As a travel consultant, I know that many of my clients will check reviews on the major travel review sites. I also use them as a part of my research but never make them the sole or primary source of reviews but would rather rely on personal experience, client feedback and the experiences of my colleagues from throughout the US and Canada.
I came across this excerpt from an article in the Independent Traveler that really reiterates what I tell my clients as well:
"Travel Review Sites
On both Yahoo! Maps and Google Maps, you can click on a particular hotel to find more information about it, including driving directions, user reviews, photos and a link to the property's Web site for booking.
For a more in-depth view of a property, though, I head to TripAdvisor.com. While Yahoo! and Google both offer reviews and links to reviews, I know of no other site where you can get such candid reviews as you'll find at TripAdvisor.
This can be a mixed blessing. While negative reviews often tell you a lot about the hotel, I have sometimes found they tell you a lot about the reviewer as well; you sometimes need to read with a judicious eye to separate a fussbudget's whine from a valid complaint."
What I always advise my clients to do is take each review with a grain of salt. Put more credence in postings from reviewers who live close to your general geographic area. If you are from the New York Metro region, look more closely at the reviewers who live in the states surrounding NY, like New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania or Massachusets, rather than those from Europe or Alabama, Tennessee or Oklahoma. No offense to anyone who lives in those states or Europe but, particulary, when reviewing an all inclusive resort, food tastes vary greatly by geographic areas.
I also advise my clients to eliminate the glowing reviews- from those who say "I want to stay here forever" and the negative reviews "my luggage was lost and I hated the entire vacation" in favor of the reviews in the middle. You need to read between the lines on many reviews. Was the reviewer a honeymooner- their reviews will tend to be more glowing. Was the reviewer annoyed at an outside source- the weather, airline, travel agent or their spouse?
Travel review sites can help in your vacation planning but please don't make it your only site in deciding upon a vacation destination or resort.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Before you buy your airline tickets...
I have brought this up before but it is important enough to revisit. If you are planning a trip that includes air line tickets, some changes have taken place in the last year that you need to be aware of.
You will now need to provide your legal name- EXACTLY as it reads on your photo ID or passport as well as your DATE OF BIRTH and gender. I am not being a nosey travel agent. This is now required by the TSA. You can be denied boarding if this information is not provided. If you have a redress #, please make sure you give it to me. If you don’t know what one is, don’t worry about it.
If you are flying within the US, you only need your driver’s license. Don’t know the last time you checked yours but I had no clue if my middle name or initial was on mine until I checked in order to purchase airline tickets. Well, now I know- driver’s license has my middle initial. Passport has my middle name spelled out.
Until a few months ago, there was no place to even enter a middle name or initial on your airline tickets. Most airlines and all of the tour operators that I use for my clients now have included spaces for that information.
So far, the only travel suppliers that have not adopted these rules are the cruise lines. Carnival Cruise Line, for instance, will not allow you to put a middle name, initial or even a Jr. on the cruise documents even if it is on your passport. So if you are George Smith traveling with George Smith Jr, your son, both of you will be listed as just George Smith. How can they tell the difference, you might ask? I was told that the 2 will be differentiated by dates of birth.
Just another FYI, when it comes filling out online registration forms for Carnival, if you add a middle name to the registration form, that can’t be added to your cruise ticket, your past guest status may not be applied correctly. So for now, at least with Carnival Cruise Lines, leave off your middle names.
You will now need to provide your legal name- EXACTLY as it reads on your photo ID or passport as well as your DATE OF BIRTH and gender. I am not being a nosey travel agent. This is now required by the TSA. You can be denied boarding if this information is not provided. If you have a redress #, please make sure you give it to me. If you don’t know what one is, don’t worry about it.
If you are flying within the US, you only need your driver’s license. Don’t know the last time you checked yours but I had no clue if my middle name or initial was on mine until I checked in order to purchase airline tickets. Well, now I know- driver’s license has my middle initial. Passport has my middle name spelled out.
Until a few months ago, there was no place to even enter a middle name or initial on your airline tickets. Most airlines and all of the tour operators that I use for my clients now have included spaces for that information.
So far, the only travel suppliers that have not adopted these rules are the cruise lines. Carnival Cruise Line, for instance, will not allow you to put a middle name, initial or even a Jr. on the cruise documents even if it is on your passport. So if you are George Smith traveling with George Smith Jr, your son, both of you will be listed as just George Smith. How can they tell the difference, you might ask? I was told that the 2 will be differentiated by dates of birth.
