Congratulations on making a reservation with Singles Travel International for your next vacation!

What next?
Complete your profile and post a message on the chat to say hello to your fellow travelers.

**REVIEW** the important information on the FAQ tab for this trip and visit our Help Center.

Click Here! for your Final Vacation Details & Meetup Information including transportation and how to meet up with the group. Questions? Email us at service@singlestravelintl.com.

Please submit a COLOR copy of your passport to us within 7 days of your reservation (within 24 hours if reserved after May 1, 2017).

Click here to upload to our secure folder.

Questions and comments are addressed promptly when you send a message to us at service@singlestravelintl.com.

The cruise only begins in Beijing, China on October 2, 2017, and ends in Shanghai, China on the morning of October 13, 2017. Therefore the tour is 11 nights/12 days. Note: Flights from North America must depart on October 2 in order to arrive in Beijing on October 2, so the actual length of the trip is 12 nights/13 days (first night on airplane).

Add an option to arrive early or stay later in Shanghai – Book your Stay & Play packages on the Price & Options Tab when booking your main cruise-tour vacation.

A deposit is due at time of reservation. Refer to the Price and Options tab for the amount. Final payment and passport details are due in our office by June 27, 2017. A reminder will be emailed to you 7 days prior to due date and your card will automatically be charged. If you make a reservation after June 27, full payment will be automatically charged at time of reservation and penalties will apply.

Yes. All cancellations must be made in writing to Singles Travel International and are subject to per person penalties as follows:

– After deposit and at anytime of cancellation, a minimum charge of $350.00 plus credit card charges will apply in addition to other penalties listed below.
– Between June 27 and July 28, 2017- 50% penalty applies.
– After July 28, 2017, any cancellations or “no-shows” – 100% penalty.

Note that if you elect to take a roommate and he/she cancels after our cut off date, we will do everything to find a new match. However, if no match is found, the difference in cost for a single cabin/room is the responsibility of the guest who cancels. No refund will be given to the guest who cancels, regardless of cruise or tour company policy as stated above. Singles Travel International is not responsible for costs related to cancellations after our cut off date.

YES! All travelers require a valid passport, good for 6 months from your return date (April 14, 2018), and visa to enter China. Non US citizens, please take into account the 5th point.

STI recommends the services of CIBT, your one-stop shop to acquiring the correct visa on time.   Click here to get started. Then choose Visa to China from the home page. Our special rate to have CIBT review and submit your visa is $84.  The visa cost itself is $140.

1. Passports must have a sufficient number of unused pages (4) for endorsements (visas) abroad and they must also be valid for at least six months past the projected stay.

2. Visa Application Form (Form V.2013) and Photo – READ VISA APPLICATION GUIDELINES

3. One completed Visa Application Form with a recently-taken color passport photo (bare-head, full face) against a light background attached

Click here to download the Chinese Tourist Visa application.

4. A copy of your round trip airline ticket and hotel reservation.  Submit the invoice sent to you from STI along with your airline ticket conformation.

5. NON US CITIZENS: Proof of legal stay or residence status

You must provide the original and photocopy of your valid certificates or visa of stay, residence, employment or student status, or other valid certificates of legal staying provided by the relevant authorities of the country where you are currently staying.

This information is subject to change at any time. Visa applications are the responsibility of the traveler, not Avalon Waterways nor Singles Travel International.

Cruise in style and comfort on board one of the newest ships on the Yangtze, the Century Paragon. As you embark your contemporary, elegant ship, a friendly, English-speaking crew and stunning 7-story atrium lobby welcome you aboard. The Century Paragon is charting a new course for Yangtze River cruising. The ship features a state-of-the-art propulsion system that reduces vibration and decreases emissions to reduce environmental impact. Other innovations include a pillar less multifunction lounge with unobstructed views of evening entertainment, and a large indoor swimming pool, both firsts on the Yangtze.

