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Travel Aire
(CST #2070111-40)
21133 Jimmersall Lane Groveland, CA 95321
(209)-962-5588

Call Us Toll Free at:
1-866-669-2288

E-mail us: ChinaVIPTour@aol.com



FAQ

(Frequently Asked Questions)

----- Join us for an extraordinary experience -- "China Nina" and "Capt. Larry Sez"

****HOTEL DISCOUNT NOTICE****

We have arranged to be able to offer all of our customers a special discount at the Red Roof Inn in Burlingame, CA [property #228] located near the San Francisco Airport. This discount is applied before any taxes or local fees, etc.

To book space at the San Francisco Airport location, click on www.redroof.com and enter property # 228 for CA (California).

Then enter Travel Aire's "V P+" number of 605433 in the " VP+ / ID# " box before proceeding with your booking. You can also call their toll-free # of 800-733-7663 and book by phone, but be sure to give them our VP+ number to get the discount.

PLEASE give your own address, phone number, and credit card for guarantee when make a reservation - otherwise it could be canceled.

[The following is current as of August 25, 2010]

To those who sign up for the tour by sending in their deposit check and signed Reservation Form, you will have access to extensive additional tour tips and guidance in many areas beyond what you will find below on this page via a new "Client Only" page on this web site that is accessible only by a password given you. I cover more specific luggage, clothing, and packing information; guidance for the handling of Chinese currency, Travelers' Checks, credit cards and ATM cards; Internet availability during the tour; medications and medical issues; hotel and bus issues; and so many more areas of concern to make the tour experience go smoothly for you.

Click on the links below to view the answers to these frequently asked questions:

1. CONNECTIONS to/from San Francisco AND Single Supplement Charge

2. How do I SIGN UP for the tour?

3. What are the estimated ADDITIONAL EXPENSES I can expect?

4. What about TIPPING on the tour?

5. Do you suggest TRAVEL INSURANCE?

6. What are the PASSPORT requirements for this tour?

7. How is the CHINA VISA handled?

8. What SHOTS are required for travel to China?

9. Why do you always go to China in MARCH?

10. How is the WEATHER in March?

11. How does one DRESS for a range of unknown weather?

12. How is the SHOPPING in China?

13. I have visited other countries recently where I found hostility towards AMERICANS, What can I expect in China?

14. Do you offer any OTHER TOURS besides this one to China?

15. What AIRLINE do we fly between San Francisco and China?

16. Can I get an early SEAT ASSIGNMENT?

17. Since Air China is part of the Star Alliance with United Airlines, can I use my MILEAGE PLUS to upgrade to Business Class?

18. Can I pay to UPGRADE to Business or First Class on Air China?

19. Can I provide my OWN AIRLINE travel to and from China?

20. Where can I find a source for purchasing TRAVEL GEAR such as electrical converters, travel clothing and gear?

21. How much LUGGAGE are we allowed?

22. How can I CONVERT between kilograms and POUNDS, etc.?

23. How can I CONVERT between US DOLLARS and Chinese currency?

24. How LARGE is the TOUR GROUP?

25. What is the expected FLIGHT SCHEDULE for Air China between San Francisco and China?

26. SFO Airport HOTEL SUGGESTIONS for before and/or after the tour

27. How much WALKING is there?

28. Do ONLY PILOTS go on this tour?

29. If the tour is filled, will you carry a "WAIT-LIST" in case of future cancellations?


1. Connections to/from San Francisco AND Single Supplement Charge (prices quoted are the current rate per person roundtrip and do not include additional taxes and fees imposed by the airlines, airports, etc. - and are subject to change without notice until tickets are issued in Feb. 2011)

Note: To qualify as "CONNECTION" flights, they MUST occur on the same day in BOTH directions as the day of the International departure and return flights between San Francisco and China and usually must arrive within 4 hours of the continuing connection flight.
If this doesn't work for you, and/or you wish to arrive a day or more early before continuing on to China (or etc.), then you must make your own roundtrip connecting flights to/from San Francisco International Airport. We are not certified to make any air travel arrangements other than what is permitted for the tour package by contract.



