China Travel Forum

[Julian]

I have always dreamed of international travel but until now have not been in the position to do so.
I found some very interesting packages on this website for instance: Paris from $399 for 6 days and Beijing from $599 for 7 days. This price includes air, hotel and daily breakfast. It does not include local or foreign taxes etc.

Can anyone tell me if it's better ( cheaper or smarter ) to book a package such as this OR if I would be better off booking air and hotel on my own?

I am really interested in history, religion and culture and would like to shy away from the touristy aspect of traveling. Anyone have any ideas of what regions of Asia would be a good start?

Thanks in advance for any replies

[Gilbert]

Basically I would say that the prices seem more than ok! Especially Paris leaves you with quite expensive hotels and the flight itself is quite costly as well.
We sometimes book such offers and always have fun. Ok, the weather might not be the very best but we don't care that much about that.

Just check that you days are not all completely packed with package tours so that you have some time for yourself!

Public transportation in Paris is easy to use and in Beijing you will easily be able to afford taxis. In Shanghai we got a city map and asked the hotel staff to write our destination for the day on a business card of the hotel. So we could show that card to the taxi drivers - at least you always will be able to get back to the hotel

Both destinations are very safe and very interesting. Since those are your first time trip choices - well done! Very nice! And for starters it might even be nice to have a group to fall back on when things might get confusing. Afterwards you can still decide if you'd rather go by yourself next time!

Have a great time!