Xian Marco polo International Travel Services Co,Ltd, China

Question

I am thinking of using this company (also known asTravelChinaGuide.com for a trip to China. I am concerned that they do not have a guide that stays with you the entire trip, rather, you get handed off in each new city. My concern is that I will be a in country with significant language barriers. Thoughts on this?

Answer

Using a company like Xian Marco Polo International Travel Services Co., also known as TravelChinaGuide.com, can be a convenient way to plan a multi-city trip to China, especially if you are concerned about language barriers and logistics. However, there are some important aspects to consider regarding their service model and what it means for travelers who prefer more continuity.

TravelChinaGuide typically operates tours where local guides meet you in each city rather than providing a single guide for the entire trip. This means you will be handed off from one local guide to another as you move between destinations. While this can work smoothly, it may be less ideal for travelers who value consistency and building a rapport with a single guide throughout the trip.

Here are some pros and cons of this setup:

Pros: Each guide is local and knowledgeable about their city, often offering detailed insights into attractions, culture, and local nuances.
Cons: You will need to briefly get acquainted with a new guide in each city, which can feel disjointed and may require repeated explanations of your preferences, dietary restrictions, or special requirements.
Language support: Guides usually speak English, but outside of tours, communication with locals may still be challenging, especially in smaller towns or off-the-beaten-path locations.
Flexibility: Day-to-day flexibility might be limited since the handoff system can require strict adherence to the scheduled itinerary.

If language barriers and continuity are major concerns, here are some options to consider:

Request a private guide that can travel with you across multiple cities. Some companies can arrange this for an additional fee, though it may be more expensive.
Use TravelChinaGuide’s model but supplement it with translation apps like WeChat or Google Translate, which can help with restaurants, taxis, or minor communication issues between cities.
Stay in larger cities where English is more commonly understood, reducing the impact of guide handoffs.
Consider a mix of guided days and independent exploration, where the guide assists with logistics initially and then you explore at your own pace with pre-arranged tickets or transportation.

In summary, the TravelChinaGuide handoff model is generally reliable and safe, and many travelers have positive experiences using it. However, if you highly value having a single point of contact for your entire journey due to language concerns, you might need to negotiate a private, continuous guide arrangement or prepare additional tools for independent travel.