4 Things To Consider When Choosing A Birding Tour Company
When it comes to birding tour companies in China, you’re never going to be short of them. China offers a unique biodiversity that is the home to over 1,400 species of birds. That makes China one of the richest birding destinations in the world! Naturally, birding companies take full advantage of this fact to offer customizable packages to enthusiastic birders.
Choosing one out of several hundred birding tour companies in China can be quite a challenge. Do you prioritize ones that conduct short tours? Would it be best if you opted for personalized tours? There are plenty of factors that you have to consider so you can get the best value for money.
Expertise of Local Bird life
The whole point of signing up for a guided tour is to make the most of every second. You can research about the endemic species, migratory routes, and the best birding locations in China all you want, but the chances of you covering everything on your own without help are pretty low.
So, when opting for a tour company, make sure that the company has experienced birding guides on their payroll. Local guides are the best. They are bound to be familiar with China’s diverse ecosystems and the species you are likely to encounter.
Itinerary and Birding Locations
No matter how short the duration of a tour may be, most reputable birding tour companies in China would provide an itinerary that covers top birding spots like the Sichuan Plateau, Yunnan, or Poyang Lake. If the tour you’re considering doesn’t cover these regions, then it’s time to look for other options.
Here are some other tips that might come in handy when you review the itinerary -
● Consider a company that conducts tours during peak migration seasons
● Choose a company that focuses on the endemic species that interest you
● Pick a company that covers wetlands, forests, mountains, and grasslands
The more varied your locations, the more chances you have of spotting diverse species.
Group Size and Tour Flexibility
A smaller group size guarantees a more personalized experience. Some birding companies try to maximize their profits by conducting tours with more than 10-20 people. Avoid those as much as possible. With a smaller group, you’ll have more chances to observe birds and interact with the guide. The ideal group size for the best experience is around 4-6.
Cost and Inclusions
China offers many birding tours. However, the cost might become an issue if you don’t research well beforehand. Some companies are not upfront about their charges, and you end up going over your budget even before your tour is over. The best way to prevent this is to review the Terms and Conditions thoroughly. Make sure that the company you choose covers the following costs -
● Private transportation, including pick-up and drop-off at the hotel or airport
● Entrance tickets for places listed in the itinerary
● Meals for all days of the tour
● China domestic travel insurance
Just to be safe, ask about any hidden costs or additional fees so you can budget accordingly.
When reviewing the tour companies, don’t rely only on the reviews posted on the company website to assess the credibility of a company. If possible, ask around if other birders have signed up for that particular tour and learn about their experiences. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!