Need advice to plan a trip for graduation gift
Feb 1st, 2016, 02:11 PM
#21
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Sorry I forgot to answer about the budget.
A cruise is anywhere from $3500-$5500 for 2.
That doesn't include any day trips and excursions.
It doesn't include gratuities for the cabin steward etc.
It doesn't include airfare to Europe.
It doesn't include food and drinks needed say for lunch or snacks when we're off the ship.
It doesn't include soft drinks or alcoholic drinks though I don't drink anything stronger than Diet Coke.
It doesn't include the hotel the night before and/or adding days on before and after the cruise since we would want to extend a few days in London if cruising from South Hampton.
Or adding on days if cruising from France or Italy.
A cruise is anywhere from $3500-$5500 for 2.
That doesn't include any day trips and excursions.
It doesn't include gratuities for the cabin steward etc.
It doesn't include airfare to Europe.
It doesn't include food and drinks needed say for lunch or snacks when we're off the ship.
It doesn't include soft drinks or alcoholic drinks though I don't drink anything stronger than Diet Coke.
It doesn't include the hotel the night before and/or adding days on before and after the cruise since we would want to extend a few days in London if cruising from South Hampton.
Or adding on days if cruising from France or Italy.
Feb 1st, 2016, 02:24 PM
#22
>>How long is adequate for Lodon 4 days? <<
It is adequate IF you can't do longer. But there will be jet lag to deal with which will affect the first day or two (at least).
IMO/IME five nights (4 days) would be about minimum - and even then you'd only be able to manage a small % of the biggest sites (Tower of London, British Museum, Westminster Abbey, maybe St Paul's, one of the big galleries/art museums (V&A, National the Tates, etc), Cabinet War Rooms, Imperial War Museum -- that would be about it.
There wouldn't be time for Hampton Court Palace, Windsor, Greenwich, other museums/galleries. Nor for a day trip to Oxford, or Stonehenge, or Bath, or Dover or elsewhere.
W/ just two weeks - I'd do a week in London and a week in Paris, or a week in London and a week for 2 or 3 days in Edinburgh and maybe 3 or 4 days in one or two small parts of rural Scotland.
It is adequate IF you can't do longer. But there will be jet lag to deal with which will affect the first day or two (at least).
IMO/IME five nights (4 days) would be about minimum - and even then you'd only be able to manage a small % of the biggest sites (Tower of London, British Museum, Westminster Abbey, maybe St Paul's, one of the big galleries/art museums (V&A, National the Tates, etc), Cabinet War Rooms, Imperial War Museum -- that would be about it.
There wouldn't be time for Hampton Court Palace, Windsor, Greenwich, other museums/galleries. Nor for a day trip to Oxford, or Stonehenge, or Bath, or Dover or elsewhere.
W/ just two weeks - I'd do a week in London and a week in Paris, or a week in London and a week for 2 or 3 days in Edinburgh and maybe 3 or 4 days in one or two small parts of rural Scotland.
Feb 1st, 2016, 03:52 PM
#23
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Have you investigated MSC Cruises? They are fantastic value - I have done a few out of Venice and may come in cheaper than your Carnival Line.
http://www.msccruises.com/en-gl/Homepage.aspx
http://www.msccruises.com/en-gl/Homepage.aspx
Feb 1st, 2016, 04:05 PM
#24
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I would suggest Edinburgh at Fringe time - your son will absolutely love all the shows, theatre, comedy etc. Hotels are more expensive at this time of year but it sounds like your budget might run to it if you were looking at cruise options anyway. If not try something like Snoozebox (pop up hotels - click on my ID for a trip report with more info on Fringe and budget hotel stuff).
Then head down to London for a few days (you can do this by train, takes 4.5hrs)
Then head on to either Paris or Barcelona for your last few days to finish. You can use Eurostar to Paris, probably best to fly onto Barca though if you take that option instead.
Then head down to London for a few days (you can do this by train, takes 4.5hrs)
Then head on to either Paris or Barcelona for your last few days to finish. You can use Eurostar to Paris, probably best to fly onto Barca though if you take that option instead.
