The Chinese New Year or Spring Festival is perhaps the most important of the traditional Chinese holidays. For many Chinese families, it’s a time to get together and celebrate. However, the Chinese New Year is also a time of immense travel chaos. Every year, hundreds of millions of Chinese people take to the roads, railways, and skies in an effort to get home to their families, which leads to an enormous travel rush.
If you’re planning to travel during the Chinese New Year period, there are a few key things you need to know. The first and most important thing to consider is the sheer number of people travelling during this period. It’s estimated that during the Chinese New Year period, up to 3.6 billion trips are made. This is an increase of around 40% compared to the rest of the year, so it’s important to plan ahead.
The best way to avoid the worst of the travel rush is to book your trip well in advance. If you’re planning on travelling by train, for instance, tickets can sell out very quickly, so book as early as you can. The same applies for flights – try to book as early as possible to secure the best prices and availability.
Another thing to consider is the cost of travel during this period. While the cost of flights and train tickets may not be too expensive, the cost of accommodation can be much higher. This is particularly true in the cities, so if you’re planning on travelling during the Chinese New Year period, it’s important to plan ahead and book accommodations in advance.
Finally, if you’re planning on travelling during the Chinese New Year period, make sure you allow yourself plenty of time. Due to the sheer number of people travelling, delays are common. If you’re planning a long journey, it’s best to allow for plenty of extra time in case of delays.
Travel during the Chinese New Year period can be a stressful experience, but with a bit of planning and preparation, it doesn’t have to be. By following the advice outlined in this article, you’ll be able to make your journey as stress-free as possible, and ensure that you arrive at your destination on time.