Fun Getaway: Places to visit during the travel bubble

Travel bugs and holidaymakers will be enlivened by positive news that a possible “travel bubble” is underway. While the Hong Kong government is still arranging talks with 11 countries, including Japan, Thailand, France and Switzerland, frequent travellers have something to look forward to in the coming months, especially with the looming change in season and the approach of the festive Christmas holidays.

In hopes of delightful travel prospects in the coming months, the following places will be worth visiting when the travel curbs are lifted: 

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Phuket, Thailand

Thailand offers the brightest prospects of opening a travel bubble with Hong Kong. As November marks the end of the wet season in the country, it is the perfect time for beach lovers to plan an island hopping vacation to the Phi Phi Islands and a warm Christmas on the tropical beaches of Phuket. 

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Southern Okinawa, Japan

Frequent travellers to Japan might be initially disappointed by prospects of Tokyo and Osaka getting stricken off the list of travel bubble destinations, for now. However, tourism lawmaker, Yiu Si-wing suggests looking at southern Okinawa as a possible travel destination option. Rainfall and humidity are relatively lower in November and the weather stays warm all year round, which makes for a comfortable time to explore beaches, golf courses and historic sites of the region, such as Peace Prayer Park and Himeyuri Monument . The region is also well-known for its brown sugar and sugarcane juice. 

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Switzerland

While it looks unlikely for countries like Australia, France and Germany to open their borders to tourists in the near-term, prospects of holidays in Switzerland look brighter and more promising. In the case that a flight out to the Swiss Alps becomes part of your holiday plans in winter, you can consider hoping on the St. Bernina Express to take in the breathtaking Alpine landscapes, but not before you take a ski trip down St. Mortiz

Plan your ultimate weekend getaway on a yacht

Chartering a yacht in Hong Kong is the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. Unknown to many, Hong Kong has 263 islands scores of which are hidden gems still untouched by Instagrammers and which can serve as great weekend getaway destinations accessible via luxury yachts.

 

Chartering a yacht could cost between HKD $22,000 and $160,000 per day. So, it’s best to make every cent worth it by picking a sloop that matches your every needs and desires.

From hosting launch parties to taking the kids out for an adventure family weekend trip, there is a variety of things that a yacht can offer beyond lounging under the sun and enjoying beautiful scenery.


 
Smaller yachts such as catamarans and sail boats like those available for charter at Next Wave Charters are great when you’re hopping around nearby islands. This type of sloop is perfect for lounging outdoors or spending the afternoon on a fishing trip with a couple of close friends. It’s a more intimate experience that allows you to detach from the city life and reconnect with loved ones. Prices start from HKD $22,500.

Super yachts, on the other hand, goes beyond the weekend getaway. Perfect for a customizable itinerary that involves visiting the pristine beaches of Phuket or Vietnam for four days and more on a luxury boat with a full crew to service your luxurious family holiday. Prices are subject to the itinerary, but you can be looking at spending at least HKD $200, 000. Ocean Emerald offers journeys to various popular destinations around Asia. 

Ideally, motor yachts, also known as power yachts, are smaller than super yachts but are more versatile than catamarans and sailboats. They are the perfect setting for day trips with a group of friends or the whole family, where you can have fun in the sun with wake boards and jet skis. Prices start from HKD $160,000 (excluding amenities and catering) and can be chartered through Saffron-Cruises or Asiamarine.