Today Norm Goldman, Editor SKETCHANDTRAVEL.COM and BOOKPLEASURES.COM is pleased to have as a guest Shelley Jiang, editor of LETS GO CHINA, 6th Edition, one of 57 guidebooks published by the bestselling budget series from LET’S GO PUBLICATIONS.
Today Norm Goldman, Editor SKETCHANDTRAVEL.COM and BOOKPLEASURES.COM is pleased to have as a guest Shelley Jiang, editor of LETS GO CHINA, 6th Edition, one of 57 guidebooks published by the bestselling budget series from LET’S GO PUBLICATIONS.
Good Day Shelley and thank you for accepting our invitation to be interviewed.
NORM:
Please tell our readers something about yourself and your expertise pertaining to China.
SHELLEY:
Born in China, I spent the first six years of my life in Beijing, the city that I will always think of as my first home. Though I moved to America and attended school there, I remain deeply connected with China through books, news, movies, family, and spending summers there every two or three years. During these summer trips, I often travel around the country and have visited many of the places in Lets Go: China.
NORM:
Would you consider China a good choice for a romantic getaway or wedding and honeymoon destination? Why?
SHELLEY:
China is vast enough to offer something for everyone, whether youre looking for a fast-paced weekend in Shanghai, a trip into Chinas gorgeous outdoors, or an immersion in centuries of tradition and history. But dont come expecting Paris or the CaribbeanChina isnt your average romantic getaway, but a destination for the free-spirited and adventurous. No resorts or pampering herepart of the excitement and romance of a vacation in China is experiencing a new culture and taking in the grit as well as the beauty.
For those willing to ditch the conventional and leave the beaten path, breathtaking natural sights and unique cultural experiences await. Otherworldly landscapes familiar from many a martial arts film (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Hero) can serve as the backdrop for your personal love story as well. Ancient palaces, pagodas, and temples invites travelers to step back into a past that stretches more than 5000 years. Cities like Beijing and Shanghai proudly showcase their past alongside their future, with skyscrapers rising one after another and an urban culture to rival those of any American or European city.
NORM:
What is the best time to visit China from the point of view of weather, costs, crowds, and the availability of flights from the USA, Canada and Europe and Australia, etc?
SHELLEY:
Chinas peak travel times are around Chinese New Year (some time in Jan.-Feb., depending on lunar calendar), May 1st, July-August, and the first week of October. The best time to visit would be from late-April through June, when the weather is warm, students are still in school, and many establishments are still on low season pricing. The fall is also a pleasant time to travel without the crowds (but avoid the Oct. 1st holiday week) and see beautiful foliage, especially in the north.
Airfares to China are most expensive between June and September. Even flying on May 31 instead of Jun. 1st will get you a cheaper flight. Flying September-May will get you much cheaper flights. Plan aheadthe cheapest tickets for summer flights to China sell out by early March.
NORM:
Could you give our readers an idea of the costs involved if travel originates from the USA, Canada and Europe and Australia?
SHELLEY:
China is a budget travelers dream come truewith the exception of the airfare, which can cost anywhere from US$600-1500. Its cheaper to fly from September-May. The best places to find low-fares are Chinese-run travel agencies in Chinatowncheck the local Chinese newspaper or ask around to find their listings.
The budget-conscious can often spend anywhere from US$2-10 per night for lodgings in a hostel or basic room, depending on destination. Food can cost as little as US$4 per person per day for meals from street vendors and small family-run restaurants.
Of course, splurges and treats are everywhere. A comfortable hotel room will cost around US$25-50 per night, and lavish suites range from US$60-150 per night. For US$8-25, a couple can dine at fancier restaurants serving distinctive, gourmet cuisines.
The cheapest and most convenient way to get around China is via rail. Short journeys can cost around US$5-12 for a one-way ticket, while longer journeys will cost up to US$50. Expect to pay more than US$100, however, for a private sleeper compartment for two people.
The number of domestic flights in China is on the rise. One-way fares range US$90-200; round-trip fares are always double the one-way fare.
NORM:
If you had to choose 3-5 unequalled venues in China for a romantic getaway, honeymoon or wedding destination, what would they be and why?
SHELLEY:
Jiuzhaigou: Nestled deep in the mountains of northern Sichuan, the Valley of the Nine Tibetan Villages is known for its pristine lakes and waterfalls that sparkle a spectrum of shades under the sunshine. You may remember the impossibly blue lakes from the fight sequence filmed here in Hero. Nature lovers can hike beneath the shadow of snowy peaks, experience local Tibetan culture, and in nearby Songpan, embark upon horse treks into the wild. Convenient tourist services are nearby, offering everything from budget lodgings to five-star hotels.
