Something about a passport in your hands makes traveling aboard so much more real. I'm sure your wondering if my husband or kids will be joining me on the trip and the answer is no, this time time I'll be traveling alone which my makes a little jittery to be honest. A long boring plane ride across the pond sounds dreadful! But I'm excited for the adventure ahead.
Right now, I'm looking into flying into Dublin, since the airline I'm considering has layovers there it seemed to make perfect sense to stay one night in Dublin explore, then take the Ferry to England and from there a train ride into London. My girlfriend is planning on flying into Dublin to meet me. I love the idea her and I exploring Dublin for a bit catching up, since we're both talkers its so needed!!
While in England, my girlfriend and her husband want to show me the sights, so she's asking for my to compile a list of places I want to visit and things I want to do. My friend lives just outside London in the English countryside so visiting London is a quick train ride in and we plan to visit the sites while there, I'm looking forward to eating some of the best Indian food in the world. I'm also hoping to visit Bath or the White Cliffs of Dover and many more places.
In addition we're planning a quick 1-2 day trip to Paris, yes and in Paris France! I'll be visiting her for about 12-14 days and figured a quick getaway to Paris is a must. Because as they say Paris is always a good idea. I've also be told by friends who've visited Paris, its life changing. I'm so excited to explore the city of lights, eat a french baguette and tour the city on a bike.
I'd love to hear from all of you about, when is the best time to purchase plane tickets? Bu far my biggest expense is will be plane tickets, so please share all your tips and favorite site for checking out prices.
What's your favorite airline to fly to the UK or Europe? Any international traveling tips? Places I should visit in England and Paris? Places to visit in Dublin? Sites in Dublin, England and Paris to skip?
I welcome any and all suggestions!
We are going to Paris in September and are travelling through Helsinki, going that route was a crazy good deal and saved us a ton of money. I'm not sure what airline though.
ReplyDeleteI know you must be getting excited for your trip to Paris! Sounds like we'll be there around the same time. I've been looking at airlines and narrowed it down to a few, hoping for the most direct flight available.
DeleteYou will love Europe! For the plane flight, download some books and magazines on to your iPad or kindle. So much easier than carrying those around. Also, it's easier to read when the lights are out on the plane. Most international flights have tv and movies so don't forget earbuds or headphones.
ReplyDeleteIn London, check out London Walks. I did the Beatles walk, the National Gallery and the Mall, but they have walks for every interest. In Paris, walk along the Seine, visit the St. Germain and LaMarais neighborhoods, visit the Eiffel Tower. If you are not afraid of heights you can go all the way up ( I only made it to the second part lol). Visit the Sennelier art supply store and of course, go to an outdoor cafe to people watch. So much fun to watch the chic Parisians go by. If you have a few days, you can take the train to Versailles or Giverny to visit Claude Monet's gardens.
Get the Viber app for your phone and have your husband get it as well. If you are both in a place with wifi you can call and text home for free. Saves a ton of money communicating with home. You can also get it with your bestie for trip planning.
Sorry about the novel - travel is my favorite subject!!
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment sharing all your tips, I appreciate it so much! I'll for sure load my nook up with magazine and a few books, and I'm sure I won't be able to resist buying a few at the airport, lol! I'm writing all your suggestions down and then sending them to my bestie! And thank you thank you for the app tip one calling and texting to home for free, that will be a lifesaver for sure!! :)
DeleteWhat a fun trip! I've never been to Paris, but I've been to Dublin and London and am sure you will love both of them. Plane tickets... just keep checking deals but don't wait too long. September is still a high travel season so the prices will only drop so low. If you see something reasonable grab it.
ReplyDeleteI have flown British Airways, Virgin, and US Airways or United, can't remember which. All were good. If you fly out of one of their hubs (as opposed to connecting in the US before going over the pond) you might be able to snag a last minute upgrade to business class for not too much money. You just have to keep checking. The additional room in those seats makes a world of difference on a long flight, but trust me you'll be so excited that being in coach will be no big deal to you.
Some of the airlines allow you to choose special meals/snacks ahead of time that you can pay for... look into those because they can be much yummier than the standard fare offered.
Also, see if you can fly so that you arrive in the morning. If you arrive in the morning, then force yourself to stay awake all day and go to bed local time, you'll have a much easier transition timewise than if you arrive at night and try to go to bed, or arrive during the day and take a nap. Resist that first day nap and you'll be okay.
My husband is English and we are long overdue for a trip back. Have a blast!
Yes, the tickets being by far the biggest expense, I'm so hoping somehow I can find a great deal on flights, I'm thinking about leaving out of a larger airport so hopefully that will cut down on the expense some. Thank you so much for all your tips and love the flight tips about arriving in the morning! If I fly into Dublin, and stay for one night/day I'll for sure make sure its an early morning arrival flight.....I'm so excited, thank you SO SO much for taking the time to share with me your travel tips!!! :)
DeleteWow, how fun!! I've never been to England, so I don't have any advice. I'm just so jealous that you get a vacation without your kids AND husband. Sounds like a dream! ha
ReplyDeletelol! I know I totally feel like a brat, going off on a long vacation without the family - but its perfect bonding time for the kiddos and dad lol :)
DeleteHow exciting, you will absolutely love your trip!! The flight is long, wear super comfy clothes, think leggings. Bring snacks, better than the over priced ones they sell on the planes. Noise canceling head phones and eye masks make naps possible. Take small walks on the plane to keep legs from getting cramped from all the sitting, lots of people do it and you won't seem out of place.
ReplyDeleteWhen checking into attractions see if they have a skip the line option, it will cost a few more bucks but the time you save will make it worth it. I waited in line for three hours to get to the top of the Eiffel Tower, many museums and attractions have this option, it is a huge time save to go to the front of the line.
A comfy pair of walking shoes since you will be exploring! Have lots and lots of fun catching up with your friend and exploring. And lastly be prepared to get bit by the travel bug, once you take your first international flight you won't want to stop!!!