$160 pp roundtrip for Los Angeles (LAX), Palm Springs, Reno or Las Vegas
$180 pp roundtrip for San Diego, Phoenix, Tucson, Portland, or Seattle

Add to the above $28 pp US domestic Roundtrip Airport Tax & Security Fee
[est. as of 6/17/10]
*** Call to get specifics for YOUR needs ***

Single supplement for those traveling alone: $958 ** please call for details**


We do carry a list of those who have no traveling partner and wish to find a roommate. While we will not put people together ourselves, we will put you in touch (with permission) with any others in the same situation to allow you both to determine if you are compatible and are both willing to share a room throughout the tour so that you can both save this additional cost. It is always more fun to travel with someone and we also encourage singles to try to find their own choice of roommate. There is a possibility of offering a hybrid single supplement for a reduced fee whereby you share a cabin on the ship for 5 nights but have your own hotel room for the rest of the tour (before and after the cruise).


2. How do I sign up for the tour?
a) First click on and read the General Conditions Disclosures - also found elsewhere on this website.


b)
Click on Reservation Form (also elsewhere on this website) - it is now an interactive fill-in format which can be filled out online - call if you need help in with this method - then print it out, sign and date it and mail it in to the address shown at the end of the form along with your $300 pp deposit check in order to secure space on the tour. You can also print out a blank form and fill it out by hand, then sign & date it and mail it in with your deposit check.


c)
Mail the reservation form and a check for $300 per person to "Travel Aire" at the address on the form (21133 Jimmersall Lane, Groveland, CA 95321).


3. What are the estimated additional expenses I can expect for those things not covered by the basic tour price as well as any mandatory add-ons to the tour price sub-total?


We have been quoted the following by the airports, airlines, and etc. Items #1 through #3 are under the control of various government agencies and are subject to change without notice - and cannot be locked in until tickets are issued a few weeks prior to departure following the visa issuance. Items #4 and #5 should not be vulnerable to any further increases however.


1. $358.00 U.S. & China International Departure Taxes and International Fuel Surcharges


2. $ 5.00San Francisco P.F.C. Airport Fee


3. $100.00China domestic airport taxes by Air China ($20 x 5 portions)


4. $155.00China visa fee -- includes all handling, processing, and secure return of passport to
you (including tracking and insurance). You may also opt to do this yourself instead.
This reflects a new $10 price increase effective June 6, 2010.



5. $194.00CSA Group Go! Travel Insurance - now mandatory - this is the expected normal
amount to be charged for 2010 for most but can either increase or decrease
depending on individual adjustments to the tour package. [see Item #5 below]

________
$812.00Total estimate of additional fees and charges per person **Current as of 6/17/10**
(subject to change without notice, but we try to advise ASAP of any)


(For those connecting in from other airports, see Item #1 above for US domestic add-on fares and taxes.)


One other area of expense you should consider for your budget planning: Tips [see below]


4. What about tipping on the tour?


We estimate the usual and normal tipping for the national, city and river guides, the bus drivers, and the Yangtze River boat crew will total about $160 per person for the entire 19-day tour. We provide a chart to help you with this task each day of the tour for the city guides and the bus drivers, at the end of the cruise for the boat crew and river guides, and at the end of the entire tour for your specially assigned national guide. Note: China views "tips" as expected "thank-you's" at the minimum suggested levels.


5. Do you suggest travel insurance?


Insurance inclusion in our tour package is now mandatory for ALL participants. This in effect makes our new basic NET tour package price of $2999 for most people actually $3193 with mandatory insurance included - before adding on the additional estimated $608 for other required taxes and fees for a current tour total of $3801 pp.

