The long awaited trip report! LIVE so that you can comment along the way!
Jun 23rd, 2013, 08:18 AM
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The long awaited trip report! LIVE so that you can comment along the way!
So...the adventure has begun . . and yes it started with a HUGE DRAMA!!!!
WE MISSED OUR FLIGHT!!!!
Our complete oversight that when I had asked my agent to book a Friday night flight I didn't specify that it meant Friday evening and not very early of Friday morning.
So as I felt calm and collected and ready Friday morning and casually went to my travel agent to confirm my travel insurance and then chaos and stress began of how we were going to make this happen in the best possible way!
It worked out costly but far better then the original plan!
We flew Thai Airways . .they were amazing! Mind you so were my kids! As I thought . . they slept and did everything that they I hoped for plus more!
Our new flight had us leave late Saturday afternoon and we arrived here in London early Sunday morning (7am)
When we arrived . .we didn't use Pearl Assist ...it was so fine . . .we were lucky though...at the uk boarder control the cue was unbelievable (Sign predicted a 90min wait) but for some reason we were selected to fast track though. So we were taken out of the line and sent straight through.
Our hotel . .the Regancy sorted a private driver to met us on arrival and he was there as we walked out.
The Regancy has been great . .allowed us to check in early/straight away and can I say our room is fantastic. One room has a living area downstairs with a little fridge and upstairs has a big bed(could be split) and a big bathroom and another little sitting area and then there is a connecting room downstairs with two single beds and another bathroom.
So we have plenty of space
the location is walking distance to Hyde Park and I am sure a lot of other great places!
Today we just relaxed . . went to Hyde Park with my children being absolutely crazy over the squirrels! It was so funny and I think that will be something we will be doing everyday while here We then got an ice cream and had a play in a small playground and followed up with a light lunch at a tea room by the lake in Hyde Park.
From here we went to Harrods . . .How amazing is the Toy Kingdom! It was a bit overwhelming with just how much was there. I think I will plan some time kid free time and do a serious shop as I could see so many things but it wasn't fair on the kid after flying 22hrs!
SO our plan tonight is to go to our complimentary lounge to have a few pre dinner drinks and then just go to a local restaurant for tea.
I have given the kids a late afternoon sleep as it is 10:30pm in there home town and I figured I could use the time to sit down and plan these 5/6 days!
Tomorrow we have no real plans . . .Hyde park for a morning walk/ one of the Museums/ lunch at the Disney café in Harrods . I'll do a power shop while Mum watches the kids etc and then I'm not too sure?
I'll be on tomorrow to let you know how the day went! So far I have been so pleased with how it's gone!
WE MISSED OUR FLIGHT!!!!
Our complete oversight that when I had asked my agent to book a Friday night flight I didn't specify that it meant Friday evening and not very early of Friday morning.
So as I felt calm and collected and ready Friday morning and casually went to my travel agent to confirm my travel insurance and then chaos and stress began of how we were going to make this happen in the best possible way!
It worked out costly but far better then the original plan!
We flew Thai Airways . .they were amazing! Mind you so were my kids! As I thought . . they slept and did everything that they I hoped for plus more!
Our new flight had us leave late Saturday afternoon and we arrived here in London early Sunday morning (7am)
When we arrived . .we didn't use Pearl Assist ...it was so fine . . .we were lucky though...at the uk boarder control the cue was unbelievable (Sign predicted a 90min wait) but for some reason we were selected to fast track though. So we were taken out of the line and sent straight through.
Our hotel . .the Regancy sorted a private driver to met us on arrival and he was there as we walked out.
The Regancy has been great . .allowed us to check in early/straight away and can I say our room is fantastic. One room has a living area downstairs with a little fridge and upstairs has a big bed(could be split) and a big bathroom and another little sitting area and then there is a connecting room downstairs with two single beds and another bathroom.
So we have plenty of space
the location is walking distance to Hyde Park and I am sure a lot of other great places!
Today we just relaxed . . went to Hyde Park with my children being absolutely crazy over the squirrels! It was so funny and I think that will be something we will be doing everyday while here
We then got an ice cream and had a play in a small playground and followed up with a light lunch at a tea room by the lake in Hyde Park.From here we went to Harrods . . .How amazing is the Toy Kingdom! It was a bit overwhelming with just how much was there. I think I will plan some time kid free time and do a serious shop as I could see so many things but it wasn't fair on the kid after flying 22hrs!
SO our plan tonight is to go to our complimentary lounge to have a few pre dinner drinks and then just go to a local restaurant for tea.
I have given the kids a late afternoon sleep as it is 10:30pm in there home town and I figured I could use the time to sit down and plan these 5/6 days!
Tomorrow we have no real plans . . .Hyde park for a morning walk/ one of the Museums/ lunch at the Disney café in Harrods . I'll do a power shop while Mum watches the kids etc and then I'm not too sure?
I'll be on tomorrow to let you know how the day went! So far I have been so pleased with how it's gone!
Jun 23rd, 2013, 08:36 AM
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After all your planning and detailed checklist, you missed your flight?? You mean you didn't even know when your first flight would depart? You specified Friday night, and your travel agent bought Friday morning? This is confusing.
Jun 23rd, 2013, 08:54 AM
#5
"The Regancy has been great ..."
Is this the hotel at 100 Queen's Gate? We are staying there later this year, and no one has been able to give me any info on the hotel. Thanks and have a great trip.
Is this the hotel at 100 Queen's Gate? We are staying there later this year, and no one has been able to give me any info on the hotel. Thanks and have a great trip.
