How to have a fuss-free trip to Beijing with your family
Travelling with family can be a nerve-wrecking process, especially if you happen to have fussy in-laws who just love to nitpick at everything. That’s not very helpful when you’re trying to make the sure whole family has a good time while you get a bit of relaxation! Before you nix the whole idea of a vacation with your family — you and your partner, your children, and your in-laws — what if we told you there’s a way to make things easy and painless? Read on to find out more.
Friday5:00 pm
Your family’s flight to Beijing is at 7:00pm, so be sure to arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare, just in case there are any hiccups to sort out. The check-in process is quick and breezy since there’s a dedicated counter and options for self check-in, so everyone’s boarding passes are quickly sorted. If your in-laws start to get cranky, bring them to the Premium Red Lounge, where they can chill and even grab a meal. Your children will appreciate the many beanbags littered around the loft area of the lounge.
Your family’s flight to Beijing is at 7:00pm, so be sure to arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare, just in case there are any hiccups to sort out. The check-in process is quick and breezy since there’s a dedicated counter and options for self check-in, so everyone’s boarding passes are quickly sorted. If your in-laws start to get cranky, bring them to the Premium Red Lounge, where they can chill and even grab a meal. Your children will appreciate the many beanbags littered around the loft area of the lounge.
7:00 pm
It’s time to board, and luckily you all get priority boarding as Premium Flex and Premium Flatbed guests. The whole family is seated together and you get to keep a watchful eye over your kids, as well-behaved as they are, thanks to the complementary Pick A Seat option when booking your air tickets.
It’s time to board, and luckily you all get priority boarding as Premium Flex and Premium Flatbed guests. The whole family is seated together and you get to keep a watchful eye over your kids, as well-behaved as they are, thanks to the complementary Pick A Seat option when booking your air tickets.
1:05 am
The flight was smooth but everyone’s kind of tired due to the late hour. The Xpress Baggage service allows you and your family to be the first to collect your luggage and head to the hotel to get some much-needed rest.
The flight was smooth but everyone’s kind of tired due to the late hour. The Xpress Baggage service allows you and your family to be the first to collect your luggage and head to the hotel to get some much-needed rest.
Saturday10:30 am
Since the kids had a late bedtime last night, you allow everyone to sleep in a little and get breakfast at the hotel just before buffet service ends. Then, it’s time to negotiate where to go next.
Since the kids had a late bedtime last night, you allow everyone to sleep in a little and get breakfast at the hotel just before buffet service ends. Then, it’s time to negotiate where to go next.
12:00 pm
The kids suggest checking out the Forbidden City and your in-laws enthusiastically agree, so off you go! Don’t forget to buy some sandwiches and snacks along the way just in case the family gets hungry. There’s plenty of walking tours conducted at the Forbidden City and its adjacent Tiananmen Square, so be sure to sign up for one and leave the nitty gritty details to the pros.
The kids suggest checking out the Forbidden City and your in-laws enthusiastically agree, so off you go! Don’t forget to buy some sandwiches and snacks along the way just in case the family gets hungry. There’s plenty of walking tours conducted at the Forbidden City and its adjacent Tiananmen Square, so be sure to sign up for one and leave the nitty gritty details to the pros.
5:00 pm
Everyone’s learnt a lot about the history of China thanks to the walking tour, but it’s time to get some rest and food in your stomach. How can you visit Beijing without eating some xiao long bao? Head to the nearest restaurant to get your fix.
Everyone’s learnt a lot about the history of China thanks to the walking tour, but it’s time to get some rest and food in your stomach. How can you visit Beijing without eating some xiao long bao? Head to the nearest restaurant to get your fix.
7:00 pm
Bring your kids and in-laws back to the hotel so that they can catch up on sleep while you and your partner slip away to enjoy the beautiful night-time scenery of Beijing. It’s a busy metropolitan city, but the lights at night never cease to amaze you.
Bring your kids and in-laws back to the hotel so that they can catch up on sleep while you and your partner slip away to enjoy the beautiful night-time scenery of Beijing. It’s a busy metropolitan city, but the lights at night never cease to amaze you.
9:30 pm
Visit a late-night eatery, get some takeaway for the family, and head back to the hotel to get ready for the day ahead.
Visit a late-night eatery, get some takeaway for the family, and head back to the hotel to get ready for the day ahead.
Sunday8:30 am
Get everyone up bright and early to check out roadside stalls offering steamed buns for breakfast, then walk along the streets to see what the neighbourhood has to offer. You just might discover a hidden gem!
Get everyone up bright and early to check out roadside stalls offering steamed buns for breakfast, then walk along the streets to see what the neighbourhood has to offer. You just might discover a hidden gem!
10:30 am
No trip to Beijing is complete without a visit to the Great Wall of China. It is indeed a long stretch, but we hear the Mutianyu segment of the Wall is easily accessible but not too packed most of the time. Take a taxi there.
No trip to Beijing is complete without a visit to the Great Wall of China. It is indeed a long stretch, but we hear the Mutianyu segment of the Wall is easily accessible but not too packed most of the time. Take a taxi there.
1:30 pm
It’s time for lunch, so grab a bite at The Schoolhouse, a Western-style cafe located at Mutianyu.
It’s time for lunch, so grab a bite at The Schoolhouse, a Western-style cafe located at Mutianyu.
3:00 pm
Take a taxi to New Silk Alley Market, also known as Xiu Shui Jie. It’s a famous marketplace filled to the brim with souvenirs, clothes, and knick knacks. Don’t forget to flex your best bargaining skills!
Take a taxi to New Silk Alley Market, also known as Xiu Shui Jie. It’s a famous marketplace filled to the brim with souvenirs, clothes, and knick knacks. Don’t forget to flex your best bargaining skills!
5:00 pm
Now that you’ve got some shopping done with the family, take a taxi to the Olympic Park, which looks particularly spectacular at night when it’s lit up. It’s a perfect photo op!
Now that you’ve got some shopping done with the family, take a taxi to the Olympic Park, which looks particularly spectacular at night when it’s lit up. It’s a perfect photo op!
6:30 pm
For dinner, why not visit Dadong Roast Duck, a famous chain restaurant known for their Peking Duck? Travellers seem to love the Nanxincang branch as it was converted from an imperial granary warehouse. The original architecture is incorporated into the new design, allowing you and family to enjoy an authentic historic vibe while feasting.
For dinner, why not visit Dadong Roast Duck, a famous chain restaurant known for their Peking Duck? Travellers seem to love the Nanxincang branch as it was converted from an imperial granary warehouse. The original architecture is incorporated into the new design, allowing you and family to enjoy an authentic historic vibe while feasting.
8:30 pm
Head back to the hotel to pack and get some rest as your flight back will be in the wee hours — 2:15am, in fact. Though your itinerary is packed, your family has thoroughly enjoyed the trip thanks to your meticulous planning.
Head back to the hotel to pack and get some rest as your flight back will be in the wee hours — 2:15am, in fact. Though your itinerary is packed, your family has thoroughly enjoyed the trip thanks to your meticulous planning.
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Marie France Asia, women's magazine
