I don't think Bob was at all rude. He was simply being honest.Ambiguous questions require a realistic response. If you can't cope with the comments and advice offered here, move on.

I hope Afoley decides to post again as she can and will receive valuable information.

All those responding were trying their best to be helpful.

She asked for advice and then wouldn't take it. Everything about the post was ambiguous. I don't think anyone was rude to her. I still don't know what she was asking for. Tell me some experiences?

Bob was not rude. He was honest. Anybody going to Europe and thinking it is just down the road is wasting their time, especially for a newbie.

I suggest the Lonely Planet guides to Britain, Ireland, and London. Study hard. Travel is not a high school class with multiple choice questions and a sliding grading scale. You have to work out a good plan if you are going to enjoy the trip.

I don't think Bob was rude at all. He told the truth. It seemed to me that Afoley wanted us to plan her trip. She needed to read a bunch first or at least do some searches here. She thought two weeks was an extended trip, so obviously she needs to do some researching.

Ditto suz12's sigh....

She is (was young) give her a break.

Some people treat this forum as if it was their own personal club and don't like it when somebody turns up acting a bit silly.

I also get short tempered here, but not with an honest polite teenager!

And Padraig, I'm surprised at you giveing the lecture about travelling alone! How many Irish go to the States every year on a j1...at 17 or 18 and stay for 3 or 4 months on their own.

Lawchick, don't provoke me into flouncing out! I did the J1 thing muself at 18, and both America and I survived the experience.

I expressed a concern that was based on how I interpreted Emily's introduction of herself. I didn't think it was a lecture. It wasn't intended that way. But now she's gone, and she'll never know...

OK Padraig, you've redeemed yourself. I'm just yankin' yer chain anyway.

Hi Emily,
Just a couple of things you and your mom may want to consider...

* Time of the year: as other people noted, July/Aug tends to be more expensive. It also can get quite hot, and air-conditioning is not a standard feature on public transportations. On the other hand, you're likely to have less pleasant weather and shorter daylight in winter months. (It will be dark by 4:30 in Dec/Jan). In my opinion, the best time to visit would be May/June--days are long, gardens are in full bloom (esp Rose Garden in Regent's Park), not too much summer holiday crowds, and the airfare/hotels are still reasonable.

* I'm not an expert on Scotland/Ireland, but you can easily spend one week in London. Also, don't forget you will "lose" a day when you arrive because of time difference. Most (though not all) transatlantic flights tend to be overnight flight.

* Again, hard to recommend without knowing which city you will be travelling from, but there are many airliners that fly into London.

* Your family may want to rent a car in Scotland. On the other hand, don't even think of driving in major cities like London, Edinburgh, or Dublin. All these cities are better explored using public transportations or on foot.

* There are budget airlines like Ryanair and Easyjet that connect London to Dublin and Edinburgh. In order to get cheap fares, you'll need to book well in advance and ideally avoid the weekends. Also they have strict check-in and luggage weight rules. On a minor point, there are five airports in London. Budget carriers tend to use Luton or Stansted, which do not make an easy connection from Heathrow or Gatwick where most transatlantic flights use.

* FYI, UK uses pounds (which is about $2 per pound), and Ireland uses Euro (about $1.35 per pound).

Good luck planning--let us know if you have more questions!