7 Tips To Prepare For Your Trip To China

7 Tips To Help You Prepare For Your Trip To China

7 Useful Tips For Anyone Heading To China!

Heading to China? Here are some essential tips to help you prepare for the exciting journey ahead!

Especially if you are from a Western country and have never been to China, you'll definitely want to ensure you read through this post as it covers the basics of this complicated, exciting, and very unique place in the world.

(Please keep in mind that I am writing this from the perspective of having visited main cities like Beijing, Hangzhou, and Shanghai!)

1. Get your visa

If you need a tourist visa - chances are, you do - provide plenty of time beforehand to get one. You'll need to drop off or send in your passport to the embassy or consulate to get your visa inserted.

One of the cool things about being a U.S. Citizen is that the Chinese visa lasts 10 years! That makes the price not seem so bad, knowing you can return within the decade.

The Bund Shanghai Skyline during the daytime

2. Know the address of the first place you're staying

You will need this for your departure card at customs. The woman sitting next to me on the plane was filling her card out and didn't know the location since she was going on a tour. Make sure you know the address so you can smoothly move through customs.

Beijing at Night

3. Have the address of your hotel written out in Chinese characters, if possible

Not many people in China speak English, especially cab drivers. Having a printed out version of the characters will make it a lot easier to show a cab driver where your hotel/place of accommodation is upon arrival. You can find the character version on the hotel's website.

The Great Wall of China

4. Learn basic Chinese phrases

Hello (ni hao) and thank you (xixi) go far in any country. Also try to learn the words for any foods you may have allergies to so you can communicate that at restaurants. Mandarin is an extremely difficult language to learn and pronounce for non-native speakers, so don't beat yourself up if you can't learn a whole lot prior to departure.

Hangzhou Monks

5. Prior to leaving, download VPN apps

Jokingly referred to as "The Great Firewall of China," you'll notice that many popular websites are censored in China. If you'd like to have access to blocked sites such as Google, Gmail, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Netflix, etc. you will need to download a VPN prior to arriving in China.

There are a number of free or paid VPNs you can find. I used Hola on both my desktop and iPhone, and also SurfEasy on my iPhone. I recommend having a backup VPN on each device - my Hola stopped working on my desktop and there was no way for me to download a new VPN after that (because the sites to download a VPN are also blocked, obviously). I used the paid 1-month version of SurfEasy for $5 and then canceled my subscription after I got home.

Here is a full list of blocked websites in mainland China.

VPNs I currently use when traveling (updated 2017):

• TunnelBear

• SurfEasy

Also, since this post was originally published I am aware that Netflix and Hulu do not allow you to access their sites in other countries, even if you are using a VPN that changes the appearance of your country location (found out about this in Europe!). I personally haven't had issues with the other sites on VPNs, though.

Forbidden City

6. Get plug adapters

China and Australia have same/similar electrical outlets, so make sure if you're not from there to get an adapter. The voltage in Chinese outlets is 220V, so also check your electrical appliances to make sure they're the correct voltage.

VIDEO: How To Use Travel Adapters!

Chinese Street Meat

7. Be open-minded

If you come across something completely different than what you're used to at home, try to be open-minded and go with the flow. For example, as an American I had never used a squat toilet or been to a public bathroom without toilet paper. However, there are both squat and throne-style toilets in China that may or may not have TP and soap. Instead of complaining, be prepared by keeping pocket tissues on hand as well as a small bottle of hand sanitizer.

If you've never been to China you may experience many cultural differences in China in terms of food, social norms, and communication. Embrace it and enjoy it!

GOING TO CHINA SOON?

Book a place to stay - my all-time favorite booking website is the well-known Booking.com - I’ve used it for years all over the world.

It is the easiest way to search and find the best hotels (hostels too!), especially based on reviews. I always check the reviews on Booking, even if it’s a name-brand hotel. You never know!

READ NEXT:

China Travel Guide

10 Foods You Must Try in China

A Few Things That Surprised Me About China

The Best Packing Hack That Took Me Years To Try

I was always wary of infomercials. When I would get sick and wake up in the middle of the night as a child, I'd flip through the channels and watch the annoying "you must buy this NOW!" ads through bleary eyes. Pointless products would fill the television, with everything from cleaning supplies or the "greatest" weight loss supplement (even though everyone knows weight loss pills do absolutely nothing).

The only one that stood out was: Space Bags.

This was a product that actually seemed like it worked, but I didn't want to be fooled like everyone else who bought into these commercials. When I eventually moved into my college dorm room, my roommate had used space bags to pack most of her clothing and bedding. Genius idea! I thought, though I never made the purchase.