Just another FYI, when it comes filling out online registration forms for Carnival, if you add a middle name to the registration form, that can’t be added to your cruise ticket, your past guest status may not be applied correctly. So for now, at least with Carnival Cruise Lines, leave off your middle names.
Monday, August 2, 2010
All Inclusive Resorts-Great Vacation Value!
Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a worry-free family holiday, or simply a relaxing vacation where you can leave schedules and decision-making behind, consider an all-inclusive resort.
Picture postcard beaches, comfortable accommodations, friendly service, and a variety of activities await you at the all-inclusive resort of your choice. And the best part is just about everything you eat, drink, or do is included in the price of your vacation—along with gratuities, entertainment and hotel taxes. All-inclusives offer value, convenience, and comfort. You won’t be presented with a check every time you order drinks or food, so you can safely leave your credit cards and wallet in your room safe.
Because of the variety of activities available, vacationing at an all-inclusive resort is an economical way to experiment and find new interests you might like to pursue at home. For example, you can learn to scuba dive while your traveling companion takes an aqua aerobics class or practices her golf swing. Most all-inclusives offer professional instructors and top-of-the-line equipment, making learning fun and easy.
Planning a wedding or a honeymoon? All-inclusives provide picture perfect, romantic settings. In some cases, weddings are free and include the assistance of a wedding coordinator who handles all the details, including making arrangements for a minister, a marriage license, champagne, a wedding cake, flowers, and music.
From ultra-luxurious resorts to family-friendly properties, there is an all-inclusive resort for every type of vacationer. Most of the all inclusive resorts are in the Caribbean and Mexico and the options seem endless. Because of the differences among all-inclusive resorts, it is important to work with a knowledgeable travel counselor who can match you with the resort that best fits your needs. Please contact us today for advice on which all-inclusive resorts are right for you.
Picture postcard beaches, comfortable accommodations, friendly service, and a variety of activities await you at the all-inclusive resort of your choice. And the best part is just about everything you eat, drink, or do is included in the price of your vacation—along with gratuities, entertainment and hotel taxes. All-inclusives offer value, convenience, and comfort. You won’t be presented with a check every time you order drinks or food, so you can safely leave your credit cards and wallet in your room safe.
Because of the variety of activities available, vacationing at an all-inclusive resort is an economical way to experiment and find new interests you might like to pursue at home. For example, you can learn to scuba dive while your traveling companion takes an aqua aerobics class or practices her golf swing. Most all-inclusives offer professional instructors and top-of-the-line equipment, making learning fun and easy.
Planning a wedding or a honeymoon? All-inclusives provide picture perfect, romantic settings. In some cases, weddings are free and include the assistance of a wedding coordinator who handles all the details, including making arrangements for a minister, a marriage license, champagne, a wedding cake, flowers, and music.
From ultra-luxurious resorts to family-friendly properties, there is an all-inclusive resort for every type of vacationer. Most of the all inclusive resorts are in the Caribbean and Mexico and the options seem endless. Because of the differences among all-inclusive resorts, it is important to work with a knowledgeable travel counselor who can match you with the resort that best fits your needs. Please contact us today for advice on which all-inclusive resorts are right for you.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Tips for Driving Overseas
This is part of an article from the Smart Traveler:
" Five Tips for Driving Overseas
July 15, 2010 10:06 am by Christine Sarkis (Smart Traveler)
Unfamiliar roads and inscrutable street signs are just a few of the challenges. But with a little preparation, you can take the challenges in stride and enjoy the freedom to explore only a car can provide. After all, how else are you going to get to that little farmhouse in Provence serving up Cavaillon melons filled with Port, or happen upon a handmade pottery shop in the Japanese countryside?
Here are five tips for driving in foreign countries.
• Call your insurer and credit cards before departure to figure out what coverage you'll need: When you get to the rental counter in your destination country, you'll almost always find they recommend the most expensive insurance option. But by knowing in advance what sort of international coverage you already have through your existing car insurance and credit cards, you may be able to save yourself some money.
• Get an International Driving Permit: They don't look very official, but in many countries, you won't be able to rent a car without one of these flimsy booklets with your photo pasted into it. International driving permits are supplements to your drivers license and are valid in more than 150 countries, and cost about $15. They are available from AAA and the National Automobile Club.
