Traveling to England for the first time from the US (some vacation questions..)

[KBFinFan]

Let me preface with this:

I love Disney and would love to go again in March, but I just went in January and my friend who will likely be traveling me would much rather go somewhere else.

Anyway, I am planning to travel to England (specifically London) in mid March of this year for my spring break from school. I know, kind of a late planner, but there are good deals now. I am thinking about staying six nights in London and using Virgin vacations. We are flying from New York so the flight options are many. Here are my questions (although I'd love any other recommendations/tips/opinions/etc.):

1.) What airline? Virgin? American Airlines? British Airways? Virgin seems the "coolest" to me, and is as affordable as the others. Is enjoyable for the long trip "across the pond?" Most flights are $400 or less...

2.) Is six nights too many for just London? I'm sure we'll have a lot to do but I wonder if I should hop over to Paris via the Chunnel (another option through Virgin's vacation site - 3 nights London/3 nights Paris.. then maybe I could go to Disneyland Paris???)

3.) Any particular hotels to avoid or look into? What is the best area to stay?

4.) What are the "must-dos" for an American who has never been to England or anywhere outside of North America?

We are each looking to spend around $1000 for lodging/transportation which hasn't looked too difficult to do thus far. Thanks as always everyone and I hope this is an appropriate question for this board.

 

[Cochise]

Let me preface with this:

I love Disney and would love to go again in March, but I just went in January and my friend who will likely be traveling me would much rather go somewhere else.

Anyway, I am planning to travel to England (specifically London) in mid March of this year for my spring break from school. I know, kind of a late planner, but there are good deals now. I am thinking about staying six nights in London and using Virgin vacations. We are flying from New York so the flight options are many. Here are my questions (although I'd love any other recommendations/tips/opinions/etc.):

1.) What airline? Virgin? American Airlines? British Airways? Virgin seems the "coolest" to me, and is as affordable as the others. Is enjoyable for the long trip "across the pond?" Most flights are $400 or less...

2.) Is six nights too many for just London? I'm sure we'll have a lot to do but I wonder if I should hop over to Paris via the Chunnel (another option through Virgin's vacation site - 3 nights London/3 nights Paris.. then maybe I could go to Disneyland Paris???)

3.) Any particular hotels to avoid or look into? What is the best area to stay?

4.) What are the "must-dos" for an American who has never been to England or anywhere outside of North America?

We are each looking to spend around $1000 for lodging/transportation which hasn't looked too difficult to do thus far. Thanks as always everyone and I hope this is an appropriate question for this board.

With the greatest respect, saying you are travelling to England but staying around London contradicts in one sentence. Travel away from there if you can, it is nothing like the rest of the country--meaning it just doesnt compare.

I am going to the US, would you recommend getting away from Florida to give me a taste of the country ? (I dont expect a flavour of the US from WDW) I am sure you would. If you get the chance travel, Please.. We have the most beautiful country, take the opportunity.

 

[SueOKW]

I agree - travel a day or two outside of London - I would NOT go to Paris. My DH did on our last trip there and he regretted it.

I, on the other hand, got to see Ray Davies at the Bloomsbury Theater and eat fish and chips at Rock and Sole while he was gone!

I've been many places in England and everywhere I've been has something to offer. I could also just as easily stay 6 days in London. Now that I think about it, I'm not much help at all!! ha ha!!

 

[KBFinFan]

Thanks for the replies thusfar; I appreciate the input.

I agree totally, and am sure the ENTIRE country is something to see. However, for convenience I would like to remain in and around the city. I am not renting a car, so I am trying to keep costs lower by using public transportation and/or my feet. However, I would like to take some of the bus trips to the "country," to truly see your country.

I don't want to rush, so maybe 6 nights in London (plus some outside the city trips) would be best. My whole France idea was kind of along the lines of as long as I am near it... visit it? I don't know when the next time this type of opportunity will present itself.

I understand there is much more England (and Great Britain as a whole), and I didn't mean to just state the London=England and that there is nothing else to see.

 

[Frances999]

Hi

1) I have travelled with all of the airlines you mentioned and in my opinion, Virgin Atlantic is the best. By flying from New York you will be fortunate to be on one of their newer planes with the upgraded Vort in-flight entertainment, which is excellent. If you can afford to upgrade to Premium Economy, I would highly recommend it - the New York to London route has just had its Premium Economy seats replaced with the wonderful new "wash" seating which is great.