Jun 23rd, 2013, 09:11 AM
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I have to say that I am amazed at how casually all the extra costs that this trip has apparently taken on are being absorbed. Apartments become luxe hotels, and now this flight mess; helps to have an oh well attitude I suppose. And a credit card with a huge limit . You do realize that huge shopping trips at the beginning of a trip means carrying around extra baggage for the whole trip? Enjoy the journey.
. You do realize that huge shopping trips at the beginning of a trip means carrying around extra baggage for the whole trip? Enjoy the journey.
Jun 23rd, 2013, 09:17 AM
#9
Glad you arrived with all travelers and all bags. And I'm with socaltraveler, the time to shop is the last stop, not the first, unless you can afford to mail your purchases home.
This was exhibit A in why not to use a travel agent, but did you never look at your tickets??? How could you not know what time the flight left? That determines when you need to be at the airport!
This was exhibit A in why not to use a travel agent, but did you never look at your tickets??? How could you not know what time the flight left? That determines when you need to be at the airport!
Jun 23rd, 2013, 09:27 AM
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It's funny how children get excited by things you least expect; the squirrels in the park.
Remember that the nearby Natural History and Science Museums are free, so you can just wander around for an hour. There's an interactive area for under 5s at the Science Museum, which is great on a rainy day.
Remember that the nearby Natural History and Science Museums are free, so you can just wander around for an hour. There's an interactive area for under 5s at the Science Museum, which is great on a rainy day.
Jun 23rd, 2013, 09:34 AM
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I knew you would LOVE the dram at the start! I am not even going to go into as you can imagine what my panic attack was like on that Friday morning when it was discovered!
Yes the hotel is the one on Queens street and it's so far (12hrs) been great ..as I said to let us check in at 8am and to sort out a driver for us and their communication along the way has just been great!
London is our first stop and I didn't pack much! Instead I wrote a wish list on items to buy when found away.
I also packed no toys! Just some books and the ipads for the reason that I wanted to get the kids small toys on the way etc.
and
I can't believe I still have no believers that I am real! DO you really think there are people who would invest and waste so much time? In regards to the care free attitude towards money..I guess I am lucky . . .I see money as just that . .so while it hurts to lose it ..it could of been a worse situation like someones health etc ...Ok time for drinks!
Yes the hotel is the one on Queens street and it's so far (12hrs) been great ..as I said to let us check in at 8am and to sort out a driver for us and their communication along the way has just been great!
London is our first stop and I didn't pack much! Instead I wrote a wish list on items to buy when found away.
I also packed no toys! Just some books and the ipads for the reason that I wanted to get the kids small toys on the way etc.
and
I can't believe I still have no believers that I am real! DO you really think there are people who would invest and waste so much time? In regards to the care free attitude towards money..I guess I am lucky . . .I see money as just that . .so while it hurts to lose it ..it could of been a worse situation like someones health etc ...Ok time for drinks!
Jun 23rd, 2013, 09:42 AM
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>>>>>><i>Hope the London weather improves for your time here...</i>
It must be lovely, as Clair said they were in the park playing, eating ice cream and watching squirrels.
Have fun and keep us posted
It must be lovely, as Clair said they were in the park playing, eating ice cream and watching squirrels.
Have fun and keep us posted
Jun 23rd, 2013, 09:48 AM
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>>>>><b><i>I have to say that I am amazed at how casually all the extra costs that this trip has apparently taken on are being absorbed.
>>>>After all your planning and detailed checklist, you missed your flight?? You mean you didn't even know when your first flight would depart?</b></i>
I have a few wealthy friends that operate this way. They don't pay close attention to things, because they know that no matter what happens, they can throw money at the situation and it will all work out just fine. I don't agree with it, but I have seen it before. Some people have more money than brains..
>>>>After all your planning and detailed checklist, you missed your flight?? You mean you didn't even know when your first flight would depart?</b></i>
I have a few wealthy friends that operate this way. They don't pay close attention to things, because they know that no matter what happens, they can throw money at the situation and it will all work out just fine. I don't agree with it, but I have seen it before. Some people have more money than brains..
Jun 23rd, 2013, 09:52 AM
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Well, I'm glad to hear you arrived safely after a good night's flight, that your children behaved so well and you've all had a lovely day.
I hope the rest of your time in London goes to plan, and indeed the rest of your trip. I'm so looking forward to reading about it!
I hope the rest of your time in London goes to plan, and indeed the rest of your trip. I'm so looking forward to reading about it!
Jun 23rd, 2013, 09:58 AM
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Oh I believe you are real, but no, not loving the drama, just shaking my head. As for the money, guess it's nice that you can just shrug it off. Most people can't, and the hahaha attitude from the beginning has been a bit unsettling. Tho I guess it is sort of amusing that after all the sincere and intelligent FREE advice you got here for months, in the end you and the agent you probably paid are the screw-ups.
Sure, why bring toys for the kids when you can just buy whatever you want, wherever you are.
Sure, why bring toys for the kids when you can just buy whatever you want, wherever you are.
Jun 23rd, 2013, 10:30 AM
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Upscale department stores like Harrods will gladly ship your purchases back to the USA. More fun than lugging around. Another approach is mailing guidebooks and tourist stuff back as you go. Explaining this to a postal clerk who doesn't speak English is more fun than it sounds.
Jun 23rd, 2013, 10:31 AM
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Gosh, there are a lot of judgmental people out there.
I've missed a flight or two in my lifetime, unlike some of the perfect people commenting. Screw-ups happen, with or without travel agents. Just glad you were able to sort it out and make it to London. I hope you enjoy the rest of your trip.
I've missed a flight or two in my lifetime, unlike some of the perfect people commenting. Screw-ups happen, with or without travel agents. Just glad you were able to sort it out and make it to London. I hope you enjoy the rest of your trip.
