You are here:

China & Hong Kong/Travel agent vs. online website

Advertisement

Expert: - 3/14/2011


Question
My 17 year old son and three of his friends are planning on studying and traveling in China for 4-5 weeks this summer.  When they buy their tickets, is it better to find the cheapest fare online and purchase the tickets that way, or do you recommend using a travel agent.  If the latter, which travel agent should they use?

Answer

China
Hi Linda,
I don't think you need to involve a travel agent unless you want a package deal that includes hotels and inter-provincial transportation for when they arrive in China. In that respect, it might make sense, though you will be paying a pretty penny for it. However, seeing as how you say they will be studying here, then their school should have already prepared their accomodations and airport pick-up, in which case you certainly do not need to pay a travel agent for anything.
Plus, once they arrive in China and have a better sense of things, getting around for site seeing is quite easy; the railway network is modern and extensive, and there are many Chinese travel agents here who can assist them for very modest fees if they don't want to do it themselves.
So basically, just book the cheapest flight yourself, however don't forget to get their student or tourist VISA from the consulate first!!!
Hope this helps,
Tom Carter
p.s. My photo book CHINA: Portrait of a People is very popular amongst language students and travelers to China. Have a look...
http://www.amazon.com/CHINA-Portrait-People-Tom-Carter/dp/9889979942

Tom Carter ~ Travel China Expert

Expertise


I am an American photojournalist and travel correspondent based in Beijing and have traveled extensively to all 33 provinces in China. I specialize in budget travel and have a personal affection for remote villages, ethnic minority culture and uncharted locales.

Experience

I am also the author of CHINA: Portrait of a People, the most comprehensive book of photography on modern China ever published by a single author.

Education/Credentials
American University, Washington, D.C., BA Political Science, Communications, 1997

Interviews
To learn more about Tom Carter's ground-breaking travels across China - and be inspired to make some of your own - check out the following media coverage:
CNN interviews Tom Carter
Beijing Today interviews Tom Carter
ChinaTravel.Net interviews Tom Carter
Christian Science Monitor reviews CPOP
SF Chronicle reviews CPOP
China.Org reviews CPOP
China Daily reviews CPOP

Note
Help support Tom Carter by purchasing a copy of CHINA: Portrait of a People today.


Awards and Honors



Tom Carter Thomas Carter India China

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.