While this is still fresh on my brain, I thought I would throw out some things we learned from our Recent Adventures by Disney Trip to London and Paris. I hope that this reference will help not only those traveling to London and Paris, but to other locations as well
Understand the Power requirements of the locations you are going.
- Check all of your devices and make sure they are capable of dual voltages!
- Learn what plug adapters you will need. London and Paris use different power plugs than the ones used in the US and they are different from each other.
- Get a dual voltage power strip that uses a universal power connector. If you get into a situation where you need to unplug a lamp to get power, you can plug in the lamp into the universal plug.
- Do not use US Power Strips!! They will not work and could cause a fire.
If you have an Ipad and want to avoid costly internet charges at the hotel, find a SIM Card provider that does not require a credit card on file.
- I used Vodaphone. They charged £5 for a Sim and 250mb of data. I was able to get an additional 750mb for £15. Very reasonable. I used about 500mb total while we were in London.
Think about the bag you will carry around and protecting your wallet.
- Think about using a messenger bag over a backpack. It is easier to keep a hand on a messenger bag. I carried a messenger style camera sling bag instead of my backpack. It is not as easy for someone to take items from a messenger bag.
- Watch your pockets and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
If you use the hotel internet, bring a small wifi router (not access point).
- When you purchase the hotel wifi or wired internet, you can only use it on a couple of devices. I had my travel router with me. This helped in connecting my Ipad, Blackberry, Iphone, and laptop. The router allowed me to use the wired connection and share that with all of my devices.
If you have free time, plan it out before you go on your trip.
- We made reservations at a couple of restaurants several months out. These were small cafes and the space went quickly.
Take time to plan out where you want to wander.
- Know that the most popular locations, in Paris especially, are popular targets for pickpockets and scammers. People will also sell "le crap" at these spots. AVOID THEM. We saw a person buy something and then he was then pegged as a "sucker." And was hit by every illegal "le crap" vendor.
XL = Sausage Skin in Paris.
- I tried to purchase an XL shirt in Paris but was not happy to find that XL in Paris means body condom in US sizes. They do not sell any thing above XXL, and that was even tight.
On the other hand our passport appointment is on Friday so that will be done.
Pleasde help me welcome Sharon and David to our Fairytale Adventure!
Welcome Aboard...or Abroad!
