I won an award ticket through air canada to any of there destinationand I just want some advise. I've decided to travel in August but haven't really decided on they destination yet. I'm leaning towards Hong Kong, Tokyo, Paris or Montego Bay. I'm on a budget so I would like to know how is Hong Kong, where to stay and if it is easy to get around and the hotel prices. The same goes for Tokyo. Thanks.

Hong Kong is fun and interesting. Hotel prices are quite high, however. It is easy and relatively inexpensive to get around. It is very hot and humid in August. Take a look at www.weatherbase.com for info on any cities you are considering visiting. Tokoya is also expensive for hotels. August isn't a great time to visit any of those places. Why not wait for winter in Canda, then go somehere tropical.

thing is I work for the school system so after summer school which ends the 2nd week of august will be my only free time. I live in New York so I'm trying to go somewhere that if I had to pay for a regular ticket I would not be have been able to afford.

So is hong kong really bad to go this time of year. I'm really not feeling Tokyo so that's really off my list. I would go to hawaii where I went a couple years ago but I cant go there on Air Canada.

You say you won an award ticket...which means limited seat availability in most cases. I would start by seeiing where you CAN go...like where there is an available seat for you.

Hong Kong is hot and sticky, yes, but we've been 3 times, always in August, and loved it. Air conditioning is just about everywhere. There's lots to see and do there.

In your place, I might go to Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur...and connect to Bali.

Why can't you fly AC to Hawaii?

Do you really mean you can fly AC to any of their destination? They certainly fly to Hawaii. Even to Sydney, Australia. It's winter time there, but won't be too cold.

Hong Kong is pretty hot and sticky in August. Personally, it's one of my favorite places to visit in Asia. Been there 4 times and I've had a really good time. It's pretty easy to find affordable accomodations on a budget. Last year I stayed at the Eaton Hotel in Kowloon and it's a really nice 4-star hotel and you can easily book a room there for about $90 bucks a night. I also stayed at the Ramada Kowloon in the past....the only good thing about this hotel is that it's in the heart of Tsim Tsha Tsui, which is the heart of Kowloon. It's a little older and rooms cost around 70-80 bucks a night. There are tons of more expensive and cheaper accomodations too.

thanks all for the imputs. I cant take air canada to hawaii because my starting destination would be LGA or JFK. Anyone ever been to Regal Oriental Hotel. It's $63 a night on expedia. Is it a good hotel/location?

I see. No US destinations, I guess. How about Cuba?

The Regal Oriental was the airport hotel for Kai Tak airport. Horrible location as there are few attractions nearby and no MTR (subway) service. Well, that's why it's cheap.

If your going to book a hotel in HK, you need to book one in Tsim Tsha Tsui (Kowloon) or Hong Kong Island. The MTR is an essential to going around town cheaply.

more money, but about the best location in HK,,,salisbury YMCA...like a holiday inn...

how about russia? how about egypt??

how about istambul, turkey??

paris is too close to use the ticket for and hotels are quite expensive...

how about south america??

malaysia is very reasonable too...thailand is my favorite also..

i agree with kim that you might be very limited as to what is available on this short notice...

rhkkmk - Air Canada doesn't fly to any of those places you mentioned.

Only Middle Eastern destination is Tel Aviv. And it'll be pretty hot there in August.

Its European destinations are London, Manchester, Dublin, Shannon, Paris, Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich and Rome.

Anyways, how about South America? They fly to San Tiago, Buenos Aires, and Sao Paolo in deep S. Am...

Well, I've ruled out any European country especially with the exchange rate. South America sounds good especially Brazil but that Visa thing is a turn off. I'm still looking for Hong Kong though as the shopping there should be great. I've found two new hotels in Hong Kong and checking them over some more Prudential Hotel and B P International.

Prudential and BP Int'l are quite close to each other, both close to the Jordan MTR. Lots of buses up and down Nathan Road, and very close to the restaurants on or near Knutsford Terrace in Tsimshatsui.

What dates in August are you looking at? What's your budget limit?

I'll be there Aug 23rd through August 28th. My budget, well, I'm looking to spend under $1000 total so not looking to speand over $500 for hotel.

Hong Kong is lots of fun, but it is no longer the shoppers Mecca it once was. Prices are fairly high. WHat is it you want to shop for?

I assume you're staying for 5 nights, so about US$100 a night budget.

Checking asiahotels.com and Expedia, I think the better choices include the Eaton (US$550 all-in for the "Eaton Room" ) on Expedia.

A more interesting and quirky choice will be the Lan Kwai Fong Hotel at Kau U Fong. (Not the same as the Rhombus LKF). City view room $570 all-in on expedia.

Metropark in Causeway Bay ($580 all-in on Expedia is another solid choice.

Single room at the YMCA Salisbury is HK$4,015 all-inclusive, directly from hotel. That's $514.

If you have to stay under $500, BP International will be a good bet.

Also try Priceline. Bid 4* Central Kowloon, and you may get the Eaton. But don't overbid, as you'll need to add tax and fees, and you'll get a standard room, not the nicer Eaton room.

How about Bangkok? Lots to see and do and if you get some bad weather you can shop till you drop. Hotels are cheap. Baiyoke Suite which includes an excellent buffet breakfast is $26 a night till October (ask for a room around the 40th floor). It is a very cheap city, even for taxis and just about everyone seems to speak English.


Montego Bay? Ugh!

Air Canada doesn't fly to BKK. Furthest are Hong Kong and Sydney. Unless the OP can use the voucher on codeshares, which will open up a lot more destinations.

Beijing and Shanghai are other possibilities, but a visa is required.

I don't like cities, but love Paris. It can't cost anymore more than HK or Tokyo. It is one of life's great experiences to just walk around and see and feel and eat and drink Paris. (No, I don't speak a word of French, either).

And I forgot to add, that yes, I've been to the other cities, too. Still hands down - PARIS!!