FAQ

When is the best time to visit China?
You will find that the weather is very similar to the East Coast of the USA. The most popular periods are the spring and fall. However, the summer and winter also have advantages, including the fact that it is likely to be less crowded during those periods.

What is the tour escort arrangements for China?
Pacific Delight's professional, bilingual tour directors possess years of experience in the destinations we serve. Our Tour Directors have been acclaimed as “best in the industry”. They are friendly, accessible and their knowledge concerning each destination ensures your vacation will be both fun and hassle-free. Each is dedicated to providing you a memorable trip, and they are "exclusively ours."

What is the quality of the hotels used?
We constantly visit the hotels and have contact with them through our local offices in Beijing and Hong Kong. We are the major tour operator in China, and our hotels blend the best services with the best value. Each itinerary has pre-designated hotels – and we have blocked space. Also, at the end of each trip, we ask our travelers to provide an assessment of the hotels, and if we find anything that does not meet our high standards, the hotel is immediately dropped from our programs.

If I select a Yangtze cruise, what is the difference between an upstream and downstream program?
They both see the same things. However, the upstream cruise gives you one additional night on the Yangtze River and is at a somewhat more leisurely pace – which some travelers find as a restful pause in their journey.

What kind of accommodations are offered on the Yangtze?
All of our Yangtze River cruises are on board the exclusive Premier Series ships of Victoria Cruises', Five-Star fleet, and feature outside staterooms with full bath and a private balcony -- so you can fully enjoy the passing panorama. GOLD tour members enjoy Executive Suite accommodations. Our cruises highlight the most scenic stretch of the Yangtze River between Chongqing and Yichang. Throughout the tour, and during or after each cruise, our Tour Directors take special care to accentuate the smaller group experience.

Is smoking allowed on the ships and in the hotels?
Like the USA, China restricts smoking to designated areas on the ships and in the hotels. No smoking is permitted in motorcoaches.

What kind of food will I get on the trip?
Breakfasts are American-style abundant buffet breakfasts. Lunches tend to be popular Chinese dishes that include local specialties. Your guides will help you order if you have questions. Dinners generally are buffet style in hotels – again with lots of choices.

What is the typical age of people I will be traveling with?
You will find people of all ages, and typically they are seasoned travelers. The age tends to be 50+. Physically challenged travelers tend not to take these trips as most tours are quite active and require a good deal of walking, frequently including stairs. Families with children take our family tours.

Do you match single travelers?
No. However, there are good choices for persons traveling alone and all tours offer single supplements at attractive rates.

How can I get by with clothing for a long trip and still stay within the airline’s weight limitations?
It is always best to travel light, it is a secret that seasoned travelers know well. Your fellow passengers are most concerned about the way you get along with others - not what you are wearing from day to day. Also, you should know that virtually every hotel used by Pacific Delight Tours has wonderful laundry and cleaning services. You can put your clothing out at night and get it back the next morning.

In selecting clothing it is best to select separates that you can mix and match the top and bottom to create variety. Also, plan on layering your clothing to respond to varying day and nighttime conditions.

How much money should I take?
To some extent, it depends on how much shopping you think you may do. In any case, it is best to take Traveler’s Checks for the larger amounts in denominations of $50. It is recommended to have a supply of $1.00 bills available for incidentals, such as tipping or street purchases. Please note, ripped, torn or marked U.S. bills are not accepted in any foreign country.

Do I need an electrical adapter for my trip?
Electric current in China is 220 volts, 50 cycles. Chinese wall sockets usually accommodate applicances with two flat prongs or three round prongs. Adapters and converters are not always available at the hotel service desk; it is best to carry your own.

How can I communicate with the USA while I am on my trip?
The most economical way to call from China to the USA is to buy a calling card from the stands at Shanghai or Beijing Airport before immigration. Advise the salesperson if you would like a calling card for calls within China or for international calls. If you have an unlocked tri-band or four-band cell phone, you can buy a sim card from the stands at Shanghai or Beijing Airport before immigration and insert the sim card in your cell phone.

In addition, you will find high-speed internet connections in virtually every hotel used by Pacific Delight Tours and, on the Yangtze River, there are internet connections.