



• Try not to overbook. Allow for travel delays. If you have a strict schedule, like a cruise or tour, consider arriving a day early.



• Read traveler reviews, but read between the lines when searching for hotels or excursions and remember to look for reviews that are recent, specific and have photos.



Make air travel easy



Arrive early, security waits can be very long and some airports are huge.  Think about an hour or so earlier.



Take off jackets and shoes and empty your pockets before hand and make security smooth sailing.  Liquids bag or laptop should be taken out of your luggage and must be put it in a separate bin. Be ready to answer even the strangest questions from TSA agents politely, especially if you are overseas.



Make sure you double check that you have picked up all of your belongings from the conveyor.  Apply for TSA Pre-check so that you can get through security faster, this goes for a frequent traveler





Stay safe, comfy



To improve your immune system, four weeks or so, start taking probiotics before you leave.  Bring a small bag with stomach soothers, motion sickness pills, ibuprofen, decongestants and basic first-aid necessities.  Drink plenty of water.  It will help if you will keep moving, perhaps take periodic stops during road trips and get up and stretch your legs during flights.



Take its business card with you whenever you leave your hotel.  Because if you find yourself lost, this can become a lifesaver.



Tourists that are distracted and excited are often the target of pickpockets.  Here’s how to avoid them, ladies, make sure your purse is closed and consider an over-the-shoulder style.  Guys, keep your wallet in your front pocket.



If you have food allergies, write down (in the local language) what you can’t eat.  Contact the airlines ahead of time so that they will not serve food that contains ingredients that will trigger your allergies.



Be a good guest



Thank your hostess, bringing her a small gift that is special to your home town is a great way to show your appreciation.



“Please” and “thank you”, at least learn the two in their native language and make sure you understand the tipping policy.



Find simple mementos



Take a reliable camera with you.  Take a picture of everything you love and don’t forget little things like your hotel room, the front of the hotel, your tour guide, and the best gelato you have ever tasted.  Don’t forget the chargers and extra memory cards.  Tourist maps, pretty reusable shopping bags, quality postcards and flattened pennies are small, easy to take home, and almost free!



Save some money



• Be certain you budget everything; little things like checked baggage fees, taxis and tipping add up fast.



• Know the cancellation and price-matching policy of all hotels and tours you book.



• Local delis and grocery stores often offer fun foods without restaurant prices or when you do eat out, it’s usually cheaper to make lunch your biggest meal.



• Prior to leaving, check for online deals like Citypass or Groupon.  Throughout the summer months, many museums offer free admission days, so check if that works with your schedule.  When flying, always check the price of one-way fare versus round-trip prices, check airline web sites on Mondays, and reserve your seats as soon as possible.

Tips on Independent Travel vs. Organized Group Tour in Russia

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It is actually very easy to plan an independent trip.  The most known routes to Russia are St Petersburg to Moscow that is why it has a good provision of services.  The best way to get around this enormous country are the Russia’s trains as they are comfortable, relatively inexpensive and services between the two major cities are frequent and efficient.


The good choice is the trains depart St Petersburg’s Moskovsky station and the first class sleeper carriages for an approximately eight-hour journey.  They are comfortable and clean with two adult berths.  It will cost around £200 per person for a one-way first class sleeper ticket.


But if you choose a daytime service and sit in second class, you may do so if you do not need a sleeping car because this will be cheaper and the high speed Sapsan trains only take four hours.  You can book in advance with agencies such as Real Russia as they also arrange your visa for you.  But the cheapest way to book tickets is at the station reservation office.


A tour isn’t needed because the journey is relatively straightforward aside from it is too expensive too.  Although its advantage would be that you can concentrate on enjoying the trip rather than the logistics.  For £1250, the Cox and Kings have a good Moscow and St Petersburg tour for seven nights; it also includes flights, a high standard of accommodation and some meals.

