Not from the UK-but I wanna go!!!!

[Disney Mommy 3]

I am just a girl from Texas!! But, I have wanted to come to the UK for as far back as I can remember. My hubby and I have discussed going in a year or so. We have met several people here from the UK and we get a confused look, and they ask us why we want to go! I really can't tell if they are just kidding or what. But, what is the best way to plan for this kind of trip? We have 3 kids-11 to 4- and everyone wants to do this. What is the first step ya'll take when planning a trip this extensive? What are some good books, or travel websites? What are the really top must sees?

I do not just want to see buildings and such, but we want to go out to the country as well. I think it would take forever to see all I want to see!! I have read about so many interesting places-such as the Cliffs of Dover

I am excited just talking about it!!! What about the money exchange? I've heard that lately we are losing quite a bit when we change over currencies from the American $. Is this true? I may not even be on the right board, but I don't know where to start researching to get all the info we would need. Are travel agents a need or can I do this alone? Oh- and what airline do you usually fly - we are continental people, but haven't checked this out yet.

 

[disneyholic family]

deleted double post - see post below

 

[disneyholic family]

you can start by reading online and then go to a bookstore and buy a guide book to the UK/London/etc. - or several guidebooks.

Online there are lots of places to start - go to google and search on something like - travel guides England, or travel United Kingdom or travel london....or whatever - keep playing around..

a few sites to start with:
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/europe/england

or you can try the frommers site....they have a lot of online information to start with...
http://www.frommers.com/destinations/england/0221010001.html

good books to buy are - Lonely Planet (on the UK or london or whatever is available), Rick Stevs, etc (i much prefer lonely planet, but whatever looks good to you in the store - skim through them before you buy)...

as for money - yes, the US dollar has been getting steadily weaker during the past year, so traveling outside of the US is getting more expensive for Americans..

however, if you go on an organized tour, you won't really feel it....you pay one price and that's that.....if the dollar gets weaker while you're traveling it won't really affect you...
organized tours are very good for first time overseas travelers...
in fact, now that i think about it, i think that even Disney has organized tours to europe - you might want to check their site...

also go to a travel agent and see what package tours are available to the UK to get an idea of how much it would cost you...

and finally, i'm also an American - but i live overseas.....not in the UK, though i visit the UK often.....it's a wonderful, beautiful country....so much to see....and very nice people as well......and for the most part, we speak the same language...

 

[Frances999]

I am just a girl from Texas!! But, I have wanted to come to the UK for as far back as I can remember. My hubby and I have discussed going in a year or so. We have met several people here from the UK and we get a confused look, and they ask us why we want to go! I really can't tell if they are just kidding or what. But, what is the best way to plan for this kind of trip? We have 3 kids-11 to 4- and everyone wants to do this. What is the first step ya'll take when planning a trip this extensive? What are some good books, or travel websites? What are the really top must sees?

I do not just want to see buildings and such, but we want to go out to the country as well. I think it would take forever to see all I want to see!! I have read about so many interesting places-such as the Cliffs of Dover

I am excited just talking about it!!! What about the money exchange? I've heard that lately we are losing quite a bit when we change over currencies from the American $. Is this true? I may not even be on the right board, but I don't know where to start researching to get all the info we would need. Are travel agents a need or can I do this alone? Oh- and what airline do you usually fly - we are continental people, but haven't checked this out yet.

The first step, in my opinion, would be to make a list of the places you absolutely want to see. You could get ideas from websites such as Visit Britain and guide books such as the DK guide. You can then begin researching area attractions to gauge how long you might want to stay in each place. For a first trip, I would spend the majority of your time in London.

The $:£ is very poor at the moment, which will make your vacation more expensive. In addition, you will need to budget extra for fuel (if you are planning to drive) as the gas prices are around $7 to $8/US gallon.

Definitely take a look at the Adventures by Disney package. It looks great and I would be much more confident having the comfort of Disney planning a first trip to the UK. Their 8-day itinerary actually combines London with Paris. Adventures by Disney

If you have any specific questions about areas or attractions I am sure someone will be able to help. Have fun planning!

 

[GlendaONeill]

Hi there,

I'm in Northern Ireland and if you come that far you must come and see some of the scenery we have here.
The Giants Causeway (many people have heard of it) is a must see. There isn't anywhere else like it in the world! I've been there so many times and have seen the amazement of people from all over world. Just down the road from it is Carrick-a-rede that has a rope bridge which isn't for the faint-hearted!!! It has been known for people to be airlifted from the island as they refuse to go back across it!!
The route up the coast takes you through some spectacular coastal views.
The Northern Ireland Tourist board website will give you most information you would need if you decide to come.
http://www.discovernorthernireland.com/

Unfortunately for you the exchange rate is very poor at the moment and will make things very expensive.
I've only been to Florida once so I couldn't really give you much advice on airlines and such. Hopefully you'll get loads of information here!!

Best of luck on arranging your great holiday!!

 

[ariel2007]

Hiya there, your plan sounds like a great idea and very exciting, cant wait to have you come and see our beautiful country (I might be biased here cause I originally come from a beautiful part of the country and now live in another beautiful part) .

Personally I dont know of any guide books (as I have never needed them) but of course this would be a great start for you as like you have already said there are lots of lovely places to see and things to do.
The great thing about the UK, compared to the US is it's size. You could pretty much drive from one end of the country/countries (England and Scotland) to the other easily within a few weeks stopping several times enroute. Personally this is what I would advise if you want to see everything worth seeing in one trip.

Like others have said the best thing to do is get some guidebooks and do some research and decide what you all want to do/see (maybe make a definate list and a maybe list). Then you can have a look at some maps and see what would be the best route to encorperate everything you want to do. Once you have done this you can start looking into specific areas, looking at hotels, restaurants, other local attractions etc. This will help you to make a decision on how long to spend in each area.

Personally if I was having someone from outside the UK coming to stay and they wanted to see the best parts this is where I would take them and what I'd do:

1. LONDON - you cant come to England and not see the capital city. London has so much to see and do it could easily keep you entertained for weeks. Here is what I would definately do:
- London Eye (champagne trip with fastpass) - £27
- London bus tour (hop on and off for 24 hours, different loops to see different attractions i.e. Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, Houses of Parliment, Harrods, London Eye and much more) - £20
- River Thames Cruise (hop on and off, different loops) - free with certain bus tours or £7-10
- For kids: London Dungeon (£20), Natural History Museum and Science Museum (free and brilliant), London Aquarium, Madame Tussards, Planetarium
- West End Shows - We Will Rock You (the Queen show) and The Lion King are great - varied prices from around £25
- Afternoon tea at The Ritz or Claridges (a English tradition) - £30+
- Visting Harrods (World renowned shop) and Hamleys (huge toy store)
- Shopping

2. Cornwall
- Beautiful beaches, lovely countryside - great for surfing, swimming, relaxing, beach walks etc - particularly Newquay for a more lively atmosphere or St Ives for quite, chilled out and beautiful views

3. Scotland
- Not sure specifically where as I've never been but if your coming to the UK you've got to see Scotland too

If you need any more info., advice, tips etc just ask or PM me.

Hope this helps.

 

[Graeme]

You would be welcome to visit us in the north east, http://www.visitnortheastengland.com/

And I would recommend a trip to the Lake District, http://www.golakes.co.uk/

The £ is still stronger against the $ than it has been for quite a few years, but that may last for some time so don't plan around that.