• Familiarize yourself with signs and basic rules: What does a Japanese stop sign look like? Who has the right-of-way in France's 30,000 roundabouts? There's no better time to appreciate the cultural specificity of iconography than when you're surrounded by utterly mystifying road signs while driving in a foreign country. Study up in advance (you can often find a country-specific road-sign guide online), or contact the car-rental agency to see if it provides a cheat-sheet you can keep with you in the car.
• Consider a GPS navigation system: The last thing you need when you're keeping up with unfamiliar traffic patterns is to be constantly glancing down to trace your route on a map. If you don't have a GPS device, you can often rent them along with your car. A word to the wise: Be sure your rented navigation system speaks English before you leave the car rental location. Or you might end up like my in-laws, who found themselves on the open road in New Zealand with a GPS system that spoke only Japanese. (These can be rented in the US before you leave home- just ask your travel consultant about that)
• Beware Old Parts of Cities: This one is a personal favorite. When you're planning your driving routes, beware old neighborhoods in cities. What look like normal roads on maps can easily turn out to be streets so narrow you have to flip the side mirrors in to squeeze through. Look for larger streets whenever possible to avoid finding yourself sweating copiously and berating your navigator in strong tones while attempting a 12-point turn around a corner flanked by stone buildings."
" Five Tips for Driving Overseas
July 15, 2010 10:06 am by Christine Sarkis (Smart Traveler)
Unfamiliar roads and inscrutable street signs are just a few of the challenges. But with a little preparation, you can take the challenges in stride and enjoy the freedom to explore only a car can provide. After all, how else are you going to get to that little farmhouse in Provence serving up Cavaillon melons filled with Port, or happen upon a handmade pottery shop in the Japanese countryside?
Here are five tips for driving in foreign countries.
• Call your insurer and credit cards before departure to figure out what coverage you'll need: When you get to the rental counter in your destination country, you'll almost always find they recommend the most expensive insurance option. But by knowing in advance what sort of international coverage you already have through your existing car insurance and credit cards, you may be able to save yourself some money.
• Get an International Driving Permit: They don't look very official, but in many countries, you won't be able to rent a car without one of these flimsy booklets with your photo pasted into it. International driving permits are supplements to your drivers license and are valid in more than 150 countries, and cost about $15. They are available from AAA and the National Automobile Club.
• Familiarize yourself with signs and basic rules: What does a Japanese stop sign look like? Who has the right-of-way in France's 30,000 roundabouts? There's no better time to appreciate the cultural specificity of iconography than when you're surrounded by utterly mystifying road signs while driving in a foreign country. Study up in advance (you can often find a country-specific road-sign guide online), or contact the car-rental agency to see if it provides a cheat-sheet you can keep with you in the car.
• Consider a GPS navigation system: The last thing you need when you're keeping up with unfamiliar traffic patterns is to be constantly glancing down to trace your route on a map. If you don't have a GPS device, you can often rent them along with your car. A word to the wise: Be sure your rented navigation system speaks English before you leave the car rental location. Or you might end up like my in-laws, who found themselves on the open road in New Zealand with a GPS system that spoke only Japanese. (These can be rented in the US before you leave home- just ask your travel consultant about that)
• Beware Old Parts of Cities: This one is a personal favorite. When you're planning your driving routes, beware old neighborhoods in cities. What look like normal roads on maps can easily turn out to be streets so narrow you have to flip the side mirrors in to squeeze through. Look for larger streets whenever possible to avoid finding yourself sweating copiously and berating your navigator in strong tones while attempting a 12-point turn around a corner flanked by stone buildings."
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Tips on taking toddlers to Disney World
Traveling with young children is always challenging but taking them to an amusement park the size of Walt Disney World can be overwhelming.
Take a look at these tips that I found on a blog about traveling with children:
Here are Sandra’s Walt Disney World Tips for Toddlers:
1. Take or rent a stroller, Disney offers discounts for multiday rentals, and a rental is transferred to all 4 theme parks. Little legs get tired very quickly, a stroller is a must have to avoid tantrums. (these strollers will all look alike so if you are going to hang your diaper bag on the back- make is a brightly colored one so you can spot it easily)
2. Book character dining. Characters visit and interact with little ones so you can all enjoy your lunch or dinner. Tip: Advanced Dining Reservations are highly recommended. Advance Dining Reservations are available at most Full Service dining locations up to 90 days in advance. (One of the services offered by My Vacation Lady, is making dining reservations for you)
3. Take advantage of the “Child Swap” offered at Disney parks on most height restricted rides. One parent/guardian can go on a ride while the other waits with the child. You then “swap”, and the 2nd parent/guardian goes on the ride without waiting. Ask the Disney Cast member at the entrance of the ride about it. Tip: use Fastpass! (Disney’s system to help reduce long waits at popular attractions) to make the wait for the first parent even shorter!
