Beijing Games
So in the chill of December, you've asked your true love where he would like to go next summer and he looks up from the Sports section and says 'Beijing' The 2008 Olympics will open in Beijing China on August 8, 2008, and while individual tickets may be hard to find, Olympic tour packages are still available. With a credit card with a high limit and a calendar, you too can plan a trip of a lifetime. First, check the dates. The opening ceremony is August 8, 2008 at 8 p.m., and the closing ceremony is August 24. With over 300 events in 28 sports, it's essential to narrow down the one or two sports you are most interested in seeing. Flexibility is key as you plan. Next, get online. CoSport, an official sponsor of the United States Olympic team, offers a variety of Olympic tour packages for hotels and events. If you go to their website at cosport.net, you can browse the packages offered. CoSport offers accommodations packages for people who want hotel stay only, and hospitality packages, which include event tickets.
Now, let's say your true love likes the usual American standard sports; baseball and basketball. Team USA did not qualify to play in the 2004 Olympics, and now that baseball has been voted out of the Olympics after this year, this may be the last chance to see the U.S. play. Finals of both baseball and basketball are in the second week of the Games, so let's plan the dates around that. Several hotel options are currently available through CoSport. The Minzu Hotel offers several packages, but package 6, is a five-day, four-night combination that includes the final baseball game for the men's gold, semi final basketball (two games), plus table tennis, beach volleyball and the closing ceremonies. In addition to the hotel and event tickets, guests receive breakfast and one additional meal at the hotel daily, and ground transportation to events. The package also includes a hospitality pass to the CoSport Hospitality Center, which has large screen TVs with a live feed of the game, an internet cafe and refreshments. The package price for one person, not including airfare, is $7,531.50, based on double occupancy. If you're interested in a longer stay and more events, check out Presidential Plaza, Package A. With a seven-day, six-night stay at this luxurious hotel, this package includes finals of baseball and football (or soccer in the U.S.), two quarterfinal men's basketball games, beach volleyball, and water polo. In addition, you get a day of athletics, or track and field, including finals in men's 400 meter and women's 200 meter. This package goes for $13,895, based on double occupancy, or $20, 706 for a single occupant. Once you've got the hotel stay and tickets arranged, it's time to book your flight. Nonstop flights are available from Washington, D.C. to Beijing via United. Other flights have connections either domestically or in Canada or Asia. Check online with United, Continental, Northwest Airlines, and Air China for the best flights from your location, flying into Beijing (airport code: PEK).