When the time came to move to Washington, DC for the summer after graduation, I had to fit months worth of clothes and shoes into a single suitcase. On a Target run I noticed that SC Johnson/Ziploc acquired Space Bags and gave them a try.

Using space bags is seriously the best packing hack I've ever tried. That summer I used a large suitcase to put a ton of clothes in - and come home with - (I really overpacked...) but was able to fit it all in a large suitcase using a large-sized space bag.

Then, I went to Europe for 2.5 weeks and managed to use just a carry-on and my Longchamp. I used a small, carry-on sized space bag and fit all my clothes in it.

5 Tips For Packing With Space Bags

- Roll the clothes first. Rolling clothes condenses clothes more than folding and will maximize the amount you can fit. If you can't fit all of your clothes in the bag, it's okay - you're still maximizing your space with the clothes you can fit inside.

- Don't overfill the bag. The dotted line where it says "stop" is there for a reason. I've learned my lesson by breaking two bags by overfilling...

- Get all the air out. I don't have the vacuum component that sucks the air out - I just fold and roll the bag until I get as much air out as possible. If you leave air in the bag, it defeats the purpose of using it.

- Organize how the bag is filled by putting what you'll use first in last, and vice versa. This way you can just take out the first items you need when you arrive, without having to unpack all your clothes. Doing this is especially helpful if you are visiting multiple cities and your first stop is short.

- Put an unused dryer sheet in the bag before you zip it closed. This is a general tip for keeping clothes smelling fresh in your suitcase, but also helps keep the scent fresh with the clothes packed tightly together in the bag. I also just found my favorite secret weapon, Febreeze To-Go - a small spray bottle of Febreeze that fits airline regulations! A quick spritz before zipping the bag closed will help keep the your clothes smelling nice.

The 10 Best Souvenirs To Buy in Italy

The 10 Best Souvenirs To Buy in Italy

Memories and experiences are more important than things, though when you travel it can be fun to shop around and see what the local specialties are. If you're looking for what souvenirs to buy in Italy, here's what you should get - these are much better than your average refrigerator magnet or key chain.

1. Limoncello

Made in Southern Italy on the Amalfi Coast, this Italian liqueur is a sweet ending to a meal. I've seen it cost much more in the US, so bring a bottle back if you fancy it.

2. Wine

Like pasta, wine in Italy is seriously the best. If you take a bottle home make sure to have it wrapped up in some type of padded wine bag to avoid breakage.

A sip of Italian wine will transport you back to your trip while allowing friends and family to have a taste.

3. Dry pasta

Even the local bagged pasta from grocery stores is amazing. You'll be having the best pasta while in Italy - and when you get home and compare it to your average grocery store pasta, you'll truly taste how much better the real thing is.

4. Italian or European brand name items

Taxes will be cheaper since they have to ship the items shorter distances, so if you're contemplating buying an Italian or European designer item, it tends to be cheaper than back in your home country. –

For example, my black Longchamp bag (a French brand) from Florence turned out to be less expensive in Italy than it would’ve been if I had bought it in the states.

5. Leather

One product Italy is known for is leather - you can find markets, shops, and department stores carrying different types of leather clothing and shoes, such as leather jackets or boots, and even accessories like luggage tags or handbags.

It's always high quality and will last a long time - just make sure to take good care of it!

6. Shoes

Italians truly know what quality, comfortable shoes are. My custom-made sandals from Capri and short leather motorcycle boots are not only some of my favorite pairs, they are also far more durable than other shoes on the cobblestone streets.

7. Porcelain

You'll see porcelain ceramics, especially dishes, at shops or markets around Italy. Whether it's a coffee mug or a wine bottle stopper you'll have a piece of Italy back home with you in your kitchen.

8. Glass

Venice is known for its handmade Murano glass and you'll find many shops and stalls selling it - everything from jewelry to decorative figurines.

9. Olive Oil

Why is there yet another food item on this list? Because the food in Italy is just that fantastic! I've always said that Italy is the food capital of Europe, and even if you can find these foods at home it is likely they won't even compare to the real stuff.

So yes, a bottle of silky, smooth olive oil from Italy is definitely worth bringing back.

10. Postcards

Postcards make for light souvenir that take up hardly any space. You can send them to your loved ones from abroad or keep them to frame or display at home.

Tuck them inside something like a book or magazine (I usually put paper products in my laptop case) to prevent bending.

Quick tip: Make sure to review your government's website for information on bringing back food items. You wouldn't want to bring back a large quantity of a certain item  only to have it taken away at the airport!

Going to Europe Soon?

Book a place to stay - my all-time favorite booking website is the well-known Booking.com - I’ve used it for years all over the world.

It is the easiest way to search and find the best hotels (hostels too!), especially based on reviews. I always check the reviews on Booking, even if it’s a name-brand hotel. You never know!

