Who should consider going on this tour?
Our group experiences are designed for travelers wishing to learn something about China. This tour is not appropriate for those wishing to travel lightly across the Chinese countryside, snap a few photos, buy a couple of trinkets and return being able to say that they've "done" China. We have designed a full body and mind experience which will begin long before you board the airplane, and, hopefully, continue long after you return.

We've been to China before, so why should we go on this trip?
If you have not been to China in the past three or four years, you haven't seen modern China. The changes that China is experiencing are so dramatic and astonishing that our annual visits are always startling. The China of the 1970s and 1980s is gone. The homogeneity of dress and thinking has been replaced with an individualism much like that you would find in any American community. Mao's portrait still hangs on the Gate of Heavenly Peace in Beijing, but the China that existed when he died in 1976 is no more. And, even if you've been to China, you've not done so with the assistance of Sandy and Gary and their insights into the landscape, history and culture.

Are all these changes in China a good thing?
Making judgments about whether things are "good" or "bad" in present-day China is not useful, and we're going to do everything we can to set your personal judgment meter at zero and keep it there. You may be surprised to learn that over a billion Chinese people don't really care what you think. While the United States economy has stumbled, the Chinese economy continues to grow at an incredible pace. They are moving forward on their own path, and it behooves us all to visit China and observe them without attempting to intrude. Instead you should open your eyes, ears, and mind and absorb as much as possible without making judgments. True story: One of our Chinese contacts mentioned to our group that they enjoyed visiting McDonalds in Beijing and eating American hamburgers. A group member who was involved in the Santa Cruz health food industry suggested that he might try eating tofu instead of meat. The Chinese carnivore turned and said with a slight smile, "Yes, well, I know all about tofu. You see, we invented it." Moral: cultural imperialism is just that - imperalism. The Chinese will find their own way. They always have. Question: Why go with a group? Traveling with a group removes all the annoying day-to-day considerations of making connections, worrying about whether or not the hotel lost your reservations, or whether the taxi driver cheated you. (She probably did.) Encountering and understanding Chinese culture is daunting enough without having to worry about the logistics of everyday life. We take care of the day-to-day stuff so that you can concentrate on spending every waking moment experiencing the wonders of China. What you surrender in individual freedom you more than make up for in the information that the group will receive all along the way. Also, we will be meeting Chinese leaders and seeing places that would not be available to you on your own. You don't have the connections that we do.

Why travel with a Lydon group?
Lydon groups are extremely well prepared both in their interpersonal relations and their geographical, historical and cultural awareness. Individual travelers and stray members from other groups often try to hang out with us to catch some of the insights that are always ricocheting around. And other travelers and tour guides ALWAYS ask me if there's some way they could get a copy of our trip handbook. Other tour leaders, cruise directors and group members have been heard to ask, "Who ARE you people? How is it that you're so well-informed and well-adjusted?" We just smile and say; "It's all in our preparation." The Chinese appreciate it when they encounter visitors who have taken the time to learn something of Chinese history and language. And, when they find out that you're truly interested in them (as opposed to casually interested), they will go out of their way to help you understand China.

Why is there such an emphasis on group preparation?
In China you travel and eat together 24 hours a day. Since all the meals are built in, if you choose to eat, you will be eating with the group. Our group will be seated together for breakfast, lunch and dinner on the ship, in the hotels and in restaurants. Seated at a round table, turning the revolving tray you will be in constant contact with your fellow group members. We need to spend time not only learning about how to get along with our Chinese friends, but also with each other. Our groups are not random collections of folks who meet for the first time in the lobby of the airport. We will have been together months ahead of time, working together to come to some common understandings about traveling together, China, and our own idiosyncrasies.

What if, for some reason, we cannot (or do not wish to) attend the pre-trip sessions? Then this China experience is not for you. If you live within 100 miles of Aptos, we expect you to attend the three pre-trip sessions scheduled for this summer.
Question: What's the number one issue in group travel? Being on time. Groups are very tolerant of most human behavior, but they are very impatient with those who keep the group waiting. Every minute we spend waiting is time we could be spending in the museum or wandering through the temple grounds. Therefore, beginning with the first group session we will expect all group members to be on time. Timeliness is essential to the over-all mental and emotional health of the group. Besides, as you will learn, the Chinese put a very high value on punctuality for appointments. They believe that a person who is kept waiting loses face when an associate comes late to a meeting. We agree.

How large will the group be?
Based on the early interest being expressed, we believe that the group will probably have around forty members.

Isn't a group of 40 too large?
We have been leading group tours in Asia since 1974, and the group sizes have ranged from 104 in 1980 (the largest group the Chinese had seen up to that time) to a low of 35. A group of forty is probably the optimum size as it provides a considerable amount of internal variety (helping to solve roommate issues should they arise). Also, when we are on the cruise ship on the Yangzi, the offshore excursions are done as a group. Since forty will be most of a bus for those excursions, we will then be able to control the itinerary so that we can make the stops we wish. A group of forty ordinary people is too large, but a group of forty Lydon-trained folks can glide across the landscape like a single living organism.

