mlbcruiser

China Focus & China Spree tour companies seem quite similar and both seem highly rated for what they offer. I wonder if one of these companies is rated any higher than the other? I know someone that traveled w/one of them in Nov. and really thought the tour was well done. (This person is an experienced traveler, and does both independent and pkg. tours.)

Hoping for some (legitimate!) replies.

P.S. To anyone who is thinking of saying I could do the trip on my own easily and at less cost, please don't bother. We travel a lot & have even considered a pkg. tour before, but my husband is insisting this time. While I prefer doing things on our own, if I want to get to go at all, this has to be how. That is certainly better than not going! Also,I ran the flight costs alone, & if we purchased our own air, the price would be the same as the price for the entire pkg. tour.

thursdaysd

If you do a search on this board you will find many threads on the pros and cons of using tour companies in China, and these tour companies in particular. It is very much a case of buyer beware, and knowing what you are signing up for.

flgirl0817

I have read positive reviews on both companies, mostly on Frommers. I did book the 12 Day Middle Kingdom tour leaving in September with China Spree and they seemed very professional and answered all of my questions when I called them.

mlbcruiser

I know for sure there are many WORSE tour companies than these 2 because I have seen some firsthand reports. (As mentioned earlier, we know someone who traveled w/one of the tour companies mentioned and enjoyed it a LOT.) I had hoped, on a fluke, that maybe there was someone had actually traveled w/both of these companies. Even so, I know forums are usually read by more independent traveler types in the first place.

I've never been an advocate of guided pkg. tours at ALL, because it just doesn't seem like my cup of tea. However, I have never actually BEEN on one. Some of those who are very into criticizing pkg. tour companies probably have not usually taken tours with any of these companies. I agree w/you thrusdaysd in that it's wise to understand what you are signing up for by reading posts and researching the company you area dealing with before booking w/them. From the posts I have seen, people generally have very good comments about these 2 companies.

mlbcruiser

Forgot to thank you, flgirl10817. Have a wonderful trip!

thursdaysd

"people generally have very good comments about these 2 companies." - although if you research on fodors you will find these are two of the worst from the perspective of forced tipping and shopping ops. I haven't traveled with these two companies, and have no intention of ever doing so, but I have visited China on tour (with the Smithsonian and with Intrepid) and solo (for seven weeks), and I would certainly recommend going solo. If that's out I would do a lot more research before signing up with either of these.

mlbcruiser

Well, thursdaysd, I have seen a number of good reviews of these particular companies on this and 2 other sites. There are a few posts by people (a couple of them who frequently warn & complain about tipping in China and who are very anti-tour - something I also usually am w/regard to MYSELF, but different strokes for different folks.) However I personally know a couple who travels a lot both independently and on tours and they have traveled with China Focus recently and had very good things to say about them. Since I know these people, and their lifestyle and travel habits, I put a lot of credence into what they say.

As for the 2 companies you mention, I would NEVER be able to travel even w/the best co. in the world for 7 wks!!! Or even half that. But again, different strokes for different folks.

Still, thanks for your input. That's what these boards are for.

sandy_b

We (2 senior ladies) went to China in '02 with China Focus. We are independent travelers . . . but . . . the entire 12-day tour w/CF was less than we could get just the airfare alone. And, they let us delay our return and stay 10 days longer for only $100.

All of our guides and accommodations were excellent . . . we were never stuck in hotels outside of town. We do not hesitate to recommend China Focus.

I know it is old, but I typed up my report from that trip and would be happy to email it if you are interested. Just let me know at [email protected].

Sandy (in Denton)

mlbcruiser

sandy_b, thank you SO much for posting and I am glad to hear you had a good experience! I will email you shortly since I would love to readd your trip report. (Don't be surprised if you hear from others requesting the same thing!)