We had always strongly recommended obtaining travel insurance. Now, thanks to the great CSA Group Go! Insurance program, I am able to offer a tremendous package of coverage with great limits at a discounted group rate estimated for 2011 at only $194 per person for most people (more for those who have additional costs such as connection flights, single supplement, upgrades, or the Hong Kong tour add-on or less for those providing their own international flights) -- payable by final payment date (Jan. 10, 2011), covers pre-existing conditions & family emergencies and is the same rate for each person regardless of age. However, it must be made mandatory for all participants in our tour group as a requirement to qualify for this heavily discounted rate provided by CSA through their Group Go! Policy - and therefore was already added to the list of additional charges stated in Item #3.

For complete details, please click on the following 3 links to view :

1. CSA Group Plan Overview
2.
CSA Group Plan Brochure - with complete details (the fine print)
*********
You can also call CSA direct at 1-800-464-6002*********



6. What are the passport requirements for this tour?


Your passport needs to be valid through at least the 13th of September 2011 (Chinese Embassy now requires validity for a full 6 mos. following departure date) and have at least TWO blank visa pages remaining (do not confuse these with the last two pages in your passport which are only for endorsements). If you do not yet have a passport or yours has expired, just enter "applying" or "renewing" in the space provided on the Reservation Form and then advise us when you have received it. You will need to have a valid passport in your possession before Jan. 2011.

Many US Post Offices are now able to offer passport services, including passport photo taking at some. If you are either applying for a new passport or renewing an expired or soon-to-be-expired passport, obtain 2 sets of official passport photos as you will also need one additional photo to provide with your China visa application. I have found these as low as $4.99 per set from COSTCO (also obtainable from AAA, Walmart, Walgreens, photo shops or etc.). Do NOT submit your own photos taken by your digital camera, etc., as the parameters for such are VERY specific and your own are likely to be refused - which could cause a critical delay during the last phase.

The US Dept. of State offers the following web site with all the information you need for either applying for or renewing a passport: http://www.travel.state.gov/

Those with foreign (non-US) passports will need to provide a copy of your Green Card when you submit your passport to us when it is time to apply for the China visa stamp in your passport (mid Jan. 2011 approx.).



7. How is the China visa handled?


I will be mailing out your invoice for final payment along with a China visa application form (and instructions on how to complete it, plus a sample filled out) to each tour participant when it is time to submit your passports to us for processing through the Chinese Consulate in San Francisco. These items (passport + completed China visa form with official-type passport photo), should be received by us by or before January 22, 2011 for submission by our tour operator to the Chinese Consulate in San Francisco. You can also access a blank form for yourself by going to the following web site (it is in Adobe .pdf format) and it can be filled out online (ignore/cancel the menu asking you to install a Chinese font package), but you still must print it out, sign & date it, and add your photo. Either way, you will need to follow our provided instructions (which we will send you later) for proper completion:
http://www.china-embassy.org/chn/hzqz/zgqz/P020070611087242661716.pdf


8. What shots are required for travel to China?


There are no shots required for travel to China. We are on an organized tour going to places checked and approved by China's official Bureau of Tourism. We only dine at facilities also approved by them and approved for the Western digestive system. The following suggestions have nothing in particular to do with traveling to China but are wise steps to take in general for good health maintenance. Have your Tetanus shot up to date and obtain the current flu shot if possible. Another option that is wise to consider whether traveling or not is the fairly new Hepatitis A & B shots - it takes 3 shots and 6 to 8 mos. for full coverage. If you are prone to infections involving the lungs, ask your physician about the pneumonia shot (my doctor made me get one because of frequent bronchitis and it worked!). A contagious infections specialty nurse recently told me that the typhoid shot can offer protection from salmonella! You can also visit the following website for complete information about travel inoculations at www.cdc.gov though it addresses travel throughout China and into remote areas. The most important advice is to consult your own physician and then be well and well-rested in preparation for the tour.


9. Why do you always go to China in March?


Having been to China nearly every month of the year while flying for United Airlines, we can attest to the very long cold winters and the very long hot and humid summers. China experiences a very short spring and a very short fall during which a little bit of anything can happen - but nothing extreme. The crowds are greater and the prices higher in the fall. The good weather, the smaller crowds, and the better bargain prices are available in mid-March, so that is why we continue to select it and find it works best overall for the wide area we cover in China. Even though hotels, buses, museums and the like can be air-conditioned or heated, most of the sightseeing occurs outside where you cannot find relief from the oppressive heat and humidity or the bitter cold during most of their year's weather.