**Ship Amenities**

– English-speaking crew
– Bar serving premium spirits
– Multi-functional Lounge
– Sun Deck
– Gym
– Spa & massage facilities
– Indoor swimming pool
– A variety of shops
– Cinema room – Onboard movie nights
– Game room
– Well-stocked library
– 24-hour laundry service
– Fitness Center
– Cultural highlights on board

– **Lounge**
Fascinating landscapes serve as the ultimate backdrop as you relax in your ship’s Club Lounge. Coffee service is always available, so grab a cup and exchange vacation stories with fellow travelers, play a board game with newfound friends, or settle in with a good book from the ship’s library.
– **Open Air – Sun Deck**
When it comes to meeting new friends, witnessing the splendid scenery, or just taking a moment to relax, this lounge is the ideal place. Modern deck furniture enhances your experience as you soak up the sun or drink in the moonlight, and as you photographically capture your destination’s most scenic beauty and quintessential character.
– **Main Bar & Lounge**
A relaxed, comfortable area that’s perfect for viewing remarkable scenery, taking in the evening entertainment, and enjoying an after-dinner drink, glass of local wine, or coffee with newfound friends.
– **Dining Room**
On an Avalon cruise, expert chefs select the finest ingredients to create delectable dishes that are both inspired and memorable. Each day you’ll embark on an epicurean adventure in your ship’s elegant dining room. Enjoy open seating, bountiful breakfast and lunch buffets, multi course dinners paired with complimentary regional wines, and the five-star service you’d expect from a fine resort.
– **Lobby & Reception**
On an Avalon river cruise, our number one priority is you. That’s why throughout your journey a friendly, English-speaking crew stands ready to answer your questions, meet your needs, and help you create the vacation of a lifetime. It’s also why we designed a main lobby and reception area bathed in natural light, where you’ll be warmly greeted and will feel immediately at home. You can even stay connected to the folks back home at the onboard Internet Center.
– **Fitness Center**
On an Avalon river cruise, you can benefit from both a mind and body experience. The Fitness Center is well equipped so you can stick to your fitness program while on vacation. Take advantage of state-of-the-art cardio equipment while enjoying the view of the unforgettable passing landscapes.

**Features exclusive to the Avalon Paragon®:**

– Headsets for all guided shore excursions
– Services of a professional Cruise Director
– Sightseeing with Local Guides
– Revolutionary engineering
– Non-smoking interior
– Internet access & Wi-Fi hotspots (when signal available)
– Alarm clock
– Bedside tables with reading lamps
– Comfort Collection BedsSM, featuring premium mattress covers
– Easy under-bed luggage storage
– Floor-to-ceiling sliding-glass door
– Individual climate control
– Large private bathroom featuring full shower with hairdryer & premium bath amenities
– Nightly turn-down service
– Soft and firm pillows
– Vanity
– Writing desk
– Bathrobes & slippers
– Complimentary bottled water
– Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, woolen blankets & European-style duvets
– In-room safe
– Mini-bar
– Seating area
– Spacious closets with shelves for ample storage
– Wall-to-Wall Panoramic window
– View Avalon’s Century Paragon Staterooms.

Make sure you are at our hotel in Beijing on October 2, 2017. Our STI Concierge will be awaiting our arrival and will assist with check in and organize a meet and greet for those arriving in the daytime. Our hotel is the Fairmont Beijing (or similar) and subject to change. Specific information about the hotel name and address will be provided prior to departure in our FVD & MI documents.

Singles Travel International is a vacation event company that plans singles events and markets our events at our expense to create a “singles only” experience. We do not allow guests to join the group unless the reservation has been made by STI. Our policy is firm for tours and cruises, as well as pre and post trip hotel stays. Members and friends that “show up” will not be allowed to participate without paying an equivalent fee to the rest of the group that made the reservation with STI. Your credit card on file will automatically be charged.

Of course. We offer packages on both occasions and you may reserve your space on the Price and Options Tab. Transportation to and from the hotel in Beijing and to the airport in Shanghai is not included in our package, but is available for purchase on the Price & Options Tab (Rates are subject to increase at any time before final payment is made). Although we make every effort, Singles Travel International does not guarantee roommate shares for optional pre and post cruise stays. If no roommate is found, single occupancy rates prevail.

