Hong Kong Bucket List or Buck It?

Should you travel to Hong Kong?

Here’s what we’ve been doing for you:

• Researching many sources in the travel and security industries.

• Talking to numerous sources inside the Hong Kong community.

• Susan traveled to Hong Kong. Listen to her first-hand experiences in our podcast here.

As you know, we avoid taking political sides here on Undercover Jetsetter. Our goals: show you how to Jetset the world without being a millionaire; while doing it safely.

So when we answer your question about going to Hong Kong -- with the massive rallies and the potential for more violence -- our answer is this:

It is totally up to you.

Here’s how to approach Hong Kong -- or not.

First, figure out who you are.

Many of us want our memorable travel vacations to be easy, fun, no distractions and no dangers. If that’s you, then avoid Hong Kong right now. Instead, watch this TV miniseries called White Dragon which is shot in Hong Kong, giving you all the intrigue of Hong Kong politics and the underside of the business community along with the conflicts of the British and Chinese cultures.

However, do you enjoy being actually immersed — not through fiction —into the actual intrigue and danger? Would you like to partake or witness history? Then maybe heading to Hong Kong now might be for you.

But remember, be aware of where you are and get as much information as you can.

As of now, no travel insurance company is issuing policies for anyone traveling to Hong Kong now. If you booked a trip before the protests, then most likely your travel insurance will be honored. Check with your travel agent or the travel insurance company directly before you do anything.

Conversely, as you will hear from Susan in the podcast, most areas of Hong Kong are relatively safe. You can easily avoid the protest areas if you remain vigilant and informed.

That requires some effort on your part ahead of time and while you are there to avoid potential dangers:

• There are some pro-Chinese government hooligans who are inciting violence in outer areas, like New Territories.

• Numerous western media reports say the Chinese government is working a disinformation program that, at times, blames the United States for the unrest.

• A number of reports show Chinese military troops on the border of Hong Kong ready to attack. Will they? We don’t know. China certainly does not want another Tiananmen Square from 1989. Many pundits and experts say if the Chinese government uses military force against Hong Kong, it would be one of the biggest economic disasters for the Peoples Republic of China.

Here is what we suggest.

• Before you head to Hong Kong, check the US State Department website for any updated warnings. You should also enroll in the state department safe travel market in Rome at program. Here is the website.

• Read major news publications online such as the NYTimes, Wall Street Journal, and The Economist for breaking news. You can also check out John’s news sites on Facebook and Twitter.

• Next, check with your airline – use the airline’s app -- if there are any cancellations due to airport protests. As of now, no protester can get inside the terminal without an airline ticket.

• Check the Hong Kong airport site.

• Once in Hong Kong, check out the Hong Kong MTR, the subway site.

Don’t forget to have your smart phone camera ready.

Let us know about your experiences. And above all, enjoy yourself and stay safe!