Category Archives: Macau / Hong Kong

3 Reasons to Travel While You’re Young

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3 Reasons to Travel While You’re Young

If you’ve graduated college and have yet to get a passport you have an emptiness inside. You are stuck in the rat race of daily routine. Never enlightened to anything outside your own culture. As each year ticks by you’re getting closer to depriving yourself of ever experiencing the world.

5 sicily terameno 300x224 3 Reasons to Travel While You’re Young

Terameno, Sicily

Do you think it will get any easier to travel when you’re married and have a ton of responsibilities? Don’t settle for being ordinary.” Have you ever though to yourself. “I hate this city, it’s always the same old predictable routine.” You’re doing this to yourself by being a follower of the crowd. A Sheep! Your friends aren’t as interesting as you may think they are or your wouldn’t feel this void.

The other night, I had a conversation with a young woman who had a number of decisions ahead of her, one of which was whether she should go to grad school or travel the world. I told her to travel. Hands down. No excuses. Just go. The rewards are worth the costs.

She sighed.
“Yeah, but…”
Never were more fatal words spoken:
• Yeah, but… what about debt?
• Yeah, but… what about my job?
• Yeah, but… what about my boyfriend (or dog or car or whatever)?

“Yeah, but…” makes it sound like we have the best of intentions when really we are just too scared to do what we should. It allows us to be cowards, while sounding noble.

Most people I know who waited to travel the world never did. Be careful of the yeah-but. The yeah-but will kill the dreams of your youth.

The life you’ve always wanted

When you get older, life seems to just sort of happen to you. Your youth is a time of total empowerment. You get to do what you want. But as you mature and gain new responsibilities, you have to be very intentional about making sure you don’t lose sight of what’s important. So if you still have a reasonable amount of control over your circumstances, you should do what really matters. Because life won’t always be just about you.

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Paris

During early adulthood, your worldview is still being formed. It’s important to give yourself opportunities to grow. A good way to do that is to travel. You will regret few risks you take when it comes to this. I promise you that. There are three reasons to travel while you’re young:

1. Traveling teaches you to live an adventure

In your lifetime, you will not be able to remember all of your experiences over the years. You will, however remember the special moments. The feeling you have for a moment in your life when you feel part of something.

CafeDelMar 300x180 3 Reasons to Travel While You’re Young

Cafe Del Mar Ibiza

While you’re young, you should travel. You should take the time to see the world and taste the fullness of life. It’s worth whatever investment or money or sacrifice of time that may be required on your part. This is not about being a tourist. It’s about experiencing true risk and adventure so you don’t have to live in fear for the rest of your life.

2. Traveling helps you encounter compassion

In your youth, you will make choices that will define you. The disciplines you begin now will be with you for the rest of your life. Traveling will change you like little else can. It will put you in places that will force you to care for issues that are bigger than you.

Seaside Amalfi Coast Italy 300x300 3 Reasons to Travel While You’re Young

Seaside, Amalfi Coast, Italy

If you go to Asia, you may encounter the slave trade. If eastern Europe, you may see the effects of genocide and religious persecution. If Haiti, you’ll witness the the ugly side Western paternalism.

Your heart will break. You will begin to understand that the world is both a big and small place. You will have a new-found respect for the pain and suffering that over half of the world takes for granted on a daily basis. And you will feel more connected to your fellow human beings in a deep and lasting way. You will learn to care.

3. Traveling allows you to get some culture

While you’re still young, you should get cultured. Get to know the world and the magnificent people that fill it. There’s nothing quite like sitting beside thousands of people from all over the globe to watch a sunset at Ibiza’s Café Del Mar..

Shangri La Hotel Paris 300x225 3 Reasons to Travel While You’re YoungI can describe Paris to you, but the feeling that the city gives to me is something you’d have to experience for yourself. You can read all the books in the world about the Great Wall of China, but being there is a different story.
The world is a stunning place, full amazing adventures. See it. Do this while you’re still young. Do not squander the time. You will never have it again.

You have a crucial opportunity to invest in the next season of your life now. Whatever you sow, you will eventually reap. Please. For your sake, do this. Because you won’t always be young. And life won’t always be just about you. So travel. Experience the world for all it’s worth. Become a person of culture, adventure, and compassion.

“What if I’m not young?”

Grand Canal Venice Italy 213x300 3 Reasons to Travel While You’re Young

Grand Canal – Venice, Italy

Travel, anyway. It may not be easy to do, but find a way to get out of your comfort zone. It’s really never too late.
But if you haven’t gotten sucked into the routine of life yet, I implore you to  TRAVEL. It will never be easier than it is right now for you to do that which really matters.

-Ryan Slate

CEO of Players Club Tours

Check out the amazing trips we offer this year we can offer discounts with large groups or join our staff.