Hangzhou: Those in love with classical China can head to this graceful city of the south and historic dynastic capital. Willows, gardens, pavilions, and delicately arched bridges dot the shores of the West Lake, the setting for ancient Chinas most famous love stories. Sip fragrant Dragon Well tea while dining at one of Chinas oldest restaurants that once served emperors. The misty waters and city pleasures are enough to captivate anyone; if not nearby Shanghai promises a plunge back into modernity.
Yunnan: This province on the border with Vietnam and Myanmar is the ideal destination for the adventurous, with its 22 colorful ethnic minority cultures and diverse natural scenery. Its capital, Kunming, City of Eternal Spring, enchants travelers with flowers on every street, but the true attractions lie in the countryside. Pack your gear for a trek south into tropical rainforests and rice paddies, dotted by Dai villages and gleaming Buddhist stupas. Northern Yunnan is better known as Shangri-La, where red-robed monks walk the streets of mountain villages and snowy peaks beckon in the distance.
Xinjiang: Xinjiang takes romance and writes it large upon vast expanses of deserts and horizons. Experience the exoticism of a nomadic lifestyle with camel rides across the dunes and nights under the stars upon Chinas last frontier. Or trek up to the legendary Tianshan Mountains overlooking the Heavenly Pool. Friendly Uighur musicians will be happy to play at Uighur-style wedding celebrations, filled with tasty food, fresh grapes and melons, and plenty of singing and dancing.
Hong Kong: Hong Kong offers a vacation as sophisticated and exciting as it is expensive. From luxury malls to teeming street markets, Hong Kong easily combines class and chaos. Dinner cruises on Victoria Harbour, stylish hotels and restaurants, and endless clubs, bars, and entertainment options ensure that youll never run out of things to do. Macau lures travelers away with its many casinos and Portuguese-influenced cuisine and architecture, but youll find yourself back in Hong Kong before long.
NORM:
What should people know about celebrating a wedding in China from the point of view of requirements, experience of the various hotels, etc.
SHELLEY:
Large fancy hotels are readily available, with the best and widest selection obviously being in Beijing and Shanghai. Restaurants make another good venue, and Lets Go: China lists many of the best restaurants in Beijing. Book months in advance for celebrations in June and August, popular wedding months in China.
China also excels in gorgeously done wedding photo shoots, often involving lavish sets and costumes, professional make-up artists, and more. Popular options include traditional Chinese wedding garb, emperor and empress outfits, and turn of the century cheongsam robes. A full set often includes an entire albums worth of photos, the cost of which averages US125-300.
NORM:
How far in advance should a couple prepare themselves for their honeymoon, romantic getaway or wedding in China?
SHELLEY:
For the cheapest airfares, its best to start planning at least four or five months in advance. Unless you are familiar with the country, its best not to leave a trip to China to the last minute.
NORM:
What resources are available on the Internet pertaining to weddings and honeymoon vacations in China?
SHELLEY:
CTRIP offers a great destination guide, often with photographs. Their flight search is helpful for planning, but only those with Chinese credit cards can make reservations.
CHINA TOUR COM provides a wealth of practical information, from visas to currency to vaccines. They also collect news stories related to travel in China, provide information on organized tours, and offer brief guides on Chinese culture.
TRAVEL CHINA GUIDE is another good resource for destination guides.
TRAVEL INFORMATION GUIDE is a forum for those traveling to China.
Thanks Shelley
About the Author: Norm Goldman is editor of sketchandtravel.com and bookpleasures.com. Norm and his artist wife Lily meld art and words in order to create an unusual travel story, which generates interest, particularly because of the fact that each painting appears to have been custom-made for the story-original story and original art. Combining the watercolors with travel writing provides a softer, more romantic look at the places we visit. Their main focus is on romantic and wedding destinations. As they specialize in web-based content, their articles are featured on their own site, SKETCHANDTRAVEL.COM, where you can find out more about them. They are also regular contributors to some of the most popular Internet Travel Sites: LOVETRIPPER.COM:THETIMESHAREBEAT.COM:TRAVELLADY.COM:BOOTSNALL.COM: Visit Florida Online: Tropical Island Weddings Norm and Lily are always open to suggestions as to romantic and wedding destinations to visit, write and paint about.
Before you head for central Florida, get the lowdown on good vacation planning for that area.
There was a time when a trip to Orlando was a simple matter. Most people planned for a day or two at Disney World and then headed straight for the beaches to the west, south or east. But, all that has changed as Central Florida has become one of the largest vacation centers in the world.
As with Disney in California, the periphery of the Mouse House has quickly became an area of less expensive motels and gator farms. But, seeing what happened in California as the cheap hotel and tourist shop zone landed right across the street from the happiest place on earth, planners created a huge buffer zone around Disney World. That also left plenty of room for expansion and moved the cheap tourist trap zone well away from anything Disney.