Check out these posts:

What To Pack For Europe: Fall & Winter

What To Pack For Europe: Spring & Summer

How To Travel Europe: Tips & Advice! (VIDEO)

Four Amazing Day Trips from Florence, Italy

16 Italian Experience You Need to Have in Italy

Digital Nomad Tips:

The Ultimate List of Jobs That Pay You To Travel

How To Travel as a Digital Nomad: 3 Quick Tips

Traveling to Italy as a digital nomad and working remotely? Check out Citrix vdi and Hosted QuickBooks, two remote technologies that let you access your work anywhere on any device.

They have all day, year-round technical support with Apps4Rent which powers O365cloudexperts. Personally, I use QuickBooks Self-Employed to keep the finance side of my online business running and highly recommend it - I use it through the mobile app so I can do updates from anywhere in the world.

This post may contain affiliate links, which help the support the site at no extra cost to you!

How To Stay In Shape While Traveling

Blue Water in Amalfi Coast

When you're not at home in your regular routine, it can be tough to find time to hit the gym. There are so many things to do when you're on a trip - things that are much more enticing than exercise.

And that's how it should be - you didn't get away from your regular routine just to bring it back with you. You decided to travel to experience something different and more exciting (or relaxing) than your day-to-day life.

However, if you're going on an extended trip or just want to keep any extra pounds away during your time away from home, you'd be surprised at how many tricks you can use to keep in shape.

How To Stay In Shape While Traveling: 7 Tricks

1. Get outside

At top of Camelback Mountain, Phoenix AZ

People are more likely to be active outdoors when they travel than when they're at home. Try your hand at rock climbing, white water rafting, hiking, or skiing, just to name a few ideas.

You'll be able to see a whole other side of where you're at, and it's most likely off the tourist track.

2. Walk everywhere

Ireland

As tempting as it may be to hop in a taxi for a few blocks, opt to walk instead. It's easy to get around most cities on foot. Plus, you see more on foot than you do through a car window.

3. Take the stairs instead of an elevator or escalator

Of course, don't do this in creepy stairwells with no one around. This is more of an example for when you're at a public place (ex: a mall) and you have the option.

Also, if you using subways as public transportation, you sometimes don't have a choice if the escalator stops moving! Those stairs are STEEP. #EveryDayIsLegDay

4. Go to a fitness class

If you're staying at a hotel or resort, it's very likely they will offer fitness classes. Elsewhere, you're likely to find free classes in the city - search "free fitness classes in (insert city here)" online to see if there are any on offer.

The great thing about going to fitness classes is that you can go with the people you're traveling with or walk in solo, and either way it's a social experience. Sunrise Pilates on the beach, anyone?

5. Go horseback riding

Denver Horses

If you're at a place where you can find horseback riding, you'll be surprised at the core/leg workout you get while riding. This is a memorable mode of transportation for, say, vineyard and/or countryside tours.

6. Play sports

If you're living in a foreign country, look for sports leagues in your city. This is a fun way to be active while also meeting other locals/expats in the area. If you're studying abroad, your school or program may offer intramural sports.

7. Join a Fitness/Wellness retreat

Is fitness your priority when traveling? If so, then you should consider a group tour that is centered around fitness - Active Escapes comes to mind. There are also other types of retreats for yoga, etc.

While the hotel gym is always a nice backup, it's more fun to exercise in a way that will enhance your trip (and sometimes get you out of your comfort zone). Try these tricks on your next vacation!

Lenses for DSLR Cameras: It's Not Always 'All About That Base'

Choosing a DSLR Lens

Almost five years ago, I upgraded my point-and-shoot to a DSLR camera. My lovely Nikon D3200 (formerly the D3100 prior to a rain-and-coffee-spillage-incident in Germany) has been my companion on every trip I've taken.

Even though my iPhone 6 has a great camera, the quality of photos I get on my Nikon beat the phone every single time, to the point where it is worth the extra weight of bringing the camera on outings.

Pomegranate Juice Istanbul Turkey

The Nikon D3200 is a starter or "beginner" DSLR camera. I haven't considered upgrading to a more advanced camera because I'm not a professional by any means and still have a lot to learn in the likes of photography.

Also, I've learned that oftentimes you can get the shot you want just by switching out the lens. I've even heard some Youtubers suggest something along the lines of investing in the lens, not the camera base.

I have three lenses for my Nikon:

- A standard lens that came with the camera, 18-55mm f/1:3.5-5.6G

- A zoom lens that also came with it, 55-200mm f/1:4-5.6G

- A macro lens, 40mm f/1:2.8G

Dalmatian-Coast-Croatia

The Types of Travel Photos I Use These Lenses For

The Standard Lens

beginner nikon lens 18-55mm

This lens came with the camera (if you're buying the actual camera, you don't need to purchase this lens separately). By playing around with the settings, you can really do a lot with this lens. I've shot everything from landscapes, group photos, some closeups, and HD video with this lens.

