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8 Day 'Unbeatable China' Tour Inc. Airfares/Accom/Tours $588 Ex Syd or $699 Ex Mel or $799 Ex Bris @ TripaDeal

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8 Day 'Unbeatable China' Tour Inc. Airfares/Accom/Tours $588 Ex Syd or $699 Ex Mel or $799 Ex Bris @ TripaDeal
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rawm on 28/01/2018 - 12:25 tripadeal.com.au (2291 clicks)
Last edited 28/01/2018 - 12:37

So amazingone commented here about a deal they thought was better than the $777 Scoopon China deal submitted recently. I decided to have a look at the TripaDeal website (Byron Bay NSW based company - Head Office - Australia: 15 Wollongbar Street, Byron Bay NSW 2481) and found this.

Departing Sydney $588 or Melbourne $699 or $799 Brisbane - dates vary from April to June.

Looks like a lot more specific, less pressured tour experience with optional tours (in addition to the main ones included) that come with the deal. Even the tour prices were listed which gives you a better idea of what you'd like to add to your trip. As well as this, you have a more detailed explanation of the trip's components.

The package includes return international flights, six nights hotel accommodation, seven meals including daily breakfast and English speaking guides.

Please note: Australian residents will need to purchase a VISA to enter China as an additional cost, approximately $160

Happy to hear some experiences of such tours if anyone can comment. Never been on one like this myself.

Travel Asia China Melbourne New South Wales Sydney Tripadeal Victoria

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closed Comments

  • samfisher5986 on 28/01/2018 - 12:36
    +4

    I'm trying to figure out the point where they extract extra money from you…

    • Merlict on 28/01/2018 - 12:37

      I believe these are subsidised by the Chinese Govt tourism department.

    • peterpeterpumpkin on 28/01/2018 - 13:00
      +2

      Especially when you consider the travel agent is probably making a decent cut. Can I just buy this deal direct from the Chinese for like $400? :) I say we wait for a superior deal that comes with spending money.

      I wonder if you can extend your trip (but still take advantage of the airfares, transport and hotels?).

      • MishyMoo on 29/01/2018 - 14:22

        They won't let you according to their online chat person.
        Not sure how they would force you onto the plane to go home, but….
        Here's how the chat went…

        Can I stay in China longer or fly to somewhere else at my expense after the 8 day tour?
        Heather

        Unfortunately not with this deal I'm afraid

        I must fly back to Australia?
        Heather

        Yes, that is correct
        What would happen if I just missed my flight?

        Heather
        You could potentially be up for fees in missing the flight, it is also a condition of the visa that you depart on the date noted on the application form

        Ok, thank you.

        No problems, is there anything else I can help you with?

        Yes.Please let me know when the rules are relaxed so that I can choose where I fly to after the tour.

      • nissa on 29/01/2018 - 16:39

        Clearly marked this deal is unchangeable Everyone on the plane/bus/hotel
        Arrive early or stay behind Not Available
        Stopover packages Not available
        Flight Class upgrades Not available

    • 2enjoy on 28/01/2018 - 18:42
      +7

      Rest assured, they will be allocating time for "souvenirs"..

      • htc on 28/01/2018 - 23:14

        Tour guides in China has a reputation to take you to shopping. I have heard story about tour guide leaving a couple at the mountain because they refuse to buy things!

    • ryu on 28/01/2018 - 18:58
      +2

      The price sounds insane, but definitely they won't be losing money. Flights to China have got very cheap in the last two years. Under AUD300 for return isn't hard to find even by yourself. Hotels are generally much cheaper than in Australia especially for this time of the year(now until June is absolute low season). The hotels provided in this deal sound nice but if you search its location, at least the one for Beijing is far far away from prime city center and subcenters. We all know, for hotels, it's all about location. If memory serves me right, entry tickets to tourist spots are at the low-season level until somewhere in April. Expect Beijing to be very cold and dry before May. Someone mentioned the government subsided programme. One of my friends has done that, I think it was about $180 or so for 7 days to Shanghai, Nanjing and Hangzhou with everything included. This one doesn't even come close to that price range.

