Asia
Know Before You Go
May 18th
I just spent a wonderful evening with members from the Incredible India organization and the Indian sector of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square. Global Traveler has written a plethora on India, offering great insight on what to do while on business or leisure. The tourist board is a tremendous wealth of information as well.
I learned more about India’s varied topography. From the beaches of Goa to the snow-capped mountains of the Himalayas, I was reminded once again that India really offers something for everyone. Seeing their presentation reminded me of how valuable the tourist board is for the individual traveler. In my opinion, tourist boards are under-utilized by travelers.
Before traveling for business or leisure, I, of course, recommend checking out what GT has written about the destination. However, I also recommend checking out the website or visiting the local tourism office of the country which you are visiting. The tourist board is there to be at your service and help with any questions you may have about the country and city you are about to visit. Whatever the questions may be about — local customs, business procedures or simply the weather — the tourist board can point you in the right direction. Why not start with India? I hope you learn something new!
– Alex Young, vice president and associate publisher
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way from Beijing
May 10th
As I take care of some work around the house — a little planting for spring — I needed to take a little break to tell you a funny story.
On my way to the airport in Beijing, I was on the main drag outside of the Grand Hotel Beijing, on East Chang’an Avenue, and just in front of the Beijing Hotel, my taxi was stopped at a red light. I was anticipating my flight to Hong Kong and the many meetings ahead of me. Not to mention enjoying the city’s restaurants and shopping!
Suddenly, there was a big bang and a jolt forward. I looked to the cabbie who was as shocked as I. We immediately realized we had been rear ended. The driver put the car in park and got out to assess the damage. As he opened the door, another unmarked car pulled up and the two drivers began talking.
In a few seconds, the trunk of the cab was opened and my luggage and golf bag were transferred to the other car. My driver said “airport,” which I took to mean the other driver would be taking me to the airport. In the “rescue” car, there was another passenger in the front seat. I learned that the passenger was staying at the Beijing Hotel and the two drivers were friends. I went along with the whole ordeal.
Maybe this was not the smartest thing to do. In fact, and in retrospect, this could have been the perfect kidnapping ploy. But it was not — it was simply two guys helping each other out. The taxi had significant damage; the bumper destroyed and the trunk smashed in. It was funny, standing in the middle of the street and watching my things being transferred.
En route, I talked to the other passenger, who was from Jerusalem, and we laughed at the entire event. At the airport, I was taken to the terminal for my Air China flight to Hong Kong. I think I paid a bit more for this ride, but considering the events, I did not quibble.
It is always interesting traveling to China. I would recommend wearing your seat belts (I was not)!
– Fran Gallagher, publisher and CEO
Hong Kong Travel Tips
May 3rd
I am really looking forward to Ruth Williams’ “Day Off: Hong Kong” article. I had dinner with Ruth and Hemant Sonney (a.k.a. “the German”) at Busy Suzie, an upbeat Japanese robatayaki-style grill. Busy Suzie is in the Heritage shopping complex in Kowloon and owned by the Emperor Group. I plan to review the restaurant in an upcoming issue of eFlyer, but I can tell you that everything was wonderful.
I also had an enjoyable meeting with Gordon Fuller, general manager, and Gladis Young, marketing manager, at the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong. We discussed at length the many things to do while you have some free time in Hong Kong. One thing we try to promote in Global Traveler is the total business traveler by addressing their side interests in food, touring or seeing events. In Hong Kong, there is so much to do. I have only done a few of these things, as I am always on the run!
Here are a few tips:
– Take the Aqua Luna. This is a pleasant journey on a Chinese junk, which sails Victoria Harbour. My trip went from Hong Kong to Stanley Market.
– Go shopping. There are so many venues to try. I like Rio Pearl in Kowloon, right down the street from the Shangri-La. Go up three floors and ask for Stella, a good friend of mine for 20 years. There are many markets to choose from as well.
– Get a suit made. Try Cezari Custom Clothes. Ask for Nick; they are also located in Kowloon, near the Shangri-La, at 6-70 Peninsula Centre, Ground Floor, 67 Mody Road, Tsimshatsui East. Email them at cezari@netvigator.com.
– Go trekking. Hong Kong has miles and miles of trails, and this is an avid pastime for the locals. Your hotel can offer you a guide. The Grand Hyatt Hong Kong has a wonderful list of things to do. We can send the list upon request.
– Stay at a great hotel. During my last trip, I stayed at the Grand Hyatt. I really enjoy the club level, on the 30th and 31st floors. Stephanie was very kind to me, as were the rest of the staff, making sure I (the lonely business traveler) had a nice stay.
Here’s a picture of the view from my room at the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong:
Enjoy your trip to Hong Kong and discover your own favorite places!
– Fran Gallagher, publisher and CEO
Improved Choices for Travelers
Apr 26th
I am in China today. Actually, I am in Hong Kong, having spent Friday in Beijing (played a little golf). On Saturday, I did some touring outside of Beijing with my pal, Ernest. He can help you with any transportation or touring needs you may have while you are in Beijing. Here is his email contact: ernest_0716@hotmail.com.
I had a wonderful flight on Air China‘s first class. It is terrific to fly on the Boeing 747-400. No other plane takes off or lands as gracefully as the 747. Air China has really improved their onboard product. The first class sports a fully reclining 180-degree truly flat bed. The service was tops, and except for some deadbeat travelers (a couple who had their iPhone alarms going off; I had to call a flight attendant for assistance as the travelers never woke up) the flight was very peaceful.
I plan to review the flight for an upcoming GT Tested article.
I was recently asked about the purpose of the Global Traveler blog. I quickly responded that the purpose was to show the true face of our company, but also to be a valuable service to you. I think we must offer advice and travel tips to you, the frequent international traveler.
So, my tip today: Don’t discount the secondary and tertiary airlines. Specific airlines have dominated Asia and Europe for many years and have turned their noses down to the secondary and tertiary airlines. Air China is an excellent example.
The lines between these airlines have blurred. Perhaps this has to do with global airline alliances or maybe they have realized what consumers want. Before, when traveling, passengers may have considered one or two airlines to Asia, but now, the real choices (those offering quality product and service) have jumped to as much as six or more.
So travelers, enjoy your improved choices. I will update you on Hong Kong shortly. I am staying at the Grand Hyatt, which I feel has much to offer and the best Club Floor I have ever encountered.
– Fran Gallagher, publisher and CEO
