So now can someone tell me what airlines you are taking from BCN and can someone give me any information on where to stay for a family of 4 who want to see the tourist stuff - buckingham palace, big ben, the eye, etc.
Krisann
Hi Krisann -
We're actually leaving BCN on Monday morning after the cruise, and heading to London for a few days. We're flying on BA since it's a direct flight into LHR, and Derek/Drew are flying on that day to Florida while Mark and I head into London proper. For the most part, BA has flights for about $100/one way to Heathrow, and sometimes the same price for London City Airport (although LCY is on smaller regional jets - if you have any preference there). Of course, there's EasyJet and some of the other discount airlines, but...let's just say I'm a mileage junkie.
I lived in London 11 years ago now, and I often go back to visit friends and family, the most recent being April 2009. This last time, a friend suggested that I try to Luna and Simone Hotel near Victoria for a cheap and cheery sort of accommodation. Derek and I were pleasantly surprised, it was a nice room, good breakfast (tea, toast, eggs, beans, bacon), free internet, and right on the 24 route bus line and a fairly easy walk to Victoria station. We peeked in a family "suite" - there was one double/queen bed and two single beds, although I don't know if that's a common setup or not - I know they have rooms that will sleep four at least.
Since you're a Military family, there's two hotels/MWR accommodations in London you may want to look into. Since the US and the UK typically have reciprocal agreements, they may offer you and your family some of the special rates given to UK military families as well. The Union Jack Club -
www.ujclub.co.uk and the Victory Services Club -
www.vsc.co.uk might be good for you to look into as well.
This was Derek's first time to London, so I wanted to definitely wanted this to be more of a "touristy" visit for him, and this was perfect. The 24 bus line goes by Westminster Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Scotland Yard, Houses of Parliament (and you can take off on a River cruise here or go to the London Eye, Royal Festival Hall, Cleopatra's Needle across the river), Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square, all the way up to Camden Town. From there, there's easy tube or bus connections to just about all the other tourist sites as well. It was nice to be able to leave the hotel, cross the street, and head out for the day to where we wanted to go next.
London Key Tourist Bus Routes:
http://www.visitbritain.co.uk/trave...n-transport/buses/popular-tourist-routes.aspx Good PDF and info for you, just to help making hotel or other plans.
We were in London for a week, and I think we took about 2 tube rides, but spent most time traveling on buses. Many visitors to London are intimidated by the buses, and in some cases it can be a little longer than the Underground. However, part of the whole charm is to see it from a window above ground, I think.
-Steve
Just checking in and trying to read all of the posts. 