Feb 1st, 2016, 04:59 PM
#25
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He should be reading the Let's Go Guide which is aimed at student and will help him ID specific activities and pubs/clubs that students hang out. He should also look at the Thorn Tree section of the Lonely Planet web site fr similar.
When we took DDs - 11 and 14 - to London and Paris for the first time they were very involved in selecting sights, restaurants and places they wanted to visit while DH and I visited galleries.
And after you both spend a little time I would sit down and vote on which places you most want to see.
When we took DDs - 11 and 14 - to London and Paris for the first time they were very involved in selecting sights, restaurants and places they wanted to visit while DH and I visited galleries.
And after you both spend a little time I would sit down and vote on which places you most want to see.
Feb 1st, 2016, 06:42 PM
#26
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I'm biased because I love London (and our last trip was three weeks in London last October), but I'd say a minimum of five days, none of them jet-lagged or involving travel, to get even a taste of London.
I think you could split your time between London and Edinburgh, with day trips, and have a great trip. I'd leave Ireland for a separate trip. Or I'd do London and Paris, for a different sort of trip.
I would take the train between Edinburgh and London.
I agree the Let's Go guides are aimed at his demographic. Also have a look at the DK Eyewitness guide books.
As you say your son likes history, may I recommend Simon Schama's History of Britain BBC documentary series? I always brush up on the history and background of the country/city I'm visiting.
For history and castles, in and near London I recommend:
The Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Windsor Castle, the V&A, the National Portrait Gallery, the British Museum, the Treasures room at the British Library, Westminster Abbey and St Paul's. Oh, and the Museum of London, for London's history. If an interest in military and WWII history, add the Churchill War Rooms and the Imperial War Museum. For day trips, Dover Castle (for the WWII angle) or Cambridge, Oxford, Bath, or a lot of other places.
Scotland is also a good choice for castles and history, from a different point of view! Maybe several days in Edinburgh and then a few in the countryside?
Congratulations to your son on his college acceptance and the scholarships.
I think you could split your time between London and Edinburgh, with day trips, and have a great trip. I'd leave Ireland for a separate trip. Or I'd do London and Paris, for a different sort of trip.
I would take the train between Edinburgh and London.
I agree the Let's Go guides are aimed at his demographic. Also have a look at the DK Eyewitness guide books.
As you say your son likes history, may I recommend Simon Schama's History of Britain BBC documentary series? I always brush up on the history and background of the country/city I'm visiting.
For history and castles, in and near London I recommend:
The Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Windsor Castle, the V&A, the National Portrait Gallery, the British Museum, the Treasures room at the British Library, Westminster Abbey and St Paul's. Oh, and the Museum of London, for London's history. If an interest in military and WWII history, add the Churchill War Rooms and the Imperial War Museum. For day trips, Dover Castle (for the WWII angle) or Cambridge, Oxford, Bath, or a lot of other places.
Scotland is also a good choice for castles and history, from a different point of view! Maybe several days in Edinburgh and then a few in the countryside?
Congratulations to your son on his college acceptance and the scholarships.
Feb 1st, 2016, 11:57 PM
#27
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chancecadecam3,
thanks for taking the trouble for bringing me up to speed on cruse costs. Even given all the exclusions, it would be hard to get much lower than those costs for nearly 2 weeks in the UK+ another destination. So it's really more a question of content, I think, what grabs his fancy.
I agree that an overland adventure, mainly by train, that included scenery, history sites and social life of the UK+? would be a rewarding adventure, and its great he's involved in comparing and contrasting the options with a cruise. Happy travels whatever you choose!
thanks for taking the trouble for bringing me up to speed on cruse costs. Even given all the exclusions, it would be hard to get much lower than those costs for nearly 2 weeks in the UK+ another destination. So it's really more a question of content, I think, what grabs his fancy.
I agree that an overland adventure, mainly by train, that included scenery, history sites and social life of the UK+? would be a rewarding adventure, and its great he's involved in comparing and contrasting the options with a cruise. Happy travels whatever you choose!
