PANDA Travelling Companions

PANDA Travelling Companions

Is PANDA group style travel for me?
How many trip styles with PANDA?
Is this a typical group tour?
I am a single traveller, is that a problem?
Whom will I be travelling with?
Are there any age limits?
I am over 60 - do I need a medical certificate?
How many people will be on the trip?

Is PANDA group style travel for me?Top
PANDA appeals to people who want the fun, freedom and flexibility of independent travel, but want to make the most of their time and prefer that someone else takes care of the hassles and organisation - queuing for tickets and looking for a hotel at night can be a real drag! PANDA is also for people who want to get a deeper understanding of the place they visit - our innovative itineraries and exceptional team leaders make this happen. Or perhaps, you are a single traveller and like the safety and companionship of travelling with a few others, sharing the experiences and adventures together. The majority of travellers are in their 20s and 30s, but if your on the 'other side' of 40 or 50, then that's great too! Essential on your 'list of things to pack' are an open mind, sense of adventure and an easy-going attitude.

On a PANDA trip you don't pay for unnecessary extras - that's why the prices are so good. We include many of the 'must see' sights, but keep plenty of free time aside so you can go on your own way and make your own discoveries.

Your accommodation will be basic, but clean and comfortable, locally run, and usually reflecting the character of the region. Aside from being a more interesting place to stay than a brand internationally run hotel, this also helps to keep the cost down. You might spend a night or two in a 'home stay' or lodge - these could be fairly basic, but certainly a real highlight, offering a chance to immerse yourself in the local culture.

Many of the tours have several long travelling days, often on local transport, and sometimes on rough roads. The trips are packed with highlights and the pace is fast, so we can see as much as possible - although there's always time to chill out, enjoy a cold drink and watch the world go by if that's what you feel like doing.

How many trip styles with PANDA?Top

PANDA is divided into three trip styles: Original, Comfort and Special Groups. Original and Comfort are the scheduled departures in certain dates, and Special Groups is offered for friends, family or organisation preferring a private trip.

Original
Original trips are all about variety: the places, the people, the activities, and even the accommodation and transport we use. From homestays to market trips to visits to a local community, there's a new experience every day, with some activities included.

Comfort

Comfort is your kind of style if you want a few little extras, but don't want to compromise on the whole grassroots travel experience. You get to stay in better hotels and guesthouses, all with plenty of local character, and may travel in private transport as well as joining locals on public transport. These are real China experiences, just with a softer landing. And all for just a little more than our Original adventures.

Key Features	Original	Comfort
Group size	Maximum 12 travellers who can be of all ages (though the majority of them are in their 20s and 30s) and from all corners of the world.	Maximum 12 travellers who can be of all ages and from all corners of the world.
Group leader	Yes. An experienced leader accompanies every trip.	Yes. An experienced leader accompanies every trip.
Accommodation	Clean and comfortable but simple - variety and character are the hallmarks we seek.	Its all about combining comfort and character - average 3 star.
Transport	Anything and everything that moves and adds to the adventure! Usually local bus, hard-sleeper train.	Usually private chartered bus, soft-sleeper train and plane, with occasional local transport.
Inclusions (meals, activities, sightseeing etc.)	Some inclusions and some free time - great flexibility.	Some meals, sightseeing and activities are included.
Departure	Departure is guaranteed, subject to booking conditions.	Departure is guaranteed, subject to booking conditions.
Single supplement	Not available. Single travellers share with someone of the same gender.	Single travellers can share with someone of the same gender or pay a single supplement. The choice is yours.

Special Groups
If you, your friends, family or organisation would like an PANDA real China experience but would prefer to travel in a private group, the talented Special Groups Department at PANDA will be able to help.
For groups of 6 people or more we can organise a special departure of one of our advertised trips just for you or tailor-make an PANDA-style itinerary to one of our destinations around the world. If you have special requirements, that's no problem either - we can give your trip an educational, physical or even an historical focus!

Group size: Minimum of 6 travellers. Maximum group size will vary depending on your requirements. Average group size is 12 people.
Group leader: Yes. A leader accompanies every trip.
Accommodation: Choose the style to suit your needs, we can offer PNADA Original or Comfort standard accommodation - its all about combining comfort and character.
Transport: Depending on the itinerary - may include domestic flights, overnight train or boat journey. We can arrange the roundtrip airport to hotel transfer.
Inclusions (meals, activities, sightseeing etc.): Let us know how many meals you would like included. We can add activities to suit your group's needs - whether you are looking for an educational or cultural experience or have a special interest.

Single supplement: Optional. Please let us know if you would like to give us a single supplement cost.

Is this a typical group tour?Top
Most PANDA travellers consider themselves independent travellers, rather than typical group travellers. This is just as well because PANDA is a long way from your typical group tour - freedom and flexibility are fundamental! There are usually around 10 people on a PANDA trip (the maximum is 14), and you'll find that the excellent tour prices offer a real alternative to backpacking. The places we visit are vastly different from what you are used to at home, which is, after all, why we go there.

I am a single traveller, is that a problem?Top
Most of our travellers are 'flying solo' and like the thought of travelling with a few like-minded souls. Unlike most of our competitors, PANDA Original does not believe in charging a single supplement. You'll probably be sharing a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room, you won't be charged extra. Because many of our travellers are travelling alone, your tour will probably have a strong social element and you'll almost certainly come home with some new friends.

Whom will I be travelling with?Top
While every group is different, you'll generally travel with a mix of nationalities including Australian, British, Canadian, American, Swiss, New Zealander, South African, Belgian, and Scandinavian amongst a whole host of others. Most people will be between 20 and 40 years of age, although we see plenty of energetic older travellers as well.

Are there any age limits?Top
There is no specific upper age limit on our tours; they are more of a suggestion. The majority of travellers are in their 20s and 30s, but if you are on the 'other side' of 40 or 50, then that's great too! Essential on your 'list of things to pack' are an open mind, sense of adventure and an easy-going attitude.

I am over 60 - do I need a medical certificate?Top
For travellers over the age of 60, PANDA does not require a medical certificate from travelers. We do however recommend that you observe the Physical and Culture Shock Rating that applies to the trip you are considering, and make your own judgement according to your fitness levels. The rating for each trip is provided on the trip dossier. We ask that you fill out a medical questionnaire, and in some cases, we ask that this be signed by your doctor. As a rule, PANDA Adventures do not take people under the age of 18. If you are interested in taking your family away, let us know and we'll see if we can organise a private departure for you. For private tours, please click Customized Trip.

How many people will be on the trip?Top
The maximum group size on all trips is 14. The average group consists of about 10 travellers.