Talking Tauck Travel Services, Robert Mark Safaris, and Tourist Etiquette Manuals
Tauck of the Town
Joining the influx of luxury tour operators in Hong Kong, US-based experiential travel company Tauck has introduced its services to the SAR in time for its 90th anniversary. Tauck organizes all kinds of trips, including tours, safaris, river cruises and custom itineraries. The company specializes in immersive and exclusive experiences—like an interactive presentation by Winston Churchill’s granddaughter and biographer, Celia Sandys. From Kenya’s Masai Mara Game Reserve to Canada's polar bear migrations, Tauck has built an impressive portfolio of excursions over nearly a century in the business.
Prices on request. 3678-2031, www.tauck.hk.
Ask an Expert
Dreaming up a trip to South Africa? Specialist Africa travel operator Robert Mark Safaris launched in Hong Kong in 2014 and offers more than a decade of expertise and enthusiasm. Founder Robert Dent talks us through when to go and what to do.
HK Magazine: When’s the best time to go to South Africa?
Robert Dent: The weather is actually perfect during March and April, so it’s great for making the most of the scenic surroundings. Cape Town is a very popular destination with visitors from around the world, and this really is the best season to visit.
HK: What are the top draws?
RB: Most of the impala lambs are born in January, so expect to see lots of young animals in South Africa’s game reserves during the springtime. In Cape Town, the main attraction is Table Mountain which forms the backdrop to the city. Hiking is outstanding, starting off with Lion’s Head where a one-hour hike takes you through 720 degrees of ever-changing views of the city. The beaches in Cape Town are world class: clean and very scenic. On the cultural side, there is a lot to see, including Robben Island—where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for nearly three decades. Also, don’t miss the Cape Winelands, where top-shelf wines come at a fraction of the price of their European equivalents.
Learn more about Africa at www.robertmarksafaris.com.
Culture Shock
Let’s get serious for a second. The Thai government passed out “tourist etiquette” manuals to the 90,000 Chinese visitors who were expected to descend on Chiang Mai and other Thai hotspots over Chinese New Year. I couldn’t get my hands on a copy, but from what I’ve read online, the manuals essentially covered things like “Don’t crap on the street” and “Don’t deface monuments.” The move was in response to a string of incidents, including a presumed Chinese tourist who kicked an ancient prayer bell at a Buddhist Temple.
I couldn’t help but cringe upon hearing this news. It’s patronizing, to say the least, but the bigger issue is the double-standard. It’s not like every other traveler is on his or her best behavior in Thailand. Last time I was in Phuket, I was visiting a Thai friend. As we walked along Patong beach, she was hit on by repulsive old Russians and heckled by drunk Americans, who asked how much she charged by the hour. Where are their behavior pamphlets? I’ll take a little Chinese kid pooping in public over sexually aggressive and intoxicated western tourists any day.