Since my appointment book is still empty for that weekend, it does seem like a very good time for us to go to Shanghai. ^

Just Wondering, is Veterans Day on Nov. 11 a bank holiday? My employer doesn't give me Columbus Day off, but does give me Veterans Day off.

Don't forget National Day is celebrated by the Chinese October 1-7 as a Golden week of vacation...the whole country is off...schools, etc. The hotels and trains are packed. I would guess that lack of availability and high prices would extend through the Columbus Day weekend.

+1 for Shanghai DO. I lived there from 2005-2008 and still have friends out there as well as very fond memories of the place. I try to make it back at least once a year

Good point on National Day. I should be free either in Oct or Nov, so put me down as interested.

Sounds like the Columbus Day idea might not be the best. Veterans Day, November 11th, is also a US Federal holiday. I know as far as US employers both Columbus Day and Veterans Day are iffy but they are definitely holidays for Government employees. Besides which in 2011, November 11th falls on a Friday which would work nicely and get us away from the Chinese National Days and still be in the cooler season. So let's see if

Veteran's Day Weekend, Friday thru Sunday, 11-13 November 2011

would work for folks?

That long weekend works for me.

Actually, I was just in Shanghai and while it seemed filled with visitors from opther parts of China (especially this year for Expo), the crowds visably thinned out by October 6-7. More importantly, the hotels oriented toward foreigners and business travellers were somewhat empty and the rates were surprisingly good. Assuming that one flies directly into Shangahi and does not attempt a domestic flight in China or train travel before October 7, it's easy with good availability at excellent fares. My DTW-PVG was less than half full in both coach and business. Availability NRT-PVG also was good during this period.

I am up for it, sounds like it could be a lot of fun and new things to see and do!

Been there many times and have some good friends there. Would love to join in; I think Veterans' Day would be better for me.

I've been thinking of taking a trip there next year, as it is on my 'to do' list. If the dates work out would be interested in attending anything that may eventuate.

Definitly count me in for Veteran's Day Weekend. If we can decide on anything at all, then maybe I can do some preliminary exploring on my visit to SH in Feb.

And also if this is going to be a joint DO of FlyerTalk and FlyerTea (have yet to check it out), then maybe I can meet up with TravellerOnline and/or whomever that will be in SH when I visit to discuss the details. Although I doubt any of the locals will have time to spare during CNY...

P.S: The Chicago DO was awesome, the guy next to me at one Seminar proposed to his GF of 20+ years in front of the entire audience. The place erupted in cheer when she said yes. It was a pretty touching moment. Apparently, this is not the first time someone proposed at a FT DO. Lol, guess I need to attend more of them.

Flyertalkers get engaged at the Chicago Seminar DO

Sounds interesting to me as well. The days should make it easy to meet the minimum stay requirement for many fares. Unfortunatley Veterans day is not a paid holiday for me Hopefully i'm not overextending myself for next year. Would be cool to go to three new continents in the same year (never flown international before)

Veterans Day weekend would work for me. I have work to do in
Beijing in late October/early November, so could easily come to
Shanghai for a DO weekend.

Shanghai is a business hub. During National Holiday (October 1-7), the business hotels in Shanghai actually offer discount packages because lack of business travelers. Even during the past October 1-7 when Expo is going strong, better hotels(which tend to be business hotels) are not that crowded.