Just returned from "The Wonder of China with the Yangtze Gorge cruise". This was my 1st solo holiday and I was nervous but needn't have been as I met many people who were also on their 1st solo trip but others were on their 2nd, 3rd or even 4th Just You holiday. The itinerary was full and sometimes we wished we could have spent longer at some places but this would [/size]have been at the loss of a visit somewhere else. Am already thinking of where to go next! My only complaint (and this is a warning to others!) is that I took the "pearls" I bought on board the Victoria Anna cruise ship to my local jewellers for an assessment and was told they were coated glass beads!! I shall of course be writing to both Victoria Cruises and Just You.

Hi thanks for your review of what seems to have been a wonderful holiday - China is near the top of my "to do" list! Regarding the pearls, as the old saying goes "caveat emptor" - let the buyer beware! I personally would never buy anything abroad that appears to be gold/silver/precious stone as I've unfortunately heard too many similar stories from all over the world, seemingly it's very commonplace. Put it down to experience! Hope you have an even better time on your next JY hol, I've done 4 (and 1 Travelsphere) and have 2 more JY hols booked for next year, can't wait!

All the best,

Bob

Hi Bob, Ann Sheen at JY was very helpful. Victoria Cruises will be refunding in full. Hope you get to China ... amazing place!

Valerie

Hi thanks for your review of what seems to have been a wonderful holiday - China is near the top of my "to do" list! Regarding the pearls, as the old saying goes "caveat emptor" - let the buyer beware! I personally would never buy anything abroad that appears to be gold/silver/precious stone as I've unfortunately heard too many similar stories from all over the world, seemingly it's very commonplace. Put it down to experience! Hope you have an even better time on your next JY hol, I've done 4 (and 1 Travelsphere) and have 2 more JY hols booked for next year, can't wait!

All the best,

Bob

Hi Valerie, that is good news! I'm hoping to do the China tour next year, fingers crossed. All the best for your next hol!

All the best,

Bob

Hi,

What ive always wondered about the China trips is do you get enough time to get over the Jet Lag?

Mark

Mark

I've done a lot of long haul flights, and never had a major problem with jet lag.

Having said that I know people who take at least a week to feel "normal" and it does seem to become more of a problem as you get older.

As the cost of travel becomes more expensive, holiday companies are going clearly going to cut the length of holidays, thereby cutting out a couple of nights in hotels and containing their prices, but still try to pack the same amount in, making the whole thing more hectic, JY have done this with several holidays, but are by no means alone in this approach.

You can do the obvious things, like put your watch to the destination time as soon as you get on the plane, plus don't drink any alcohol on the plane, and I'm sure that will help, but the only real way to find out how you react to a long haul flight is to do the holiday.

Hope that helps.

Stuart

Hope you have an even better time on your next JY hol, I've done 4 (and 1 Travelsphere) and have 2 more JY hols booked for next year, can't wait!

All the best,

Bob

Hi Bob

I'd be interested to know how your Travelsphere hol went. I've been on 3 JY hols which have been great but Travelsphere have a greater selection.....the only thing that concerns me is whether it's easy to mix with people who are presumably already with friends or in couples. I notice that evening meals aren't always in the hotel and so there may well be a chance of having to dine alone which doesn't appeal!!!

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Re jet lag...

I have been to Australia and I have also done the Hong Kong and New Zealand tour..I personally find the jet lag going out is not to bad as there is so much going on, I suffer more when I come home which is fine....

I drink plenty of non alcoholic drinks to re hydrate, try to cat nap when I can, I always put my watch on the local time of destination as soon as I board the plane, and try to RELAX. I don't force my self to sleep I just go with whatever works for me...

I am not a good flyer but I will do it to see other countries and experience other cultures..

Good luck

Cindy

Hi Maria, I had a brilliant time on the South America tour with Travelsphere, although I did travel with a friend, we went as single travellers. It was a small group consisting of four couples, two male friends travelling together, two female friends travelling together and my friend and I. There are some other reviews on the forum by a few folks who have genuinely travelled with Travelsphere by themselves - and the verdict is that they all had a great time! One person was the only single traveller and had company when she felt like it and did her own thing as well. On most Travelsphere hols there seems to be a number of singles, as well as a few folks travelling with friends or in small groups. I certainly wouldn't rule out going with Travelsphere by myself if there was a tour they offered that JY didn't. Hope this helps!

Best wishes,

Bob