Feb 2nd, 2016, 01:07 AM
#28
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"I hate to miss the tattoo festival (lol) just teasing married to a 23 year returned Marine who somehow doesn't have one tattoo. But we don't need to give me teenager any ideas"
Has anyone got any foolproof methods of drying out a PC keyboard, I've just sprayed tea all over mine.
Has anyone got any foolproof methods of drying out a PC keyboard, I've just sprayed tea all over mine.
Feb 2nd, 2016, 02:58 AM
#29
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For Scotland, you might consider staying in Glasgow for a few nights instead of Edinburgh, especially if you're there during the festival, when the city will be crowded beyond belief, making normal sightseeing difficult. Glasgow is much less touristy, and, in my opinion has a younger and more vibrant atmosphere. It's very easy to take a day trip to Edinburgh from Glasgow.
There are trains, supposedly very scenic, that will get you pretty quickly to Oban, where you can get a ferry to Mull. I researched the trains, but we ended up renting a car instead, so I can't speak with authority about the scenic train ride. The island of Iona, off Mull, by another short ferry ride, was the most enchanting place we saw in Scotland, and one of the most enchanting I've seen in my life. There is an ancient (8th century?) abbey, and on the wall there was a plaque with a quotation from one of the early monks, "There's no place better on the earth to live or die than Iona." I saw his point.
The Falkirk Wheel is fascinating, and in a nice spot. We didn't take the ride, feeling it was more interesting to watch than to experience.
We also liked the little village of Tarbet, on Loch Lomond. It's much less well known, with almost no tourists, than some towns on the lower part of the loch. Just a nice park, a great view, a little roadside restaurant with very friendly people (owners and guests), and lots of peace and quiet. There were tours of the loch departing from Tarbet, but we didn't take one. There is also a Tarbert, so you have to be sure you're heading to the right one. Our car rental agent offered to program the GPS, and, even though I told her "Tarbet on Loch Lomond", she entered "Tarbert" and sent us off in the wrong direction. Fortunately I realized that we couldn't be going the right way before we got too far.
There are trains, supposedly very scenic, that will get you pretty quickly to Oban, where you can get a ferry to Mull. I researched the trains, but we ended up renting a car instead, so I can't speak with authority about the scenic train ride. The island of Iona, off Mull, by another short ferry ride, was the most enchanting place we saw in Scotland, and one of the most enchanting I've seen in my life. There is an ancient (8th century?) abbey, and on the wall there was a plaque with a quotation from one of the early monks, "There's no place better on the earth to live or die than Iona." I saw his point.
The Falkirk Wheel is fascinating, and in a nice spot. We didn't take the ride, feeling it was more interesting to watch than to experience.
We also liked the little village of Tarbet, on Loch Lomond. It's much less well known, with almost no tourists, than some towns on the lower part of the loch. Just a nice park, a great view, a little roadside restaurant with very friendly people (owners and guests), and lots of peace and quiet. There were tours of the loch departing from Tarbet, but we didn't take one. There is also a Tarbert, so you have to be sure you're heading to the right one. Our car rental agent offered to program the GPS, and, even though I told her "Tarbet on Loch Lomond", she entered "Tarbert" and sent us off in the wrong direction. Fortunately I realized that we couldn't be going the right way before we got too far.
Feb 2nd, 2016, 10:59 AM
#30
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First off you folks are really awesome to take the time to help and reply. I have spent a lot of time reading. I have a pretty decent understanding of what to see and where it is. Rudimentary at least but I have started my "notebook" with notes, maps, information (lol)!
We can stretch our trip from 14 days to 18 easily.
Regarding so called day trips to areas surrounding London such as Windsor, Stonehenge or the Blenheim Palace. I have seen recommendations to use a travel company and pay around $80-$150 and take a full day trip and see a combo of sights.
What are your thoughts and experience with this.
I have told my son we need to sit down and decide on two countries and that we can't do three this time around. And I will pass on the information about the festival to him which may help him decide.