10. How is the weather in March?


It is pretty much like March is in the US - a little bit of anything and everything can happen - but nothing severe in any direction. China's long cold winter and long hot and humid summer are broken up by a VERY BRIEF spring and fall during which a little of anything can happen as part of the transition -- but nothing extreme. We begin the tour in Shanghai on purpose and head west and then south to take advantage of the best weather in the middle of March before we start heading north to Xi'an and then to Beijing, the northernmost destination. By the time we get to Beijing, it is nearly April and the weather is usually quite good there. It won't take long before it starts getting uncomfortably hot and humid, though - but we are already home by then.


11. How does one dress for a range of unknown weather?


That's easy - just layer! Make comfortable shoes your most important item and then be able to add and subtract a sweater and a light to medium jacket as needed. But I will be providing a lot more information on this later and include packing tips and more baggage information as well.


12. How is the shopping in China?


In a word ..... fantastic! The things you can expect to find include silk scarves and clothing, silk carpets, and silk embroidery, jade, artwork, pearls, cloisonné, and so much more. The craftsmanship is phenomenal and the prices remarkable. We will visit a number of places where you can learn about how things are made, as well. Those who have had their purchases appraised upon return to the US have been surprised and amazed at the difference between the purchase price in China and the MUCH HIGHER appraised value in the US.


13. I have visited other countries recently where I found hostility towards Americans, What can I expect in China?


The people of China seem to love Americans as they move closer and closer to our Western ways. We have found the Chinese people in general to be warm and very hospitable towards Americans. Our tour participants always come away with a wonderful warm feeling towards the Chinese and their magnificent culture.


14. Do you offer any other tours besides this one to China?


Not at this time. We were already taking friends to China on our own when we discovered the excellent tour Mr. KC Ma offered. We decided to form an agency so we could lead official tours through his operation but with our own special touch added to it (Aviation in China, WW II history and the Flying Tigers in particular). Our only motivation for becoming certified as a "Seller of Travel" in California was to give legitimacy to our tour by being able to give assurance that deposits and payments were properly handled and passed to the tour operator and to be able to offer the comfort level of the Restitution Fund in California. This certification by the state in no way represents an endorsement by the state but does lay out rules by which we must abide for your protection.

Although we have traveled many places throughout the world, we would not be comfortable leading a group anywhere where we have not developed the same level of expertise that we feel we have gained in China. Several years ago, we did devote two months in the UK and Europe exploring putting together a WW II nostalgia tour through England and the D-Day beaches of Normandy, France. We have made that pilgrimage ourselves numerous times and have learned where the best museums and old airfields are in both countries. However, the US dollar is not faring well against the British pound or the Euro nor can we negotiate decent discounts for a reasonable package price as a small agency with small volume. China remains (so far) the best travel value available, in our opinion. That did change a little following the 2008 Summer Olympics being held in Beijing as the rest of the world discovered today's China in earnest.


15. What airline do we fly between San Francisco and China?


This tour package is offered by Air China (do NOT confuse "Air China" with "China Air" based out of Taiwan) and various entities in China and therefore we use Air China and their Boeing 747-400 equipment as the main choice (a small segment of the tour group may be placed roundtrip on United Airlines). You can view Air China's web site at:
http://www.airchina.com.cn/en/index.shtml


16. Can I get an early seat assignment?


No airline grants advance seat assignments for any group travel in Economy/Coach Class until the actual ticket has been issued. I will advise all when you may call the airline to request your round-trip seat assignments. I also pass along requests made by those with special needs. I will address this more in future mailings.


17. Since Air China is part of the Star Alliance with United Airlines, can I use my Mileage Plus to upgrade to Business Class?


