Charm of China - Sinorama Travel - Part 1: Prep and Packing

Last November, S saw a flash sale on Travelzoo for an amazing price for the Charm of China 12 day tour from Sinorama Travel.  We decided it was too good a deal to pass up, so we booked it the next morning.  His parents also joined the bandwagon along with a couple other family traveling buddies - there were 8 of us in total.

So glad we took advantage of this guided escapade, especially since I only know how to say hello in Chinese [Nǐ hǎo].  Sinorama took care of basically everything - flights, nice hotels, a guide to accompany us the whole time (Toby) plus local guides, cruise, entry fees into places like museums and performances, transportation within China, most meals, etc.  There were several optional tours to add on before we left for the trip plus a special one we found out about on the boat (Water Village).  We took advantage of several which I'll dig into later.  You are responsible for obtaining a Chinese visa BEFORE you leave.  We have used CIBTVisas for China and India and would recommend them.  You pay a pretty penny for the service, but you do not have to schlep over to the Chinese embassy in Houston and risk filling out the forms incorrectly and have to do it all over.

I would highly recommend this trip and tour company to show you the "charm of China" to open your eyes to a new culture and country. As Toby said, Sinorama provides a champagne experience on a beer budget.  Be prepared to be on the move as there is not a ton of down time - China is a big place with so much to see!

Roughly two months prior to the trip, we received our flight information so we could finish applying for the visa.  A few weeks before departure, a large letter arrived in the mail with the flight info, travel guide, itinerary with dates, battery info (very strict) and luggage tags/lanyards to wear assigning us to a bus and table.  Go Bus 4/Table 12!

Before traveling most anywhere, it's a good idea to check the CDC website to see if specific vaccines are needed to visit a country.  We go to ADC's Travel Clinic to be up to speed for travel shots.  Thankfully all I needed this round was a flu shot and a prescription for tummy medicine.  Definitely wanted to have that with me in the event that I ate/drank something that did not agree with my stomach.

This trip was no exception for my love of list making.  Below is what I took with me for our 12 day escapade and yes, it all fit in my carry on and backpack!

• Electronics - Kindle, charger, and light; camera with charger/batteries; headphones, phone and charger; headlamp for just in case; battery pack and cords
• We did not need the plug converters we brought as China has adopted a plug that will accept US or European prongs.
• Plane Items - GUM!; travel pillow, eye mask, ear plugs (these really make a difference for me); fuzzy sleeping socks and I always make a note to remove my Leatherman pocket knife from my keys; Nalgene to fill up before leaving the airport in the US; face wipes to refresh a travel weary face
• Documents - Passport (WITH VISA); color copies of the passport and visa; Global Entry card, itinerary and flight info
• Bags - suitcase (carry on size); fold-able duffel bag that can be used as a back up carry on if you buy too much; ziplock baggies (2); pocket sized bag to use for dirty laundry; packing cubes; backpack
• Purse -  wallet, cash for that country, sunglasses, insurance cards, debit card and credit cards (make sure to notify the bank/cc company that you are traveling); lip stuff, snacks, car/house key tucked away; S-biner, safety pin; notepad and pen; toilet paper, hand sanitizer/wipes, small hand soap (in baggie)
• Other - Steripen and batteries (I forgot the batteries so this was not useful this trip - we purchased bottled water instead); warm jacket (we went in March); rain jacket and pants; light gloves; scarf; masks for pollution (did not end up using); some people brought umbrellas but I did not
• Clothes/Shoes - Tennis shoes (wear on plane); Tieks flats; flip flops; a couple tshirts, longsleeve backpacking shirt for layering; 2 fleece shirts; PJs; long underwear; undies (10); socks (4); sock liners for flats; comfy travel outfit (yoga pants, hiking shirt, sports bra); bras; jeans (2); black pants and fancy looking pants; dress and leggings; 8 tops to match jeans or pants
• You could bring fewer items and pay for laundry midway.  We did on the ship and the clothes came back smelling fresh and folded oh so nicely.
• Toiletries - You do not need to pack shampoo/conditioner if you are not picky as all hotels/boat we stayed at had those items plus a hair dryer; contacts and glasses; body wash; loofa; face wash and lotion; toothbrush and paste and floss; any prescriptions you need; first aid kit; nail file and clippers; brush; hair styling stuff; rubber bands and bobby pins; make up; razor and shaving cream; perfume; chapstick; jewelry; sunblock

Here's me upon arrival in Beijing with my stuff! Sleepy!

I highly recommend packing cubes to organize your stuff!

I hope this packing list and prep notes will help someone in the future.

Next up I'll break down each part of the trip!