China tours
Nov 28th, 2004, 06:07 AM
#3
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Since you are new to this forum, may I suggest, if you have not already done so, that you can get a wealth of info by typing <b>tour company</b> in the search box, and choosing China in the topic box. 
Nov 29th, 2004, 11:25 AM
#5
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After reading Bottomfisher's trip report using "China Bogus" tours, I'd give serious condition to planning an independent tour. Pay particular note to sage advice of Peter N-H ....
China: tour or not?
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34511948
CHINA FOCUS TRAVEL/TOURS
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34543169
Pacific Delight Tours
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34516260
Help! Need advice for visiting Beijing & Xian in Feb.
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34532440
Comments from independent travellers on results of making travel arrangements in China
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34527476
Nov 29th, 2004, 01:03 PM
#6
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One of the problems, it seems, is that a lot of tour companies use the same ground operator in China. It would be worth asking whether the company concerned uses its own staff, but any that do may charge more than you want to pay. I must admit I'd be put off at the thought of being stung for tips that are way out of whack with average or even good earnings in China.
You CAN travel independently in China if you want to - air travel and hotels aren't difficult to arrange yourself, and taxis within the major cities are inexpensive. And unless you're there during a particularly busy period (esp. Chinese New Year, May and October holiday weeks) you can negotiate sizeable hotel discounts on a walk-up basis. I'm sure a good tour company would save you a lot of hassles, but from the correspondence on this site I have no idea how you'd find one!
You CAN travel independently in China if you want to - air travel and hotels aren't difficult to arrange yourself, and taxis within the major cities are inexpensive. And unless you're there during a particularly busy period (esp. Chinese New Year, May and October holiday weeks) you can negotiate sizeable hotel discounts on a walk-up basis. I'm sure a good tour company would save you a lot of hassles, but from the correspondence on this site I have no idea how you'd find one!
