Why Hong Kong is NOT on My Covet Travel List
Alright, gents, it’s Slay Lifestyle concierge here, and today, we need to have a REAL conversation about travel. Everyone loves the idea of globe-trotting, embracing diverse cultures, and living that jet-set life. But let me make one thing crystal clear—Hong Kong is NOT on my covet travel list. Now, before you rage-tweet or slide into my DMs with your opinions, hear me out. This is not just a matter of personal preference; it’s a matter of principle and lifestyle optimization.
First off, let’s talk about the crowd situation. If you’ve ever been to New York City, multiply that chaos by ten, and you’ve got Hong Kong. Elbow-to-elbow congestion, people crammed into tiny spaces, and lines for EVERYTHING. Now, I don’t know about you, but I value my personal space and time too much to deal with that kind of chaos. The sheer volume of humanity in Hong Kong is overwhelming, claustrophobic, and downright frustrating.
And don’t get me started about the smell. Ever walked through a crowded fish market that’s been baking under the sun for hours? That’s a regular Tuesday afternoon in Hong Kong. The city is a sensory overload of olfactory nightmares. Street food vendors are ubiquitous, which is great if you love a myriad of mixed scents wafting through the air—mostly unpleasant ones, mind you. The sanitation conditions are questionable at best, adding to the overall griminess of the place.
Let me put it bluntly—Hong Kong is dirty. It lacks the pristine cleanliness that other major cities like Singapore boast. Look, if I’m spending my hard-earned money on a luxurious travel experience, I want to land in a place that shines. Singapore is immaculate, organized, and every corner feels like a five-star experience. Hong Kong can’t hold a candle to the efficiency and cleanliness of Singapore.
The “Chinese situation” is another factor that’s hard to ignore. The political climate is volatile, to say the least. With the constant protests, political unrest, and an ever-looming shadow of Chinese governmental influence, Hong Kong feels more like a powder keg ready to explode than a serene travel destination. I don’t know about you, but I prefer my travel experiences to be conflict-free and far removed from civil unrest.
Speaking of ease of travel, let’s talk language barriers. English proficiency in Hong Kong is LOW. It’s a struggle to communicate basic needs, let alone navigate through complex situations. In contrast, Singapore’s population is largely bilingual, with English being one of the official languages. The ease of communication makes a world of difference. Imagine trying to order a five-course meal using a mix of charades and broken phrases. No thanks, I’ll pass.
Another critical point—personal safety. Given the political atmosphere, there’s always an underlying tension in Hong Kong. The last thing you want is to be caught up in protests or civil unrest when you’re supposed to be on a holiday. Stressful situations and vacations do NOT mix. When I travel, I aim for relaxation and leisure, not anxiety and unpredictability.
And finally, let’s be real about the luxury factor. In a place as crowded, smelly, and dirty as Hong Kong, the idea of true luxury feels like an oxymoron. Rolling up in a Lamborghini through the congested streets, dodging protesters and navigating unsanitary zones doesn’t scream “high-end living” to me. I want my experiences to align with my standards—opulence, cleanliness, and efficiency.
So, there you have it. Hong Kong doesn’t meet my criteria for a covet travel destination. From overcrowded streets, the bombardment of unpleasant smells, and lack of cleanliness, to the concerning political situation and low English proficiency—Hong Kong is a hard pass for me. When I travel, I seek excitement, comfort, and a touch of luxury. Until Hong Kong can offer that without the anxiety and discomfort, it won’t be seeing any of my travel dollars.
Stay strong, stay smart, and keep your standards high. Only settle for the best. This is Slay Lifestyle concierge , signing off.