Although there is still some time before next year’s Spring Festival, outbound travel products for the holiday have already started selling online. According to industry insiders, travel agencies are expecting a surge in demand for overseas travel packages this Spring Festival, with travel combined with shopping likely to reach a climax. However, many first-time outbound travelers are advised to make thorough preparations before their trip.
Shopping has always been a selling point of outbound travel, especially as the Chinese yuan is currently on an appreciation trend. For many Chinese tourists, overseas travel can also be an opportunity to purchase high-quality, affordable branded goods. Ms. Wang, a frequent outbound traveler, said that although she doesn’t travel solely for shopping, at least the discounts can help offset some of the travel expenses.
Ms. Wang: When I travel, I consider both the trip and shopping. I don’t usually travel just for shopping, partly because I’m concerned about crowds, and also because airfares and hotel prices tend to be higher. The discounts on shopping might make up for those costs.
Next year’s Spring Festival outbound travel products for Europe, the United States, Australia, and other destinations are mostly already online and selling briskly. Although prices are slightly higher than last year, demand is very strong, and a supply shortage is expected. Jia Yin, marketing director of China Travel Service Beijing Company, said that many travel agencies share the same assessment, so betting on a boom in outbound travel this Spring Festival is a safe bet. CTS has already completed all reservation arrangements.
Jia Yin: Judging by current registration trends, travelers are becoming more experienced and booking earlier. For our long-haul products — those involving intercontinental flights, such as tours to Europe, Africa, the Americas, and Australia — we’ve already confirmed about 80% of the flight seats, and hotel bookings have also been largely secured.
Travel agency packages include both traditional group tours and independent travel options, and many experienced travelers prefer to design their own itineraries. Industry insider Chen Lan reminds travelers that booking flights involves many nuances, and research is essential.
Chen Lan: The Christmas period is also the busiest every year. During the Spring Festival, you might want to wait for airlines to release special offers before booking — it’s not too late then. But when booking tickets, it’s wise to do so in advance to get better prices. Of course, make sure your name is spelled correctly, and double-check the allowed baggage weight.
Hotels in most Western countries need to be booked in advance, or you may find no rooms available. Ms. Wang recommends that besides traditional travel agencies and platforms like Ctrip, travelers can also use more booking websites or stay in youth hostels.
Wang Chuanxin: Booking.com offers a wider range of hotels, including options at various price points and locations, as well as youth hostels in different areas.
Jia Yin believes that while independent travel suits experienced tourists well, it may not be the best choice for first-time travelers who have less experience and must contend with the peak crowds during the Spring Festival.
Jia Yin: Because the Spring Festival is the peak travel season for Chinese citizens, it’s also the busiest time for destination countries receiving Chinese tourists. As a result, the level of service — both in terms of facilities and support — for independent travelers may not be as comprehensive as during off-peak seasons.
Moreover, since outbound travel involves visa issues, Jia Yin advises travelers to familiarize themselves with the visa policies of their destination countries.
Jia Yin: Many Western countries now have additional requirements for minors under 12 traveling with their parents. For example, they may require a parent-child relationship certification, and notarization can take several working days. If only one parent is traveling with the child, a temporary guardianship notarization may also be required.