China On A Budget

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CHINA ON A BUDGET
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China is a country steeped in ancient culture and
religion. Its numerous monuments stand in
testimony to the countrys rich past. Museums
are stocked full of artifacts that leave visitors
spellbound and hungry for more. Traces of bygone
civilizations lie scattered across the country.
A travel through this wealth of history can take
a while and make a dent in ones finances.
Though China is not a cheap holiday by any
stretch of imagination, it is definitely cheaper
than traveling to most European countries. But
there are ways to make any holiday inexpensive,
and in China all you have to do is follow a few
golden rules.
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SPEND LESSER TIME IN BIG CITIES
It is best to spend more time in off the path
provinces like Hunan rather than expensive money
guzzlers like Shanghai and Beijing. A visitor
can actually pay local prices in smaller cities
and not be the victim of the classic tourist rip
off syndrome. Larger cities have their own
allure, but for budgeted travelers it is wise to
stick to the provinces which also offer you an up
close and personal experience of life in the
country. If you decide to spend a considerable
amount of time, then a great idea is to get
yourself a job teaching English as a language.
There is a huge demand for instructors in English
now that the country and its economy have opened
up to the West. This is a great way to finance
your trip and get one on one experience of the
people.
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USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Next to traveling by bus, hopping on to a train
is possibly the cheapest mode of transport in
China. Check with the China tour travel guide
and get acquainted with what all is on offer.
Buy your train berth accordingly. Theres the
standing ticket, hard seat, soft seat and the
hard sleeper ticket to choose from and as you go
a class down, tickets get cheaper. Hot tip
book long distance train tickets in advance.
Buses are more affordable and longer routes now
offer modern sleeper buses.
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EAT STREET FOOD
Local delicacies in China are the way to go for a
traveler on a budget. Though dining in Chinese
restaurants doesnt burn a hole in the pocket,
street food is obviously more affordable. Plus
point Fuel up as you walk along, you will
manage to experience a whole array of authentic
Chinese cuisine. Everything from a bowl of fried
noodles with vegetables to roasted insects can be
had off the street. Vendors are omnipresent.
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REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
The biggest chunk of ones travel budget is
usually earmarked for accommodation. In China,
trimming this expense should not be very
difficult. Visitors have the option of staying
in backpacker accommodation, dormitories, hostels
and cheap guesthouses. Very often in smaller
provinces, making friends with the locals usually
results in an invitation to dinner and to spend
the night.
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GET FLUENT IN CHINESE
Learning the local language has its benefits.
Not only does it make your travels streamlined,
it also earns a visitor respect. Chinese is not
a walk in the park but it is not impossible to
get a hang of either. Once you pick up a few
basics, notice how people treat you differently
smiles appear, lunches and dinners will be taken
care of and houses will open for overnight stay
offers. It works like magic!
Like any country, a trip to China can be as
expensive or as affordable as you want it to be.
Just keep these simple points in mind and youll
breeze through China without too much trouble.