Orlando and the surrounding area have become a testing zone for everything that tourists might want. Some things, like Universal Studios, have been a resounding success. Other things like Sea World remain profitable, but are a general disappointment when it comes to what you get for what you pay. The main drag (Highway 192 or Irlo Bronson Highway) in Kissimmee is littered with the remains of good and bad tourist ideas. Every thing from a haunted castle type experience that never really took off, to a maze that was unashamedly geared to the endless flow of British Tourists that visit the area, but always seems empty.
Kissimmee is and has always been both a blessing and a curse for tourists. Those who roll into town having saved just enough for a no frills day at Disney and one at Universal will find cheap places to stay and eat if theyre careful. A buffet style family meal at most any Golden Corral in the area will help free up enough dollars for a Mickey shirt and there are lots of inexpensive, drive up motels to choose from. Those brave enough to deal with all the bug bites can see a real rodeo and enjoy what little local culture remains in post Disney Kissimmee. But, there are also problems with a stay in that area.
Despite a diligent and often over zealous Police presence, more tourists are robbed in Kissimmee then just about anywhere else in Central Florida. Without making a bunch of political judgment calls, suffice it to say that Central Florida is a not a place friendly to the poor and all those dollars that tourists spend never seem to reach below the ownership level of hotels, motels, restaurants and stores. Even with these flaws, one cannot deny that Kissimmee is a convenient place for tourists unwilling to pay the ridiculous prices that Disney demands for their lodging and services.
In the midst of the chaos that reins around Disney, Kissimmee offers a few gems that might be worth your while. Camp Macks Airboat Tours will take you through the natural beauty of the area. Old Town is a great place to stay and play with reasonable rooms on site and nearby, rides and fun for all ages. If you can live without maid service, CondoLodge offers a far more comfortable environment then a cramped hotel room at a much lower price, especially during the off season. An assorted grouping of dinner shows and attractions are all nearby, but Highway 192 is long and just walking is out of the question. Visit the Kissimmee Visitors Bureau for an updated and accurate listing of what to do.
If you have a few more dollars, but still cant afford a week on the Disney property, then International Drive might be your cup of tea. This area is tourist central with lots of hotels, smaller attractions like Titanic and its on the doorstep of Universal Studios. The good news is that this area is (for the most part) compressed and far easier to navigate then Kissimmee. Youll find tourists out walking at Midnight there.
If you are in love with crazy theme bars, wild karaoke and your party does not include children, the nightlife of Church Street Station might be just for you. Terror on Church Street is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Daytime is for families, but only if shopping and historic sightseeing is your plan. Good bargains can be had by a wise and thrifty tourist. Amtrak still runs right through the Station area that is located in the heart of Downtown Orlando, so keep an eye on the kiddies if you bring any. Dont wonder too far from Church Street. Orlando is a huge area that gets lots of people lost, whether walking or driving. If driving, be very careful where you park. Use a lot with an alert attendant and dont leave anything of value in your vehicle. Do NOT try and travel to Church Street from the theme park areas during rush hours (6AM-9AM and 3PM-6PM).
The Orlando Science Center and Kennedy Space Center offer those who want to see technology in action a good chance to do so. Both offer state of the art exhibits and interactive things to do. While the science center is close to town, the space center will require a drive and some planning. An early start is the only way to visit the space center. Bus tours through the property sell out fast and many tickets are already lost to tour groups year round. Space Shuttle or Rocket Launches can bring everything to a halt, so check before you go.
The key to a fun Central Florida vacation is planning and sticking to a budget. Almost every ride at Disney or Universal has become a mega-enterprise with lots of stuff to buy before and after. But, unless you are as rich as Michael Eisner or have the arms of Hercules needed to lug around all the stuff you bought, wait until you reach the exit, then think twice before you buy. Did you really need that Sleeping Beauty FM Radio?
When you visit will often determine how long you wait. If can be very frustrating waiting forty-five minutes for a three minute ride! Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter are guaranteed nightmares. An extra three to four million people can be visiting the Orlando Area during those times. A steak that normally costs $5.95 at Sizzler will cost you over $12! Who needs that entire hassle? One way to know when to visit is to check hotel rates. Rates will reflect peak and off peak periods.
Beaches on the West Coast are a comfortable two-hour drive away. While heading there youll pass through Tampa. Stop and enjoy the transplanted Cuban Culture, local history and fabulous restaurants to be found in and near Ybor City (pronounced E-BOR). The warm and shallow Gulf of Mexico beaches between Clearwater Beach, Treasure Island and St Petersburg Beach are a treat. Lodging is affordable year round and there is lots to do. Gulf fishing trips can easily be arranged and golf is everywhere. This area favors those seeking a more restful atmosphere. Quiet walks along Pass A Grille Beach and the historic wonder of Fort Desoto Park near St Pete Beach have much to offer. Make a stop at the nearby Don Cesar Hotel for lunch. Looking like a huge pink palace rising up out of the sand, it was once a favorite haunt of Al Capone (and may still be?). While near Clearwater Beach, make a worthwhile day stop at Tarpon Springs. Its the home of historic Florida sponge diving and a fabulous center for Greek culture.
