ffomme

Yes that said 2016 , it is not that far away is it? Well I am looking on taking my wife to the UK in 2016. I was looking at the 1st quarter time frame. Why, well off season, ie. cheaper flights, better hotel rates, less people, easier to get time off work.

My current plan looks as follows. Orlando, Florida to Chicago O'Hare to London Heathrow. 3-4 night in London, looking for bigger American style hotel. From there up to York for a night or two by train (don't trust myself driving). From there to Edinburgh for a night to two, then back to London for a possible night then back to Chicago then back to Florida where we live.

Ok let me try to pre-answer some questions. Leaving from Chicago to London vs Orlando, Lower rates from chicago, more airlines, more options. More direct flights. Why the cities, Why not? I always wanted to go to Scotland. Yes we are aware it may be cold and wet. We lived in Chicago for 30+ years, cold and wet does not bother us.

This is her first overseas trip, so nothing to over the top. Anything I should add to remove? In York and Scotland I am thinking of smaller B&B type hotels. Any suggestions? Will they be closed for the season? I am thinking I can go less expensive on the hotels, and have more spending money. Possible a serviced flat in london?

Thanks for the feedback!

bilboburgler

Closed for the season? No, nearly everything will be open, but the daylight hours will be reduced in January.
Flat, good value, good idea. A lot of Fodorites have been staying around St Kathrine's Dock in flats recently and they seem good.

sofarsogood

On a trip like this, rather than flying into and out of London, it's more efficient (time wise) to fly into London and out of Edinburgh (or vice versa).

Play around with the multi-city option on kayak.com to see possible flights.

dotheboyshall

Check out options for flying Delta who have agreements with KLM & Air France

BigRuss

Virgin flies Orlando to Glasgow, doesn't it? Glasgow to Edinburgh is like Orlando to Tampa. Thus, your return could be direct, which would suck far less than going all the way to Chicago and then doing a partial course-reversal to get to Disneyville.

And four nights in London is nothing. You'll figure that out quickly enough. It's nearly three times the size of Chicago.

nytraveler

How many total days will yuo actually have on the ground (not cuonting the day you arrive - jet lagged and dark by 4 pm) or the day you leave.

IMHO LOndon for a first visit needs at least 5 days (6 nights) to see much of anything - esp when the days are shorter (dark at 4 pm is a whole lot different than dark at 10 pm).

ffomme

We are going to Chicago from Orlando because a family member works for United and can get us a better rate from there the here. This would be my fourth trip to London, and I agree with everybody that states that we should have a longer trip. This is DW first time out of the country, and we have a tight time frame and tight budget. Work for Disney, so they are tight with time off. I like the idea of a multi city option, I had never thought about that. I will look into it along with the area mentioned to stay.

janisj

>>Flat, good value, good idea. A lot of Fodorites have been staying around St Kathrine's Dock in flats recently and they seem good.<<

Unfortunaltely, most flats in the Marina complex have a 7 night minimum. However some may rent for a shorter time if it fits between other week-long bookings.

W/ such a short visit, I'd definitely do open jaw into London and home from Scotland or vice versa. The later in the first quarter the better mainly to give you longer days. Also don't expect hotels prices to be lower - there is really no off season in major cities.

Just to give you more flight options, you could also consider flying In to MAN - train to York, train to Edinburgh, train to London - fly home (or again -- vice versa)