1. The War Tunnels Tour, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. We, as Americans have a sordid history with Vietnam in that there was a war gone wrong. During those times, Vietnamese soldiers and citizens made tunnels to hide in and live in. In the modern era, Vietnam has become a tourist destination for travelers from around the world. The Vietnamese haven't allowed their trying times to be forgotten, and for those who want to learn more about the conflict, there's a tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels. It's an educational experience of a lifetime when you're visiting Ho Chi Minh City.
https://www.history.com/topics/vietnam-war/cu-chi-tunnels
https://vinpearl.com/en/tunnels-in-vietnam
2. When and why to ask the locals. I say always ask the locals. I can't tell you how many times I've found the most amazing things because I asked around. I ask staff at the hotel, waitstaff, guides at ticket booths, people I meet on the subway and whatever. Locals, by definition are the people who live where we are only visiting. Here's some things I learned by asking. I found some of the best places in NYC to eat, and learned for sure that the Staten Island Ferry is free. I found out how many boat tours were available out of Kingston, NY. I learned almost everything I found out in St. Lucia from locals, including our fabulous landlords. I found out about a hidden town in Switzerland. I learned about Greenville, Maine from the locals. I mean, I learned everything. These people are a great source for activities, food, shopping, and transportation. Always ask the locals.
https://www.travelmassive.com/posts/ask-a-local-218654114
3. The Light Show at the Marina Bay Sands. It's called Spectra, and there are others too. Singapore has a lot to do and a lot of ways to spend money. It's one of the prettiest countries in the world and a tiny one. It's clean, safe, and there are a lot of special rules to follow when in town. One of the best ways to get some bang for your buck is to go to the Marina district and watch the evening light shows as well as the sunset before hand. It's a necessary part of any trip to Singapore.
https://www.marinabaysands.com/guides/exceptional-experiences/light-and-sound-show.html
https://www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/en/things-to-do/calendar-of-events/garden-rhapsody.html
4. Always check and keep an eye on the weather, and always check reviews. I can't stress this enough. We travel a lot, and we don't go to the same place over and over. Therefore, it's all new to us most of the time. I've found myself in some interesting situations, like the time I was stuck in a snowstorm in southern Arizona, the time we went to the French Quarter and needed to know where to eat. There were times when there were storms coming, restaurants that advertised far better than they cooked, and less than satisfactory hotel stays. Always check. That's what the internet is for in my world. I've been to many places where the weather will change at a moment's notice and it really comes in handy. But don't let it stop there. Check for the quality of guided tours, breweries and restaurants, public transportation, museums, and so on. Always check. Save yourself the pain.
https://www.travelstride.com/reviews/tours-trip-reviews
https://flight-report.com/en/index/
https://www.travelandleisure.com/hotels-resorts/hotel-reviews
5. Horse Races in Hong Kong. That's right, I said it. There's so many exclusive activities in Hong Kong, and most of us want to try all the food and go shopping. We want to watch the sunset and the lights at the harbor. We want to go to the parks across the bay. Well, you can go to the horse races too! Sundays, Wednesdays and Saturdays are popular race days but check their calendar. They have local and international races. It's just that something that seems a bit different to do in the Orient.
https://racing.hkjc.com/racing/english/index.aspx
https://www.discoverhongkong.com/us/explore/culture/how-to-do-the-hong-kong-races.html
https://racing.hkjc.com/racing/information/English/racing/RaceCard.aspx
https://www.chinahighlights.com/festivals/hong-kong-horse-racing-season.htm
https://www.happyvalleyracecourse.com/
There you have it! Some good advice and different activities to include in your travels. Remember, if it's something you find in a travel guide for tourists, you can probably do better. Always travel more like a local. Learn as you go, ask questions and have a true adventure. Pack your bags, expect the unexpected and enjoy! Happy Thanksgiving!
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