Flights to London on Virgin Atlantic ??S

[patrizella]

My family and I are hoping to travel to England this winter 12/22-1/2. My niece is stationed outside of London (US Air Force). I found a round trip flight on Virgin Atlantic from LaGuardia for $473 RT. Is this a good deal? Should I wait to see if the prices go down or the farther out the less expensive and it goes up from here? I hate playing the airline price game thing. I need to know I am booked and set.

Also, this will be our first trip over the ocean-so exciting -and I am hoping to tour England and maybe Ireland and here is a stretch-go to Itlay (My mother was born in Italy and I can't imagine flying to Europe and not going). Any suggestions on traveling while in Europe and even accomodations would be most appreciated.

Thanks for reading my long post

 

[Frances999]

$473 seems like an excellent price to me. I seriously doubt you will get it much lower. Hope you have fun planning! Where are you planning to visit on your trip?

 

[patrizella]

Well definitely as much of London as I can...I really don't know. We probably won't start touring until 12/26 and like I mentioned-I really want to try and get to Italy-even if I only get to my mother's hometown to see my family still there. I know I am pushing it but this may be (but hopefully not) a once in my lifetime trip.

Do you have any suggestions on must sees and easy traveling to Italy information?

Thanks in advance...

 

[TracyK]

What part of Italy are you intending to visit?

Tracy

 

[patrizella]

My family is outside of Naples (Mugnano del Cardinale). Rome would be great to see too!! I know my family is going to be pushed to the max on this trip...worse than my itinerary when going to WDW ...

 

[TracyK]

You could try www.easyjet.com for flights to Italy. I think they do Naples and Rome from London. I'm not sure if their Dec flights are available to book at the moment. Good luck

Tracy

 

[Amyrlin]

That is a good price.

A good place to find flights in Europe with the low cost carriers is http://www.skyscanner.net/wings.asp?view=info
It compares the proces for the carriers many of which do not sell seats on expedia and similar ticket sites.

 

[Dimplenose]

Remember that Christmas Day and Boxing Day and New Year's Day (25/12 26/12 and 1/1) are public holidays in UK and will affect public transport schedules.

Libby

 

[patrizella]

Thanks for the info. Keep it coming-I'm a research hound

 

[MazdaUK]

less than 2 weeks to do the UK AND Italy? I know the UK looks small on a map compared with the size of the US, but one consequence of that is that the roads are smaller and fill up more, so things will take you longer than travelling the same distance in the US. Also, many US bases tend to be in the middle of the country, so it can take 2 hours on a train (or more!) to get to London or the nearest big city, so you'll need to take that into account. Plus, we tend not to get very severe winters over here, but if we do then you've picked the days we're most likely to get bad weather! (having said that it will probably be warm and sunny now ). On the plus side, lots of country hotels do special Christmas packages including carols, Father Christmas and a panto - you might be wise to book something like this as any restaurants open Christmas Day and Boxing Day will probably be fully booked if you leave it til you arrive in the UK. Swallow or Marriott often have good offers (it might be slightly early yet, but you never know)

I think the ticket price is really good, the only problem with trying to squeeze in Rome is that many go to hear the Pope's Christmas message (and Italy is expensive anyway). Have a look on Tripadvisor for hotel suggestions, they also have forums you can ask questions on, and I found it really helpful when booking my Canada trip for this summer.

I hope you have a wonderful trip -once you've got your bases sorted come back for more tips!

 

[patrizella]

Lots of great information. I have so much to find out about. I figured the Italy trip was a big stretch-but I just can't fly over the ocean and not see my family that is still there. Maybe I can convince DH to stay on one more week. My niece is stationed about an hour out of London (Mildenhaul-spelling?) So I am sure traveling will be a task. Also, I know the UK is rich with history and places to see and we will want to see them all. Good news is my niece will be there for 3 more years-so we can always take this trip easy and plan another.

Thanks again!!