    • kolorijo on 29/01/2018 - 15:46
      +2

      Day 2 Tianjin - Beijing - Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City Tour (approx. 130km day)

      ….Afterwards, visit a pearl factory to gain a little knowledge of fresh pearls.

      Day 3 Beijing, Great Wall Of China

      On the way to the Great Wall, stop at a Jade Museum to learn the history of jade. In Chinese, jade is pronounced as “Yu”, and it has a history in China of at least four thousand years. Observe the skilled artisans at work as they create their intricate designs.

      Day 4 Beijing Zoo - Free Day

      This morning make a stop at Tong Ren Tang, founded in 1669, to learn more about traditional Chinese medicine.

      Day 7 Zhengzhou, China - Australia

      This morning enjoy breakfast before visiting the Zhengzhou City God Temple. Built in the early years of the Ming Dynasty. You can not only appreciate fine ancient constructions, but also calligraphy and carving arts - this one is a maybe.

    • RonaldR on 29/01/2018 - 22:06

      WHY SUCH NEGATIVE THOUGHTS?

  • cheapo999 on 28/01/2018 - 12:39
    +2

    This will be amazing deal, if no forced-shopping trips included.

    • anonymoususer on 28/01/2018 - 12:43
      +1

      Ni Hao

    • bbtlovebbt on 28/01/2018 - 12:43

      The sun rise from the west this morning?

    • glassyan on 28/01/2018 - 12:43
      +1

      It will be similar to signing up to a timeshare presentation except it goes on for 8 days, there's no way they could breakeven on that price so forced shopping will pretty much be expected.

      If it were me I would rather sign up to a timeshare presentation, at least the $ gained per hour is better + you won't be at the mercy of the organizer in a foreign country.

    • rawm on 28/01/2018 - 12:45

      Seems from the information that the pressure of forced-shopping trips is greatly reduced here. The word 'Optional' comes up a lot on the page which is encouraging.

      For the offer though, a 'Single Single Traveller Supplement' exists, adding more to the trip if going alone. For solo travellers a mandatory single supplement of $400 applies.

      If I had the time to go, I'd hunt out someone else from OzBargain or family/friends and sign up together - avoiding this fee!

      • glassyan on 28/01/2018 - 12:47
        +2

        Optional to what extent though? Even for a "normal" Chinese tour, generally their extent of optional is you could stay on the bus during the activity as it will be in the middle of nowhere so there's nothing else you could do.

        Happy to be proven wrong though, as I haven't been to a Chinese tour for a long time, so things might have gotten better since then.

        • rawm on 28/01/2018 - 12:55

          Im guessing that there will be a hope that you make purchases, but doubt it would be forceful. Yes, they'd roll out the red carpet if you were that person who throws their money at everything and tour itinerary looks like you're going to experience some shopping stops, but should be okay.

          If you're easily offended or overly cautious, this probably isn't the best tour for you. There will be some pressure to spend extra, but play your cards right and you'll get a damn cheap and quality holiday experience IMO.

        • runamuck on 28/01/2018 - 13:14
          +2

          Optional usually means compulsory if 50% of the group decides to go. You can't stay on bus or in hotel, not allowed.

        • mathew42 on 28/01/2018 - 17:19
          +1

          @rawm: I didn't experience forced selling, but early starts and arriving at the hotel only after dinner having spent half your time in 'shops' wears thin very quickly.

          All of the shops were located in 'business parks' or at best a tea plantation.

      • BartholemewH on 29/01/2018 - 10:00

        May require a mug shot showing OzB handle due to the sleeping arrangements lol.

  • PhoenixAUS on 28/01/2018 - 12:45
    +3

    Mandatory fleece trips:

    -Learn about pearls at a Freshwater Pearl Centre
    -Visit a local Jade Museum and see artisans at work

    This is where you get a chance to also purchase pearls and jade. Tours make extra as they get commissions from these places. I remember visiting a Jade museum on one of my tours to China years ago. Of course the option to purchase is completely up to you.