Travel Tips

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BEFORE LEAVING

1. It is necessary that you know basic information about your destination.  Make a research about the place before anything else.
2. A copy of your itinerary must be left with a trusted family member or friend, in case of any emergency.
3. List down significant emergency information
4. Make yourself familiar with basic safety information, rules, and procedures, like what to do if you get lost or sick

WHEN GETTING READY WITH WHAT TO PACK

1. Remember to travel light
2. Put important stuff in your hand carry bag
3. If travelling with babies, bring childproofing supplies, like electrical outlet covers and baby gates
4. Basic first aid kit is a must
5. It will save you your time, from shame and effort if you will remember the rules for what you can carry on and what needs to be checked when flying. These rules also apply to liquids such as milk or formula.

WHEN ON THE ROAD

1. Be certain that your children are in approved child safety seats as mandated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  See Westhill Consulting Travel and Tours for further details
2. Children that are old enough not to need a child safety seat must wear their seat belt
3. This should be a general knowledge, never leave your children alone in your car

AT THE AIRPORT AND IN THE AIR

1. Explain safety and security procedures, rules and instructions
2. Teach your children to cooperate with airport security officials
3. Inform your children that making jokes or false threats about security issues are illegal and that they may not do so.
4. Your children should be in approved child safety seats if they require them, this applies also to airplanes.
5. Ensure the requirements for strollers, diaper bags, and other baby and child equipment

IN YOUR HOTEL

1. Check your hotel room for possible hazards, such as electrical outlets and furniture with sharp corners
2. Know where the nearest fire exits, fire alarm, fire extinguisher/hose to your room
3. Educate your children basic emergency procedures, like what to do in case of a fire or earthquake
4. Put away from kid’s reach potentially hazardous items, like toiletries, etc.
5. Supervise your kids at all times, do not leave them alone

OUT AND ABOUT

1. Watch out for your children closely, more especially in public restrooms, large crowds, and near swimming pools or bodies of water
2. Make ground rules for curfews and safety issues
3. Be sure your children cross streets with your supervision
4. Instruct your kids to go to an agreed upon safe place and stay there, if ever they get lost
5. A distinctive or brightly colored clothes will be helpful to make children more visible
6. Write down your contact information on an index card and place it in your kids' pockets to make contacting you easier
7. This is old but still very true, do not talk to strangers, instruct children this one.  Tell your children not to take anything from a stranger or go anywhere with a stranger
8. Check play areas for potential hazards, look for sharp edges or openings where your children could get stuck
9. Make sure your kids have and use proper safety equipment, like helmets and life vests, for any activities that require them

Exchange Foreign Currency at the Best Rates

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Before travelling we have a lot of questions in our mind, one of the most frequent question people ask is, how do I get foreign currency for my next trip?  It is often a challenge to save money on a holiday and the hardest part of it is saving money when exchanging money.  Sometime you don’t realize that banks and other money changers empty your wallets so fast.  Be wise and do not ignore details.

after you arrive better get local money from the ATM in the country because in most places it is always cheaper.  No worries because airports have ATMs where you can do this, (at least almost all airports).  It is also good if it comes handy when you need local money for cab.  If you have no time to do this in the airport because you already have a transport from the airport booked with your hotel then you can just do this a little later in the hotel.  You can walk around and check for ATM close to you.

Getting money d\from the ATM is also safer.   You can just get enough for the following days so you will be safe from thieves and misplacement.  And this is also saves time rather than money exchange that consumes time.


It will also be good if you stick with Visa or Mastercard because both are widely accepted.  Be mindful that all card issuer charges different rates for cash advances in a different country than your own.

Usually a debit card linked to a checking or savings account do not charge cash advance fees so using them will be the cheapest because you are withdrawing  the money you already have therefore you will not be charging money and paying for it later.   If applicable, you will still be charge for using a different bank’s ATM.  You will also be charged with a 2-3% foreign transaction fee.  Using a credit card versus a debit card incurs the foreign transaction fee, but also a cash advance fee which varies greatly.  Often it's 3-5%, but can be a flat rate of $10-15 (USD).

