Family European Vacation: Paris & London
Oct 30th, 2015, 10:54 AM
#41
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Vaut mieux lire cela que d'être aveugle.
Sometimes reading posts from some, I wonder if these people posting are real. A post like above is so outrageous that I can't imagine a normal person writing it. So it must be a fabrication for a purpose I don't get. An idea of fun ?
Sometimes reading posts from some, I wonder if these people posting are real. A post like above is so outrageous that I can't imagine a normal person writing it. So it must be a fabrication for a purpose I don't get. An idea of fun ?
Oct 30th, 2015, 11:34 AM
#42
>>In London the Premier Inns is a good chain..<<
Yes, in in the middle of summer you very likely can get 2 rooms w/i your budget
. . . I just checked Premier Inn Kensington (which is really in Earls Court) and two refundable rooms at the end of July/beginning of Aug total £1582/week so about $350 per night.
But you can save nearly £600 if you book pre-paid/non-refunfdable/non-changeable.
Yes, in in the middle of summer you very likely can get 2 rooms w/i your budget
. . . I just checked Premier Inn Kensington (which is really in Earls Court) and two refundable rooms at the end of July/beginning of Aug total £1582/week so about $350 per night.
But you can save nearly £600 if you book pre-paid/non-refunfdable/non-changeable.
Oct 30th, 2015, 01:11 PM
#43
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Too many monkeys making a molehill out of a simple question...
A lot of booking websites allow the client to change the currency - this is a good idea, if you aren't sure how much value you'll get for your home currency. It's hard to wrap your head around how much - or how little - you'll get for your travel dollar in Europe.
If you have luggage, you want to avoid the Metro, due to the narrow turnstyles, many sets of stairs and just the general pain of possibly getting lost, especially if the weather's bad. The city bus takes time to figure out and is very slow. A taxi for 3 passengers from Gare du Nord to your hotel would run about 25 EU, depending on traffic and the time of day. You'll pay an additional 3 EU for the 4th person, plus 1 EU per bag in the trunk - these amounts will be added to the metered fare.
Important note - there's a new system in Gare du Nord.
Follow the signs to the " -1 level " (basement), and look for the TAXI sign, where you'll find legitimate Parisian taxis waiting to drop off or pick up passengers. There is also a TAXI stand outside the station, but there are many scam artists pretending to be legitimate cab drivers, so be careful.
Remember that legitimate taxi drivers always remain in their cabs - don't be tempted to go with anyone who approaches you on foot, no matter how good the "deal" is. You won't be happy when it comes time to pay the driver.
When you're ready to go to the airport, you can book a taxi the night before with this dependable company (in English):
http://www.taxisg7.com/order-taxi/order-taxi-telephone
When pre-booking a taxi, there is normally an "approach fare", somewhere between 5 and 10 EU, which will be on the meter when you get in the taxi, and if you book during certain rush hours, there is a 5 EU reservation fee.
But if you aren't pressed for time, it's perfectly legal to flag a taxi in the street - just stand on a busy corner and look for the green light on top. There won't be any "approach fare", in this case. A red light means the taxi is occupied, and if there's no light, it might be a scam artist, so don't risk getting in.
You should allow at least 1 hour travel time to get to the airport, plus at least the minimum amount of advance check-in time recommended by your airline. The normal taxi fare to CDG would be approximately 65 EU for 4 passengers with luggage. Not all taxis accept credit cards, so have some euros handy.
I go to London a couple of times a year, and recommend that you try to choose your hotel based on the main area of town that interests you, if that applies. London is not as "walk-able" as Paris, and it takes much more time to get from Point A to B. I always take a regular taxi to my hotel, just get in line at the airport.
To save time and energy, you might buy a couple of good maps to help you get around while you're in town. In Paris, look for "Paris par Arrondissement - L'Indispensable" and in London, "London A-Z". Both are found in most bookstores or newsstands, cost about 7 USD or the equivalent.
A lot of booking websites allow the client to change the currency - this is a good idea, if you aren't sure how much value you'll get for your home currency. It's hard to wrap your head around how much - or how little - you'll get for your travel dollar in Europe.
If you have luggage, you want to avoid the Metro, due to the narrow turnstyles, many sets of stairs and just the general pain of possibly getting lost, especially if the weather's bad. The city bus takes time to figure out and is very slow. A taxi for 3 passengers from Gare du Nord to your hotel would run about 25 EU, depending on traffic and the time of day. You'll pay an additional 3 EU for the 4th person, plus 1 EU per bag in the trunk - these amounts will be added to the metered fare.
