The time to save

The Wuyi Mountain scenic area in Fujian province retains its peace and tranquility in the off-season due to a relatively small number of tourists. [Photo by Yang Enuo/China Daily]

Prices are expected to rise again by late March. Many people, especially retirees, will hit the road to enjoy springtime－especially to visit places with flowers.

Cheaper airfares and hotels during the post-holiday period have slashed costs for outbound travelers by 20-60 percent, Ctrip reports. That translates to between 1,000 and 6,000 yuan.

"Demand has become strong," says Ctrip's marketing manager, Dai Yu.

"So timing is key to saving."

The nation's average monthly income in the fourth quarter was roughly 6,000 yuan. Tourists who choose to travel to such destinations as Japan after the holiday can save up to 3,000 yuan, Dai says.

Some chose to work during the festival and take days off afterward.

The overtime pay plus the reduced costs, in some cases, can add up to more than 10,000 yuan, Ctrip reports.

Meanwhile, costs for visits to India dropped most sharply, at 60 percent, Ctrip reports. The United States came in second, with a 40 percent reduction.

Ctrip's packages to popular destinations, such as Thailand, Japan and South Korea, are generally at least 30 percent cheaper.

Favorable currency exchange rates in Malaysia and Australia are also good news for Chinese tourists. They can buy more for less, the travel agency says.