Beijing Tour Groups: My Official PSA is HELL NO!!!!
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Hey sis, could you share which travel agency this was?
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OP, how much did your tour cost? When I went to Beijing, I also used a travel agency. They were upfront about it: there are cheap tours, but you have to go to shopping stops. There are also 'pure-play' (no shopping) tours that cost more. I opted for the pure-play one, and there were no hidden tricks; everything was clearly stated in the contract. You get what you pay for. If you go for a low price, you have to play by their rules. Wonder if everyone agrees?
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How much did you pay per person for your tour?
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This whole thing feels so fake.
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Same here. So angry! How's your situation?
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All these tour groups are just out to cheat you out of your money. You barely get to see the sights; it's all rushed. Their main focus is making you watch some 390 yuan acrobatics show and go shopping. I even booked a so-called 'high-end' tour, and they still found ways to rip me off.
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Is the 'Xiyangyang' tour agency reliable?
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I took my parents on a customized tour, and we had a really good time. They tailored the itinerary to our needs. The only downside was that it was a bit pricey.
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Sweetie, could you recommend one?
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Departing from Kunming, the tour fee is 3880 yuan per person for five days and four nights. Is a tour at this price point reliable?
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That doesn't sound reliable. My grandma and her group booked a similar tour which included round-trip airfare and three meals. But when they were transferring the money, the agency asked for specific transfer notes and extra personal information, claiming the payment wouldn't go through otherwise. It felt really sketchy. I was thinking of just taking my elderly relatives myself, but it seems like even the local tours are full of pitfalls.
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Beijing doesn't really have an off-season; it's just that it's much less crowded when it's not a public holiday. If it's your first time visiting Beijing, I'd still recommend finding a small tour group in advance and making sure you understand the daily itinerary. It's best when you can visit places like the Forbidden City, the National Museum, and others without having to worry about any of the planning – a completely hassle-free experience. Otherwise, you'd have to make reservations for many attractions yourself. With a tour, your meals, accommodation, and transportation are all taken care of. When you arrive at the sights, the driver and guide will sort out tickets and provide commentary. That's what my friends and I did.