Also regarding hotel locations in London. I have read the west in is the most expensive. But what area is centrally located with nice and safe hotels. I would like to stay at $200 per night or less if possible. I read the Bloomsbury and County Hall areas are nice and centrally located. Are there other areas?
We can stretch our trip from 14 days to 18 easily.
Regarding so called day trips to areas surrounding London such as Windsor, Stonehenge or the Blenheim Palace. I have seen recommendations to use a travel company and pay around $80-$150 and take a full day trip and see a combo of sights.
What are your thoughts and experience with this.
I have told my son we need to sit down and decide on two countries and that we can't do three this time around. And I will pass on the information about the festival to him which may help him decide.
Also regarding hotel locations in London. I have read the west in is the most expensive. But what area is centrally located with nice and safe hotels. I would like to stay at $200 per night or less if possible. I read the Bloomsbury and County Hall areas are nice and centrally located. Are there other areas?
Feb 2nd, 2016, 11:37 AM
#31
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I just saw this post. I am involved in planning a graduation trip for our youngest child - we're starting and Barcelona and ending in Paris; that was her choice.
My oldest, 20yo son, goes to school at University of Edinburgh, and loves the city.
If I was your son, though, I would probably prefer to take the special trip in June-July, so that last month before college can be spent at home, getting ready to leave for school. He can always take another trip to Scotland for the Fringe Festival. But it's his choice, of course.
In London, we really like Bloomsbury; it's centrally located for what we like to do. There are a bunch of small inns in the area. We've stayed at the Grange Beauchamp Hotel several times, at 24 Bedford Place. Not quite as much character, but they have good pricing for 3-person rooms, which is what we have needed. The price may work for you, or the smaller inns.
The two of you can use Rick Steves' videos to see the places you're talking about going, to help narrow down your understandably-long list of places to go and see.
Re lots of things to do at night on a cruise, what types of things is your son referring to? (I've never been on a cruise, so I don't know.) London, especially, has great plays at relatively-reasonable prices. And if he's 18, you will enjoy visiting the pubs together. (If you go to Edinburgh, my son's favorite is Usher's, which is not a rowdy student pub, but more for the grad school types. He took us there, and we like it too.)
My oldest, 20yo son, goes to school at University of Edinburgh, and loves the city.
If I was your son, though, I would probably prefer to take the special trip in June-July, so that last month before college can be spent at home, getting ready to leave for school. He can always take another trip to Scotland for the Fringe Festival. But it's his choice, of course.
In London, we really like Bloomsbury; it's centrally located for what we like to do. There are a bunch of small inns in the area. We've stayed at the Grange Beauchamp Hotel several times, at 24 Bedford Place. Not quite as much character, but they have good pricing for 3-person rooms, which is what we have needed. The price may work for you, or the smaller inns.
The two of you can use Rick Steves' videos to see the places you're talking about going, to help narrow down your understandably-long list of places to go and see.
Re lots of things to do at night on a cruise, what types of things is your son referring to? (I've never been on a cruise, so I don't know.) London, especially, has great plays at relatively-reasonable prices. And if he's 18, you will enjoy visiting the pubs together. (If you go to Edinburgh, my son's favorite is Usher's, which is not a rowdy student pub, but more for the grad school types. He took us there, and we like it too.)
Feb 14th, 2016, 09:10 AM
#32
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I need more help please and must move forward with this trip or give it up. As a refresher this is a Highschool graduation trip for our eldest son. And I have sacrificed myself (lol) by volunteering to take him when his friends parents backed out of the boys backpacking through Europe this summer do to security concerns.
I have basic figures but am trying to come up with a budget so that my husband will sign off on this trip.
We are flexible with the numbers of days we will be gone and the timeframe. We had thought we would be gone around 2 weeks.
We are flexible and can leave as soon as June 16 but would prefer not to travel at the end of July so we can prepare for college. My son graduates from Highschool on June 10th. Wimbledon is June 27-July 10th. I am not 100% sure how this will effect airfare, hotel and general crowds. Any feedback on the financial and number of tourist due to Wimbledon would be appreciated.) Coldplay is at Wembley June 18, 19 and that isn't a deal breaker lol)! We were estimating a 2 week trip of around 14 days but I that number can go up or down.