A short trip east from Orlando brings you to the Daytona Beach area. A boardwalk full of attractions, fabulous golf, NASCAR racing and lots more await you. The town has a tradition of allowing cars to roam up and down the beach, so watch the children. The boardwalk and beach areas are definitely for the younger set. If wild is your plan, visit Daytona Beach (a Spring Break Mecca) and bring lots of bail money. The local police are not amused. Given a choice, heading west to the Gulf would be my plan. Theres more to do and the prices are wallet friendly. Florida is not a good vacation idea for those on an extremely tight budget. If the toll roads, speed traps and tourist rip-offs dont get you, the theme parks will. If youre driving in, remember how big Florida really is. The northern part stretches across two time zones and the length of the State is substantial. Be sure your vehicle is in tiptop shape before you enter a freeway or toll way. Repairs and traffic fines will cost you big in Florida. Local and State Police love speeders so stay a few miles below the limit, make sure everything in your car is legal and buckle up. Travel during the day and avoid all rest stops except those on toll ways. Make your rest stops at modern fuel and food centers with cameras. Lock your vehicle each and every time you stop. Never leave children or pets in the vehicle unaccompanied. Avoid pay phones and outside ATMs.
No matter how you do it, a Florida vacation during these days will cost you more money and take more time for every task then you think. You can take away some of the sting by using services like Discount Hotel Rates and PRICELINE.com for cheap airfares. UK Visitors should visit Expedia UK to get discount airfares. If you drive in, beware of tourist traps in parts of Georgia and Florida that offer free hotel rooms or discount reservations. They can tack a large fee on to your credit card if you use the reservations without visiting a time share resort to view a proposal.
All foreign visitors should pay close attention to any free videos or literature about a Florida Vacation they receive from travel agencies, airlines, car rental companies or visitor bureaus. If flying in, always try and avoid taxis in favor of any free or discount hotel transportation (Orlando Airport is a long way from the tourist area). Most hotels also offer free or discounted bus service to the theme parks that will also get you in faster. Parking your own or rented vehicle will waste a couple of hours of your day. Buying theme park tickets in advance will only save you time during off peak periods, but might save you a few bucks during all periods. Foreign visitors can save on phone calls by purchasing prepaid international phone cards.
Beware time-share ticket deals. The area around Disney is quickly becoming the time share resort capital of America. Every one of these resorts will offer you something free to view their proposal, but read the fine print. Free theme park passes can be had for touring a resort, but that will waste a good two to three hours and many of these ticket deals are only good for that same day. Most require a special stop at Disney Guest Relations to convert the passes into tickets and a fee may be involved anyway.
One way to avoid problems with car rentals, hotel and airlines is to get everything in writing and make sure a human signs their name. Get names, dates, times and phone numbers. Get contact numbers for managers before you arrive. Think this extreme? Wait until you arrive at a hotel with a check in time of three oclock only to find yourself still sitting in the lobby at seven oclock. This is no joke and it happens all the time during peak periods in Central Florida. I suggest you have an alternative hotel ready.
Vacation Homes are the latest thing. You stay in a house with a pool for the price of a hotel room at Disney, but beware. Homes are often lost in a sea of unfamiliar neighborhoods a good distance from anything. In most cases, there is no maid service and a hefty penalty fee built into your agreement if the owner feels you left without cleaning the dishes, towels and making the beds! There is even an extra charge for turning on pool heaters. Youll also find that robbers target these homes knowing that they are likely to find lots of goodies home alone while you and yours are out for the day.
Planning a vacation is a hassle, but without a plan your Central Florida vacation can easily turn into a nightmare. Buy the maps and study them before you leave. Leave some free time to shop, explore and discover; but set a budget and stick to it. Leave extra time for everything and be aware of extreme temperature changes. It can and does get very cold in Florida during the fall and winter and extremely hot during the summer. Sunburns and bug bites are a part of the experience, so be ready with the appropriate preventive items and cures. Be smart and check every service you plan to use with the online better business bureau, local bureau or appropriate local agency. You would be surprised how many well-known hotel chains, restaurants and transportation companies have unsatisfactory ratings in local areas.
About the Author
A native New Yorker now living in Arizona, Bill Knell is a forty-something guy with a wealth of knowledge and experience. He’s written hundreds of articles on a wide variety of subjects. A popular Speaker, Bill Knell presents seminars on a number of topics that entertain, train and teach. A popular radio and television show Guest, you’ve heard Bill on thousands of top-rated shows in all formats and seen him on local, national and international television programs.
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