The time to save

Chinese tourists watch a performance in Bali, a top destination for outbound Chinese. [Photo by Kuang Linhua/China Daily]

And perhaps in other ways.

The Shanghai resident opted to stay put during the Spring Festival early this month but headed for Thailand's Koh Samui with her friend for five days at the end of the weeklong national vacation.

She saved a considerable sum. And enjoyed other boons.

"Scenic spots are less crowded after the festival, and tourism services and experiences are better," she says.

It's worth noting Thailand is among the top three destinations for outbound Chinese. She paid 14,000 yuan ($2,150)－roughly half the holiday price.

Retirees, students and office workers are leading the post-holiday charge abroad, tourism experts say.

About 80 percent of Beijing-based Utour International Travel Service's products for late February to mid-March are booked.

"Most of our guests are white-collar workers who've decided to take their annual paid leave after the holiday to enjoy cheaper, cheerful trips," explains Utour's publicity manager, Li Mengran.