Less than two months away from the Spring Festival, sales on travel websites start to hit a seasonal high. As the influence of Chinese New Year expands, international tourism also helps to introduce this indispensable cultural heritage to every corner of the world, which means in 2023, more Chinese people choose to spend their holidays overseas.
Big time for family trips
According to the statistics posted by Ctrip, one of the biggest platforms for travel products, the top 10 most visited countries by Chinese tourists will be Japan, Thailand, Singapore, Australia, Vietnam, Indonesia, the United States, Malaysia, Philippines and Italy.
Over 70 percent of travelers decide to have a family vacation abroad. “The bookings on our website have risen 32 percent compared with the Spring Festival season last year. And the prices are 10 percent higher,” said Zou Qingling, outbound tourism manager of Lvmama. “Some of our packages to Europe or the US have already been fully booked.”
Flexible schedules favored
Though the holiday officially spans Feb. 4 to 10, many choose to leave their office in advance or postpone the return date. In this way, they will manage to avoid the crowds at the airports, and save a considerable sum on hotels and flight tickets.
If you haven’t planned anything yet, here is an important tip — leave before Jan. 31 or after Feb. 6. The most expensive time to travel is between Feb. 2 and 6, with an average of over 10,000 yuan per person.
Different places, same customs
Family trips pay special attention to tradition and customs, especially during the most conventional holiday in Chinese culture. Many people still believe that the Spring Festival is about family and the joy of reunion. To create a homey experience overseas, travel agencies design a variety of events including a New Year’s Eve dinner on the Nile, making dumplings at a Parisian castle, and a Chinese New Year gala at a five-star hotel in Amman. World-famous landmarks also receive a Spring Festival makeover. From Feb. 2 to Feb. 17, Universal Studios Hollywood will dress its cartoon characters in traditional Chinese costumes.
If you are one of those who want to celebrate the Spring Festival at home, enjoy your homecoming. But if you haven’t made up your mind for the moment, it’s never too late to try something new and plan a family trip abroad during the New Year.
1. To save money, your family is most likely to travel abroad between ________.
A.Feb. 1 and 5. | B.Feb. 2 and 6. | C.Feb. 5 and 10. | D.Feb. 7 and 11. |
2. Which of the following statements is TRUE according to this passage?
A.India has been rated among the top 10 most visited countries by Chinese. |
B.It is impossible to reserve any package tour to the US from Lvmama now. |
C.One will find the trip fairly cheap as long as avoiding it between Feb 2 and 6. |
D.A Chinese family may experience a festival atmosphere abroad during the New Year. |
3. What’s the purpose of this text?
A.To introduce the growing popularity of international tourism. |
B.To give suggestions on appropriate time for traveling abroad. |
C.To recommend making overseas tours in the Spring Festival. |
D.To promote the role traveling plays in spreading Chinese culture. |