4. Take a break – go back to your resort for an afternoon swim/nap/snack and go back to the parks refreshed and ready for evening fireworks and parades. (Another great reason to book an on site Disney hotel)
5. Take advantage of early risers, most parks do not get crowded until around 10:30-11am. If you are a resort guest you can take advantage of Extra Magic Hours, where particular parks are open 1 hour before and/or 3 hours after regular park hours on selected days. Check the schedule at the Disney owned resort you are staying at for details. (Extra Magic Hours are only available to those guests who are staying within the park at a Disney hotel. Another good reason to book an on site Disney hotel.)
6. Bring a change of clothes and/or bathing suit & towels. There are water spouts coming from the ground at Magic Kingdom and Epcot. Little ones can have fun getting wet and cooling off. Good luck keeping your kids away from them!
7. Find the Baby Care Centre, there is one located at each major park. This facility is not only great for changing diapers, it also carries a great assortment of baby/toddler supplies and gives nursing mothers a quiet place to feed. They even have toddler toilets for those who are training!
8. Purchase an autograph book for character greetings. Whether you are at character dining or meeting them at the parks, this is big for toddlers. Tip: don’t forget to put your name/phone number/address inside the front cover. Disney will mail a missing book to you if they have recovered it, and this tip comes from first-hand experience!
9. Keep your child safe and in sight. Sometimes crowds can be overwhelming especially after parades and fireworks. Make an emergency plan depending on the age of your child just in case.
10. Avoid disappointments by measuring your child ahead of time and know which rides they will be able to go on before you line up for them.
To make the most of your WDW vacation, please check out more Disney World Area Family Activities
The most important tip that I can add to this list is... EVERY MORNING BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE HOTEL, TAKE A PICTURE OF YOUR CHILDREN WITH YOUR PHONE OR CAMERA. IF YOU ARE SEPARATED FROM THEM, YOU CAN TELL THE AUTHORITIES IMMEDIATELY WHAT THEY ARE WEARING
Take a look at these tips that I found on a blog about traveling with children:
Here are Sandra’s Walt Disney World Tips for Toddlers:
1. Take or rent a stroller, Disney offers discounts for multiday rentals, and a rental is transferred to all 4 theme parks. Little legs get tired very quickly, a stroller is a must have to avoid tantrums. (these strollers will all look alike so if you are going to hang your diaper bag on the back- make is a brightly colored one so you can spot it easily)
2. Book character dining. Characters visit and interact with little ones so you can all enjoy your lunch or dinner. Tip: Advanced Dining Reservations are highly recommended. Advance Dining Reservations are available at most Full Service dining locations up to 90 days in advance. (One of the services offered by My Vacation Lady, is making dining reservations for you)
3. Take advantage of the “Child Swap” offered at Disney parks on most height restricted rides. One parent/guardian can go on a ride while the other waits with the child. You then “swap”, and the 2nd parent/guardian goes on the ride without waiting. Ask the Disney Cast member at the entrance of the ride about it. Tip: use Fastpass! (Disney’s system to help reduce long waits at popular attractions) to make the wait for the first parent even shorter!
4. Take a break – go back to your resort for an afternoon swim/nap/snack and go back to the parks refreshed and ready for evening fireworks and parades. (Another great reason to book an on site Disney hotel)
5. Take advantage of early risers, most parks do not get crowded until around 10:30-11am. If you are a resort guest you can take advantage of Extra Magic Hours, where particular parks are open 1 hour before and/or 3 hours after regular park hours on selected days. Check the schedule at the Disney owned resort you are staying at for details. (Extra Magic Hours are only available to those guests who are staying within the park at a Disney hotel. Another good reason to book an on site Disney hotel.)
6. Bring a change of clothes and/or bathing suit & towels. There are water spouts coming from the ground at Magic Kingdom and Epcot. Little ones can have fun getting wet and cooling off. Good luck keeping your kids away from them!