Airfare from Raleigh Durham is around $1150-$1500.00 to LHR or LGW. We can take the train from the airport to our hotel.
International Luggage fees- vary on the carrier.
London is a must. Areas around London would be nice to visit. I believe my son has chosen Scotland over Paris. Based on your advice we are trying to limit the trip to 2 areas/countries. I took your advice and asked him to review the possible sights and he was fine seeing London, visiting an ancient caste or three......really he and I have similar taste and told me to choose.
We can stay in London for 5 days, possibly more if we schedule day trips out of London. We can take the tube while in London. I still am trying to understand the Oyster card and zones so we can use the tube. Once again any input, information and advice welcome.
We can buy a "2 country" railway pass for unlimited travel but that may be overkill? Or we can purchase the rail fares as needed? I have also priced flying from London to Edinburgh which is very very affordable but then we have to deal with everything air travel deals with. I am having a hard time pricing the unlimited rail passes (I am over 26 and my son will be 18) as the fares and dates are not posted yet. So I really need advice about this and a figures for my budget.
Hotels 3 star to 4 star. London hotels in this price range seem to be from $100-$300. So I'm guesstimating saying $160 per night? My research showed the West part of London is the most expensive but Bloomsbury, County Hall and Victoria are good locations near public transportation. Again open to any and all suggestions and advice.
The plan is FLEXIBLE. A possibility is to stay in London for at least 5-6 days with possible day trips to surrounding areas.
You all said not to purchase the London Ticket Pass. It's tricky to budget for this with out a set schedule. We can take advantage of the free admissions to the museums. But we want to see the "tourist" stops. The London Tower, Buckingham Palace, possibly Big Ben and the Eye. Westminster Abby, Salisbury Cathedral or St. Paul's. None of those attractions are do or die just ideas. But we really just want to walk and soak up the history, city and vibe. And I would like to see at least one or two country estates.
Food, I was guessing $160 per day ($20 breakfast, $40 lunch, $60 dinner, $40 snacks/extras). Add snacks and drinks (I can't drink due alcohol due to medical issues). We aren't foodies and can even purchase breakfast items, fruits and save money that way. Same for snacks. Is this realistic, low, high? As I said we aren't foodies. All meals will be casual.
After London we can visit the Peak District, Wales etc. I really want to see at least one estate. Or we can head directly to Edinburg.
We can stay in Edinburgh for several days or say 2-3 and move on to Glasgow. The hotels seem more reasonable in Scoltand. Once again I believe we can use trains or buses for transportation within Scotland.
We can take the train or flight back to London to fly home or book a multi city ticket and fly back to the states from Scotland.
I have mentioned before we could take a cruise that leaves from South Hampton and travels to a ton of ports, Cork, Dublin, Edinburg, Liverpool, Guernsey, Normandy for about $5300. Add hotel cost as days on before and or after our cruise departs to "see London". Add airfare, excursions, hotels etc. the fast pace of the cruise worries me. The thought of packing in a lot of cities is exciting but only visiting them for a a day isn't. So that cruise with airfare, excursions, tips, hotel, transportation etc. would be around $9400.
I would like to keep the cost of this trip lower.
I used the dates of June 21 or June 22- July 6 or July 7th. We are very flexible!
Air $1200-$1400 x 2=$2400-$2800 + luggage fees = ______
Hotels $160x14 = $2240
Food per day $160x14= $2240
Ticket/Attraction prices = ______
Train= __________
? air to fly to Edinburg
Tube/buses = ______
I know I am asking for alot of help. I promise I have been doing my research. I have pages of ideas of places to visit. Is my plan realistic in terms of travel, site seeing and budget? Can anyone look over the budget I made and make corrections. In addition provide figures for the train and transportation I need to have my hsuband sign off on this trip.
Thank you in advance you're help.
TA
I have basic figures but am trying to come up with a budget so that my husband will sign off on this trip.
