Olympics or bust
Sunday, July 13th, 2008I’m going to the Olympics in Beijing this year. I leave in exactly 4 weeks. My usual style is to book the air and hotel, put the family in the car and go. We usually don’t plan anything more than where we will rest our heads at night. I’m a “planner” but this style of travel works best for us; leave the options open so when we get to the destination, there is plenty of time to see the sights and visit those things the Aussie, etc. told us not to miss on the plane.
My planning for the Olympics hasn’t been so last minute. I entered a lottery for the tickets in May 2007 — I booked and paid for the hotel in January — We just picked up our visas at the China Consulate office in downtown LA last week. Hardly last minute with a whole 4 weeks to go…
Despite all my preparation to secure everything needed for a great experience in Beijing, a few articles have talked about hotel occupancy being less than 80% and that there is room for more in Beijing for the games. The fact that YOU didn’t prepay your hotel room at outrageous prices 8 months in advance is going to work very well in your favor. Got Olympic fever and have to go to Beijing now? These sites can help you with your last minute travel plans.
homestaybeijing2008 - Started last May by dutchman Piet Bos who has lived in China since 1998, you can book an apartment, not just a hotel room, for less than $250 a night. Check out their latest offers page.
Olympic Events Tickets - There is varying information out there that says tickets are in high demand and that tickets are plentiful for spectators. One event you can for sure score a ticket to is the Marathon. All spectators on the route can watch for free. At least you wont go home without one event under your belt. You’ll need to pick up any available tickets when you get the Beijing. Click here to see how much tickets will set you back.
lastminutetravel.com - check out their destination Beijing page which has hotels at about half of the price a decent 3+ star when I booked my trip.
craigslist Beijing - you know you’re not that far from home when you find a craigslist for your vacation city. There are many postings for cheap housing during the Olympics. You can also score Olympics tickets to your favorite events as well. I don’t have to warn you twice about using this site for tickets. It’s hard enough to buy tickets in your hometown, let along in a country you don’t even have a plane ticket to visit. I wouldn’t recommend making an international sales deal for tickets, but you can find some great deals from people here in the states selling off their supply.
I’ll let you know how the trip to Beijng goes. Please do the same.