I've always wanted travel the world, but admittedly, I'd been afraid to start. I wasn't sure where I wanted to go, only that I wanted to vacation out my comfort zone. I've read a lot in recent years about the city of Guangzhou (previously Canton), a rapidly growing city in China. Poised to surpass Hong Kong in terms of industry and affluence within the next decade, Guangzhou is a huge international exporter and is quickly becoming one of the most prosperous cities in all of China. On a whim, I traded my timeshare resale at the Crown Ridge Resort in New Hampshire for a week at the Garden Hotel in Guangzhou.

While most residents of the city did not speak much English, I was able to get by using my small guide and phrase book (which I kept on me at all times.) I had a few specific attractions in mind when I arrived, but much of my exploring was quite organic, if I do say so. There was a bus station just outside my timeshare, so I'd hop on in the morning, and get off wherever something caught my eye. Admittedly, much of that was shopping.

I learned quickly to bargain with the street vendors who, upon seeing an American with a camera and guidebook will often triple or quadruple their prices. Bargaining is expected and often admired, so do not be afraid to attempt to talk the vendor down. You may even want to smile and walk away. In Chinese culture a smile has more meaning than in the United States. It is often used to dictate goodwill during an argument and can be a powerful bartering tool. Often, once you turn your back, the vendors will lower their prices significantly.

If you are traveling alone, try not to stay out too late at the markets. They are a venerable breeding ground for pickpockets who specifically target tourists or foreigners. The public transportation in Guangzhou runs until about 11pm, but the last busses are often extremely packed and more than once I was forced to take a cab home.

If you find yourself in a similar situation, make sure to have a map with you in case of any communication issues. You may even want to have one of the consigners at the hotel or timeshare rental where you are staying write down the location on a small card so that you may hand it to the taxi driver if need be. And do not forget to buckle up. Taxi drivers in Guangzhou have no fear. You will weave, dodge and speed through the crowded streets with little abandon. If you are brave enough (I wasn't) you can hitch a ride on one of the many scooter taxis where you'll ride tandem with an even more…enthusiastic driver.

I could go on for days about all the sights I saw and things I learned on my trip to China, but if you would like to experience Guangzhou for yourself, consider trading your vacation property for time in this bustling city. If you don't own, you can find excellent timeshares for rent in China for a fraction of what you might pay to stay in a hotel.

Contributor: Sheila