We are flexible with the numbers of days we will be gone and the timeframe. We had thought we would be gone around 2 weeks.
We are flexible and can leave as soon as June 16 but would prefer not to travel at the end of July so we can prepare for college. My son graduates from Highschool on June 10th. Wimbledon is June 27-July 10th. I am not 100% sure how this will effect airfare, hotel and general crowds. Any feedback on the financial and number of tourist due to Wimbledon would be appreciated.) Coldplay is at Wembley June 18, 19 and that isn't a deal breaker lol)! We were estimating a 2 week trip of around 14 days but I that number can go up or down.
Airfare from Raleigh Durham is around $1150-$1500.00 to LHR or LGW. We can take the train from the airport to our hotel.
International Luggage fees- vary on the carrier.
London is a must. Areas around London would be nice to visit. I believe my son has chosen Scotland over Paris. Based on your advice we are trying to limit the trip to 2 areas/countries. I took your advice and asked him to review the possible sights and he was fine seeing London, visiting an ancient caste or three......really he and I have similar taste and told me to choose.
We can stay in London for 5 days, possibly more if we schedule day trips out of London. We can take the tube while in London. I still am trying to understand the Oyster card and zones so we can use the tube. Once again any input, information and advice welcome.
We can buy a "2 country" railway pass for unlimited travel but that may be overkill? Or we can purchase the rail fares as needed? I have also priced flying from London to Edinburgh which is very very affordable but then we have to deal with everything air travel deals with. I am having a hard time pricing the unlimited rail passes (I am over 26 and my son will be 18) as the fares and dates are not posted yet. So I really need advice about this and a figures for my budget.
Hotels 3 star to 4 star. London hotels in this price range seem to be from $100-$300. So I'm guesstimating saying $160 per night? My research showed the West part of London is the most expensive but Bloomsbury, County Hall and Victoria are good locations near public transportation. Again open to any and all suggestions and advice.
The plan is FLEXIBLE. A possibility is to stay in London for at least 5-6 days with possible day trips to surrounding areas.
You all said not to purchase the London Ticket Pass. It's tricky to budget for this with out a set schedule. We can take advantage of the free admissions to the museums. But we want to see the "tourist" stops. The London Tower, Buckingham Palace, possibly Big Ben and the Eye. Westminster Abby, Salisbury Cathedral or St. Paul's. None of those attractions are do or die just ideas. But we really just want to walk and soak up the history, city and vibe. And I would like to see at least one or two country estates.
Food, I was guessing $160 per day ($20 breakfast, $40 lunch, $60 dinner, $40 snacks/extras). Add snacks and drinks (I can't drink due alcohol due to medical issues). We aren't foodies and can even purchase breakfast items, fruits and save money that way. Same for snacks. Is this realistic, low, high? As I said we aren't foodies. All meals will be casual.
After London we can visit the Peak District, Wales etc. I really want to see at least one estate. Or we can head directly to Edinburg.
We can stay in Edinburgh for several days or say 2-3 and move on to Glasgow. The hotels seem more reasonable in Scoltand. Once again I believe we can use trains or buses for transportation within Scotland.
We can take the train or flight back to London to fly home or book a multi city ticket and fly back to the states from Scotland.
I have mentioned before we could take a cruise that leaves from South Hampton and travels to a ton of ports, Cork, Dublin, Edinburg, Liverpool, Guernsey, Normandy for about $5300. Add hotel cost as days on before and or after our cruise departs to "see London". Add airfare, excursions, hotels etc. the fast pace of the cruise worries me. The thought of packing in a lot of cities is exciting but only visiting them for a a day isn't. So that cruise with airfare, excursions, tips, hotel, transportation etc. would be around $9400.
I would like to keep the cost of this trip lower.
I used the dates of June 21 or June 22- July 6 or July 7th. We are very flexible!