What if I don't have a roommate?
We will attempt to match you up with a roommate during our pre-trip sessions; however, it is always best to come to the trip with a roommate already in hand. It has been our experience over the last 25 years that most difficulties for group members (other than timeliness) have revolved around roommate compatibility issues. The best way to insure that you have a satisfying trip without all the interpersonal concerns associated with an unknown roommate is to get a compatible friend or associate to join you on the trip.

How does the cost of this trip compare with others?
The per-day cost of this China 2003 adventure is actually cheaper than our previous trips. China 1999 was $282/day; China 2000 was $255/day. China 2003 works out to $211/day. And, if you shop around you will find other China tours that may have a lower total cost, but they do not include almost all meals, pre-trip instruction, books and language materials, pre-trip Chinese banquets, tips and airport taxes. You may find a tour with a cheaper price going in, but will spend a lot more money before it's over. And, you will be joining a group of unknown and untrained folks who have the potential of making your trip miserable.

What other expenses can we expect to encounter?
There will be a $75 fee for obtaining your Chinese visa. Also, there will be the cost of trip cancellation insurance, which will vary depending upon your age.

Why should we sign up for trip cancellation insurance?
Up to now, we included trip cancellation insurance in the package. But, because of the varying cost depending on age, we no longer can do it and be fair to all trip participants. However, we feel strongly that you should sign up for the insurance. Over the years we have had several group members who became ill, or had family emergencies requiring them to cancel at the last minute. Because they had taken out trip cancellation insurance, they were able to get their money refunded. The cost of the trip is a large investment, and trip cancellation insurance will protect that investment. We can't require you to sign up for it, but we feel strongly enough about it that, should you choose NOT to take it, we will ask you to sign an affidavit acknowledging that you were offered the insurance and declined to take it.

What if we want to bring along our son/daughter/grandchild under 21?
We do not accept group members under 21.

What is the age range of your group members?
Our recent groups have ranged in age from 30 to 79 with most group members falling in the 45-60 range.

Would this trip be appropriate for someone over 80?
Assuming that a person is in good health, we have no problem with senior trip members. We have had group members in their mid-80s that have outwalked everyone in the group.

What if I have some health/physical problems?
Again, it will depend on the individual. In some cases we might ask that your personal physician sign off on the appropriateness of your undertaking the rigors of traveling in China and as with all other things, we will have to measure your personal requirements against those of the group.

You keep mentioning that China travel is rigorous. What do you mean?
All international travel is tiring just by its very nature, but traveling in China, even at the level and pace that we do, is extremely tiring. It begins with the long trans-Pacific flight and the resulting weariness and jet lag. You will do a lot of walking and stair climbing. You will be tempted to do and see everything possible, sometimes driving your system beyond its usual limits. You will awake earlier in the morning (see jet lag) than usual, and there will always be something to do. You must be able to sustain yourself at a pace that does not hinder that of the group. We strongly urge group members to begin a program of physical exercise as soon as they sign up, either walking or running, or going to the gym to help your body get ready for the strain of China travel.

Does everyone get sick on these trips?
The most common maladies we have encountered over the years revolve around changes in diet. Diarrhea usually visits most trip members sometime during the trip, but we will help group members learn how to eat in ways to minimize such encounters. And, then we'll tell you the medicines to bring to handle it should you get it. The other most common malady is what we call the "Beijing Bark," nagging coughs brought on by air pollution and dust. Beijing's air is traditionally dusty, but Chongqing may be the most polluted city that we will visit. This is one reason we have chosen to stay overnight in Dazu rather than Chongqing. The key to avoiding illness is to know when to stop, crawl into your bed and rest.

Because of the recent SARS outbreak, this particular group is extremely alert to issues of personal hygiene. When we travel to China we will do everything possible as individuals to stay healthy.

What about the food on the trip?
In the hotels and on the cruise ship you will have a choice of an American-style breakfast (usually buffet-style in the urban hotels and on the ship) or a traditional Chinese-style breakfast. Lunches and dinners will be Chinese cuisine. We include one beverage-beyond-the-usual (soda or beer) at each lunch and dinner (assuming availability) to keep from having to do those awkward collections at meal's end. Group members in previous trips have rated the meals uniformly high. We are also going to widen the variety of food on this tour so that tour members get a chance to sample the regional and ethnic foods available in the larger cities. We also encourage group members to use the tools of the realm (chopsticks), and will be instructing you in the protocol for eating at round, Chinese-style tables.

What about the water?
Bottled water is available everywhere in China, so we continue to advise against drinking tap water in the hotels, in restaurants, or on the ship.

What about strict dietary restrictions or requirements?
If you have strict dietary requirements, you shouldn't go to China with us. There's just no way we can sort out vegetarian-style dishes from others at the hotels and restaurants. Also, the use of MSG is widespread in China-they invented it-and it can't be avoided. If MSG makes you sick, don't go to China.

Can we use frequent flyer miles to pay for any of the portion of the trip?
No. Chinese domestic airlines do not accept frequent flyer miles, so for the part of the trip within China you will not be able to use them.