Important note - there's a new system in Gare du Nord.
Follow the signs to the " -1 level " (basement), and look for the TAXI sign, where you'll find legitimate Parisian taxis waiting to drop off or pick up passengers. There is also a TAXI stand outside the station, but there are many scam artists pretending to be legitimate cab drivers, so be careful.
Remember that legitimate taxi drivers always remain in their cabs - don't be tempted to go with anyone who approaches you on foot, no matter how good the "deal" is. You won't be happy when it comes time to pay the driver.
When you're ready to go to the airport, you can book a taxi the night before with this dependable company (in English):
http://www.taxisg7.com/order-taxi/order-taxi-telephone
When pre-booking a taxi, there is normally an "approach fare", somewhere between 5 and 10 EU, which will be on the meter when you get in the taxi, and if you book during certain rush hours, there is a 5 EU reservation fee.
But if you aren't pressed for time, it's perfectly legal to flag a taxi in the street - just stand on a busy corner and look for the green light on top. There won't be any "approach fare", in this case. A red light means the taxi is occupied, and if there's no light, it might be a scam artist, so don't risk getting in.
You should allow at least 1 hour travel time to get to the airport, plus at least the minimum amount of advance check-in time recommended by your airline. The normal taxi fare to CDG would be approximately 65 EU for 4 passengers with luggage. Not all taxis accept credit cards, so have some euros handy.
I go to London a couple of times a year, and recommend that you try to choose your hotel based on the main area of town that interests you, if that applies. London is not as "walk-able" as Paris, and it takes much more time to get from Point A to B. I always take a regular taxi to my hotel, just get in line at the airport.
To save time and energy, you might buy a couple of good maps to help you get around while you're in town. In Paris, look for "Paris par Arrondissement - L'Indispensable" and in London, "London A-Z". Both are found in most bookstores or newsstands, cost about 7 USD or the equivalent.
Oct 30th, 2015, 01:23 PM
#44
>>I always take a regular taxi to my hotel, just get in line at the airport.<<
If you mean in London that is a HUGE waste of money (no matter <i>which</i> currency you are talking about
)
If one doesn't want to use the Tube (understandable if one is carrying too much luggage or is staying somewhere not along the Piccadilly line) then a pre-booked car service will save at least £30 or £40 over using a taxi.
Like justairports.com which charges £30 or £35 from LHR for most central post codes where a typical cab fare can be £60+
••• But if you mean LGW -- neither a taxi nor a car service makes sense. Train to Victoria (or a few other stations) and taxi or cab from the final destination •••
If you mean in London that is a HUGE waste of money (no matter <i>which</i> currency you are talking about
)If one doesn't want to use the Tube (understandable if one is carrying too much luggage or is staying somewhere not along the Piccadilly line) then a pre-booked car service will save at least £30 or £40 over using a taxi.
Like justairports.com which charges £30 or £35 from LHR for most central post codes where a typical cab fare can be £60+
••• But if you mean LGW -- neither a taxi nor a car service makes sense. Train to Victoria (or a few other stations) and taxi or cab from the final destination •••
Oct 30th, 2015, 01:56 PM
#46
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Glad you're flying into London and out of Paris. That will avoid the stiff tax (APD) the UK charges on flights out of country.
Especially for a first-time visitor and especially for a group I recommend staying as centrally as possible. That gives you flexibility if one or all of you get tired and want to drop back to your room for a jet-lag nap. As has been said, London is a big place and so is its center. The most convenient location depends on what all you want to see. Be sure to stay near a tube station; buses can get stuck in traffic.
Here is info about 2-for-1 offers on admission to some sites in and near London: http://www.daysoutguide.co.uk/2for1-london. It will make quite a savings at places like the Tower of London and Hampton Court Palace. Museums are mostly free.
And I recommend the London Walks tours: www.walks.com. A wide variety of walks. No reservations necessary; just show up at the meeting point and pay the very reasonable fee.
Especially for a first-time visitor and especially for a group I recommend staying as centrally as possible. That gives you flexibility if one or all of you get tired and want to drop back to your room for a jet-lag nap. As has been said, London is a big place and so is its center. The most convenient location depends on what all you want to see. Be sure to stay near a tube station; buses can get stuck in traffic.
Here is info about 2-for-1 offers on admission to some sites in and near London: http://www.daysoutguide.co.uk/2for1-london. It will make quite a savings at places like the Tower of London and Hampton Court Palace. Museums are mostly free.