OUR SUPERIOR HOTELS

– **Beijing:**Fairmont Beijing
– **Xi’an:**Shangri-La Hotel, Xi’an
– **Shanghai:**Fairmont Peace Hotel

In order to accommodate singles from all over the world, our tours and cruises are priced as land/cruise only. Therefore, airfare is additional. Singles Travel International is a licensed ticketing agency and oftentimes has low negotiated fares.

In order to be ready to begin the tour in Beijing (PEK) on October 2. You will be required to depart your home city on the day before. The trip concludes on the morning of October 9 in Shanghai (PVG) and we recommend scheduling your flight after 11 a.m.

If you add extra nights, schedule your flight any time on arrival or departure date.

Beijing Stay & Play Package: Depart USA on September 30 for an October 1 arrival in Beijng, at any time.

Shanghai Stay & Play Package: Depart Shanghai October 10 at any time.

Airport transfers are offered as options with our cruise/tour. We recommend that you book your airport transfers with us. Please notify us at time of booking or at least 30 days prior to departure of your flight arrival and departure times.

Transfers are available for purchase on our Price & Options tab at $49 (PVG) and $59 (PEK) each way between the airport and hotel. Arrival and departure times must be between 6:00 a.m. and midnight.

Rates are subject to change at any time and final price will be adjusted within your invoice at final payment time.

Our tour does not include your airfare and transfers. You are responsible for alcoholic beverages off our ship (included aboard the Paragon), incidentals such as laundry and phone calls, plus gratuities to STI staff ($10-15 per day), local guides and the cruise staff. Avalon Waterways also suggests $108 per person for the ship’s crew, cruise director, and any local guides and drivers on the scheduled tours (not including pre & post tour packages). Gratuities payable onboard the Paragon.

Additionally, a visa to enter China is required. See our FAQ about Visas for most up to date information. This information is subject to change at any time. Visa applications are the responsibility of the traveler, not Avalon Waterways nor Singles Travel International.

Absolutely. Our site is so popular that we guarantee to find a roommate for you or the single cabin is on us! In order to take advantage of our offer, you must be paid in full by May 1, 2017. Of course, a VERY LIMITED number of single cabins are available at an additional rate assessed by Avalon Waterways. Even after the cut-off date, we get so many calls that finding a roommate is easy. So please let us know if you are interested when making your booking.

Our guarantee is based on the lowest, inside cabin share rate. If you opt for a higher category and we are unable to match in that category, you are responsible for the difference to move a member into your cabin to make a match. You may also opt to take your own cabin at that time for the single cabin rate. Assessments are made at final payment date, 90 days prior to departure.

Roommate matches are based on the same sex, general age range and smoking preference whenever possible, but not guaranteed. STI reserves the right to make any match up until day of cruising, including roommate changes once onboard for members who select the Share & Save option.

We highly recommend that our guests contact their roommates in advance. Booked members have access to our private online chat. Meet your roommate as well as the other members on your vacation. Singles Travel International makes every effort to accommodate requests, but does not guarantee the satisfaction or success of a roommate match. It’s the responsibility of the guest to contact his/her roommate and ask the appropriate questions.

Optional pre and post cruise/tour stays are not eligible for the guarantee. Chances are excellent that we’ll find you a match, but if no match found by 30 days prior to departure, member pays the single supplement.

Read more about Roommate Matching on our Frequently Asked Questions found at the Help Center.

Please contact your preferred carrier directly to make your reservation. If Singles Travel International issues a promotional economy fare, granting of frequent flyer credit is entirely at the airline’s discretion. If the flights are eligible, to ensure you earn frequent flyer credit from the airline, give your frequent flyer account number when you check in for your flights. In addition, save your boarding passes and the passenger receipt from your airline ticket. You may need to submit these to the airline (not to Singles Travel International) to claim any credit allowed.

