WinterTravel

We have a relative who will be turning 65 this year, and we are trying to encourage her to take a trip to China to celebrate. She is single and would want to travel as a part of a group with other people of similar age (but not all couples, as she'd be alone). Can anyone recommend a tour operator that would offer budget-conscious trips that still use nice accommodations? Has anyone used Grand Circle Tours for a China trip? Thanks for any advice....

WileyCoyote

"Elderhostel" http://www.elderhostel.org/welcome/home.asp
runs tours worldwide, including a couple to China this Spring/summer. I've never used them, but I've heard very good things about them. Senior citizens and includes lots of educational presentations and learning experiences as well.

By the Way, I am 62(male) but, for myself, I always prefer traveling with maximum flexibility(travel alone, that means). For my visit to China in April, I have worked with a company in Guelin. A customized package in which I will have a driver and guide at each city/location(standard Beijing, Xian, Guelin, Yangshou, Yangtze cruise, Suzhou and Shanghai)...no preset meals,etc, as I choose to experiment and dine where and when I see fit, rather than scheduled group things. Same-Same with tours, sight-seeing.

But that's just me.

Elainee

SmarTours

Jed

The answer is Elderhostel.

We have been on 3 international tours, and they would be excellent for her. Our 4th, to Greece, is coming up soon.

It is less expensive than regular tour operators, and the international groups stay in very good places.

Single people, mostly women, are common there and fit in well with the couples.

I just checked on their site. There are 6 tours primarily of China, of various lengths and interests.

dperry

I have a friend (in her late 40's) who took a Friendly Planet trip to china in november. She was treavelling alone. she had a great time- the price was very reasonable and everyone was friendly. This company is associated with SmarTours, which was mentioned by a previous poster

pat

friendly planet and smart tours are basically sister companies. Either one is good.

jackandann

We are leaving on March 7 with Grand Circle. We will give you an update when we return. I have heard good things about Elderhostel, but generally they are signficantly more expensive that Grand Circle. We have taken six trips with Grand Circle and thgoroughly enjoyed all of them

WinterTravel

Jack and Ann - we would really appreciate feedback when you return. The GTC tour appears to be about $2000 for two weeks in China (including airfare!). This is about half of what Elder Hostel charges, so we'd really appreciate any feedback regarding the quality of hotels, etc... at this price. We are worried about encouraging her to go alone and then having her feel uncomfortable. Have a great trip!

Jed

Please give URL for GCT trip so we can evaluate it.

pnd1

I went to China with OAT to celebrate my 70th. Trip included Tibet. Flawless. And affordable. Here are details: http://www.oattravel.com/gcc/general...spx?oid=111922

I went as a single, and paid less than $40 a day surchage, much less than many other operators charge.

Phil

jackandann

WinterTravel,
Unfortunatelly we may be deferrering this trip to a future date, due to medical reasons. Fortunately we took out insurance. The actual cost from the East coast, including insurance, taxes, fees, etc., comes to something over @2.500.00. but other carriers have similar add-ons. As I said, we have taken six prior Grand Circle trips. We have been totally satisfied with the accomodations. They may not be 5 star, but they have more than met our expectations, and, from what I understand, Chinese hotels generally exceed expectations. Those people that we have travelled with as singles, or with Grand Circle arranged room mates, have seemed to very much enjoyed the trips. If you do book with Grand Circle for the first time and use us for a reference, John Donoghue, Account number 532988N, you will get a $50.00 discount and we will get a $100.00 credit toward future travel. We would be glad to answer any questions about Grand Circle, and after we do go to China, we will give you a report on the trip. If you go before us, we would be glad to here your experiences.
Jack and Ann

Debbie55

I am escorting a group of people of that age. About two thirds of group are female. I can either match her up with roommate or she could have a room to herself. We are meeting and departing from Los Angeles on October 12 and returning October 27. The majority of the group is from the midwest, but welcome all. Let me know if interested and I can give you details.

aussie417

It all depends on how old of a 65 year old she is? Elderhostel and GCT often cater to an older population. If she is very spry and fun loving, I would suggest OAT. I recently came back from Vietnam with them and it was fabulous!!! We had an 81 year old who kept up with the best. The single supplement was very reasonable too, just $345 for 14 days' accomodations and meals. There is a 16 person max and on our trip there were 6 singles. Besides, it has always been my experience the singles mingle with the marrieds. Everyone gets along just fine.I would definitely look into OAT.

WinterTravel

Thanks so much for all of the replies - sorry to be delayed in responding, but have been away from a computer. The trip URL for the GCT/OAT trip is: http://www.gct.com/gcc/general/default.aspx?oid=109030 - it is called "China's Cultural Capitals" and runs as a GCT (rather than OAT) trip. It does not appear that OAT offers a similar trip. To answer the other questions -- our relative is a young-looking 65, but not extremely fit to be honest (walking is fine, but hiking would be tough). Debbie55 - not sure whether Oct would work for her, but do share details of your trip so we can pass along. Thanks everyone -- keep that advice coming!!

WinterTravel

There is an OAT trip to Vietnam that looks interesting (if she prefers the OAT model to GCT). The URL is: http://www.oattravel.com/gcc/general...spx?oid=120075. Any comments welcome. Thanks!

Luisah

There is a 22 day OAT trip to China, the Yangtze and Tibet.

Read the trip report of the China trip on the Elderhostel web site before booking with them.

WinterTravel

Luisah - thanks for the caution. The Elderhostel trip is actually over our relative's budget, so she is now looking at OAT trips (more within her budget). Thanks!

WinterTravel

Just in case anyone searches this thread when looking for China tours, we wanted to follow up with a post-trip comment. In the end, our relative decided to go with Grand Circle Tours to China this summer. She could not say enough positive things about the trip and about the tour company. GCT turned out to be the perfect choice. Thanks to everyone who provided advice this spring!

Luisah

WinterTravel,

That's good news. I'm happy it worked out well for your relative. I'd like to read more details if you have time. Any problems? How did she do on the long flights? Any sickness?

Thanks for posting.

rhkkmk

thanks for the followup....people often forget us...