No, as of now they do not honor that for this low-priced tour package. You need to check with them directly to reaffirm this since agreements change without notice, and also to determine the latest information on what is required by United to show proof of your flight in both directions if they resume honoring this. They had been requiring that you retain your boarding passes, among other pieces of evidence.


18. Can I pay to upgrade to Business or First Class on Air China?


Yes, but it is very expensive. Air China is finished renovating both their Business and First Class and the new appointments have caused the price to increase substantially as a result. To upgrade from the Coach/Economy Class GROUP very low airfare, the current quote is an additional $5880 pp for Business Class on Air China (or $6958 pp on United) per person roundtrip for the over-water flights only. (Other airlines are charging even more pp for the same upgrades.)


19. Can I provide my own airline travel to and from China?


Yes, this is possible and a credit is given to reduce your tour price, but it does contain certain problems. Please call for the particular details.


20. Where can I find a source for purchasing travel gear such as electrical converters, travel clothing and gear?


I use and recommend the following two sources for a wide range of travel products:

Magellan's (800) 962-4943 www.magellans.com
TravelSmith (800) 950-1600 www.travelsmith.com

Contact each one to order a catalogue.


21. How much luggage are we allowed?

***(the following will need to be updated again as we get closer to the departure date as changes continue to be common!)***



The rules for this category continue to change and become more restrictive because of the continuing increase in fuel costs. Most international flights permit two checked bags, so we are actually restricted by the limits on the four jet flights within China (which only permit ONE lighter checked bag per person) .... until your flight home (before which time you can purchase and fill a second bag with souvenirs).

For the international flight to China (and for all four flights within China), plan to check only one bag at the maximum weight of 44 lbs. and maximum size of 62 linear inches - add length, width and height together to get the total linear inches of a bag. This will ensure your checked bag will meet the more restrictive rules for the upcoming four jet flights within China.

For the international flight from China back to the US at the end of the tour, you may now check TWO bags at the maximum weight of 50 lbs. each and a maximum size of 62 linear inches for one bag and a limit of 107 linear inches as a total for two bags per person.

For carry-on on the international portion to/from China, you may also take with you an "unlimited" number of pieces of hand baggage (for under the forward passenger seat and/or in the storage bin above the seat) - the sum of the length, width and height of all pieces must not exceed 43 inches or 11 lbs. total weight for all. Most luggage pieces you purchase will tell you if it meets the carry-on size limits but this is a new and much more restrictive allotment.

Additional FREE carry-on items which are also allowed include such things as a lady's handbag, an overcoat, wrap or blanket, an umbrella or walking stick, a reasonable amount of reading matter for the flight, a small camera, a pair of binoculars, or a pair of crutches and/or braces or other prosthetic device for the passenger's use provided that the passenger is dependent upon them.

You do not want to go over the weight, size or number of pieces permitted free per person as the additional charges for each category exceeded are now VERY expensive! Dry cleaning and laundry services are available at all the hotels and laundry is available daily on the ship.

You can check Air China's website for the most current information re: their checked and carry-on baggage rules for INTERNATIONAL flights by clicking on: http://www.airchina.com.cn/en/index.shtml

[For current info, place cursor on "Travel Info" and then on "Baggage Information" - then select from the drop-down menu.]

The good news is that you can enjoy great shopping on your last full day in China - in Beijing - on your free day there. We will be providing information on how and where to go for great shopping bargains and you can also buy a large second bag at the same locations for about $15 - $25 (with wheels!) to check on the return flight as your second checked bag which is now allowed on your return international flight - and each one can now weigh up to 50 lbs. apiece in Economy Class. Don't forget the maximum of 62 linear inches total for the largest bag and the total of 107 total linear inches for the two bags combined.

Remember, you are normally allowed to check two bags on the international flights and now, on your flight home, you will no longer have to worry about the one checked bag restriction you had while flying within China. You can now check TWO BAGS per person at 50 lbs. apiece for the return flight from China.