Of course not. You will be pleased to find out that nearly 90% of our guests on every trip sign up and have never met anyone before joining the group. In over 23 years, we have perfected the singles vacation experience. It is paramount that our guests meet each other right away and have opportunities to mingle every day. From the moment you join our tour, our STI Concierge is waiting to meet you. Our first day begins with an orientation and the camaraderie builds as we go along.

This tour was specially designed for baby boomers ages 45+. We generally have a ratio of 65/35, women to men. Ages listed on our page are not restricted. They are simply used as a guideline. We offer an opportunity for single travelers to see the world in the company of other singles and do not guarantee the ratio or ages.

October is one of the best months to travel in China; drier and cooler weather is great for touring! The locals call this month “golden October” because of the good weather conditions. October has cool days (mid to upper 60s) and nights (low 50s), and autumn colors begin to appear across the country and generally grow to their best at the end of the month.

Xi’an may be a bit more chilly that both Beijing and Shanghai.

Like Beijing, Shanghai gets pleasant autumn weather most days. It is often still warm (low 70s by day and low 60s by night). Red and yellow leaves decorate the city.

Generally, a base layer with a light jacket is a good option for day time. Bring a coat for nights on this tour. Layers are always a great way to go so that you may add or take off as the temperatures change from day to evening.

We recommend that you follow this link 5 days before you depart for the latest updates.

The ship has under bed storage and the allowance per member is 1 bag weighing up to 44 lbs. and a small carry on under 25 inches in total dimension.

We have 3 internal flights and exceed baggage is not allowed. Contact us if you have any questions.

Bring fall/winter clothing and we recommend that you mix and match using 1-3 colors, such as black, brown and khaki or one other color. Comfortable walking shoes are a must. Our cruise will stop in some of the most charming little towns and once we dock, we’re off for adventure. Walking is the best way to see it all. Note that dress code aboard a river cruise is very casual and some days you may have dinner in the same outfit you wore during day when the schedule is full.

We strongly recommend a heavy coat for nights throughout our tour.

Packing Tips: A river cruise is casual. Pack and extra folding bag for souvenirs and purchases. Pack flat and full to avoid wrinkling. Bring wardrobe basics; mix and match around 2-3 colors. Don’t pack anything valuable, fragile or perishable. Label your luggage with an outside tag, and place an identification card inside each suitcase.

Essential Items: We highly recommend that you bring the following items.

– A smile and an open minded attitude
– Good language APP and/or Mandarin Phrasebook, English to Chinese/Chinese to English Dictionary
– TOILET PAPER and ladies, start to practice squatting today to avoid long lines for the only “western” toilet at rest stops
– Chinese LOVE when you take a photo with them using a Polaroid camera. It is a much-appreciated, on-the-spot gift.
– Binoculars for best sightseeing while cruising
– A good, comfortable pair of broken-in walking shoes
– A pair of shoes for restaurants, evenings on the town (ship is casual)
– Collapsible umbrella and/or lightweight rain gear, just in case
– Sunglasses
– Toiletries: all your daily essentials plus toilet paper
– Prescription medications: sufficient supply for the entire trip plus legible written prescription in case of loss. Keep medications in their original, labeled container. Always pack your medications in your carry-on bag!
– Eyeglasses, contacts, contact lens solution. You may want to bring along a written prescription for your eyewear in case of loss and due to dust environment in large cities.
– Over the counter medications: cold remedy, aspirin/pain reliever, antacid/stomach upset remedy, Band-Aids, money or other anti-bacterial medication.
– Travel alarm clock with illuminated face, especially for guests in an inside cabin.
– Small, Swiss Army type utility knife. Remember to pack this in your checked luggage!
– Travel journal/notepad and reading material.
– Home address book for sending postcards. A useful tip to avoid bringing your entire address book is to pre-write names and addresses of people to whom you want to send postcards on sheets of self-adhesive labels. It saves time and space in your luggage.
– Small, basic sewing kit with a few extra buttons. Remember to pack scissors in your checked bag!
– Photography Equipment: Bring a sufficient supply of film and extra batteries or chargers.
– Sealable camera bag and polarizing filter if serious photographer, China is dusty.
– The electricity current in China is 220 volts; bring a universal adapter. [Watch our video to learn more.] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UenX0S6Halg)

The electrical current in China is 220 and so you will need to verify that your devises have a step down converter already inside the device. If it does, then all you need is an adapter for the outlets in China. If your device does not have a built in converter, don’t bring it. But, If you really must, a converter is also required.

