Helpful Hints and Tips:
(The things I wanted to know when planning this trip!)
Planning for this Tour
- It took us an hour to get through the immigration line at Heathrow.
- Finding the bus terminal and taking the bus to Bath was very easy.
- There IS a coffee shop/café in the bus terminal. So we could get something to eat before the bus ride.
- I booked our bus tickets online early, and was very glad. The bus was sold out when we got on.
- The weather in late June was much cooler than we expected. A warm jacket was needed for much of the tour. (except London which was VERY hot)
- Many of the shops in the towns close by 5:00 pm, so evening activities are limited.
- There were several days when our lunch would be on the move! Tom would give us a couple of places that would be good for take away sandwiches. We would then eat on the bus while we moved to the next fun location.
General Travel
- Pack light! Each trip we take even less! Although there are three MUST haves: Rick Steves Picnic set, a change purse, and a deck of cards!
- We bring euros/pounds with us. I go to AAA and order the currency several weeks before the trip. While in Europe we have witnessed bank problems, people getting their ATM card "eaten" by the machine, as well as people having to take time out of the fun to find a working ATM.
- We use our credit card whenever possible. (We have a Capital One card, as they don't charge extra fees for using it overseas.)
- We wear our money belts.
- We buy useful souvenirs! Dish towels, note pads, and Christmas ornaments are some of our favorite treasures. That way we enjoy our travels all year round.
- To get ready for the trip we read books (fiction and non-fiction), watch movies, and indulge in some of the country's special foods.