My HS band is going to China, should I go?

Question

My high school band is going to China for like two weeks. I've never been on an airplane before; I'm a little hesitant about flying there. I don't speak Chineese. And it costs about two grand which my parents can probably cover the cost.

But the band director says it can be a vauble experience and I get the sense that it will be a fun trip.

So should I travel to China with the band and does anybody have any airplane/China travel tips?

Answer 1

I live in China. As for air travel, it has never frightened me, but I have to admit, I don't like the long flights from China back to the US. The first thing you'll want to do is distract yourself. Bring an MP3, some books or puzzle books, maybe a journal, and maybe a hand held game.

Drink plenty of water on the trip, and I like to bring snacks. My stomach always feels a little odd when I'm at 30,000 ft. Not bad, just odd, almost like I'm hungry, and somehow a snack makes it feel better. I prefer the aisle seat so I can get up and walk around.

China is very interesting. It depends on which part you will go to, but I'm sure you'll be shown a good time. However, you'll need to go with adventure in mind. Not just because it's China, but whenever you go on one of these kinds of trips you need to be ready to be amazed, or often you'll go home disappointed. The most fun you will have is being with a group of people out of your element and out of the eye of your parents and other authority figures in your life, but don't forget to take in your surroundings and soak up the experience. And don't give your band leader too much trouble. I'm a teacher, and I know what a massive responsibility it is to take a bunch of teenagers on a trip. It can be total hell for the teacher, and remember, he is making a major sacrifice for your benefit.

As for China, as I said, it depends on what parts you are going to what you will see. Regardless, leave room in your luggage and bring a little cash to buy souvenirs. There are tons of cheap stuff for sale here, but don't be afraid to bargain for the price. You are expected to do that here. I usually pay between 10 and 50% of what they are asking, depending on if I'm in a high tourist area or not, but you should just pay what you think it is worth to you, as long as it's less than what they start at. Don't worry, you won't offend them. In fact, if you pay the first price, they aren't satisfied because they worry that they could have gotten more from you. Bargaining is fun!

Try some street food, just be careful what you choose. I've never gotten sick from the stuff, but you never know. Take lots of pictures. Carry toilet paper with you and be prepared to squat. Actually, you'd prefer to use a public squatter than a regular toilet. They may stink and you'll sometimes see some distusting stuff, but at least your body isn't touching anything. Drink bottled water. In Chinese restuarants, if you ask for water, it will be hot water in a glass glass, but they usually also serve Coke, Sprite, or orange soda with the meal. The hot water is safe to drink, but I don't enjoy it.

People will call out "hello" to you from 300 yards away, and then giggle madly. They will stare. If you are blond, they will want to take their pictures with you. Just go with it. Wave back, make faces, and have your picture taken.

Read up on the places you will go. I've never had a good guide in China. They put me to sleep and frustrate me with their insistence on sticking to the script. They don't tell any human interest stories about the places you visit.

I can't think of more than that. I hope you get the chance to visit the Great Wall. If you do, I'm sure you will go to Ba Da Ling, though I prefer Mu Tan Yu. Either way, if you have the chance, ride the luge down. SOOOOOOO much fun. Also, be prepared to be hassled at the major tourist sites. The people there want to sell postcards, guidebooks, and all sorts of stuff, and they can be agressive. Just tell them very firmly, NO!

One last thing. China is very safe! But pickpockets are becoming more prevalent, so be careful.

I just read some of the other posts. You'll definitely want to bring your own medicines. Unless it's narcotic, you don't have to worry. I always stock up on several huge bottles of tylenol, etc., when I go home because I can't read the labels here, and it's not the same stuff anyway. Also, if you are bringing any electronics, like battery chargers for your camera, etc., you'll need a converter. Most camera equipment comes with its own converter, but check. Other than that, you should be able to buy everything here.

Answer 2

Absolutely jump at the chance.
The chances are that you will never have an opportunity like this again. I was in band and we were lucky to make it from Chicago to St. Louis.
Because of world security, American's opportunities to travel abroad will soon be severly restricted. It's important to view other countries to learn about the freedom we enjoy at home.
As for travel tips, take a carry on that has a change of clothes, in case your luggage doesn't arrive with you. Take a pocketful of chewing gum for "ear popping". Enjoy!!

Answer 3

this is a really difficult situation.

well, by all means, traveling is always recommended, especially it is to a great culture of the world like China.

your problem is not money, good. airplane is nothing to care about. it's safe and really fast.

tips: your ears aches badly when the plane touches down. chew sing-gum can solve this.
remember not to bring along any pain relief drug. its ingredients may be consider illegal.

nice trip.

Answer 4

Yes, absolutely!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
China is a great and wonderful and magical country. You will see things there that you will never see anywhere else on the planet - the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, a Shanghai street market, honest to goodness szezchuan cuisine. GO!!!!
You will never regret it and the sights and experiences will stay with you a lifetime.

Answer 5

Yes you MUST go to China. You will enjoy it so much.
The only tip I could give you for air travel is get an aisle seat, once airborne there is little to see out of the window.
You will NOT need to know any Chinese language, so many Chinese want to practice their English.

Answer 6

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Answer 7

you can go there, it is really very fun, and here are some info for you to refer to. The time is very flexible, you can choose any route depends your time! may you have a good time in China. ,

Answer 8

Stay home. Save the money. Let the world pass you by.

Answer 9

why not try, you never know what you would get if you do not make a step forward

Answer 10

yeah go, you only live once!!!