independent travel to British Isles
Jul 16th, 2006, 08:07 PM
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independent travel to British Isles
I'm trying to put together an itinerary of places to see in Ireland and Great Britain. I'm planning to go for the month of October to Scotland, Ireland, and Wales, and a few days in England. I want to do outdoor things but also hit places mentioned in medieval romance novels. I plan to use the trains and ferries. Has anyone rented a car in Scotland, Ireland, Wales? Is driving on the other side of the road hard to do? Has anyone heard of a tour for romance readers?
Jul 17th, 2006, 05:27 AM
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You can get detailed information on all of your questions by doing several searches on this site.
To answer one of the questions - we rented a car for 15 days in the U.K. last year and after the first day, driving was no problem at all. My biggest help was having friends from London stay with us the first weekend and explain the rules of the road. Although I read up on the rules prior to arriving in England (good advice for anyone renting a car in another country), having someone in the car with you saying things such as, "When in a roundabout, get in the outside lane if you are taking the 9:00 or 12:00 exit, or get in the inside lane if you are taking the 3:00 one," was extremely helpful.
To answer one of the questions - we rented a car for 15 days in the U.K. last year and after the first day, driving was no problem at all. My biggest help was having friends from London stay with us the first weekend and explain the rules of the road. Although I read up on the rules prior to arriving in England (good advice for anyone renting a car in another country), having someone in the car with you saying things such as, "When in a roundabout, get in the outside lane if you are taking the 9:00 or 12:00 exit, or get in the inside lane if you are taking the 3:00 one," was extremely helpful.
Jul 20th, 2006, 10:02 AM
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Even though they were a little scary the first time or so through, I believe that roundabouts are a super-efficient way of doing things, rather than traffic lights or four-way stops. The signs leading up to the roundabouts were very helpful, too.
Jul 20th, 2006, 10:09 AM
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SWBabe - I have the PERFECT solution for you. My company does EXACTLY this type of thing... we plan independent travel throughout the UK, often with themes, such as medieval romance novels or romance reader novels!! Because this is exactly what we do, I'd be more than happy to help you plan this itinerary for your upcoming trip in October. You can contact me directly at [email protected], or visit our website.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Anne Marie
AcrossThePondTours.com
I look forward to hearing from you!
Anne Marie
AcrossThePondTours.com
Jul 20th, 2006, 01:34 PM
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AnnaBanana: At least you've quit trying to masquerade as a satified customer of this company. The first couple of times you posted it was along the lines of "we took a tour w/ Across the Pond Tours and it was <i>just great!</i>."
Lately you are identifying yourself as an employee (the ONLY employee I suspect).
In either case . . . ADVERTSISING IS NOT ALLOWED ON FODORS . . . . . .
Lately you are identifying yourself as an employee (the ONLY employee I suspect).
In either case . . . ADVERTSISING IS NOT ALLOWED ON FODORS . . . . . .
Jul 20th, 2006, 03:35 PM
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swbabe, "Is driving on the other side of the road hard to do?"
I had my first 'other side' experience recently. I found that driving on the other side was the easy bit.
What I found needed plenty of care was turning/crossing traffic when leaving a minor road, where you have to remember that other traffic is on the 'other side' to what you're used to.
Don't drive when jet-lagged, even if you think you're OK. Don't make your first foray in a peak period.
I had my first 'other side' experience recently. I found that driving on the other side was the easy bit.
What I found needed plenty of care was turning/crossing traffic when leaving a minor road, where you have to remember that other traffic is on the 'other side' to what you're used to.
Don't drive when jet-lagged, even if you think you're OK. Don't make your first foray in a peak period.
Jul 20th, 2006, 05:59 PM
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Swbabe, actually driving on the other side of the road isn't difficult at all. There are a few things I would suggest to watch for in Ireland:
- You will see signs that say "No Verge". It means there is no shoulder - it may look like there is one, but it is a very sharp dropoff from the road and you can break an axle on it.
- The only time driving on the other side bothered me was if I didn't settle myself behind the wheel after having made a pit stop. I would pull off to the right and stay on the right side for a few seconds before my senses righted themselves. Just think before you put the car in drive.
- Watch out for tight streets in some towns. Plenty of people end up having their passenger side mirrors get taken off.
- Check with your credit card company if you plan to use it to rent. Some include insurance that allows you to waive the Collision and Damage on your rental, and that can save you money.
- Roundabouts are better than intersections to me. If you've driven in New England, you may already have experienced one.
Ireland is wonderful by car. Have fun!
- You will see signs that say "No Verge". It means there is no shoulder - it may look like there is one, but it is a very sharp dropoff from the road and you can break an axle on it.
- The only time driving on the other side bothered me was if I didn't settle myself behind the wheel after having made a pit stop. I would pull off to the right and stay on the right side for a few seconds before my senses righted themselves. Just think before you put the car in drive.
- Watch out for tight streets in some towns. Plenty of people end up having their passenger side mirrors get taken off.
- Check with your credit card company if you plan to use it to rent. Some include insurance that allows you to waive the Collision and Damage on your rental, and that can save you money.
- Roundabouts are better than intersections to me. If you've driven in New England, you may already have experienced one.
Ireland is wonderful by car. Have fun!
