You need a short break away from it all -- work, social engagements, household chores, the hustle and bustle -- to spend some quality time with your spouse or child, or just some peace and quietness?
Yang Li, an employee of a State-owned foreign trade company in
Beijing may suggest you select the long journey to Europe, one of the most diverse and rewarding holiday destinations available to Chinese travellers.
She and her 12-year-old daughter became members of the first Europe Tour group, organized by the China International Travel Service (CITS).
"Walking away from a small town in Switzerland, I looked back to see a tower's distinctive triple-towered silhouette against a sky of faultless blue, and the red and white flag rippling in the wind above the house, I felt very comfortable and relaxed," Yang said.
Yang recognized the journey would give her daughter a lasting impression of Europe and its differing cultures.
Most of the fresh batch of tourists to European countries are very curious about exotic sightseeing spots, museums, cathedrals and other ancient buildings.
Yuan Qinggong, a
Beijing surgeon, said he was satisfied with the service and reception of large-size travel agencies, such as
Beijing Shenzhou International Travel Service and China Youth Travel Service.
"Although local consumption is more expensive than in
Beijing because of the euro's high currency rate, most of us bought many goods and souvenirs with discounts during our trip," Yuan said.
In fact, Chinese attitudes toward tourism have changed dramatically from just two decades ago, when most citizens barely made enough of a living to feed and clothe their families.
Now, as Chinese citizens travel more, they broaden not only their minds but also the range of high-quality products and luxury goods they come into contact with.
Many foreigners find Chinese tourists' favorite activity seems to be shopping once abroad, as they pick up gifts for all their relatives at home.
"Next time, I hope to see tourist information posted in Chinese at major tourist spots, as most Chinese visitors know little of the local languages," Yuan said.
Many of the Chinese visitors to Europe complained of poor quality food at the Chinese restaurants they were taken to, Yuan added.
Yu Lu, an employee at a joint venture in Beijing, said Chinese travelers should pay great attention to their behavior, especially in public places, and to avoid disturbing local residents and other tourists.
"We should absorb something valuable from the local people while enjoying cultural and historical relics symbolizing their civilizations," Yu said.
Yu also advised outbound travelers to Europe to use credit cards instead of cash for safety reasons.
Since September 1, many travel agencies in
Beijing and
Shanghai have organized dozens of tour groups to travel Europe, most of the tourists are professors, doctors, businessmen and retired officials, according to Li Ming, director of Outbound Business at CITS, the largest travel agency in China.
Continental trips cost about 12,000 yuan (US$1,451) to 17,000 yuan (US$2,055) per person, depending on the level of tour.
