I have recently returned from a group tour in Xinjiang. Some time ago, I shared a note detailing my experiences and the pitfalls encountered during the trip. Many of my sisters expressed concern, as well as numerous guides from Xinjiang who reached out to me. However, there were also those who criticized and berated me. Firstly, I am grateful to those who cared for me, as your support warmed my heart amidst the challenges.
To those who accused me of being a pawn or blamed me for not doing my research, I have nothing further to say. Perhaps your travel agencies are indeed “the best” and “superb.” Nevertheless, my experience with this particular tour has left me with valuable lessons.
Upon returning, I had a disagreement with a sister because I did not heed her advice and instead chose to join a small group tour she had previously participated in. She was only concerned for my well-being, and I am a rather stubborn individual. Hence, I deserve the lesson learned this time.
The reason for sharing this post is to provide my sisters with a glimpse into my experiences, hoping to spare you similar troubles. It is also a reminder to conduct thorough research when considering group tours and to proceed with caution. Although I lack extensive experience, this journey has taught me a valuable lesson. With the guidance of a sister who has booked reliable tours, I have learned to discern between quality and substandard tour packages.
Here are some suggestions for booking group tours:
- Avoid travel agencies with out-of-province licenses as they often act as intermediaries, merely earning commission through referrals.
- When booking a tour, it is advisable to seek recommendations from friends or acquaintances, or search on platforms like xhs. Ensure to compare and evaluate multiple options, and always request to see their business licenses. Agencies that do not provide electronic contracts issued by the National Tourism Administration may be questionable.
- Clarify the itinerary, pricing, transportation, and ticket details for attractions. Scrutinize the documents provided by the guide, noting the number of attractions visited and meals included per day. Typically, visiting one major attraction per day is reasonable given the vastness of Xinjiang.
- During the trip, consider recording audio as it may serve as crucial evidence for safeguarding your rights. If you encounter any irregularities, promptly voice your concerns to the travel agency and, if necessary, escalate the matter to the tourism authority for complaint.
- Avoid booking low-cost tours as the saying goes, “you get what you pay for.” Similarly, be skeptical of exorbitantly priced tours and conduct thorough comparisons to assess their value.
- Inquire about the refund policy in case of unexpected cancellations. Ensure that you are entitled to a full refund within a reasonable timeframe.
That’s all I have to say for now. I hope you all enjoy a pleasant and enriching life! I embrace all voices and strive to be my best self.
#Xinjiang #AvoidingPitfallsinXinjiangTravel #XinjiangGroupTour #Travel