And I recommend the London Walks tours: www.walks.com. A wide variety of walks. No reservations necessary; just show up at the meeting point and pay the very reasonable fee.
Oct 31st, 2015, 12:46 AM
#47
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'A taxi will cost about £80, a car service about £40'
Might as well get used to using the local currency for your hotel, since you are paying in pounds for everything during your week there. Unless you're the kind of person who opts for paying in dollars while abroad....
Might as well get used to using the local currency for your hotel, since you are paying in pounds for everything during your week there. Unless you're the kind of person who opts for paying in dollars while abroad....
Oct 31st, 2015, 08:51 AM
#49
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In addition to the 2-for-1 vouchers, there used to be a deal where four people could travel for the price of two on trains. Useful if going to Bath or Oxford.
This was back in 2008 -- quite some time ago -- and I have been unable to find it...maybe a Fodorite has an update on it.
ssander
This was back in 2008 -- quite some time ago -- and I have been unable to find it...maybe a Fodorite has an update on it.
ssander
Nov 1st, 2015, 07:04 PM
#53
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Just chiming in about the value of space for kids. We did Paris, London and Yorkshire with our 13-year-old daughters a couple years ago and REALLY appreciated making sure they had their own space. We rented an apartment south of London, where they had their own room. In Paris we opted for a 2-star hotel instead of 3-star so that we could get a bigger room (they had actually knocked out dividing walls to create extra-large rooms, and a bonus -- two restrooms!). In Yorkshire, the B&B we stayed at arranged for one room for the two of us, and a nearby room for the two girls.
Traveling can be a "challenging" time with teens, especially teenage girls. I'd opt for extra space every chance you get. You will appreciate it.
Traveling can be a "challenging" time with teens, especially teenage girls. I'd opt for extra space every chance you get. You will appreciate it.
Nov 1st, 2015, 10:16 PM
#54
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It's also a good idea to let your children have a little freedom outside of your hotel.
Contrary to many other large cities, Paris and London are quite safe. With a little preparation, you could put your child in charge of going to the corner patisserie and bringing back breakfast or desserts. Going to a nearby cafe alone is also a good idea, especially if your child wants to feel "grown up" - waiters keep a close eye on children.
Contrary to many other large cities, Paris and London are quite safe. With a little preparation, you could put your child in charge of going to the corner patisserie and bringing back breakfast or desserts. Going to a nearby cafe alone is also a good idea, especially if your child wants to feel "grown up" - waiters keep a close eye on children.
Nov 2nd, 2015, 08:26 AM
#56
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Agree with the additional space and giving them independence. In London they can definitely split up from parents for a while as no language concerns. We'll see about Paris, but my son in particular , is an independent traveler so I expect they will do some solo walks without mom and dad. I encourage exploring !
Nov 2nd, 2015, 09:06 AM
#57
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Erp.. your children really will be fine on their own. My own 19 yr old is doing Europe alone with her friend next April-May.. they are both 19 and speak no other languages.
At 13 while visiting paris for his first time.. I would give my son money to go by his needed Mcdonalds fix while I rested in hotel room in evenings.. and once when I took my 11 yr old daughter I had to send her out to get her own lunch as I was too ill to leave room.. ( there was a place down the street).. it was a bit scary.. but honestly that's our typical mommy fear.. its not that realistic. Look around.. you will see French children walking around all by themselves at 15.. ( and 14 and 13 and 12 etc) .. The language is simply not an issue. Just make sure each child carries a hotel card with address on it.. and write down the nearest metro stop on the card too.. even if someone does not recognize the address, most folks can show you how to get to the nearest metro station and from there kids would likely easily find way back to hotel as there are metro stations close to everywhere!
At 13 while visiting paris for his first time.. I would give my son money to go by his needed Mcdonalds fix while I rested in hotel room in evenings.. and once when I took my 11 yr old daughter I had to send her out to get her own lunch as I was too ill to leave room.. ( there was a place down the street).. it was a bit scary.. but honestly that's our typical mommy fear.. its not that realistic. Look around.. you will see French children walking around all by themselves at 15.. ( and 14 and 13 and 12 etc) .. The language is simply not an issue. Just make sure each child carries a hotel card with address on it.. and write down the nearest metro stop on the card too.. even if someone does not recognize the address, most folks can show you how to get to the nearest metro station and from there kids would likely easily find way back to hotel as there are metro stations close to everywhere!