Your bank’s debit card ATM fee of $2-3 (USD) is less than the cash advance fee.  To sum it up, it's cheaper to pay a $2 ATM fee and 3% foreign fee than a 3% cash advance fee plus 3% foreign fee.  To make sure about the card you have because every card is different, call your card issuer and ask for ATM fee, cash advance fee, foreign transaction fee rates.

Another tiny detail that you must keep in mind is to make sure you take crisp bill with no damage or whatsoever.  Money changers will offer less or not accept worn out bills.  $100 bills have the best cash exchange rate bills with lower value are changed at a lower rate.  And be very wary of whom you exchange your money with, there are many scammers out there.  Make sure you know the right exchange rate and if ever there will be someone offering you a higher rate or you see a signage on the street that offers higher rate do not believe it because chances are they are fraud.  They are know to be quick in folding bills over or swapping bills that you may think that he had given you the right amount but in reality you had been deceived.  Always go to the legitimate banks and money changers.

Tips On How You Can Upgrade Your Stay At Hotels

Your home when you are in vacation, a home away from home.  You want a comfortable room, and this would make a huge difference to your entire vacation.  It isn’t always a guarantee that you will be staying to the most comfortable hotel but you can improve your stay.

Timing

If you desire for a room upgrade, there are some circumstances in which this will likely to happen.  First is during a slow season, on a weekend at a hotel that business travelers visits commonly and only stays for a short while.  Another circumstance, many hotel rooms are empty and ready for upgrades during off-season.  If planning for a short stay only, likewise, room turnover is less of a hassle.  According to an unnamed front desk manager quoted on the MSNBC website, if you arrive late and leave early, for instance, because of an unexpected change in travel plans, a room upgrade is a distinct possibility.  it is because, it will be easier to make changes for someone who is planning to stay for a short while.

Appearance

According to the Recessionwire website, while it's not necessary to arrive dripping in jewels and covered with designer labels, an upscale appearance can be a deciding factor in whether you get an upgrade.  Meaning, if you arrive looking like a backpacker it is more likely that you would not get an update.   According to the MSNBC website, on the other hand, front desk staff are often sympathetic when you arrive looking exhausted.  You may receive an upgrade at least to a higher-quality bed especially when you have a nice character.

Conduct

If you have complaints and are all legitimate, those wont be held against you but show a and obnoxious attitude then expect no upgrade and it could be use against you in future stay.  According to Genevieve Brow, a Travelocity senior editor, quoted on the Mainstreet website, letting the front desk know you're celebrating a special occasion will often score a better room for you.  Travel consultant Daniel Edward Craig recommends having the reservations agent note your special occasion next to your booking so that the front desk staff can see it when you check-in in his writing on the Hotel Online website.  "The front desk reviews special requests on the day of arrival and tends to have a soft spot for special occasions," says Craig.

The Direct Approach

Requesting for an upgrade is not hard or even complicated, you can just ask politely.  There’s nothing wrong with dropping a slight reminder more especially if you are already a regular guest.  According to Recessionwire  be ready to hear "No" and responding. For instance: “No deluxe rooms available? How about free breakfast?” It suggests being persistent but friendly.

Jakarta Travel Tips

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Like any other cities in the world, Jakarta is a noisy and chaotic metropolis.  And same as those cities, there are cautions to be conscious of.  Jakarta is much fun if you know what you are doing so if it is your first time in the city here are some travel tips for you.

Customs and etiquette are very important anywhere but in Indonesia there are some certain points that you must remember.  Although Indonesians are usually laid-back, there are some dos and don’ts that you must be sensitive just so you won’t offend.  When entering temples, mosques, and even some shops, shoes should always be removed.  Skits and shorts must cover your knees when in town.  Pointing is also prohibited and eating with your left hand is offensive as it is only used for toilet duties.

Smooching or public display of affection with partner or with a local is considered too be very offensive.  Keep it cool and keep your temper in check even in the most tempting circumstances.  Although Jakarta is not tip-heavy at least be a bit generous more especially to a non-service-charging restaurant and the rounding up of a cab bill.

