Ctrip plans to finalize the difficulty ratings of various themed adventures in May to enable travelers to choose activities suited to them, Zhang Yi says.

Many female travelers enjoy having professional photographers accompany them to snap shots of their travel experiences.

"They like getting portraits with various landscapes," Zhang Yi says.

Travelers who drive themselves can follow planned routes with traffic instructions, which is especially useful for those driving overseas, he says.

"This allows them a lot of freedom and security."

Shanghai resident Zhai Dehua especially enjoyed the themed tour he took in Iceland last May.

"I'd compared many products and found most offered typical sightseeing and driving routes," the 26-year-old says.

He enjoyed hiking on the Vatnajokull glacier, exploring a blue-ice cave and riding local horses on Black Beach.

"Experts offer trekking guidance, and explain how the glacier and beach were formed, and why the horses look like they do," Zhai says.

His 10-day trip cost a little more than 30,000 yuan.

He believes it was good value for money and plans to take more themed trips because he values the in-depth experiences.

"Themed tours aren't necessarily expensive," Zhang Yi says.

"Travelers don't have to opt for high-end hotels and facilities. We hope more people will experience themed travel to learn and experience more, enabling travel to play a greater role in life."

TOP TRIPS

? Travel with professional photographers

? Education

? In-depth photography

? Hiking

? Deluxe leisure

? Diving

? Weddings

? Meditation and health

? Cross-country driving and cycling