7. Find the Baby Care Centre, there is one located at each major park. This facility is not only great for changing diapers, it also carries a great assortment of baby/toddler supplies and gives nursing mothers a quiet place to feed. They even have toddler toilets for those who are training!
8. Purchase an autograph book for character greetings. Whether you are at character dining or meeting them at the parks, this is big for toddlers. Tip: don’t forget to put your name/phone number/address inside the front cover. Disney will mail a missing book to you if they have recovered it, and this tip comes from first-hand experience!
9. Keep your child safe and in sight. Sometimes crowds can be overwhelming especially after parades and fireworks. Make an emergency plan depending on the age of your child just in case.
10. Avoid disappointments by measuring your child ahead of time and know which rides they will be able to go on before you line up for them.
To make the most of your WDW vacation, please check out more Disney World Area Family Activities
The most important tip that I can add to this list is... EVERY MORNING BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE HOTEL, TAKE A PICTURE OF YOUR CHILDREN WITH YOUR PHONE OR CAMERA. IF YOU ARE SEPARATED FROM THEM, YOU CAN TELL THE AUTHORITIES IMMEDIATELY WHAT THEY ARE WEARING
Monday, July 26, 2010
Tips on Finding Great Vacation Deals
If you want to save the most money on your next cruise or vacation, look for seasonal discounts. As a general rule, shoulder-season vacations (those that take place at the beginning or end of a tourist season) tend to be the most budget-friendly. While the weather may be less than ideal, you can often benefit from less crowded destinations and possibly more affordable airfare.
Autumn is a bargain time for vacationing in many regions, but the lowest prices are for Caribbean, Bahamas, and Mexico. This is notoriously a low season for cruising. Carnival Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises, for example, are advertising 7-day cruises from South Florida for under $100 per person, per day (based on double occupancy). Hotels are not as full as during the summer or winter months so many are offering free nights or resort credits. CuisinArt in Anguilla is offering 6th and 7th nights free for travel until November 23. AMResorts (Secrets, Dreams and Now Resorts) are offering $200 in resort credits, just to name a few.
These low prices are partly caused by fewer people vacationing between Labor Day and Christmas but also are a result of tropical storm season. Of course, it’s impossible to predict what the weather will be on any given day or week, so be certain to get travel insurance to protect yourself against cancellations or delays due to stormy weather.
To cruise Alaska at budget rates, choose a sailing in May or September right after the ship has arrived in the region or right before it’s set to depart for warmer waters. For instance, some cruise lines offer savings of $300 to $400 per person when you sail in September rather than in July. Although the weather is typically cooler in May and September, you can still enjoy the spectacular scenery and wildlife for which the Great Land is famous.
In the past, most cruise ships left the Mediterranean in fall and returned in the spring. Now, more ships are staying through November and returning in March or even remaining in Europe during the winter. Cruising the Mediterranean during the winter months has several distinct advantages, including fewer crowds, comfortable temperatures, value, and unique holiday celebrations in culturally diverse settings.
Prices for winter cruises—and airfares to get to and from Europe—are a bargain. In addition to low cruise fares, this year the USD is stronger against the Euro, so your vacation dollars will go further at shops and restaurants in your ports of call.
Visiting Italy in November through March will be less expensive than traveling in April through October. Weather in Northern Italy might be a bit chillier but you can save a good amount by traveling off season. Southern Italy (Rome, Naples and Sicily) is more moderate in temperature and it will likely be very comfortable for sightseeing. Beware of booking the Greek Islands after September or before May. Many of the hotels and restaurants may be closed since their season is much more defined. You can certainly visit Athens, Delphi and mainland Greece during the winter months and have a great vacation. You can still cruise around to many of the Greek islands but staying there might not work.
A bargain is only a bargain, if the vacation you book is the right vacation for you. At My Vacation Lady, we just don't book your vacation. We help plan your vacation experience! For more info, email us at mindy@myvacationlady.com
Autumn is a bargain time for vacationing in many regions, but the lowest prices are for Caribbean, Bahamas, and Mexico. This is notoriously a low season for cruising. Carnival Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises, for example, are advertising 7-day cruises from South Florida for under $100 per person, per day (based on double occupancy). Hotels are not as full as during the summer or winter months so many are offering free nights or resort credits. CuisinArt in Anguilla is offering 6th and 7th nights free for travel until November 23. AMResorts (Secrets, Dreams and Now Resorts) are offering $200 in resort credits, just to name a few.
