Two years ago a client slipped on a wet marble floor at his Beijing hotel. Just a sprained wrist — but his travel insurance didn't cover China. He ended up paying ¥800 at a walk-in clinic and spent the rest of his trip anxious about what would happen if something serious happened. Don't be that guy. I tell every client: check your travel insurance covers China BEFORE you leave. Not all policies do. Here's what to look for: — Medical coverage in China (some policies exclude it) — Minimum $100,000 coverage — Coverage for TCM treatment (acupuncture, tuina — these count as legitimate medical expenses here) — 24-hour English helpline If your insurer says "worldwide excluding USA" — that usually covers China. But call and confirm. Don't rely on the fine print. The good news: China's hospitals are excellent and affordable. An MRI costs ¥480. An emergency room visit for something minor? ¥200-500. Even without insurance, it won't bankrupt you. But with insurance, you travel without that worry in the back of your mind.

A friend from Germany visited Chongqing and asked nervously: "Is it safe here at night?" I told him: I let my 6-year-old go downstairs alone to buy soy sauce from the corner shop. My 70-year-old mom square dances in the park at 9 PM. In 15 years of doing this work, violent crime against a tourist? Not one. Pickpocketing at crowded spots? Sure — same as anywhere. Lost my wallet in a Didi three times — got it back every time. He walked back from a night market at 11 PM on his last night. Messaged me: "This city feels alive at night, not dangerous." The real danger in China? Crossing the road in Chongqing during rush hour. That I cannot defend you from.

Just spent the morning sketching out a Shanghai-Suzhou trip for an Australian family of four. The dad sent me a voice note last night: "I showed the kids photos of the water towns, and now they will not stop asking when we are going." That voice note is going to keep me going all week. Here is the route we landed on: three nights in Shanghai (Bund view, Yuyuan Garden, a food tour through the old lanes), then a day trip to Suzhou by high-speed train (23 minutes, ¥40). The kids are 9 and 12, so I added a stop at the Shanghai Natural History Museum and a evening cruise on the Huangpu River. The mom asked me: "Is Suzhou worth it for just one day?" I told her: Suzhou is the Venice of the East, except the canals actually still have locals living along them. One day is enough to see the Humble Administrators Garden, walk a canal street, and eat the best xiaolongbao of your life before catching the train back. Monday morning — coffee in hand, a full week ahead, a family excited about their China trip. Not a bad way to start the week.

Summer break is coming and my two girls have already started their campaign for the best summer ever. My 6-year-old wants to see pandas again (we went to Chengdu last year and she still talks about it). My 4-year-old just wants to swim. Win-win: I found a hotel in Chongqing with an indoor pool AND a panda-themed kids club. Booked it in 10 minutes. Sometimes being a travel planner means planning for your own family too. If you are traveling to China with kids this summer, send me a message. I have a list of hotels that actually welcome children — not just tolerate them.