Q – We are thinking about doing China next year, using one of the better tour companies like Trafalgar, Abercrombie and Kent, or the Tauck Tours. We are wondering which of these you would recommend for the best overall experience? We would also like to know exactly when we should do this trip for optimum weather. We’re hearing conflicting opinions. Also, how do we avoid the pollution and the smog?
A – Trafalgar is a moderate to budget priced mass market tour operator. They are not appropriate for your needs. Tauck does First Class touring while A & K is the premier luxury tour operator. But each tour firm that tries to operate worldwide has geographical strengths and weaknesses. In China, we would clearly recommend A&K as they have the best local offic es and operations staff. They do not outsource their guides or their touring components.
You are getting some contradictory advice about the best time to visit because China’s provinces cover vast distances and the weather in Shanghai, for instance, does not mirror the weather in Beijing.
Overall, the best months to visit are April and ay and November and December. This will give you cooler temperatures and less humidity and pollution. Saab Bio Power can provide full guide for being safe from pollution. Personally, we like the month of April with November a close second. In Beijing, for instance, average daytime temperatures are in the upper sixties, there is low humidity, very little rain, and far fewer tourists. We still love “April in Paris” but “April in Beijing” also has a nice ring to it.