Air $1200-$1400 x 2=$2400-$2800 + luggage fees = ______
Hotels $160x14 = $2240
Food per day $160x14= $2240
Ticket/Attraction prices = ______
Train= __________
? air to fly to Edinburg
Tube/buses = ______
I know I am asking for alot of help. I promise I have been doing my research. I have pages of ideas of places to visit. Is my plan realistic in terms of travel, site seeing and budget? Can anyone look over the budget I made and make corrections. In addition provide figures for the train and transportation I need to have my hsuband sign off on this trip.
Thank you in advance you're help.
TA
Feb 14th, 2016, 09:19 AM
#33
Long post and I'm still reading through it but re >>I am not 100% sure how this will effect airfare, hotel and general crowds. Any feedback on the financial and number of tourist due to Wimbledon would be appreciated.) <<
In central London you won't even know Wimbledon is happening . . . well except that it will be on telly in the pubs and sports bars.
In central London you won't even know Wimbledon is happening . . . well except that it will be on telly in the pubs and sports bars.
Feb 14th, 2016, 09:33 AM
#34
>>Airfare from Raleigh Durham is around $1150-$1500.00 to LHR or LGW. We can take the train from the airport to our hotel. <<
You can take the train from LGW but there are other and better modes in from LHR. We can get into that after you book your flights.
>>I still am trying to understand the Oyster card and zones so we can use the tube.<<
In your case I'd suggest paper travel cards instead since they will get you 2for1 discounts at a LOT of the sites. https://www.daysoutguide.co.uk/2for1-london
There is no difference really between a paper travel card and an Oyster for the same zones/amount of travel.
>>We can buy a "2 country" railway pass for unlimited travel but that may be overkill?<<
I don't think any pass makes sense for you. Just buy the long distance tickets (like London to Edinburgh) 12 weeks out to get the best fares.
>>Hotels 3 star to 4 star. London hotels in this price range seem to be from $100-$300.<<
Not sure where you are getting that. $100 is only about £65 and no 3 star will be that cheap and no 4 star will be $300/£200. Forget star levels. You will need to spend about £100 for a decent twin room in a moderately nice hotel. Or you can look at university housing like the University of London or LSE which are well located and inexpensive.
$60/£40 is very little for two dinners . . . but you can likely get breakfast included w/ your hotel so add that money to your dinner budget.
Do NOT take the cruise IMO. It will be VERY expensive and you will only have a few hours in each port city/stop.
You can take the train from LGW but there are other and better modes in from LHR. We can get into that after you book your flights.
>>I still am trying to understand the Oyster card and zones so we can use the tube.<<
In your case I'd suggest paper travel cards instead since they will get you 2for1 discounts at a LOT of the sites. https://www.daysoutguide.co.uk/2for1-london
There is no difference really between a paper travel card and an Oyster for the same zones/amount of travel.
>>We can buy a "2 country" railway pass for unlimited travel but that may be overkill?<<
I don't think any pass makes sense for you. Just buy the long distance tickets (like London to Edinburgh) 12 weeks out to get the best fares.
>>Hotels 3 star to 4 star. London hotels in this price range seem to be from $100-$300.<<
Not sure where you are getting that. $100 is only about £65 and no 3 star will be that cheap and no 4 star will be $300/£200. Forget star levels. You will need to spend about £100 for a decent twin room in a moderately nice hotel. Or you can look at university housing like the University of London or LSE which are well located and inexpensive.
$60/£40 is very little for two dinners . . . but you can likely get breakfast included w/ your hotel so add that money to your dinner budget.
Do NOT take the cruise IMO. It will be VERY expensive and you will only have a few hours in each port city/stop.
Feb 14th, 2016, 09:34 AM
#35
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best if you start thinking in pounds
train from London to Edinburgh starts from £25 https://www.virgintrainseastcoast.com/
an oyster card costs £5 (refundable) and you top up as needed - see how £30 goes - or get a 7 day travel card and become eligible for the 2for 1 deals (do a google search)
food varies = £30 to £80 per day
your biggest cost in London is accommodation. $160 is £110, which is low for London hotels - it can be done in high season but it depends what you expect for that £110 - family rooms at youth hostels if you really want to save
once you're out of London accommodation is cheaper
fly into London and out of Edinburgh (forget the cruise and rail passes)
get your itinerary drilled down and we can then tell you how to move between destinations economically and efficiently
husband signs off ha ha - is he an accountant?
