Introduction
travelling to China can be a daunting experience for some, especially if they don’t know what to expect. However, with the right planning, China can also be a highly affordable and enjoyable destination. By taking advantage of discounts and local attractions, tourists can make the most of their trip without breaking the bank. In this article, we will discuss how to travel to China cheaper, outlining some of the ways you can save money.
Planning Ahead
When it comes to travelling on a budget, preparation and forward-thinking is key. Knowing what you can and can’t do in China can help you to plan a cheaper trip. Before travelling, research some of the free activities that are available to do in China. Museums, parks, and hikes might not cost any money but can still make for a great experience. When you have an idea of the attractions you’d like to visit, look for discounts or search for cheaper alternatives.
Choosing the Right Accommodation
Hotel costs make up a big portion of your overall travel expenses, so finding affordable, clean, and safe accommodation is essential. Staying at a hostel can be a great way to save money, plus you can meet other travellers and save money on food. Airbnb can also be a great bargain, with shared apartments costing much less than hotels. Alternatively, you can also stay with friends or family, or even volunteer in exchange for food and accommodation.
Getting Around China
Public transport can be a great way to get around in cities as larger cities often have a good transport system. However, during off-peak times, buses and trains can be crowded and slow. Budget airlines offer flights between major cities in China – if you book your flight ahead of time you can get a good price. But, if you’re travelling across a smaller city, hiring a bike to get around can be the best way to save money.
Learn Chinese
If you’re planning on travelling to and around China, it’s always a good idea to learn the basics of the language. Learning the language might seem hard and time-consuming but it can be an invaluable asset. Even learning a few words of Chinese can be useful, as it can come in handy when ordering food, asking directions, or even talking to locals. It will also open up more opportunities to explore the country and find discounts and local attractions.
Research China’s Culinary Scene
Chinese cuisine varies significantly from region to region, but the one thing they all have in common is affordability. Eating out at a restaurant in China is generally much cheaper than in the Western world. Street food is even cheaper, and you can definitely fill up without breaking the bank. Eating at small restaurants and eateries, locally owned and run, will also ensure that you get to eat local dishes for a fraction of what you would pay at tourist spots.
Health Insurance
The cheapest way to experience China would be to go without health insurance, but this isn’t recommended. Emergencies can happen while on vacation, so it’s always best to be prepared. Plan ahead and look for travel insurance plans that will cover you while you’re in China and will also provide emergency medical help in the event of an injury or illness.
Conclusion
With a bit of planning and research, travelling to China can be a cheaper option. By looking for discounts, researching free activities, finding the right accommodation, and learning the basics of the language – tourists can enjoy a highly enjoyable and cost-effective holiday in China.
Take Advantage of Apps
Today, there are numerous apps available that can make travelling to China cheaper. Apps such as Skyscanner can help you compare airfare prices and even find coupons for discounts. Moreover, apps like TripAdvisor allow you to plan and book daily tours and activities in advance so you don’t have to pay extra when you arrive.
Other apps like klook have a wide selection of deals available for attractions in a range of cities. Not only can you book in advance, but you can also get discounts for some attractions. For those who are travelling to several cities, there are also city-passes which offer discounts for transport, attractions, and unlimited use of public transport.
Look for Deals
Deals and discounts are plentiful in China, and most of them are marketed in the local language and geared towards locals. Start looking for deals and discounts as soon as you can to get the best rates. You can find deals at local tourist spots as well as online through platforms such as Rosebuddies where you can find the latest deals for various Chinese attractions.
Researching seasonal deals can also be a great idea. For instance, during the Chinese Lunar New Year, many airlines offer discounts for flights and hotels. Look for these specials and plan your trips around these dates to save a bit of money.
You can also save money by travelling during shoulder seasons. These are the times when the locals travel the least. Usually, the shoulder season falls between the high seasons and is a great time to get great discounts and deals.
Be Flexible
Planning ahead and being flexible with your travel dates is essential when it comes to making your trip cheaper. Most of the time, flights are cheaper if you book a week or two before your planned departure date, and hotels offer discounts for last-minute bookings. Being flexible with where you stay can also save you a lot of money.
Another way to save money is to forgo specific destinations. Consider if the city you’re planning on travelling to is absolutely necessary for your holiday. If not, you can save money by exploring another city.
Travel Asia and Beyond
If you’re planning on travelling to multiple cities in Asia, you might want to consider taking budget flights. Airlines such as AirAsia, Tigerair and JetStar offer domestic flights between various locations in Asia and Southeast Asia. Some of these flights can be booked for less than $100 one-way.
If you’re looking to travel outside of Asia, you can also look for budget airlines. Many airlines offer great deals for flights to and from various cities in Australia, Europe, and North America. However, like most deals, these usually have certain restrictions and can be quite hard to navigate. Do your research in advance to get the most bang for your buck!
Conclusion
Visiting China doesn’t have to be a costly affair. With proper planning and research, you can make the most of your trip and experience a budget-friendly holiday. Investigate discounts, research free activities, plan flexible travel dates, and explore the culinary scene to save money. China can be a great place to visit without breaking the bank.
