Prepare for the Trip

Where do I get more information about the tour?
What should I pack?
How much luggage can I take?
Will I be able to do any laundry?
Do I need a sleeping bag?
How fit do I need to be?
Can I check my e-mails whilst travelling?
Will my mobile work in China?

Where do I get more information about the tour?Top
You can have a look at the trip notes for each trip on the relevant trip pages This will give you a detailed insight into the day-to-day itinerary and inclusions as well as some other useful information. For detailed information about the country, please visit Travel China Guide.

What should I pack?Top
You can have a look at the trip notes for each trip on the relevant trip pages. This will give you a detail list of packing.

How much luggage can I take?Top
As a general rule, the less luggage you bring with you, the better. You will probably be buying souvenirs and the like along the way, so leave some space! There will be times when you will be carrying your luggage on and off public transport, so you should consider travelling with a backpack or a soft duffel bag. Suitcases are definitely not suitable for these types of holidays as they are bulky and difficult to carry and can be difficult to secure on trains etc. While your trip may not involve carrying your bags for any great distance, we would still recommend that you bring a backpack or soft bag. Porters are not always available to carry your luggage for you. Each airline has specific rules as to luggage allowances, so check directly with them or ask your travel agent to confirm for you.

Will I be able to do any laundry?Top
Many of the places we stay will have laundry facilities nearby, especially within the main cities. It is also a good idea to bring some 'travel wash' and a travel clothes line to wash the necessities. This will help you cut down on the packing space, and hence the amount you will have to lug around with you!

Do I need a sleeping bag?Top
Sometimes. This varies depending on which trip you are booking on, and we will let you know in the trip notes.

How fit do I need to be?Top
Our adventures are fun and can be enjoyed by anyone who is reasonably fit. However, some trips visit remote areas where medical facilities are very limited or non-existent, so you must be in good health. Note that some trips may include a trekking element, so some pre-trek preparation will be an advantage. There are some other factors to consider: hot, bumpy roads, dust, traffic, delays and unfamiliar customs and cultures may all create additional demands. You will also have to carry your own bags so bear that in mind when deciding if you really need that other pair of shoes.

Our trips are all graded. An 'Easy - Rating 1-2' trip is just that; they can be enjoyed by anyone and no particular level of fitness is required. 'Moderate - Rating 3' trips normally include some moderate physical activities. 'Moderate Plus - Rating 4-5' trips usually include some trekking, may have some long travelling days and the accommodation can be fairly basic. On all adventures, physical preparation is useful and a flexible, open-minded approach is essential.

Can I check my e-mails whilst travelling?Top
Internet Cafe are now plentiful throughout China and it sometimes feels like there is one round every corner in the major cities. We recommend that you set up a Gmail, MSN, Yahoo, or equivalent free account before you go.

Will my mobile work in China?Top
Do you really want to take your phone with you? One of the biggest pleasures about getting away is leaving telephones and computers behind! However, if you really do want to take your phone with you, there is a good chance that it will work in most of regions in China. China Mobile and China Unicom are the major telecommunication operators in China. Check with your service provider before you go, if they have a reciprocal agreement with his Chinese counterparts, and make sure you remember to get international roaming turned on.