When it comes to money matters, the local currency is the Indonesian rupiah (Rp), with notes ranging from Rp500 to Rp100,000 and coins of up to Rp1,000.  If you you got to change money, you must go directly to the banks instead of having them changed in the hotels because you will have a bad time due to their worst exchange rate!

But good thing about Jakarta is they are a fairly credit card-friendly city with shops, restaurants and hotels all generally accepting Visa and MasterCard.  Be careful of high ATM charges and remember cash is king in the inexpensive markets.

It is hot year round in Jakarta because of it close proximity with the equator with little deviation in the seasonal sense.  During October to February, the monsoon season goes and it is particularly wet while June through September is generally boiling hot and the best time to visit is between March and June.

Jakarta is pretty big and you need to use public transportation.  Jakarta Monorail is a new monorail system in use to the more colorful and touristy parts of town, as well as a fairly recent bus network.  Every district is accommodated by bus with dedicated lines, as minibuses take in localized routes.  And also, trains run to Ancol from downtown Jakarta and motorized rickshaws and there are also plenty of metered taxis.

Hotel shuttles, if your hotel has one, are the most excellent choice for transport from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK).  Taxis are a bit quite hard to negotiate with but there is limousine desk and a desk for ordinary taxis at the airport that you can try to talk to.  What’s more, there is an airport shuttle bus to choose from in downtown destinations and cheaper DAMRI shuttle buses.

Tips on Using Debit Card at Hotels

http://westhillconsulting.info/blog/tips-on-using-debit-card-at-hotels/

What you need
• Extra funds for incidental holds
• Bank account statement

 Before anything else, make sure that the hotel accepts debit cards because some hotels are no longer accepting debit cards this is due to the customer discontent with fund holds, but many do.

 Make sure that you know the hotels credit card policy before reserving a room.  For incidentals like the mini-bar, movies and room service, some hotels place a monetary hold so you better ask for this one in particular.  This can very costly too, it can hold you from $50 a night to over $100 at some luxury hotels, and will be assessed even if the room has been prepaid.  In the case that this happens, a $300 three-night hotel stay may increase up to $450 visit in an instant, with the extra $150 tied up until the bank or hotel releases the charge.   But you can avoid his by not asking or reminding it in the first place.

 Always make sure that you still have cash on hand if just in case that the hotel slips a hold onto your account, you'll still be able to buy meals and enjoy the trip until the money is released.  This will always ensure that your trip is low on surprises.  And lastly but still as important like any other matter, it is also a good buffer against potential theft.

 Notify the other user if you are using a joint card when you will be using the debit card for travel.  Inform the other user about the exact amount of cash paid at the hotel.  Also inform her about expected day of fund release for any hold assessed--especially if this amount will deplete the account, or leave little money in it.  Because if you won’t do this you might get your transactions declined without warning because sometimes joint account holders often find out the hard way that a mate has used the debit card while traveling.

 Keep all your receipts and examine all of them.   Then once the trip is over check your bank statement.   Transaction mistakes are more likely to happen in a checking account than on a charge card.  So if you won’t double check it, an accidental overcharge can be a disaster and potentially lead to overdraft charges, bounced checks or insufficient-funds charges.  Because resolving it will take a while and you don’t want that so better read your receipts carefully before leaving your hotel.

Know How Much You Should Tip at Hotels

In a USA Today interview Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration Professor Michael Lynn said, a third of the country doesn't know to tip 15 to 20 percent at a restaurant.  Vivian Deuschl, a vice president for Ritz-Carlton, says tips are not mandatory payments, nor should hotel employees automatically expect them, but they are greatly appreciated and might help make your stay more pleasant.

·      Always cheek your bill, notice if freebies are included.  There are hotel spas, restaurants and room services automatically include a tip as part of the bill.  If this is the case that the tip is already included, there in no need for an additional tip necessary but a very small extra tip for exceptional service is up to you.  And if in the case that the tip is not included a 15 to 20 percent tip for room service, spa treatments and other services is good enough.