For those connecting on to flights out of San Francisco to another home destination, you should be permitted the same more liberal checked luggage allowance all the way home since you are connecting in from an international flight. [This may not apply if your "connecting" flight to your home airport is not on the same day as your arrival from China -- both flights must be on the same day to qualify as a connection -- check with the airline you are using to/from SFO.]



22. How can I convert between kilograms and pounds, etc.?


The following is a website that offers easy conversions of all types: http://www.onlineconversion.com/


23. How can I convert between US Dollars and Chinese currency?


The following is a website that offers easy currency conversions in either direction and for most currencies of the world. For Chinese currency, you will find it under "China Yuan Renminbi - CNY" - in China it is referred to as "Yuan" and as "RMB." (kind of like our Dollars and Bucks).

Here is a sample of the conversion information you will get:

Live rates as of 2010.6.02

1.00 USD
6.83095 CNY
United States Dollars
=
China Yuan Renminbi (RMB)
1 USD = 6.83095 CNY
1 CNY = 0.146393 USD


24. How large is the tour group?


The total size of the tour group varies from year to year but always offers each person our special VIP treatment. The total group is divided into busloads of only 25 to 30 people on each 45-48 passenger bus as a result of our VIP status (unlike normal tour groups which will fill the buses to capacity). Each busload has its OWN National Guide for the entire tour, along with its own City Guides. You will bond with this sub-group as you travel, tour and dine with them throughout the tour. Larry and I, as your "fearless" tour leaders, will try to rotate individually among all the buses as able.

When our group size permits, we prefer to book the entire boat for the Yangtze River cruise so that all aboard are only from our group. This gives us special privileges and perks (I run WW II movies & documentaries on the ship's in-room TV system and have WW II music played when possible) and it also allows us to intermingle and enjoy meeting the folks from all the bus groups during the leisurely 5-night 5-star cruise on the Yangtze. If we limited our tour group to a smaller total size, you would find that we would see other busloads of strangers all doing what we are doing at about the same time throughout the entire tour. In other words, they would all be on the same general tour but not associated with us since the boat capacity is the delimiting factor on the total number traveling at the same time. What I prefer to do is to fill all the buses with OUR folks. We will be rotating the order of the buses each day so that the staggering of each bus group will give everyone an equal experience.

I make a special effort to get to know all who sign up for our tour during the months leading up to departure so that I can put together good sub-groups for each bus. Of course, I make sure that friends and family members are assigned to the same bus group. It is not uncommon to have a whole group (from a flying club, or a group of retired airline or military folks, etc.) sign up together for the tour and have their own bus.

To manage a large group successfully and painlessly, we arrange to have hotel and boat room assignments done before arrival at each place so that your room keys can be handed out on the bus on the way there. This way we are able to avoid the congestion, commotion and confusion at the lobby check-in desks experienced by non-VIP groups. And your checked piece of luggage is always delivered to your room to be waiting there for you, just as it is collected, transported and checked in for you at the airports for all four in-country flights.

I always query folks following our tour to see if they ever felt overwhelmed by being part of a large tour group and have never had anyone feel that way. Each bus group, since it bonds as its own sub-group, is able to have that more intimate small group feeling. In fact I have been delighted to learn that folks from each bus group have always felt that they were on the "best" bus with the "best" co-travelers and had the "best" National Guide, etc. And we have always felt so lucky to have always had the "best" folks on our tours!


25. What is the expected flight schedule for the Air China flights between San Francisco and China?


Check-in for departure will begin at 11 AM on March 13, 2011 at the Air China counter (3rd set of counters, past United Airlines) in the SFO International Terminal. (Please note that the line may start forming even earlier for best seat assignment since all seat assignments are not done until check-in for the flight). If you are making a flight connection into San Francisco that same day, do NOT check your baggage all the way through to China. Instead, check it only as far as SFO and reclaim it there to re-check it on Air China as this method avoids any misconnects of your luggage and is what Air China prefers.

