We understand. It can be intimidating to travel to a country that's worlds apart from the United States in terms of language, politics and culture. But with the Globus family of brands, you are free to enjoy China without any worries. That's why we've answered some frequently expressed questions to put your mind at ease.
Should I be concerned about SARS or avian flu while visiting China? Avian Flu: The majority of bird flu victims in China have been farmers with extensive contact with infected birds. The transmission of the disease from person to person has been rare and has not continued beyond one person.
SARS: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that as of May 2004 there have been no reported cases of SARS anywhere in the world.
For more information about recommended vaccinations and following general safety precautions while in China, visit
www.cdc.gov/travel.
Does China have modern transportation systems in place? China has come a long way in terms of modernization. The country is undertaking a multi billion-dollar infrastructure and transportation upgrade, with subway systems, expressways, and utilities expanding at an incredible rate. Major efforts are underway to improve China's roadway system, which already includes more than 700,000 miles of highways and reaches 98.7 percent of the country's towns. While the improvement is remarkable, consider this advice from the U.S. Department of State website: "Package tours…will insulate you from the difficulties of booking travel by air, rail, bus or car in China. Transportation systems have not expanded as fast as the [population]."
What about food safety? China has made great strides in food safety in the past 20 years, with strict government oversight becoming a mainstay in the rapidly developing country. An upset stomach is the exception rather than the rule when traveling here. Modern dining establishments are not in short supply in China; Hong Kong alone boasts more than 10,000 restaurants.
Is China completely out of my price range? While the distance is great, the price of a vacation to China is surprisingly affordable. For the best value, consider escorted travel. By combining the cost of your flight, hotel and the services of a Tour Director or Local Host, you get a hassle-free, worry-free Chinese experience without breaking the bank. Choose your own adventure: You can discover China with Globus or Avalon for around $249 per day; Monograms vacations average $145 per day.
Why choose escorted travel when visiting China? Besides the incredible value of escorted travel-at prices often lower than if you booked everything on your own-you get the added benefit of traveling with an experienced guide. Tour Directors and Local Hosts can help you overcome language and culture barriers. Plus, by organizing trips for thousands of travelers for more than 80 years, escorted travel companies have all the ins and outs-the logistics-of your vacation down to a science. This added guidance and security is especially helpful when you want to discover an unfamiliar place like China.