2) I don't think 6 nights in London is too many if you want to take your trip at a leisurely pace. Personally, I love Paris and would probably take a day trip or 2 night trip via Eurostar over there. You could also visit Disney - Disneyland Paris is a whole new experience to WDW and is easily accessible from Paris via the RER train, which takes you RIGHT into the resort and within a 3 minute walk of the park gates.

3) This depends on your budget. With a reasonable budget, Park Lane area is nice. We often stick with chains such as Hilton or Holiday Inn - check their websites.

4) London has so much on offer. I'm not sure where you would be able to find out about coach tours outside of the city, but I guess they must do them. The science and natural history museums are great fun and offer free admission. The tower of London and other historic sites are also essential visits in my opinion.

Have fun planning!

 

[Cochise]

Thanks for the replies thusfar; I appreciate the input.

I agree totally, and am sure the ENTIRE country is something to see. However, for convenience I would like to remain in and around the city. I am not renting a car, so I am trying to keep costs lower by using public transportation and/or my feet. However, I would like to take some of the bus trips to the "country," to truly see your country.

I don't want to rush, so maybe 6 nights in London (plus some outside the city trips) would be best. My whole France idea was kind of along the lines of as long as I am near it... visit it? I don't know when the next time this type of opportunity will present itself.

I understand there is much more England (and Great Britain as a whole), and I didn't mean to just state the London=England and that there is nothing else to see.

Here are one or two links for you

National Express Coaches

Bed and Breakfast website

and

National Rail network site

 

[SueOKW]

Here's some other links -

Trip Advisor - London Hotel search
Trip advisor will help you with instant quotes from expedia, orbitz etc... the hotel pages also have excellent comments links to maps, pics etc.

Holiday Inn Bloomsbury
A girl who works for me is staying here - she says it's a great price. I imagine it's fine, but I've always wanted a London Hotel - last time I stayed at Ruben's - nice people, fine rooms, high-ish price. Interestingly enough the cheapest and best deal was on their own site. I almost stayed at Thistle Horseguards. Have fun with the hotel search.

Frommers Message Board
Helpful board.

Tours
one of many tours...

I really didn't mean to come across too harshly about Paris - I'm just very much against putting in too much to do into a vacation. It's similar to us saying to a visitor - "oh hey, you're here in Orlando. Let's hope a flight and go to Key West or Nashville for the day." Ok to do, but potentially draining. If you had 10 full days, I'd probably say go for it. I think you will find once you have passport in hand, you will find opportunities to get to France and GB again.

BTW - if Disneyland Paris as well as Paris itself is interesting to you - I would recommend the 3/3 trip. Remember, much of the first day will be lost trying to adjust your clock. I've tried all kinds of tricks but I'm never really on my best form the first day. Far from it, in fact.

What are you interested in? I found that the Guards Museum was fascinating to me - you would not believe the war memorabilia they have. I stopped on a whim and was glad I did. Thanks for letting me share some of my experience. I hope it helps.

Sue

 

[BONZO]

Hi,

As a quick reply try www.visitbritain.com as a starter.

 

[Miffy2003]

Hello there,

I just wanted to say, that's a great price you've got there for flights. I think you could easily spend 6 days in London and not get bored.

There is great shopping and sightseeing to be had in London. The good thing is that a lot of things are fairly central and easy to walk to - or you have the underground or buses.

Have fun planning your trip!

Karen

 

[SueOKW]

It's true - the last few years, there have been some great prices to the UK from US. Probably about 1/3 to 1/2 the cost of UK to US.

I'm ready to go again soon! Better start planning! Oh wait, I have to go to WDW first... honestly, I can't wait for some sun. We've had 4 -12 inches of snow on the ground for 6 weeks now. And it's snowing again. BRRRRR it's driving me CRAZY!

 

[treesinger]

I've heard that the Quiet Comfort Headphones from Bose helps with jet lag. I have no idea how true it is and if it is true, how much help it could be on a long flight like the one across the pond. Can't hurt to check it out I guess.

 

[SueOKW]

Yes, I think they help. I also hit the ground running so to speak. I just try not to be too public as I may not make a lot of sense!! Gatwick express, check in, do something... last time it was a morning in Covent Garden for coffee and croissant and then spa for 4 hours - where I slept through at least one massage.. THEN get ready to face the public without looking like an idiot.