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Macau

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Donald Macau

Donald asks…

Is it possible to live a Portuguese-only life in the Chinese special administrative region of Macau?

A friend of mine from Brazil will be living in Macau for at least one year for a temporary job posting. Portuguese is his first language and he speaks not a word of Chinese.

Macau was formerly a colony of Portugal that was returned to China in 1999. Portuguese is retained in the territory as one of its co-official languages. However, the Cantonese dialect of Chinese is the major native language of Macau and only a small portion of the population uses Portuguese on a regular basis.

Still, is Portuguese prevalent enough in Macau where you could survive using just that language? Are all government services still offered in Portuguese? Are media and cultural resources still widely available in the language? Do enough everyday people in Macau have at least some basic knowledge of the language so that you can undertake all your day-to-day tasks (i.e. shopping, getting around, paying utility bills, etc.) in Portuguese?

full square brown cropped Macau

Players Club Tours answers:

They speak Portuguese, in some areas,
Althought the majority of the Macanese people speak Cantonoese, they know at least the basics of Portuguese (or an hybrid version of it, Creole) if they are native to the island.

Yes, your friend will be able to live in Macau as if he was living in Portugal.
Macanese culture was influenced by the Portuguese themselves. Just look at it’s architecture, gastronomy, etc.

Here’s an interesting documentary:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrCGxSYgyxE

 

Macau

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Michael Macau

Michael asks…

does anyone know any Motel in Macau for backpack travelers?

I’m going to Macao this 18th-20th march
any help will be very much appreciated

full square brown cropped Macau

Players Club Tours answers:

Macao is not a backpacking destination. You will find the city to be extremely expensive.

If you wish to control your costs, then it is wiser to visit Macao as a day trip and spend your nights in the mainland.

Check out www.playersclubtours.com for more exciting travel ideas!

Macau Tourism Board

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Thomas Macau Tourism Board

Thomas asks…

what are other routes to get to macua besides hong kong?

I found that traveling to hong hong is expensive so i need to check out other routes

full square brown cropped Macau Tourism Board

Players Club Tours answers:

Are you going to HK or Macau, or both? If your goal is to get to HK on the cheap, I would like to suggest a couple of ways.

One is to find a good travel agent, either online or in person, and see if you can find some air fare specials. If your dates are flexible, look at the web site http://www.zuji.com and search for your route using the flexible dates option. It’s possible that you could find a bargain to fly directly into Hong Kong. You can also achieve a similar effect by calling a travel agent with strong Hong Kong connections and asking them. For instance, I have friends who use travel agents in Chinatown in New York or San Francisco. Unfortunately, I had no access to those cities and so I was stuck with the online options.

Another thing you can do is look directly at the sites for the airlines that fly into and out of Hong Kong, which you will see when you look at the zuji site.

Another idea is to pick up a copy of a Hong Kong newspaper and look at the specials advertised in there, you might find a good deal. Some good ones to look at are South China Morning Post, International Herald Tribune (http://www.onlinenewspapers.com/hk.htm ). Unfortunately for you and me, they are not free and so your best bet if you are not in HK already is to find one in a large city library or newstand.

Yet another idea is to look at the web site for the Hong Kong Board of Tourism. Sometimes they find good tourist specials and post them on their site as a means of promoting tourism (http://www.discoverhongkong.com/usa/index.jsp) .

But okay, back to your original question. How to fly in and out of Macau? This is actually a great idea to consider. There are some notable discount airlines that fly in and out of Macau. For example, Bangkok is a major S.E. Asia hub. If you can catch a cheap flight to Bangkok (especially likely if you are coming through Europe), you can fly on AirAsia straight into Macau. Wow, Airasia is a really great bargain (http://www.airasia.com) . Tiger Airways also flies in and out of Macau, as does Singapore Air (I think). You may be able to find a real bargain on one of these airlines. Here is a list of the airlines that fly in and out of Macau: http://www.macau-airport.com/en/h05/02_airlines.php so you can go to each airline’s web page and see what they offer.

Bear in mind, however, that if you fly into Macau with the HK destination in mind, you will still be an hour’s ferry ride from HK at a time when you’ll be jet lagged and exhausted. It also will cost you roughly 150 Hong Kong Dollars each way to get from Macau to HK, so you have to add in the cost and the inconvenience. However, hotels in Macau are a good bit cheaper than those in HK, so it could be a good place just to crash, break in easily, and sleep some jet lag. (And the airport express MTR in HK is just as expensive as the ferry ride from Macau.)

Check out www.playersclubtours.com for more exciting travel ideas!

