Travel Guides & Tips in this video
- Tip 1When using ride-hailing apps in China, pay close attention to the signs and directions to avoid getting lost. Ensure you are at the designated pick-up point to avoid confusion and delays. (2:15)
- Tip 2Always have backup plans for accommodation, especially during peak seasons or national holidays. Consider booking multiple hotels or having alternative options in case of unexpected cancellations. (5:00)
- Tip 3Exploring local neighborhoods can offer a more authentic and less crowded experience than sticking to the main tourist areas. Engage with the local culture and discover hidden gems. (7:00)
- Tip 4Take advantage of local services like inexpensive haircuts and other pampering experiences to save money and enjoy unique cultural encounters. Be open to trying new things. (8:30)
- Tip 5Embrace the unexpected moments and interactions. Sometimes the best travel memories are made when things don't go according to plan. Be flexible and adaptable. (9:15)
Retirement Travelers' Hangzhou adventure took an unexpected turn when their hotel reservation vanished! This China travel vlog captures their hilarious mishaps navigating a chaotic train station and the heartwarming kindness of strangers. From a last-minute room upgrade with a West Lake view to a uniquely Chinese crowd control experience, this unexpected journey showcases the beauty of embracing the unplanned moments. Join them as they explore Hangzhou's charm, savor delicious (and sometimes surprising!) food, and discover the true meaning of travel flexibility.
More about the current video:( 8 / 8 )
Retirement Travelers, John and Beth, continue their epic adventure through China. Their journey, documented in a 10-video series, takes them across 3,350 miles and nine cities. This leg of their trip focuses on Hangzhou, a city described as a real-life Chinese watercolor painting. Their initial plan involved a high-speed train ride from Beijing to Hangzhou, aiming for a relaxing evening. However, their meticulously planned trip takes an unexpected turn when they arrive in Hangzhou and discover their hotel reservation has been canceled due to the hotel being sold. This unexpected turn of events throws them into a series of misadventures. They initially struggle to find their ride-hailing pick-up point, going in the wrong direction and wandering through car rental lots before finally summoning a Didi (China's version of Uber). Upon arrival at their intended hotel, the Euro Cove (a less expensive Hyatt brand), they find the hotel is not what they expected, and their reservation is not honored. The staff seem confused and unable to assist. After some time spent trying to resolve the situation, they discover the hotel had canceled all reservations weeks ago due to being sold, and Hyatt hadn't updated their app or informed them. With no place to stay at 10:30 PM, they decide to walk to the Grand Hyatt, hoping for better luck. They encounter another hurdle: it's Ching Ming Festival, a national holiday, and the hotel is completely booked. Miraculously, they find one room available, a fortunate outcome due to John's Hyatt Globalist status. The next morning, they wake up to a stunning view of West Lake. They take a walk along the boardwalk and witness a unique form of crowd control, where workers in orange vests create human Xs to guide the flow of pedestrians. They describe the scene as a crossing guard ballet. Disappointed that they couldn't film their originally planned activities due to the earlier events, they move to a backup plan—another Euro Cove hotel on the outskirts of the city. This hotel provides them with a quieter, more relaxing experience, complete with a top-floor view, free laundry, and an excellent breakfast buffet with a personal chef. They spend time exploring the neighborhood, appreciating the changes in urban planning compared to their previous visit twelve years ago. They note the presence of greenways, residential buildings, and apartment complexes. They also highlight a unique experience of getting an inexpensive but luxurious haircut, including a shampoo and head massage, for only $6.50. In the evening, they explore the Bethon River, enjoying the atmosphere and interacting with locals. They have a humorous experience at a seafood restaurant, where their food order results in unexpected dishes. A kind gesture from a nearby table, offering them beer, leads to a heartwarming exchange and a new friendship. Despite the initial setbacks, Retirement Travelers find the unexpected events and interactions to be the most memorable parts of their trip. They conclude that sometimes the best travel experiences are the ones that go off-track. They plan to return to Hangzhou to explore the city properly but express no regrets about this particular adventure.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: What happened to our hotel reservation?
- A: Our hotel, the Euro Cove, was sold, and they canceled all reservations without notifying us through the Hyatt app.
- Q: What did we do after our hotel reservation was canceled?
- A: We walked to the Grand Hyatt, but it was fully booked due to the Ching Ming Festival. We eventually found a room at another Euro Cove hotel.
- Q: What was the most memorable part of our Hangzhou trip?
- A: The unexpected kindness of strangers, like the people who gave us beer at the seafood restaurant.
- Q: What was the most surprising thing we found?
- A: Probably the $1 haircut and the fact that I didn't need a ticket to enter the Zhu-long cave!
