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Solo trip to Spain ..then on to London on own???

Solo trip to Spain ..then on to London on own???

Old Jul 7th, 2017, 04:51 PM
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Solo trip to Spain ..then on to London on own???

Flying from US to Spain with Road Scholar group
After program over, would like to go to London (along as in Europe and perhaps never get there again...)
Main interest is Art (been to Paris)..
Road Scholar will book my flight to Spain and from past experience this works well.
However, if I go to London on my own...I will book my flight home...Seattle....
I have traveled a lot but usually with groups...If this were a solo trip inside USA trip I would be fine
Is this the type of things travel agents would handle?? In past , when i used agent, they did the whole thing. You know air, hotels, transfers etc.
Maybe , I should just find travel agent and ..ask questions...just want some opinions about this situation.
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Old Jul 7th, 2017, 05:57 PM
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Check first with RD or whomever you booked them with, as many times tourops are flexible enough to do something like your entire SEA-MAD-LON-SEA itinerary. And they may have very attractive bulk fares which would save you a lot.
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Old Jul 7th, 2017, 06:03 PM
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I see no reason to use a TA for this simple itinerary. You will fly from Spain to London using one of several budget and legacy carriers - depending on where in Spain you will be.

And for London to Seattle you have lots of non-stop options including Virgin, BA, AA and Delta.

Booking hotels in London is super easy whether via sites like booking.com or the hotels' own websites.

Depending on which airport you land in London (there are five) transport into the city is easy - Which mode is best depends on the airport and where you are staying. No need for a TA to arrange anything. Most likely you would fly home via Heathrow.

So give us a bit more detail -- where are you flying from in Spain -- and we can point you to the airline options.
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Old Jul 7th, 2017, 06:04 PM
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was posting at the same time as NOFlyZone -- and yes, do check first w/ Roads Scholar to see if they can book the whole open jaw itinerary for you.
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Old Jul 8th, 2017, 04:14 PM
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One-way fares across the Atlantic can be as much as round trip. Using a multi-destination search function (also called open-jaws by industry insiders) you can do US-Spain then London-home for about same cost as a simple round trip. No need to pay Road Scholar to do it for you. (I'm offended by that name, trivializing the venerable Rhodes scholarships for truly exceptional university students.)
For budget one-ways in Europe, www.skyscanner.com
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Old Jul 8th, 2017, 09:14 PM
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Just back from solo to UK on my own (went to London, Lake District, flew Manchester to Venice, then back to London).

Some recs:

1. I'm really comfortable booking airfare and hotels but if you want a travel agent to do it, the one I used in the past charged $100 to book a ticket; that was ok but so easy to do on one's own. I like the idea of getting RS to book if possible.

2. I use Kayak.com and Google Flights the most but there are others, one posted above.

3. I almost always use miles and get Business tix but this trip I got a good deal on Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy and it was fine, especially coming back when I didn't need to try to sleep I used EasyJet for Manchester to Venice and British Airways for Venice to London. Depending on where you end up in Spain budget carriers (Easy Jet, etc.) can get you to London easily. Do be aware that the budget lines are tight on carry on and charge for checked bags etc.

4. Both Heathrow and Gatwick airports have a speedy train called Heathrow Express and Gatwick Express. Work great. I took the first in from LHR to Paddington station, then had a short taxi ride to hotel. Took the Gatwick Express in when returning from Venice (arrived at Victoria I think) and again a short taxi ride to lodging. Took the Tube to get around London (Uber once.)

5. British Museum, Victoria and Albert, Tate Modern, Wallace Collection...so many options in London! Heaven! At the V&A last week they had a Pink Floyd exhibit and a pianist was playing some of the music in the cafe!

Have a wonderful time! Be brave!!
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Old Jul 11th, 2017, 06:47 AM
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Note that the airport "Express" trains are the most expensive way to reach London. There are cheaper trains from Gatwick, and cheaper trains or the tube from Heathrow. Ask on the Europe board for more info.
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Old Jul 15th, 2017, 07:03 PM
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These trains are also simple, direct, and well marked for someone unused to negotiating European travel.
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