The last time I went to China there were 31 travellers. Perhaps the trip from Manchester on the 7th has reduced numbers. I think they may regret travelling from Manchester. I live 90 miles north of the airport therefore the extra cost of this holiday is £150 plus say £70 for petrol and parking. I can travel to Gatwick by train, stay in the Premier Inn with dinner and breakfast for a total cost of £130. However the main consideration is the travelling time from Gatwick to Beijing of 10.5 hours as opposed to Manchester to Beijing (via Doha) of 16.5 hours. To me the less time in the air is a no brainer.
Having recently returned from the 7th September China trip, I can honestly say I don't regret for one moment opting for the Manchester departure.
As a non-driver relying on public transport, I'd almost certainly have to factor in an extra day before my departure and after my arrival back in the UK if I was flying from London. Manchester was so much more convenient for me. Furthermore, we had the use of an executive lounge prior to our departure - always the best way to meet fellow travellers.
We also benefited from extra time in Beijing. I gather the groups traveling from London arrive in Beijing and immediately commence the tours before even checking into the hotel. On arriving in Beijing mid-afternoon, our group had the luxury of being taken straight to our hotel and being given time to relax and unpack before a leisurely welcome drink and evening dinner, with the actual touring not starting until the following morning.
So it's all swings and roundabouts - what you lose out on in some respects, you gain in others. But I know most of the group were hoping for more Manchester departures, so I hope this is something JY stick with for the future.
