China private Tour

My wife and I are going to China in a month鈥檚 time re a private tour which we arranged with a UK tour company last year. The itinerary runs along the lines of 3 days Beijing - 3 days Xian - 2 days Guillin/Yangshuo - 3 days Shanghai/Suzhou 鈥?2 days Hog Kong. This format seems fairly typical to me and we are looking forward to it greatly. The one concern my wife has is although we have arranged a private tour/guides etc will it be run at a fast pace? We are both in our late 50%26#39;s and although not at deaths door my wife isn%26#39;t quite as mobile as she was, I have told her we will be able to go our own pace but not knowing China and the guides this is more wishful thinking on my part then knowledge.

Any tips/help one can give re this trip would be greatly appreciate, many thanks.

China private Tour

Hi timevans,

It%26#39;s time for you to get back in contact with your UK tour company that booked a tour subcontractor in China and tell the UK company that you want to be the boss, that is why you paid the premium for a private tour and not a group bus tour.

The reason I say this is sometimes your Chinese hosts will take control and not give up, including wasting your time at the infamous shopping stops for overpriced merchandise of dubious quality. These can easily waste over one hour per day of your visit. (It is 99% certain that any store highly recommended by the guide/driver is giving a large kickback to that person.)

Tell your UK agency in no uncertain terms, and have them put it in writing to the Chinese subcontractor with a copy to your attention so you can take it with you. Make sure they agree to your schedule and timing (within reason for each city) and that there are no factory or shopping stops along the way. I repeat, make them put it in writing as a token of their effort to accommodate your needs and not the schedule of the tour company.

You would assume that a good tour company with a private tour would do all they could to proceed at your pace. However, in international travel those who assume anything not in writing from a tour operator are usually disappointed.

Make sure they present options for you each day. For example, you might like to go to a less visited access point to the Great Wall, rather than share one small section with more than 5,000 people.

Many people now do independent travel to China, even for their first visit. The destinations you are heading to are very bilingual and used to the tastes of westerners. With your private tour, you should be the only people in the taxi or hired car. If you find yourself with others in a small van or similar, make sure you have the international phone number of your UK agency to contact them immediately. You need to get off on the right foot in Beijing to ensure you have an enjoyable and truly private tour over the two week period.

By the way, your UK agency probably has suggested a tip or the Chinese tour subcontractor will mention they are paid little and live off tips. Be aware that the Chinese people never tip travel services in their own country. In Chinese culture, the tour price is supposed to be fair compensation for all involved. Tip at your own discretion, not in response to the unsubtle demands of the tour guides and drivers.

Good luck and make sure your needs are in writing.

China private Tour

Hi SoBeSparky

Many thanks for the detailed reply. I have already agreed that it would be just the two of us on the tour when first booking, then with a follow up after 6 months. As you say a very good idea to get it in writing now and that is what I will do. The points you make out re the shopping malls etc are noted although my wife does like the odd browse or two it will be most difficult to know if we are directed to the best ones. I normally have a sixth sense on these type of things so if I get the feeling we are being taken for a ride be rest assured I will jump in. The points you make re tipping make interesting reading and I will monitor that closely. Looking forward to a great trip and I hope it turns out that way. Many thanks again.