alexedan

Traveling to London Monday June 13 2917 with my 2 teenage boys 16 and 18 from Washington. D.C..their first Europe trip and weare staying at Hotel near Earls Court and will be in London from about noon on Tues until Fri early am then to Paris for 3 days and back to London by noon day before we fly home. It has been 20 years since I went there and still remember how hard it is for me the first day. We arrive tues and have booked the beating retreat for weds night. Fri at 4:30 depart for Parrish for 3 nights and return on Monday. Question is if you have to choose night to go to theater is it day of arrival (exhausted but you should stay up), night before 5 am Paris departure with full day in Paris planned, or on single day back in London with last night there and early am flight. Thoughts from any who are better at time changes?

janisj

Not arrival day for sure. Yes, you want to stay up to a normal hour, but NOT in a dark, probably stuffy theatre.

Either of your other choices would work for me -- London shows generally get out a little before ten to about a quarter past so you wouldn't be out terribly late.

••• But if it was me, I would rearrange things. I'd directly on to Paris on your arrival day and then return on an early morning train on Friday and have all your London nights together. Saves extra packing and unpacking and everything's just easier.

Unless you have booked nonrefundable accommodations it shouldn't be a problem changing.

mjs

As Janisj says unless you can change your flights to open jaw it back home from Paris for a reasonable sum so you do not have to waste time and money to return to London.

alexedan

Thank you both so much for your quick replies! I am so very sorry for the tragedy of today. Sending prayers for your country and all involved. To be honest, I truly haven't the energy to rebook all of these things...having prepaid hotels and breakfast at very good rates as well. I also am really looking forward to the Beating Retreat and have tickets purchased for the day after our flight. I did think of luggage, but as we are returning to the same hotel they will hold it and allow early recheck in. I plan to leave that packed for the return home and take a minimum to Paris. There is so much to do! Musts for us are the Tower of London and British Museum (and likely Tate Modern). Would also like to do Westminister Abbey. All 3 places advise that we should arrive first thing in the morning, but, for us, it is only possible to do 2 of these three first. I have a London Pass for the first 3 days with travel so that may speed entry so we will probably save the British Museum for our final day after returning Paris at noon. I will leave the first night open maybe for walking around Trafalgar/Buckingham Palace/Parliament and St James Park and maybe a proper tea. (Seven Park Place looks fun with games and all). Any other suggestions appreciated or restaurants for dinner pre-theater and thank you once again for your kindness.

janisj

You 'have' or 'will have' the London Pass? If it is 'will have' -- don't buy it. If you already have it -- well at least you will get some value from it.