Macau

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Sandra Macau

Sandra asks…

what are the must see spots in Macau?

i only have a day to spend in Macau and was wondering if anybody can give me some tips and what the best mode of transport is icon smile Macau thanks!

full square brown cropped Macau

Players Club Tours answers:

If you are not a good walker then taxi is the most convenient mode of transport in Macau.
For a good review read the following link:

http://www.olamacauguide.com/macau-tours.html

For more tips and travel options take a look at our upcoming Luxury Travel lineup!

http://www.playersclubtours.com

 

Macau

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David Macau

David asks…

How expensive are things in Macau? Most especially in regards to shopping and dining!?

Travelling to Macau in the southern tip of China this holiday season for the first time and I just wanted to budget my budget before hand.
Any MUST see places and THINGS to do?
Thanks in advance for all the in coming helpful tips!

full square brown cropped Macau

Players Club Tours answers:

Cheaper than Hong Kong but more expensive than China.

Take a look at our upcoming Luxury Tour lineup for more tips and ideas!

http://www.playersclubtours.com

Macau

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Susan Macau

Susan asks…

Question about Chinese Yuan to HK Dollar and Macau Pataca?

Since Chinese Yuan is approx 10% higher than HK Dollar and Macau Pataca, i suppose people in HK and Macau will accept the Yuan, my question is that if we buy someting in HK or Macau by using Yuan, do the trader calculate the 10% higher value of the Yuan when giving back the change or they just treat it as it is the same?

full square brown cropped Macau

Players Club Tours answers:

What used to happen in Louhou (just inside China at the China – Hong Kong crossing) markets is that they would haggle a price with you and then when you tried to pay they would argue that they were talking about HK$ and not RMB (as the HK$ was a similar amount as what you are talking about but MORE rather than less). If they could get away with it they would try for the 1HK$=1RMB gag!

Certainly they accept the RMB in Hong Kong, and although I cannot comment on the markets etc, I can tell you that taxis will take it but only on the 1 for 1 exchange rate (experienced it very recently going from the border to the airport after my wife had mugged me for all my HK$)!

We hope this help!

For travel ideas and opportunities take a look at our upcoming Luxury Tours!

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Macau Gambling King

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Richard Macau Gambling King

Richard asks…

my son is doing this report on China.?

.He have this report that is do friday. He is looking for different kinds of culture in China.Different places to Visit. Things like that. Any things well help.

full square brown cropped Macau Gambling King

Players Club Tours answers:

There are 52 different ethnicites in china. Some include tibetan people that live in the west. Other parts of western china are dominated by muslims. One of the most popular places to visit is xian, that is where the buried soldiers are. A few thousand years ago, a king wanted to make clay models of his entire fleet. It got buried and rediscovered 40 yrs ago. Other places to visit include hong kong. That is a very capitalist place and was the finance centre of china. Shanghai is another popular destination, and that is the business centre of china with many foreigners living there. Hainan is where people go to swim and enjoy the beach. It is a tropical place. Beijing is the capital. They have many palaces there, and that is where the great wall is located. The great wall was originally built to keep foreigners out. That didnt work, and china was conquered by mongols. Chinese people eat a lot of seafood. That is the most popular kind of meat there. They eat a lot more vegetables than meat. The most popular past time there is swimming. People also like to gamble. The biggest casinos are located in macau, an ex portuguese settlement.

Best of luck!

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The Wonders of Macau

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The Wonders Of Macau

hktours lge The Wonders of Macau

Seamlessly blending Portuguese and Chinese culture, Macau is a city of unique enchantment, exemplified by the UNESCO World Heritage site status of its historic center. Dramatically contrasting with the center’s old-world charm are the city’s world-class hotels and resorts, expansive tourism and entertainment facilities, luxurious shopping malls, and state-of-the-art convention and exhibition venues.

Macau also offers mouth-watering cuisine, glittering night views and a calendar packed full of events, including the Macau Arts Festival, Macau International Dragon Boat Races, Macau International Fireworks Display Contest, Macau Food Festival, and Macau Grand Prix.

macau2 The Wonders of Macau

The Ruins of St.

The Ruins of St. Paul’s (also known as Sam Ba Sing Tzik) stands adjacent to the famous Mount Fortress and Macau Museum. The front façade and the grand stone stairs are the only remains of the greatest church in Macau.

ruins of st paul1 The Wonders of Macau

First constructed in 1580,St. Paul’s Church caught fires in 1595 and 1601. However, reconstruction started in 1602 soon after the church was burnt down. Completed in 1637, the church became the biggest Catholic Church inEast Asiaat that time. Unfortunately, a violent typhoon hitMacauin 1835 and the church caught fire for the third time leaving its glory a history. According to historical materials, St Paul’s Church, built with white stones, had a grand vaulted roof. It had three magnificently decorated halls.