We found a very helpful video that is worth watching to make this part of your planning crystal clear.

Click here to start the video.

The currency used throughout our tour is the Chinese Yuan, also known as the Renminbi (RMB). The basic unit of Renminbi is Yuan and the sign of Yuan is ?.

Exchange rates fluctuate often. You may find the current exchange rates in the financial sections of newspapers and on the Internet. You may also find a number of websites by typing “foreign exchange rates” in your search engine. Two specific websites are: xe.com and money.cnn.com/markets/currencies.

Currency Exchange: Most hotels and major restaurants in big cities will accept major credit cards, but for incidentals and small vendors you will need some local currency. ATM machines will dispense local currency for internationally accepted ATM cards and/or credit cards. They are usually conveniently located in large cities, but are limited in smaller towns and rural areas. You may exchange cash and traveler’s checks for local currencies at hotels, banks and exchange bureaus.

Credit Cards: Your credit card will be accepted to settle your incidentals bill at all hotels and in major shops, restaurants and aboard the Paragon. American Express is not widely accepted, so we recommend that you leave it at home.

Read More about Money in China

No inoculations are required for travel to Asia. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) recommends updating all routine booster shots for travel almost anywhere. In addition, we suggest that you have a physical check-up before your trip, and discuss the type of trip in which you are participating with your physician.

You and your physician may access much more, very detailed health information for travelers (including tips on staying healthy while traveling) on the CDC website, cdc.gov. Click their “Traveler’s Health” link or call toll-free 24-hours at 1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636).

Travel Insurance is available through Travel Guard and in addition to direct access immediately upon completing your purchase, you will receive a quote from Travel Guard regarding travel insurance after reserving your vacation.  If you have any questions, Travel Guard professional, expert agents are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.   Call us, if you have not received your quote within 3 days.

Your “Vacation Details & Meetup Information” will include phone contact numbers for our ship as well as for each hotel listed in our itinerary. We suggest you leave a copy of this with your family.

The Paragon has complimentary Wi-Fi as long as they have a connection. You may also telephone, telex, radiogram or fax to anywhere in the world and be billed at applicable ship-to-shore rates. Guests may also be contacted onboard our ship via satellite in an emergency, but we recommend that you arrange to make and receive calls, send and receive text messages and read emails on your own cell phones and mobile devices. Check with your phone carrier for rates.

Internet cafes are found in major cities, so leave your laptop at home and take advantage of cheap local services.

Check with your cell phone provider prior to departure to attain call, data and text rates.

Our office is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. In an emergency after hours, please contact Tammy Weiler at 815-715-6998.

All countries you will visit have laws against the purchase and export of certain items, including antiquities, national cultural property and certain animal products, especially endangered species (ivory, rhino horn, tortoise shell, coral, feathers, etc.). Additionally, the United States has laws prohibiting the import of certain items, which include many of the same things. You face having your purchase confiscated and/or heavy fines for exporting or importing prohibited items.

On return to the U.S., your baggage is subject to search by U.S. Customs. Currently, you are permitted to bring back $800 of goods duty free. Persons aged 21 or over may also bring in one liter of liquor and one carton of cigarettes. If you plan to purchase a lot of souvenirs or expensive items, it is important to retain all purchase receipts. However, please note that U.S. Customs may not accept a receipt as true cost if it seems unusually low for the estimated value of the item. You may access the regulations and restrictions governing US Customs on their official website, click here to learn more.