The departure flight schedule for March 2011 is similar to all the past years and currently (as of 5/21/10) shows a scheduled departure time from San Francisco's International Terminal on March 13, 2011 on Air China Flight # CA 986 departing at 1:50 PM (we go on the new early PDST on 3/13/11) and arriving Shanghai at 10:20 PM on March 13 (you lose a day as you cross the International Dateline during the flight) with a stop in Beijing en route.

Most folks will be flying on Air China (airline code "CA"), the flag carrier for the People's Republic of China (mainland China). Please do not confuse Air China with China Air (airline code "CI"), the airline from the island of Taiwan. Air China is part of the Star Alliance with United Airlines.

The new (as of 5/21/10) return flight schedule currently shows departing Beijing on March 31, 2011 at 4:00 PM on Air China Flight # CA 985 and arriving San Francisco at 12:20 PM on the same day. (No, you do not fly backwards -- you gain back the day you lost crossing the International Dateline on the way over.)

I will be providing more specific flight information as it gets closer to tour time as airline flight schedules are always subject to change.

26.

Any suggestions for a hotel choice near the SFO airport for before and/or after the tour?



For those who are flying in from elsewhere to connect with the group departure on March 13, 2011, I recommend the nearby Red Roof Inn (which was recently remodeled). See their contact information at the beginning of these FAQ pages - they now offer a very attractive Park and Fly package for those driving from home. They share a large shuttle bus with several other hotels (all far more expensive) in the same area which normally runs every 15 min. to/from the airport, and they have a great little restaurant on site.

For those who will be driving or car-pooling to/from SFO, I also can recommend you contact the Best Western's El Rancho located near SFO and inquire about their special "Park and Fly" rate (qualified AAA & AARP Seniors receive a discount off the regular park and fly rate). They are located at 1100 El Camino Real Millbrae, California and you can call them direct at 650-588-8500 or clink on one of the following links direct to their specific web site property page:
Bestwestern.com, the World's Largest Hotel Chain or

http://book.bestwestern.com/bestwestern/productInfo.do?propertyCode=05244&disablenav=false#null

I am learning about other choices with a Fly/Drive package near SFO and will advise of those later.



27. How much walking is there on the tour?


Of course, walking will be required in order to tour and visit the many sights of interest. But I can personally attest to the fact that it is not difficult nor too long or arduous. The worst of the walking will actually occur in the various airports throughout China, not unlike the rest of the world. Call me with specific issues if you need more detail. I can usually reassure most that if I can do it, most folks can. However, you should be in reasonably good physical condition and able to walk at a reasonable pace so as not to delay your bus group.


28. This is labeled as the "American Aviators VIP Tour to China." Does that mean that only pilots go on this tour?


Absolutely not! In order to earn VIP status and all its perks, we have indeed established this theme to appeal to our fellow pilots and WW II history buffs. But the majority of the tour devotes itself to touring the main sights of China to explore its marvelous ancient history and see its phenomenal modern growth -- which appeals to everyone. We have added four aviation and WW II history extras which include a visit to Stilwell's WW II Museum and the Flying Tigers Museum & Gallery - both in Chongqing, the Flying Tigers former airfield and HQ cave site in Guilin, and the huge Aviation Museum outside Beijing. Indeed, to date, only about half our group each year is aviation or WW II connected -- and those folks enjoy all the hangar flying and story sharing that time will permit. Many of those folks have spouses accompanying them on the tour who find their own separate areas of interest to share with one another. I do try to arrange each bus group to have folks of similar interests together and, of course, always make sure that friends and family and any sub-groups are grouped together to enhance the whole experience.


29. If the tour is filled, will you carry a "wait list" in case of future cancellations?


Absolutely! However, the best way to be added to the wait list is to call or E-mail us and advise us that you are mailing ASAP your signed reservation form and your check for the $300 per person deposit required. I will hold the deposit check and call you first if you clear the wait list before depositing it to be sure your plans have not changed in the interim. Then if you choose to not join us at that point, I will either destroy or return the check based on your preference.


30.
31.
I will be amending or adding to the FAQ pages periodically. Please check back from time to time. If you note something you would like to see addressed, please let us know.

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This page last updated August 25, 2010