Safety issues are Hope Education Foundation's No. 1
concern. HEF pays the most attention to the safety whenever
and wherever the tour activities taking place.
Accommodation
We will coordinate all of the arrangements for the
tour participants including accommodations in one of
the "four star" hotels in each city. The comfortable
accommodations include a room with two beds, private
bath, TV, telephone and air condition. Hotel accommodations
will be based on two participants per room (same gender.).
Meals
The tour participants will enjoy complete meals including
8 different dishes and soup for lunch and dinner in
one of the quality local restaurants. Breakfasts will
be served in the hotel.
All restaurants are certified to serve foreign visitors.
Transportation
A standard air-conditioned bus
with an expert professional driver is employed in order
to insure the safety and maximum comfort of the passengers.
The tour guide will direct the participants to get in
and off the bus as well as to cross the street safely.
Emergency
Our professional staffs in each city are well-trained
to follow the procedures set in place to meet any urgent
needs. If any participant gets sick, they will have
medical attention right away, the staff will contact
their families or friends immediately. If it is necessary,
the ill participant will be transported to a hospital,
where has special department for foreigners and English
is spoken there.
Tourists Rights
Tourists
may complain whenever something unpleasant happens to
them. All of the large tourist cities have set up hot
lines for tourists to voice their complaints. If the
infringement is serious, tourists may go directly to
the Department for the Administration of Travel Agencies
and Hotels under the National Tourism Administration.
The Chinese government has established laws to protect
tourism. Tourists have the right to make a formal complaint
if they believe their rights and interests are infringed
upon. After thorough investigations and verification
of facts, the appropriate agency issues a judgment to
resolve the problem.
Drinking Water
Drinking water meets the standard of the Chinese government
for water quality.
Participation
A group of at least two participants and an adult company
is recommended for personal activities.
Electricity
Electricity is 220 volts and 50 cycles AC. Plugs are
usually two-pronged. It is highly advisable to bring
an adapter.
Health
To maintain good health and enjoy your trip, it is
strongly recommended that tourists avoid eating raw,
uncooked, or partially cooked food, including salads,
except in hotel, restaurants in your tour.
When visitors plan to travel to places like Tibet,
it is important to consider the altitude. The altitude
can tax the body, and if one has any sort of heart or
high-blood pressure problems, it would be wise to consult
with your physician. If the travel plans include the
Silk Road, it is important to keep in mind that the
weather and some of the terrain is hot and dry, which
may pose health problems to some people.
Luggage
China domestic flight regulations permit each passenger
to have luggage weighing no more than 45lbs. Luggage,
which weighs more than the permitted weight, will incur
a charge. Two carry-on bags, each of which must not
weigh more than 5.5 lbs., and must not exceed 20x40x55cm
in dimension, are permitted. International airlines
permit each person to have up to 133 lbs. of luggage.
If luggage is in excess of this weight, there will be
a charge.
We will arrange for the luggage to be taken of during
the tour stops. In the hotel, the participants will
receive the luggages in approximately 20 minutes after
they get into the room.
Medication
Prescribed medication is permitted when entering China.
It is recommended to carry the medication in the prescription
labeled containers. Also, it is wise to take over-the-counter
medication for colds, stomach remedies, headaches, and
allergies. The government of China strictly prohibits
controlled substances.
Safety
Issues
All the participants should follow provided safety
instructions and is responsible for their behavior.
Matches, lighters, cigarettes smoking and fighting are
not allowed during the trip. Only normal use of electronics
is allowed.
Time
Difference
Beijing standard time is used throughout China, which
is 15 hours ahead of Los Angeles daylight saving time.
Beijing is 12 hours ahead of New York, Washington D.C.,
and 13 hours ahead of Chicago.
Beside all the safety guidelines covered above,
HEF and participated teacher together will select one
from the entire students as the safety assistant to
coordinate the safety procedure.
Accommodation