    • bbtlovebbt on 28/01/2018 - 12:47

      Also silk, tea, herbs …………

      • mskeggs on 28/01/2018 - 12:52

        It is universal, of course.
        I have seen lace, glass, silver, pottery, pottery again, cashews, wood carving, jewellery, leather goods and probably a few I am forgetting. And we rarely go on bus excursions!

  • sal78 on 28/01/2018 - 12:54
    +7

    I like the Zhengzhou part and only 2 cities will give more time to explore. But with such cheap air fares, pay a bit more to explore yourself. I still never understand why my family and friends in SE Asia join packaged tours to China when they can speak and read Chinese perfectly. It's not dangerous and the public transport system is fantastic, taxis are also cheap.

    I think they all think it's more value for money to have a tour guide and to pack in as much touristy attractions as possible. You have to meet in lobby as early as 6am
    and you are out all day.

    Personally, holiday is suppose to be relaxing. Including being able to sleep in and eat a leisurely bfst, wander out and about, back to hotel for a break/toilet/nap etc and out again. I guess each to their own but free n easy for me is much more enjoyable.

    • abc on 28/01/2018 - 16:22
      +2

      A tour is not really a "holiday" 🙂

      • whyisave on 29/01/2018 - 13:52

        the holiday part, is just changing your immediate surrounding/scenery for something else.
        you can take "holiday" and go somewhere within AU , but it's the idea of hearing/tasting/smelling/feeling/seeing something foreign to the senses.

  • CyberMurning on 28/01/2018 - 13:14

    alright, the price is cheap so probably best if we can discuss how to avoid purchasing stuffs there. tips/idea/tricks/etc

  • Ambition on 28/01/2018 - 13:48

    Appears to only have the option for Sydney?

  • runamuck on 28/01/2018 - 13:48

    Lunches and dinner not included. $10 tipping per day. 2 of those days are "free days". Looks like a crappy deal after all.

  • dealsandstuff on 28/01/2018 - 14:45
    +6

    Exclusions - "Mandatory gratuities/tipping: $10 AUD per person/day payable at the beginning of the tour."

    That bit always annoys me! If it's mandatory then it's not really a tip but more a tax/fee so just include it in the cost!

    • Stopback on 28/01/2018 - 14:54

      When you know how much tour guides actually make, the $10 doesn't seem so bad.

      • BangkokBreakfast on 28/01/2018 - 17:41
        +6

        It’s not the $10, it’s the need to disguise it as a “tip” which by definition is optional and an amount usually decided by the customer.

        It’s a fee/charge and should be included in the the total cost considering it’s mandatory. So really this tour is +$80 (8days). Not a huge cost, as the tour guides probably use this as a salary, but is deceptive as most people wouldn’t realise the charge until they arrive assuming they havent read all the fine print. Hence why it should be included in the overall price upfront as not to look negative/sneaky .

        • nissa on 28/01/2018 - 17:59
          +2

          This seems to be the way all these tours are run and from what I`ve read you hand the cash to the guide at the beginning of the tour

        • abb on 29/01/2018 - 09:56
          +2

          @nissa: Yeah, it's a tax rort. Very common in the tourism industry.

  • forrester on 28/01/2018 - 15:06

    lunches and dinners the tour leader (when available) will offer assistance with reservations, suggestions and directions to local restaurants.

    Would there be kickbacks to the travel agency associated with restaurant suggestions, especially if they drop you off in the middle of nowhere?

    • bbtlovebbt on 28/01/2018 - 15:18

      A cup of tea may cost you AUD$100 and you can't complain because it is a cup of special tea. If you are thirsty, drink two cups and then it is AUD$200.

    • abb on 29/01/2018 - 09:58
      +1

      Would there be kickbacks to the travel agency associated with restaurant suggestions

      To the agency? Maybe. The guide? Definitely.

