First time visitors with 3 weeks of August '03 in U.K.

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Nov 14th, 2002, 02:30 PM

Dave

Guest

Posts: n/a

First time visitors with 3 weeks of August '03 in U.K.

My wife and I are planning a three week trip from Canada to the United Kingdom in August of 2003. I do not know where to begin. My basic itinerary is to fly to Aberdeen and make our way (by car/bus/train???) to London, then heading off to Paris (by ferry/plane???) before flying back home. Our budget will not be too extravagant or too low, a modest trip will do fine. What mode of transportation should we use upon our arrival (car/bus/train/ferry)(we will be carrying suitcases most of the time, but might have back-packs for day trips, etc.)? What should we see? Where should we stop (Loch Ness, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Liverpool?) with only 3 weeks of travel time? Where should we see a soccer (football) fixture? What is the schedule for the first 3 weeks of August? Will tickets be easy to come by? Is it possible to "wing-it" on this trip by just booking accommodations as we go along? Or is the U.K. travel / vacation season too high to get last minute bookings because everything is full? And would the cost be ridiculously higher? Any responses would be appreciated. Thanks

Nov 14th, 2002, 02:46 PM

Typhoon

Guest

Posts: n/a

Driving is ok - but personally I would arrange to p/u and drop off cars outside the main city but on the rail line. Driving in London or Paris not recommended. So, perhaps car between cities. Public transit within. Public transit is efficient & walking is the best way to see the cities & the people. Unless you travel loaded down with luggage - this makes public transit less pleasant. I would personally drive to Paris - you can pass by Vimy Ridge or Dieppe and both (or either) are something every Canadian should see. You will be moved. My parents found a small hotel in Dieppe (one of the oldest buildings if I recall) and they had a heartwarming visit. Personally, I found gas to be very pricey so public transport just worked better. Basically - I weigh the opportunity cost. I enjoy a few hours of scenery but not more than 4 - in this case I would take a train. However, I hate to spend a nice day on a train so if the ride is long 6+, I would be more inclined to take a very late, very early or overnight train. The more time I have at my destination is key to me. But train tickets over there. Reserve a car from here. The scenery can be spectacular (Lake District) but how much scenery you wnat to see must be balanced. A note about backbacks - easy target for pickpockets - so carry travel docs, money & credit cards, etc in money pouch. Sounds like an amazing trip. Typhoon

Nov 14th, 2002, 07:31 PM

Carolina

Guest

Posts: n/a

Hi, Train fares are expensive in the UK, but, unless you are travelling on a Sunday (when major work is done on the lines) are faster and more pleasant than the coaches (buses) which get snarled up in the heavy traffic Another idea to consider, have a look at the easyjet website as they sell cheap flights from Scotland to Luton (a short train ride north of London). They also have flights to / from Liverpool although I wouldn't reccommend Liverpool as a vacation destination. You can also fly with easyjet (or go, now part of easyjet) to Paris. Another low cost air company is Ryanair. Back to trains, if you know when you want to travel, try to book in advance as it is cheaper. Re. accomodation. August is likely to be busy, it's probably better to book at least some of your accomodation before you arrive. Where to stop? Edinburgh is certainly a pleasant place to stay. So are smaller towns, like Fort William, for example. Glasgow and Edinburgh are well connected by trains, it is easy to stay in one and visit the other. If you want further advice re. accomodation, send me an e mail / do another post with more details of how long you want to spend in Scotland / England/ Paris. Otherwise, Have a good trip Carolina

Nov 15th, 2002, 06:01 AM

dave

Guest

Posts: n/a

Forgot to mention our age (30), which usually determines a generalization for a typical or common itinerary. We just want to know whether it's worth seeing Loch Ness (regardless of the "monster&quot

Nov 15th, 2002, 06:17 AM

Fred

Guest

Posts: n/a

I can only speak for Paris. Take the Eurostar through the chunnel from downtown London right to downtown Paris. No car necessary, suggested, advised, or even to think about.For more Paris information go to www.anamericaninparis.com

Nov 15th, 2002, 07:37 AM

Carolina

Guest

Posts: n/a

Yes, it is worth seeing Loch Ness, the countryside around there is breath taking. Carolina

Nov 15th, 2002, 08:40 AM

xxx

Guest

Posts: n/a

Decide what YOU want to see, find where it is, put together some rough ideas and repost.

Nov 15th, 2002, 09:49 AM

Ann

Guest

Posts: n/a

If it's football you want, then Liverpool's the place to go. Ticket availability will depend on who they're playing. If it's Arsenal, Manchester United or Everton, you have little or no chance. But I've always been able to get tickets to other matches without a problem. The schedule won't come out until this summer. Check out www.liverpoolfc.tv. Your best bet is, once the fixture list is posted, call for a hospitality package. It's a little more expensive (but cheap compared to hockey or NBA games), and you'll get a good seat and entrance to a bar inside the stadium. Call about 4 weeks before the match.