Escorted & Package Tours

Package tours are simply a way to buy the airfare, accommodations, and other elements of your trip (such as airport transfers and sometimes even city tours and other activities) at the same time and often at discounted prices.

One good source of package deals is the Hong Kong Tourism Board's website at www.discoverhongkong.com, which lists the latest deals from various tour companies. Another good source is the airlines themselves. From the U.S., United Airlines offers the most options with its United Vacations (tel. 800/917-9246; www.uv-asia.com), with a variety of escorted and independent package deals to Hong Kong and other Asian destinations. Several big online travel agencies -- Expedia, Travelocity, and Orbitz -- also do a brisk business in packages.

Of the tour companies offering packages to Asia, three of the largest are Pacific Delight Tours (tel. 800/221-7179; www.pacificdelighttours.com); Pacific Bestour (tel. 800/688-3288; www.bestour.com); and Gate 1 Travel (tel. 800/682-3333; www.gate1travel.com).

Travel packages are also listed in the travel section of your local Sunday newspaper. Or check ads in the national travel magazines such as Budget Travel Magazine, Travel + Leisure, National Geographic Traveler, and Condé Nast Traveler.

For more information on package tours and for tips on booking your trip, see frommers.com.

Ask Before You Go

Before you invest in a package deal or an escorted tour:

• Always ask about the cancellation policy. Can you get your money back? Is there a deposit required?
• Ask about the accommodations choices and prices for each. Then look up the hotels' reviews in a Frommer's guide and check their rates online for your specific dates of travel. Also find out what types of rooms are offered.
• Request a complete schedule. (Escorted tours only.)
• Ask about the size and demographics of the group. (Escorted tours only.)
• Discuss what is included in the price (transportation, meals, tips, airport transfers, and the like). Escorted tours only.
• Finally, look for hidden expenses. Ask whether airport departure fees and taxes, for example, are included in the total cost -- they rarely are.

Escorted General-Interest Tours

Escorted tours are structured group tours, with a group leader. The price usually includes everything from airfare to hotels, meals, tours, admission costs, and local transportation.

Despite the fact that escorted tours require big deposits and predetermine hotels, restaurants, and itineraries, many people derive security and peace of mind from the structure they offer. Escorted tours -- whether they're navigated by bus, motorcoach, train, or boat -- let travelers sit back and enjoy the trip without having to drive or worry about details. They take you to the maximum number of sights in the minimum amount of time with the least amount of hassle. They're particularly convenient for people with limited mobility and they can be a great way to make new friends.

On the downside, you'll have little opportunity for serendipitous interactions with locals. The tours can be jam-packed with activities, leaving little room for individual sightseeing, whim, or adventure -- plus they often focus on the heavily touristed sites, so you miss out on many a lesser-known gem.

Among the many companies offering group tours are Pacific Delight Tours and Pacific Bestour, which offer trips primarily to China but include stops in Hong Kong; General Tours (tel. 800/221-2216; www.generaltours.com); and China Focus Travel (tel. 800/868-7244; www.chinafocustravel.com).

Luxury cruise liners are also a common sight in Hong Kong's harbor, anchored conveniently right next to the SAR's largest shopping mall at Ocean Terminal on the Kowloon side. Cruise lines with ports of call in Hong Kong include Cunard (tel. 800/7-CUNARD [800/728-6273]; www.cunard.com), Holland America (tel. 877/932-34259; www.hollandamerica.com), and Princess Cruises (tel. 800/PRINCESS [800/774-62377]; www.princess.com). Hong Kong-based Star Cruises (tel. 852/2317 7711; www.starcruises.com.hk) offers a wide range of cruises for a mostly Asian market, from very popular 1-night cruises to 3-week cruises that sail to destinations throughout Southeast Asia.