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Companies who arrange independent travel ?

Companies who arrange independent travel ?

Old Sep 28th, 2022, 07:57 AM
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This post might be useful as well "Actually it is worth investigating multiple currency cash carrying cards. I use Revolut so that I can hold Sterling, pay for stuff in Euros and Swiss Francs. A small amount is required to move sums from one currency to the next and it allows you to pay for AirBnb E100 and ferry crossings E1 on the same system. In my case I link it up to Google cash but I assume Apple has something similar" You can get a contactless card as well as the Google cash.
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Old Sep 28th, 2022, 07:57 AM
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I personally would not worry (at all) about contactless payment. ESPECIALLY if it isn't something you use regularly at home. Everyone seems to be pushing it on people and it IS great if you are used to it. But there is no need to go outside your comfort level -- a regular Oystercard for buses and the Tube, and regular credit cards for day to day expenses is absolutely 100% fine. And even cash sometimes.

I personally prefer using an Oystercard even though I do use contactless at home occasionally. I just think using your credit card when moving through crowded stations/turnstiles is one more thing to worry about (plus having to use the same credit card every time to get the daily fare cap). I'd rather lose my Oyster than fumble with/lose a credit card.

So one less thing to worry about . . .


. . . In general Europeans use contactless more than most Americans so they just assume it is a 'regular thing' for everyone. IME in the States it is a bit a generational thing.

Last edited by janisj; Sep 28th, 2022 at 08:00 AM.
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Old Sep 28th, 2022, 12:52 PM
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Look at Untours.com.
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Old Sep 28th, 2022, 05:10 PM
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Susieiowa -
If you do decide to go the self-planning route, here's a suggestion - actually, two versions of the same concept:
A. If you are OK using basic spreadsheet like Excel, create a new book with multiple tabs labeled: Air, Lodging, Ground transport, Tours and Misc. On each tab enter the info for that topic. During planning you can list multiple options to compare (e.g., different airlines, schedules, prices, dates, different lodging options with info on location, amenities, cost) When you have made your choices delete all the other stuff, document things like flight schedules, confirmation numbers, addresses and phone numbers and you'll have all your info in one place. You can save it and email it to yourself and your companions so everyone has a copy. Suggest you also include a tab with info for all travelers in the group - full name, DOB, home address, phone #, next of kin/contact person, any allergies and medical conditions. (Each person should also bring a list of all their medications - prescription and over the counter - that they take, with dosage, schedule and reason for taking.) Good idea to print it out and take a hard copy with you as a backup.
B. If you are not computer comfortable, get a binder with several dividers and create a hard copy of the same information described above. You can keep notes on each item while planning, then discard all but your final info and take the binder with you. Suggest you make at least one copy that you give to a fellow traveler as backup.

You've got plenty of lead time to do some browsing/dreaming/planning, either of the above will help you stay organized. Happy planning!
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Old Sep 29th, 2022, 07:13 AM
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My new favorite London hotel is The Montague on the Gardens. It was a bit of a splurge for us but it was a very enjoyable place to stay. It is walking distance to the British Museum. The staff were very kind and friendly and I'm sure they would be very helpful. https://montaguehotel.com.
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Old Sep 29th, 2022, 06:55 PM
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Originally Posted by nyse
Susie + sisters: Your credit cards very well may be contactless; many cards are but the technology is more commonly used in Europe than in the U.S. (I believe.). Do they have the “wave” symbol?

Yes, my card does have that symbol and I have "tapped" with it. Now I know that I know what a contactless credit card is.
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Old Sep 29th, 2022, 07:04 PM
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I appreciate the encouragement janisj and your various replies. Also, I will compare the costs of Globus package with the costs of The Montague on the Gardens suggested by KT Travel. It looks like a very nice hotel and the location sounds great.

I have plenty more to dig into from your replies.

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Old Sep 30th, 2022, 08:25 AM
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SusieIowa, there are, of course, many hotels in London that you would likely enjoy that would be cheaper. You could do a search here or post a question asking about hotels and will find quite a few. We did, however, really like The Montague on the Gardens.
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Old Sep 30th, 2022, 08:31 AM
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Not sure which Globus package(s) you are considering (maybe post a link so we cab look it over) . . . but in general most Globus city tours include one or two 'visit' but mostly 'drive by/see' - which means exacty take -- drive by in the coach and see from the outside.

Also -- when looking at a package - it will be the cost X 3 whereas seldom will three people staying in the same hotel (whether in double or triple rooms) have to pay anywhere near three times the $$/££.
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Old Sep 30th, 2022, 09:23 AM
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I looked at Globus Independent Tours to London. It is only four days long.
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Old Sep 30th, 2022, 06:08 PM
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Another option is Costco travel - they offer some nice packages that often include airport transfers and some nice hotel perks.
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