These low prices are partly caused by fewer people vacationing between Labor Day and Christmas but also are a result of tropical storm season. Of course, it’s impossible to predict what the weather will be on any given day or week, so be certain to get travel insurance to protect yourself against cancellations or delays due to stormy weather.
To cruise Alaska at budget rates, choose a sailing in May or September right after the ship has arrived in the region or right before it’s set to depart for warmer waters. For instance, some cruise lines offer savings of $300 to $400 per person when you sail in September rather than in July. Although the weather is typically cooler in May and September, you can still enjoy the spectacular scenery and wildlife for which the Great Land is famous.
In the past, most cruise ships left the Mediterranean in fall and returned in the spring. Now, more ships are staying through November and returning in March or even remaining in Europe during the winter. Cruising the Mediterranean during the winter months has several distinct advantages, including fewer crowds, comfortable temperatures, value, and unique holiday celebrations in culturally diverse settings.
Prices for winter cruises—and airfares to get to and from Europe—are a bargain. In addition to low cruise fares, this year the USD is stronger against the Euro, so your vacation dollars will go further at shops and restaurants in your ports of call.
Visiting Italy in November through March will be less expensive than traveling in April through October. Weather in Northern Italy might be a bit chillier but you can save a good amount by traveling off season. Southern Italy (Rome, Naples and Sicily) is more moderate in temperature and it will likely be very comfortable for sightseeing. Beware of booking the Greek Islands after September or before May. Many of the hotels and restaurants may be closed since their season is much more defined. You can certainly visit Athens, Delphi and mainland Greece during the winter months and have a great vacation. You can still cruise around to many of the Greek islands but staying there might not work.
A bargain is only a bargain, if the vacation you book is the right vacation for you. At My Vacation Lady, we just don't book your vacation. We help plan your vacation experience! For more info, email us at mindy@myvacationlady.com
Friday, July 23, 2010
Spot Light on London
From Buckingham Palace to friendly neighborhood pubs, London offers visitors a diverse blend of fascinating sights that include world-famous museums, unique galleries, expansive parks, and impressive architecture. And during what is traditionally called the “off season” for European travel—late fall, winter, and early spring—London shows more of its true character. Museums stay open, theaters are in full swing, and all of the fascinating sights in this great city can be experienced, without fighting the crowds.
One of the most economical ways to experience Britain’s capital is to book an independent package. To help you get your bearings when you arrive in London, you might want to book a half-day sightseeing tour featuring Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace. The tour will give you a good idea of the main sites but leaving you plenty of time to enjoy this exciting city. You may choose to explore the British Museum, visit the City of London’s business district and the Tower of London, or browse through the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square. If you’re in the mood for shopping, head to Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Bond Street. And, of course, you won’t want to miss Harrods and the many boutiques in Knightsbridge.
To make the most of your stay, we suggest the following activities:
• Ride on the world’s largest and stylish observation wheel, the British Airways London Eye, and enjoy incomparable views of London.
• Sample the cuisine of any of the 60 different countries that are represented in London.
• See Tate Modern’s controversial exhibits, minimalist architecture, and fabulous river views.
• Take afternoon tea in any one of the many tea shops or grand hotels. (Scones with clotted cream are a must.)
• Explore one of London’s villages such as Greenwich, Hampstead, and Richmond.
What ever you decide to do in London, enjoy yourself!
One of the most economical ways to experience Britain’s capital is to book an independent package. To help you get your bearings when you arrive in London, you might want to book a half-day sightseeing tour featuring Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace. The tour will give you a good idea of the main sites but leaving you plenty of time to enjoy this exciting city. You may choose to explore the British Museum, visit the City of London’s business district and the Tower of London, or browse through the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square. If you’re in the mood for shopping, head to Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Bond Street. And, of course, you won’t want to miss Harrods and the many boutiques in Knightsbridge.
To make the most of your stay, we suggest the following activities:
• Ride on the world’s largest and stylish observation wheel, the British Airways London Eye, and enjoy incomparable views of London.
• Sample the cuisine of any of the 60 different countries that are represented in London.
• See Tate Modern’s controversial exhibits, minimalist architecture, and fabulous river views.
• Take afternoon tea in any one of the many tea shops or grand hotels. (Scones with clotted cream are a must.)
• Explore one of London’s villages such as Greenwich, Hampstead, and Richmond.
What ever you decide to do in London, enjoy yourself!
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