Davina1979
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(Member) (Topic Starter)
Hi

I am doing my first JY holiday in April to China and just wondered if anybody can help with some questions?!? (Generic to any trip you may have done not just china)

1. Do you usually get time to freshen up/change before dinner?

2. Do you get chance to stop and buy bottle water for the days trip? ( as know tap water should be avoided)

3. Do you get the chance to buy souvenirs when you visit the sites?

4. I know this is prob more dependant on people in group but is it ok to ask others to take your photos at sites? As would like to think I am able to get a nice pic or two at these beautiful places.

Thank you for any replies in advance.

Davina

stu151
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(Member)
Hi Davina

Based on a number of holidays with JY ;-

Question 1 - There is always a reasonable gap between arriving back at the hotel and dinner, as everyone (or most people) will want to have a shower etc. I've never been on an organised holiday (with JY or anyone else) that is so short on time, that there isn't spare time in the schedule.

Question 2 - Often there are shops near the hotel, if not in the hotel itself, if this isn't the case I'm sure the Tour manager will make some time. You won't be the only one who want to do this.

Question 3 - Again there has always been time made to do this, usually there is some free time allocated at any particular place you visit.

Question 4 - I've never know anyone refuse to take this sort of photo for me. If someone did refuse I would just ask someone else in the group.

I'm 100% sure that none of your concerns will turn out to be problems.

Enjoy the holiday.

Stuart

nixon
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(Member)
Hello Davina

I have not done this tour but I have my 9th JY tour booked and travelled from Austria to as far as New Zealand..

So here is my thoughts

1.. Usually you do but not always depends on the day out you have had and what time you get back to the hotels,but don't worry if you haven't had time to sort yourself out no one else has either..

2...with regard to bottled water in some cases it is a good idea to stock up when you can, some people go for buying a large bottle and then decant it into a smaller bottle along the way. I am not a great lover of water so a small bottle when and if was enough for me..

3.. I am sure there will be time for you to have a look around and spend money!!!!

4... Of course it's ok to ask people to take a photo of you at places with your camera....or else all you end up with is scenic shots and no proof you have been there...if anybody did say no just ask another person it will be fine.

Have a great holiday and have fun

Cindy

Julie White
(Member)
Hello Davina,

I went to China at Christmas with Just you. In answer to you questions.

1. You do have a chance to freshen up some days before dinner but mostly you ae out all day and eat in restaurants before you get back to the hotel so there is no chance of changing.

2. The cheapest place to buy bottle water is on the coaches and all the drivers stock water. Don't buy it in the hotels it is too expensive.

3. There are plenty of opportunites to buy souvenires so don't worry.

4. And I have found that everyone is always willing to take your picture when asked.

You will have a great time

Warm regards

Julie

michael1
(Member)
Hi

I haven't done the China trip but have been on 3 other JY trips (with a 4th one booked!). Based on my experiences so far - yes, yes, yes and yes to your questions!

Dinner is usually around 7 - 7.30pm, however even on a full day tour I've always been back in my hotel by 5pm latest. Most places they take you will include some free time for you to explore, so you can use some of this time to buy any souvenirs. The people in my 3 holidays have all been friendly and I've had no problem when asking others to take photos - don't forget the majority of people are in the same position as you so you may well be asked to return the favour!

I hope you enjoy your holiday - in my experience the hardest part is booking your first solo trip. You've already done that so relax and start looking forward to a great holiday!

Hope this helps.

Michael.

AngeS
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(Member)
Hi Davina, the answers are a big yes to all four questions, and should you run out of water the coaches always carry small bottles of refridgerated water which you can buy for a reasonable price. These holidyas although busy are at the same time quite relaxed.

Ange S

Jaya
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(Member)
Hi Davina

It all depends on the what time you get back to the hotel after the excursion as to whether or not you get time to freshen up/change before dinner. I have never had any problems getting bottled water on any of the 4 Just You trips I have been on. Most of the time, the coach driver has a supply of bottled water to purchase. As for souvenirs, again it depends on the excursions - but there is always some time allowed to do the shopping. It is okay to ask others to take your photos at sites. Most people are obliging.

Hope this helps.

Jaya

Davina1979
  • (Member) (Topic Starter)
(Member) (Topic Starter)
Thank you for answering my questions they have been most helpful and reassuring!

Just three more questions (sorry)

1. is £600 spending money enough to take in these trips?

2. Has anyone done china in late April early may before? If so does your trip get majorly effected by the may bank holiday they have out there? I have read some businesses close and also tourist attractions are very busy

3. Is there a lot of rain during late April/early may in China?

Thank you once again and sorry for all the questions!

Davina 🙂

BGray
  • (Member)
(Member)
Hi Davina you should also bear in mind that the Inspirational China tour is a new one, so any of the comments regarding China refer to the Wonder of China, so might not apply. I always bring at least the equivalent of $1,000, usually more. US dollars are the best currency to bring, the easiest to exchange anywhere in the world. I often end up bringing a couple of hundred home with me, but I usually use my credit card as well. Late April/early May should be a nice time to travel, but google China climate for more info. If there are any potential sightseeing problems due to a public holiday, JY will make alternative arrangements for the tour, so don't worry about that!

Hope you have a great holiday,

Bob

Davina1979
  • (Member) (Topic Starter)
(Member) (Topic Starter)
'BGray' wrote:

Hi Davina you should also bear in mind that the Inspirational China tour is a new one, so any of the comments regarding China refer to the Wonder of China, so might not apply. I always bring at least the equivalent of $1,000, usually more. US dollars are the best currency to bring, the easiest to exchange anywhere in the world. I often end up bringing a couple of hundred home with me, but I usually use my credit card as well. Late April/early May should be a nice time to travel, but google China climate for more info. If there are any potential sightseeing problems due to a public holiday, JY will make alternative arrangements for the tour, so don't worry about that!

Hope you have a great holiday,

Bob

Thank you for your reply 🙂 I am am changing my money up into chinese currency and taking my credit card just in case.

Davina

PaulineD
(Member)
'Davina1979' wrote:

'BGray' wrote:

Hi Davina you should also bear in mind that the Inspirational China tour is a new one, so any of the comments regarding China refer to the Wonder of China, so might not apply. I always bring at least the equivalent of $1,000, usually more. US dollars are the best currency to bring, the easiest to exchange anywhere in the world. I often end up bringing a couple of hundred home with me, but I usually use my credit card as well. Late April/early May should be a nice time to travel, but google China climate for more info. If there are any potential sightseeing problems due to a public holiday, JY will make alternative arrangements for the tour, so don't worry about that!

Hope you have a great holiday,

Bob

Thank you for your reply 🙂 I am am changing my money up into chinese currency and taking my credit card just in case.

Davina

So am I!!

Pauline

BGray
  • (Member)
(Member)
Hi Davina, I seem to remember a while back someone saying that it was better to only change a litttle money into yuan before travelling, as the rate was better over there? Perhaps if you do a forum search for "Chinese currency" or something like that you might get some helpful advice!

Bob