Can we pay for just the land portion of the trip and arrange our own trans-Pacific air?
No. The package price for the entire group is dependent on all group members flying on the same aircraft over and back.

Will it be possible to upgrade to Business Class on the trans-Pacific portion of the trip?
Yes. The price for the upgrade is quite high - upwards of $3,000/person. Arrangements for upgrading should be made with Dawson Global.

What kind of clothing is appropriate for this trip?
Casual clothing that maintains respect for the Chinese. We believe that shorts are not appropriate for wear in the cities and at dinners. On some of our more adventurous field trips - say the Wild Wall, the Daning River, the Journey to the Dawn Redwood Tree - shorts, tennis shoes and very casual clothes are very appropriate. The weather will be warm and sometimes humid (see comments about weather farther down), so you will want to be comfortable. Some travelers swear by cottons, while others are great fans of blends.

Does the cruise ship require fancy clothes?
No. Casual clothing is fine. There are several events - the Captain's Banquet, for example --where ladies might consider wearing a dress, but men do not need to pack a tie or jacket for this trip. The tour leaders will pack ties and jackets in order to represent that group at various formal functions.

Do we have to worry about wearing the same colors and styles everyday?
No. By the time we leave SFO, we will be comfortable enough with each other that wearing the same thing everyday will not be an issue. You do not have to dress to impress fellow group members. They will not care.

Are there laundry services available during the trip?
Yes, all the hotels and the cruise ship have excellent laundry services. Remember that it is not part of the tour price.

How much luggage is allowed going into China?
Group members will be limited to one check-in bag weighing no more than 44pounds, a carry-on bag meeting the size requirements of the carriers, and a purse or computer or brief case. The limitation to one check-in is required by the river and mountain segments of the trip. We will be holding packing demonstration to assist you in getting your gear down to one check-in.

How much luggage are we allowed to bring out of China?
We suggest that you bring a flat duffel bag to stuff full of goodies after we reach Shanghai, or plan to buy an inexpensive suitcase there to fill with gifts if you are so inclined. However, we are going to be strict about the one piece of check-in luggage going into China.

What will the weather be like in September?
By traveling in September we hope to avoid the extreme summer heat and the rainy season that usually begins in mid-June. The weather will be warm, perhaps as hot as the high 80s, and the humidity will be high as well. The climate in China is very similar to the East Coast of the United States around the Carolinas. But, the cruise ship is air-conditioned, as are the hotel rooms and busses. It gets somewhat chilly in the caves of Western Hubei province, so you should dress in layers so that you will be able to move from outdoors to air-conditioned rooms without being chilled. Also, you should carry a small folding umbrella at all times, preferably one that is silver colored to not only deflect the rain, but also act as a reflector when you're walking out in the sun.

How much money should we take?
The amount of money you might need will depend on your own personal shopping habits. Several trip members were able to get by on recent China trips on $200 or so spending money. Others went intending to do holiday shopping and spent considerably more. However, it should be noted that group members sometimes catch what we call "the shopping fever" when encountering some of the bargains available in China, so, if your self-discipline is relatively low, perhaps you should take a bit more money.

Cash or Credit Cards?
Credit cards are being accepted by more and more businesses in China, but it is also good to bring along some cash. We recommend that you have at least $150 worth of Chinese currency when you enter China so that you don't hold up the group as we pass through the airport in Beijing. Though the Chinese claim that their ATM machines work just fine, it has been our experience that they don't always. Keep the bulk of your money in traveler's checks with a small lump of Chinese money for everyday things. Most goods and services (bar, massage, and acupuncture) on the cruise ship can be charged to your room and paid by credit card when we disembark.

What might we bring that will help start conversations with our new Chinese friends?
We encourage you to put together a small photograph album that includes pictures of your family, pets, and your everyday life at home. The Chinese are family-oriented people, and they are extremely interested in American families, so a small - say 10 to 20 photographs - album can be a great conversation kicker. It is best to emphasize pictures of family members, and not include pictures that feature your possessions (home, automobiles, sailboat, etc.).

What about gifts for children?
We have had the most success with small pins, stickers and buttons. An American flag pin, for example, or crossed Chinese/American flags are usually a big hit with kids and their parents. This is particularly true in those areas such as Dazu and Enshi City where foreign visitors are rare.

Will you need to have e-mail access?
We cannot require that group members have e-mail accounts, but we strongly encourage it. Even if it is not your own account, but one belonging to a relative or friend, it will make it much easier for you to stay in touch during the months prior to our departure. There will be a lot of information flying around via e-mail, and if you do not have access to an account, you will be missing out.

Why should we go now?
First off, we have put together a unique itinerary, with once-in-a-lifetime visits throughout. Secondly, the existing group is extremely dedicated and well trained. You will be traveling with a remarkable and extremely lively group. Then there's the rare synchronization of the schedules of Sandy Lydon and Gary Griggs. That in itself is a minor miracle. Finally, this will be the last Lydon China adventure for awhile. Now's the time.