      Tourism is exceedingly corrupt.

      However, you'll probably get a good recommendation. Your guide knows you'll blame them if they send you somewhere shit.

  • silvertone on 28/01/2018 - 16:23
    +4

    Good previous discussion of a Groupon tour here…

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/321994?page=1#comment-4939…

  • paul11 on 28/01/2018 - 20:30
    +4

    Reading it too fast. At first glance, read, 8 day 'Unbearable China' Tour….

    • Wallyt99 on 29/01/2018 - 06:18
      +3

      Sounds accurate

  • theBestBastion on 28/01/2018 - 22:58

    Zhenzhou? Why?

  • ozzpete on 29/01/2018 - 05:00

    Im looking at flight to go overseas to save on major dental work I need done (probably a couple of implants, and a few crowns) .
    Is China the best option ? Im looking to save money on the significant dental work I need done, however I still want a good and safe procedure .
    Im a student, so can't afford to keep spending all this money on Australian dentist (about $12,000 in last 3 years).
    Note: Im not caring about the actual vacation enjoyment of location. Just the good dental work at best price. The dental work I wanr done would probably cost upwards of $10,000 in Australia. From what I've heard, I can pay for flights, dental treatment, then still save alot of money.

    • Wallyt99 on 29/01/2018 - 06:22

      Definately not. I have had work done in China but only becausey wife is from there and went to her family dentist. It was very cheap. Lots of fillings done for around $60aud. But they didnt give me anaesthetic. She had her wisdom teeth out (with anaesthetic !) . We both have insurance now thankfully and dont have Hep B.

    • Wallyt99 on 29/01/2018 - 06:23
      +6

      Thailand or India is the way to go.

      • ozzpete on 29/01/2018 - 14:41

        Thanks very much for the info and advice Wally .
        Sounds like you had a cheap deal for the fillings in China. They should have offered you anaesthetic though .
        Which is better out of Thailand and India ?
        Does any1 have any1 in particular or any particular hospital they recommend ?
        I heard that in India, the big city hospitals are cheap and fairly safe/regulated

        • Wallyt99 on 29/01/2018 - 15:42
          +1

          Perhaps start a new thread for this. Its an interesting topic and there might be others with opinions. I have heard the same thing about India.

  • HeWhoKnows on 29/01/2018 - 07:57
    +1

    I got to agree this is FANTASTIC value considering full service flights are included.
    As always with cut price deals there is some cost cutting and in this case it appears to be the use of Chinese airlines and hotels only rated 3-4 star.
    But for $588 plus the extra costs of optional tours its still the best money one could ever spend on a holiday

  • crob on 29/01/2018 - 10:39

    I'm so broke right now, but n extra $1100 on the card of an early June Holiday is temptation

  • nissa on 29/01/2018 - 12:30
    +3

    Have booked this for 17th March.
    Still waiting for the flight details which is a bit annoying as we have to get ourselves to Sydney.
    If you know what you're in for I don't see how you can go wrong.The hotels on these cheap trips are rarely convenient and this one does have the extras to add but still ends up cheap.
    Not too many hotel changes either makes things easier.
    Have been delivered to numerous shopping places and only thing I ever bought was a carpet runner as I decided I wanted one.'
    Good luck getting me to waste money on Chinese medicine.vases, jewelry etc.Just not things I'm interested in.
    We're looking at it as a taste of China, see the great wall etc and if it goes well we can return and if it doesn't well it's only a few days.
    We never waste our holidays resting That`s what home is for.
    We did a 10 day Groupon to Turkey which was a great trip.
    On the mini bus each afternoon the guide would be frantically calling hotels I assume for last minute bargains but we saw some amazing sights and stayed in some great hotels
    Saw the company went broke later so I guess that didn't work for the later people.

    • rawm on 29/01/2018 - 18:35
      +1

      Great feedback; optimistic view and unwavering view of when/when not to spend extra $. Thanks :)

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