The Beautiful Amalfi Coast, Italy

Purple Flowers Amalfi Coast

The Zoom Lens

af-snikkor 55-200 mm zoom

Having a zoom lens has really come in handy for certain types of shots. This lens can go FAR. And no matter how zoomed in the photo is, the quality is still spectacular.

a

I took the photo of St. Peter's Basilica from atop Castel Sant'Angelo, across the street. The photo of the Pope during the Pope's Blessing was taken from down below in the audience.

Pope

The Macro Lens

af-s micro nikkor 40mm

As the newest addition to my collection, this macro lens is my favorite one to use. It's great for super close shots of food, objects, people (love getting the blurry background), or for getting just the subject very in focus. I also really enjoy how lights look when using this lens.

Grom Gelato New York

Manhattan

The AF-S option allows both manual and auto focus and is compatible with my Nikon. Having both options makes this lens quick to use in a pinch with auto focus or more tailored to my preference with manual focus. All three of the lenses in this post are AF-S.

Nikon Macro Lens

Christmas Lights - Macro Lens

Even though I'm not a professional photographer I've really enjoyed having these lens options to photograph my travels. It makes looking back on my memories that much better because of the quality, which is reason enough for me to invest in my DSLR. Plus, it's fun to learn new tips and try them out along the way.

What are your tips for travel photography and/or choosing a lens? I'd love to hear your suggestions!

Can't Decide Where To Go? 7 Steps On Choosing Your Next Destination

If you have a serious case of wanderlust with a bucket list that's pages long, you're like many others who love to travel. There are so many places to see in the world and it can be tough to narrow it down to your next must-go-to destination, especially when your growing travel list becomes overwhelming. If you are having trouble deciding which place you should visit next, it helps to break it down into steps. Once you've figured out where you want to go, you can actually begin the planning process.

Starting with a destination in mind will get the ball rolling so your dream trip isn't an idea that seems far away...it becomes a plan that's happening in the near future.

1. Make a list of the top 5 destinations you want to visit most

Download your FREE worksheet here!

Don't think about money, time, or anything else that might hold you back. Paris? Buenos Aires? ...A remote, nomadic village in Mongolia? ...A research base in Antarctica? Other than passport/visa restrictions, no place is off-limits at this point.

2. For each destination, list 1-2 reasons why you want to go there

What makes you excited about this particular place? Is it the opportunity to see friends or family? To take a relaxing break from the stresses of everyday life? To work or volunteer? To meet people from other cultures? To seek adventure? To find yourself?

3. Then, list the number one activity you want to do while you're in each destination

If you were only at these places for a day each, what is the one thing you'd have to do? This could be taking a tango lesson in Argentina. Or drinking wine in Tuscany. Or volunteering at a local school in Nicaragua. Or surfing in Australia. Write out your "must-do" activity for each destination on your list. Now that you've defined some reasons for why you want to go to your top destinations as well as some things you'd do, it's time to narrow down the list.

4. Remove a destination from the list

While they all sound exciting, deep down you know which one you prefer less than the others. It doesn't mean you'll never make it there. Removing one location will get you closer to your decision, and ultimately, your trip. You should now have four locations on the list.

5. Do some quick, surface research for each location. Find out:

• When peak travel season is as well as the shoulder season

• Average cost of roundtrip flights from your home city to each destination

• What the visa process is and if you need to apply or pay for one

• The currency conversion rate of the location to your home/general consensus if it is expensive or inexpensive

• Cost (if any) of your top, number one activity from Step 3

6. Duke it out, bracket style

Write out the first two destinations on your list in a column on one side and the other two on the other side. After having considered the factors from your research - as well as listening to your gut feeling - choose only one from each column as the winner. Then, have the winners on each column battle it out for number one. Choose the winner based on your gut feeling, deep down, where you see yourself most. Then...

7. Yeah! You've chosen where to go! Now comes the fun part: planning

Is your chosen destination seemingly expensive, time consuming, or has some other factor that feels overwhelming? Don't give up yet! You generally have an idea of what the trip will cost and when most people go. Look into many ways to budget travel and see which time fits best with your schedule. Also, decide when to go. If you can't make a finalized decision yet, start with "this year" or "next year" AND choose the month. Saying "Oh, I guess I'll go to Marrakech next year" isn't a very motivating goal, but "I'm going to Marrakech this September" is. This ensures you have a time frame to start out with which will help you research and plan. It's okay if it changes later on. Get my free worksheet!

You might also like...

8 Essential Steps To Planning A Trip Abroad

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