·      Give a tip for the maid everyday.  As of 2010, a $2 to $5 tip is sufficient, with higher tips being left if your room requires more cleanup than usual. "USA Today" recommends that you leave a smaller tip on a daily basis rather than a larger tip at the end of your stay to ensure that the person cleaning your room each day actually gets the tip.

·      Rather than when you drop off the car, tip your valet when he returns your car to you from the lot.  Independent Traveler and "USA Today" recommend a tip of $1 to $5, depending on the weather conditions: the worse the weather, the higher the tip.

·      And basing on the services the concierge provides, you may or may not give her a higher tip.  You are not obligated to tip if the service is simply asking for directions or recommending a place to eat but if the service is something more difficult, such as finding reservations at an elite restaurant or getting tickets to a sold-out show, a tip of $10 to $50 is in order.

·      For the bellhops, base your tip on the number of bags they carry.  And tips are normally ranging from $1 to $2 per bag, with particularly heavy bags garnering higher tips.


Link Source:


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Ramadhan fasting month which started last Wednesday will not affect the general economic activity, including tourism.  It will continue to run as usual in Bali even whil the Ramadhan fasting month is ongoing.

Banda-Aceh-Main-Mosque-in-Indonesia-595x447



Denpasar Tourist Agency head Putu Budiasa told The Jakarta Post that in general, tourism in Bali had remained normal.



Everything is business as usual from street-side food stalls to five-star hotels as well as nightlife venues will continue to host customers per normal operating hours.



“All activities will run as usual. Nothing changes. The only thing that will change, maybe, is when customers stop by. Those who are fasting may go to restaurants when it’s time to break fast,” he said.



He, nevertheless, acknowledged that domestic tourist arrivals might see a slight lessening during the fasting month.  During the summer school holiday, from year to year, Bali regularly sees peak domestic visitor arrivals and mostly from Java.



“As most residents in Java are Muslim, many may opt to not to travel during the fasting month. But domestic visitors from other parts of Indonesia are still coming,” he said.



Meanwhile, July to August are the peak months for foreign tourist arrivals. Bali tourism agency head Ida Bagus Kade Subhiksu similarly said that there were no operational hour limitations during Ramadhan this year. “Such limits is the authority of each regency and city. As far as I know, operational hours and services at the airport, hotels, restaurants and tourism destinations, will run as usual,” he said.



The Bali tourism agency last year recorded that there were 1,339 restaurants with a total capacity of 68,468 seats and 582 bars operating throughout Bali.



There are many hotels to choose from to 1,031 non-star hotels with a total 21,114 rooms, 156 star-hotels with 20,269 rooms, and 1,025 villas with 4,642 rooms.  Bali moreover has 345 travel agents, 219 water tourism companies, and 270 tourism destinations.

Head of the Islam education division at the Religious Affairs Ministry’s Bali office, Mustain, said that there was a high level of religious tolerance throughout the island. The majority of Bali itself follows the Hindu faith.



“That’s why there’s a high level of religious tolerance here,” he said. Despite the business-as-usual mode, Mustain said that Muslims in Bali were able to perform tarawih (extra prayer service) peacefully at hundreds of mosques and mushollas (prayer rooms) across the island.

Hotels & Restaurants | Westhill Consulting, TRAVEL & TOURS, INC.!

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Deciding on what hotel to stay can be very confusing sometimes with all the travel guides and online discounts sprouting all over.  Take it easy and do not rush, have some time to trim down your search by looking for other and sometimes less familiar or forgotten ways on how to get a cheaper hotel.  Remember that you can save so much more money if you are certain and you prioritize the things that you only need when in search of a hotel.



Look for definite or specific discounts.  Research online trough websites and have a habit of comparing hotel rates, such an example is compare Priceline or Travelocity.  Organize your list of price range from cheapest hotel to the most expensive.


For more potential discounts, visit the hotel’s website.  You look first for online coupons and membership discounts.  Some hotels, aside from their offers of discounts to AAA members or seniors they also allow you to sign up for a free hotel membership that can save you 10 to 20 percent off your daily rate during your next stay.


