[Katia555]

I've seen some comments about the October holiday and trade fair in Guangzhou. How might the trade fair affect travel plans? For example, for those who receive their referral in late September, does the October holiday mean they won't be traveling to China until November?

[Shelley]

I know it slows things down, but people do still travel in Oct. The big thing would be consulate appts. if you are with a large group they would have to get a date that would accomodate all families. There are some many variables that it's hard to say with certainty when travel would be likely. That's a good question for your agency. Shelley

[Katia555]

Thansk for your reply. Yes, I should ask my agency, good idea.

[thundrrds]

The first week in October is a Nat'l Holiday and gov't offices are closed for a few days.
The last 2 weeks in April and October there are the trade fairs in Guangzhou. Some agencies no longer have families in Guangzhou during those time periods because hotel, airplane tickets, and food costs are much higher and Guangzhou is very very crowded and busy. Also hotel room availability is tough.
If your agency sends families during the trade fair then your travel would work around the Chinese Gov't holiday.
Your best off finding out your agency's policy.
And in reality a late Sept referral would not travel before Nov in most cases anyway. It usually is 4-8 weeks after referral that a family travels.

Joanne

[jasonsmom]

I asked our agency about it and they said they usually try to avoid traveling during the trade fairs but sometimes it's not avoidable. I'm hoping that we don't travel at that time because everything will be more expensive.

Jasonsmom

[Tsmom]

The Consulate is closed on the following dats:
Sept. 5 Monday Labor Day USA
Oct. 3,4,5 M,T,W Chinese National Day China
Oct. 10 Mon Columbus Day USA
Nov. 11 Fri Vetrans Day USA
Nov. 24 Thur. Thanksgiving USA
Dec. 26 Mon Christmas USA

These are from the Consulates web site

Also, I have been told that certain Orphanages only do their Gotcha Days on certain days of the week. My daughter is in Changsha, Hunan and they only do Gotcha Days on Monday and Tuesday. So it would be best for me to schedule my Consulate apointment on the following Monday. (You don't personaly make the appointment, your agency will submit three different days for your appointment and the Consulate will approve one.)