Frequently Asked Questions About Our Tours
Questions and Answers about travelling with us
- Is group travel for me?
- Who will I be travelling with?
- How fit do i need to be?
- What if i'm a single traveller?
- Can i travel with children?
- What kind of hotels will i be staying in?
- What about your tour guides?
- How will i be getting around?
- What happens at meal times?
- What choose your company over another?
- How much free time will there be?
- Are there any hidden costs?
I’ve never travelled on a group tour before. Is group travel for me?
Our Small Group Journeys are not conventional group tours. You will be travelling with a maximum of fifteen travellers (most of our journeys have less than twelve!) They are designed to provide you with a good balance of personal discovery and group activity with like-minded travellers – and an enjoyable holiday. We believe our style of travel will give you the best experience of your chosen destination. Ofcourse we also offer the same tours for private party and single travellers. At China Tours Online, you're in control, but with the confidence of a team of experts checking all your travel plans.
Who will I be travelling with?
On our group tours, travellers are of all ages and from all parts of the world. They share a passion for travel in Asia – a desire to savour the cuisine, meet the people and connect with the lives and cultures of these extraordinary places.
How fit do I have to be to join a China Tours Online Journey?
Most of our holidays are suited to anybody of normal fitness and mobility with a desire to get out and experience Asia – boots and all. Walking and optional leisurely cycling are common in all of our itineraries. Trekking and more adventurous activities are reserved for our journeys with an Adventurous grading and this will be clearly marked on the tour page in this brochure. Some of our trips feature long drives or more basic accommodation. This will be clearly marked as well. The most important thing is that you pack a positive attitude and a desire to experience Asia and its people first hand. View one of our tour itineraries for more details about your chosen destination.
What happens if I’m a single traveller?
Our groups are a mix of single travellers, couples, families and friends. Single travellers can choose between paying a supplement for a single room, or paying the twin price and sharing with another traveller of the same sex.
Can I travel with my children?
Yes, sure, ofcourse! Asia is an ideal destination for family travel, with amazing historical sites and a range of unique, exciting activities. There’s never been a better time to introduce your children to a region that will assume ever-increasing importance in their lifetimes.
What kinds of hotels will I be staying in?
At China Tours Online, we've gone to great lengths to choose hotels that are both comfortable spaces to relax and unwind at the end of a busy day and great bases for exploration of the places you are visiting. A typical hotel will feature clean comfortable rooms, private facilities and air-conditioning as well as great extras like a swimming pool and restaurants. On our more adventurous tours basic accommodation is used in remote areas and this will be clearly marked.
Who will be leading my tour?
We have a network of travel crazy professional guides who lead our tours. They are uniquely placed to share personal insights that simply can’t be provided by outsiders or guidebooks. They call China home and have a network of friends and experiences to share. They are also able to fully appreciate your interests and needs and ensure these are being met.
How will I be getting around?
The journey itself is very much a part of the experience of travelling in China. Local transport provides for great experiences in cities and towns and you will find that we include everything from the local Star Ferry in Hong Kong, Chinese trains, sampans, bamboo rafts, cycling in Yangshuo, to camels on the Silk Road. On longer journeys we use modern, comfortable buses. Some travel companies bring together a collection of local bus tickets and a rigid local bus timetable as a means of minimising the cost of their tours. We believe this minimises the experience as well. There is nothing more rewarding than a spontaneous stop in a village to mix with the locals – or to catch that magic photo in the fields.
What happens at meal times?
Eating is one of the highlights of travelling and we like to make sure you get to experience as much local flavour as you like. Apart from the great variety of culinary experiences on offer, food in China is usually very inexpensive. For this reason, normally only breakfast and lunches will be included in your tour cost. Our group leaders have a wealth of knowledge of restaurants from the mainstream to the obscure for you to choose from. Many of our travellers comment on the unexpected variety, quality and value of the food they enjoy on tour, and we believe this is the result of our ability to offer our travellers local cuisine and restaurant choices rather than often repetitive hotel buffets.
What's the difference between China Tours Online and the other companies offering small group travel?
We don’t know of any company that offers the combination of well thought out itineraries, tasteful accommodation, value for money, and a base in the region to ensure we always know what is going on. If you’re shopping around, ask about your accommodation, transport and the tour leaders and guides who will take care of you on the ground. In short, we don’t cut any corners!
How much free time will I have on tour?
A number of mornings or afternoons have been set aside for free time on each tour. Shorter tours, in general, will not have as much free time as longer tours. Nights are usually free (as dinners are typically not included, travellers have the choice of joining the group or exploring on their own) and you may wish to deviate from some organised touring during the tour.
Are there any hidden costs? What about tipping?
No, there are no hidden costs. Your tour cost covers everything except dinners and personal expenses.
If you are satisfied with your guides, drivers & tour leader then a small gratuity is an appropriate way in
which to show appreciation. Your tour leader will be able to advise you further, but an amount of around
US$3 per day should be budgeted for your guides and drivers. Tipping of porters would be extra.