Built with granites, Sam Ba Sing Tzik has a baroque facade rich in ornamentation but with classic oriental characteristics. From the bottom up, the structure has five tiers. The first tier is comprised of ten Ionic columns with three entrances. The entrance in the middle has ‘MATER DEI’ carved into it. The two entrances on each side are decorated with bas-reliefs in the pattern of ‘HIS’. The second tier features ten Corinthian columns with three windows. A Catholic saint is enshrined in each of four tabernacles between columns. The two tiers as a whole is said to represent the Society of Jesus and the activities of missionaries.

A-Ma Temple

Macau’s name is derived from A-Ma-Gau or Place of A-Ma and this temple dedicated to the seafarers’ goddess dates from the early 16th century.  According to legend, A-Ma, a poor girl looking for passage to Canton, was refused by the wealthy junk owners but a lowly fisherman took her on board. A storm blew up and wrecked all but the boat carrying the girl.

On arrival in Macau, she vanished, only to reappear as a goddess on the spot where the fishermen built her temple.

a ma temple The Wonders of Macau

A-Ma Temple is situated halfway up the western slope of Barra Hill. It consists of the Gate Pavilion, the Memorial Arch, the Prayer Hall, the Hall of Benevolence, the Hall of Guanyin, and Zhengjiao Chanlin (a Buddhist pavilion),each forming a small part of the well-ordered complex which sits in perfect harmony with the natural environment. The variety of pavilions dedicated to the worship of different deities in a single complex make A-Ma Temple an exemplary representation of Chinese culture inspired by Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism and multiple folk beliefs.

Mt. Fortress

 mount fortress 300x200 The Wonders of Macau

Built in conjunction with the Jesuits from 1617 to 1626, this was onceMacau’s principal military defense structure. The fortress was equipped with cannons, military barracks, wells, and an arsenal that held sufficient ammunition and supplies to endure a siege lasting up to two years. The fortress covers an area of 10,000 square meters and is in the shape of a trapezoid. The four corners of the fortress protrude to form bulwarks.

These are just a few of the many wonders of Macau.  There is such a variety of activities to do in this wonderful city, ranging from historical sites to an amazingly fun and enchanting night scene.  This is a place you won’t want to miss! 

Luxury Macau – Venetian Resort Hotel

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Venetian Macau Resort Hotel – Hong Kong / Macau

venetian macau 1 Luxury Macau Venetian Resort Hotel

Venetian Macau

Today I am going to promote the Venetian Macau Resort Hotel to all of you. I would like to tell you how good the first-class facilities and excellent service of the hotel are. And what activities you can have when you staying in the hotel. Because of the Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel is playing a crucial role in making Macau one of the most exciting entertainment destinations, preeminent convention and exhibition venues in Asia.
We totally understand all of you are busy. As a business man and you need to travel a lot. I think you do not have much time to spend with your family right? That’s why I want to promote The Venetian Macao Resort Hotel and YOUR FAMILY!!! visiting The Venetian Macao Resort Hotel, we have thought of everything to ensure that all of you will experience a new standard of luxury beyond your imagination.

 

Venetian Macau Hotel Luxury Macau Venetian Resort Hotel

Venetian Macau Hotel

Because the unique resort is also built around charming canals where guests can sit on authentic gondolas to enjoy the scenery or transport themselves around the property,
You can play many different types of activities while staying at The Venetian Macao Resort Hotel. Our main leisure area is on level 5 where we have our multiple swimming pools, why don’t have a swim with your children? Image you and your son swimming in the pool and he shout “hey daddy! Wait me. I want your hug “. So you can have chance to spend time on your kids. We’re certain that you will enjoy all of these resort activities. Not only the excellent services we provide, but also the impressive shopping destination for the guests. I know what you are worried. I know you are thinking “How can I spend my time with my family in the hotel? “The Venetian’s Grand Canal Shoppers provides more than 350 shops set in elegant streets capes reminiscent of Venice.

venetian macau Luxury Macau Venetian Resort Hotel

Venetian Macau Gondola Rides

The Venetian’s Grand Canal Shoppers is special to travelers because it is beautiful and always entertaining. While shopping there, you will notice that you take some elegant walkways that end up leading to a central square filled with performers and other sorts of entertainers. It is almost as if the people are putting on a show for you to enjoy while you shop. I am so sure that you and your family can have enough time to get together in the hotel and have a quality time with them. It doesn’t spend too much time during your trip. Also big array of guest accommodation will be offered, there are about 3,000 suite deluxe rooms for guests in total. non-smoking area and handicap accessible suites had been build for needed people. Featuring over 30 restaurants and bars, dining at The Venetian Macao is, meanwhile, delightful tastes and spectacular presentations by master chefs from around the world. Our guest accommodations exemplify our philosophy of giving guests the best of everything.
venetian macau by playersclubtours Luxury Macau Venetian Resort Hotel

 

What Are you waiting for? Why don’t book a hotel room for your dear kids and wife? It is such a good hotel and chance for you!!! You can take the advantage of both.

www.PlayersClubTours.com