spend the money - you're a long time dead
train from London to Edinburgh starts from £25 https://www.virgintrainseastcoast.com/
an oyster card costs £5 (refundable) and you top up as needed - see how £30 goes - or get a 7 day travel card and become eligible for the 2for 1 deals (do a google search)
food varies = £30 to £80 per day
your biggest cost in London is accommodation. $160 is £110, which is low for London hotels - it can be done in high season but it depends what you expect for that £110 - family rooms at youth hostels if you really want to save
once you're out of London accommodation is cheaper
fly into London and out of Edinburgh (forget the cruise and rail passes)
get your itinerary drilled down and we can then tell you how to move between destinations economically and efficiently
husband signs off ha ha - is he an accountant?
spend the money - you're a long time dead
Feb 14th, 2016, 09:54 AM
#36
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Ok thank you let me look into the exact hotels and then come up with a itiniary and run it buy you all. Does the time of summer matter? I get it, it's busy but is it better to go as soon as we can in June instead of waiting say until the end of June of July?
: )
: )
Feb 14th, 2016, 09:56 AM
#37
>>Does the time of summer matter? I get it, it's busy but is it better to go as soon as we can in June instead of waiting say until the end of June of July?<<
Makes no difference really. just pick the dates that work best for you and since you are flexible, I'd go w/ which dates get you the best airfares.
Makes no difference really. just pick the dates that work best for you and since you are flexible, I'd go w/ which dates get you the best airfares.
Feb 14th, 2016, 09:57 AM
#38
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And no I will look for hotels that are nice even if they cost more. I'm in my 40's and have to say the hotel is very important to me in ways of I don't even camp (lol)! I will start looking for hotels.
Would you say 5-6 is long enough in London? Or go for 4 and then go out of London stay, sightsee and then onto Edinburg?
Would you say 5-6 is long enough in London? Or go for 4 and then go out of London stay, sightsee and then onto Edinburg?
Feb 14th, 2016, 10:09 AM
#39
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Moving fewer times is better if it meets your needs. Some day trips from London make perfect sense. But if you want to spend a couple of days in one area then staying there makes sense.
We have done 3 road trips in the UK and loved them all. Each time we have two anchors - London first and for the second York or Edinburgh (2) since we did a few days in the highlands and came back to return home.
As other bases we have used to visit and do day trips we have used Oxford, Bath and Chester. but using a car gave us more options with less time wasted.
If he is rally into history do not miss the various Roman ruins, esp those along Hadrian's Wall - worth a full day for these alone.
We have done 3 road trips in the UK and loved them all. Each time we have two anchors - London first and for the second York or Edinburgh (2) since we did a few days in the highlands and came back to return home.
As other bases we have used to visit and do day trips we have used Oxford, Bath and Chester. but using a car gave us more options with less time wasted.
If he is rally into history do not miss the various Roman ruins, esp those along Hadrian's Wall - worth a full day for these alone.
Feb 14th, 2016, 10:10 AM
#40
>>Would you say 5-6 is long enough in London? Or go for 4 and then go out of London stay, sightsee <<
You could stay in London the entire time and not see everything by a long shot. In your case, I would decide how many days you want in Scotland . . . and devote all the rest to London. If you decide to take a day trip out of London -- you can decide on the fly.
Use Booking.com to see what is available. You can often save a LOT by pre-paying so it can get you into a nicer property w/o breaking the bank. This is usually non-refundabke though.
Edinburgh is also a fairly expensive hotel city.
You could stay in London the entire time and not see everything by a long shot. In your case, I would decide how many days you want in Scotland . . . and devote all the rest to London. If you decide to take a day trip out of London -- you can decide on the fly.
Use Booking.com to see what is available. You can often save a LOT by pre-paying so it can get you into a nicer property w/o breaking the bank. This is usually non-refundabke though.
Edinburgh is also a fairly expensive hotel city.
