The Hongkongers satisfying their summer travel itch in the city with Airbnb bookings, camping trips, and weekend getaways to the islands

Restrictions stemming from the coronavirus pandemic have put everyone’s travel plans on hold this summer. In a city like Hong Kong, where residents travel regularly, especially in the hot and sticky months, that can feel like a big blow. But it doesn’t have to mean going without a summer holiday. Plenty of Hongkongers are getting creative and making the most of this summer close to home.

Priscilla Dondi, a confessed “crazy travel junkie”, has explored much of the Asia region in the five years she has lived in Hong Kong. Though she initially felt trapped by the travel restrictions in place, some smart research by her husband, Nicola, has led to exciting local adventures for the family of four.

“I’ve discovered more of Hong Kong. It’s a blessing to be here when I think of our families in Europe and New York; we can go hiking, there’s so much to do here,” says Dondi, a management consultant.

The Dondi family – including Olivia, four, and Sebastiano, two – hired a boat to drop them off at Millionaire’s Beach (Nam Fung Wan) in Sai Kung, where they camped on the foreshore. Another time they pitched their tents on Grass Island (Tap Mun) with friends who have children the same age as theirs.

 It was Priscilla Dondi’s first experience of camping, and although she admits to loving her creature comforts, she enjoyed the trips.

“Wild boars ate our breakfast while we were sleeping,” she says. “The kids were so excited about it, they still talk about it now.”