Know the type of accommodation that you want.  Search for hostels or hospitality online if you are not looking for luxuries but only a place to sleep and stay.  Hostels.com or Hihostel.com, check this two if travelling internationally but if travelling in a group you may consider bed and breakfast.  Check out for these lodging places individually on websites such as Hotels.com, Orbitz or Tripadvisor for the best rates.


You can book travelers package.  Make use of discount traveling websites to get budget-friendly rates on airfare and train fare, car rentals and hotels.  Think about how much will be spending if you book these items separately and see if you can save money with a package deal.  You may have a considerable amount of money to save if you boo a package that offers a 5-star hotel at a 2-star price, good deal right?


Purchase a gift card from an auction website such as eBay.  Hotels or other entities, sometimes, permit travelers to make low bids on special promotions, room rate discounts or extended-stay specials, like “buy one, get an additional night free” pass or certificate.


Be informed always by joining traveling clubs or your favorite hotel’s membership to receive emails on hotel discounts. You also can receive email alerts from AAA or Travelocity for current hotel rates at your favorite destinations.

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Hotel Al Codega

hotel-al-codega-venice-italy



Venice hotel close to Rialto Bridge



This hotel made the exclusive Expedia© Insiders’ Select™ list, which includes only the very best hotels and resorts on Expedia, as rated by our hundreds of thousands of customers and our in-house experts.
Guest Reviews

Value
Expedia Hotel Expert input

Near St Mark’s Square

This three-floor residence is situated in the city centre of Venice, 200 metres from St Mark’s Square and 300 metres from Rialto Bridge.



Hotel bar

Guests can tuck into the breakfast buffet, choose from a selection of drinks in the bar, and ask the concierge to make restaurant reservations.



Minibars in rooms

Hotel Al Codega’s guestrooms are decorated in a traditional style with antique furnishings and wooden floors; all include cable TV, minibars and telephones.



Hotel Amenities

General

Hotel Al Codega’s bar offers a wide selection of drinks in a relaxed atmosphere with low-level lighting. Guests can unwind over complimentary newspapers or watch television in the lobby. The concierge can advise on local sightseeing and guests can book tickets to shows and attractions using complimentary wireless Internet access. Hotel Al Codega also offers a 24-hour front desk and room service.



Dining

Guests of Hotel Al Codega enjoy a complimentary buffet breakfast each morning.

The hotel does not have its own restaurant, but there are several dining options within the surrounding area.



Nearby restaurants:

Antico Dolo

Al Giardinetto

Accessibility

To make requests for specific accessibility needs, complete the “Special or Accessibility Requests” section of “Trip Preferences” when you book your hotel.

Accessible path of travel
Roll-in shower
Policies & Fees

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 2 PM



Special check-in instructions:

A tax is imposed by the city and will be collected at the property (check Mandatory Fees and Taxes section for fee details). This tax does not apply to residents of Venice City and children under 10 years of age. Further exemptions may apply, subject to submission of proper documents to the property, to patients, their companions and people staying in the city for specific purposes/duties. 30% reduction applies for 2012: from 1 to 31 December; for 2013: from 1 to 31 January and from 1 to 31 December.

Check-out

Check-out time is noon

Payment Types

Accepted at this hotel: MasterCard, Visa

Pets

Pets allowed

Policies

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on hotel policy.

Government-issued photo identification and a credit card or cash deposit are required at check-in for incidental charges.

Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges. Special requests cannot be guaranteed.

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Fees

Unless otherwise indicated, the charges below are not included in the overall room price. If not included in the overall room price, they will be charged by the property at check-in or check-out. Charges can vary, for example, based on length of stay or the room you book. This property told us they will charge you for the following:



A tax is imposed by the city: EUR 4 per person, per night for adults; EUR 2 per night for guests aged 10-15 years old. This tax does not apply to children under 10 years of age. We have included all charges provided to us by the property. However, charges can vary, for example, based on length of stay or the room you book.

Hotel ICON

4.5-star luxury hotel in Kowloon (Yau Tsim Mong) near Hong Kong Coliseum