BRITISH & IRISH TRAVEL TIPS
1. How much time does it take to visit England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland without rushing?
A minimum of 5-7 days per country. You have to allow for traveling time.
2. To travel in Britain, is it necessary to drive?
No. We prefer public transportation which we will teach you when you book with us. It is both cheaper and safer considering that their gasoline is now $9/gallon.
3. Since most Wales tours are only 3-4 days long, should I visit there for that time or longer?
There's a lot to see and do on a Wales vacation. Stay as long as you can. Our escorted program tours can last 10-14 days. In 3 days you cannot see much.
4. Should we plan a Britain trip in the winter to save money?
Visiting in the winter will save you money because most tourists don't travel then. However most people don't remember that the UK is almost as far north as Alaska and therefore on December 21, the shortest day of the year, daylight is very short giving you about 6 hours to see everything. The sun can rise as late as 9am and set around 3-4pm. Also an unexpected snow storm can set your trip back as you may not be able to move around freely.
5. On my British vacation how much money should I take and in what form?
There is much disagreement on this topic but personally I always take travelers checks in British pounds because they spend like cash and if you need cash, most hotels will even help you out. For large expenses use a credit card. More info.
6. What about using cell phones when you travel in Britain?
Today GSM phones are very common so if you have a cell phone but it is not a GSM phone, it is wise to visit your cell phone dealer and purchase a new phone. The difference will be less than you think and you will always be able to use it regardless of where you travel in the future. More info.
7. Since a Scotland trip will take you the furthest north in the UK, is its climate always cold?
The climate of Scotland is cooler than the rest of the UK but it is not difficult unless you wish to visit the Highlands in the middle of winter when there is snow and ice.
8. When planning Great Britain Travel, is it more economical to fly into one airport and out of another?
If the fares are equal, it is definitely more economical but it is also a great time saver because you don't have to return to your city of origin.
9. If we want to travel to Ireland from Wales or Scotland, is it smarter to fly or to take the ferry?
You can certainly fly to Ireland but I think that traveling by train and taking the ferry enhances your experience and learning to a much greater degree.
10. Can we travel to Scotland from London by overnight train?
Yes you can. The advantage is that a car trip is 8 hours and a train trip 4 hours so it saves time. It is also cheaper than a hotel night.
11. Do I need to take a raincoat and umbrella?
Yes absolutely. You may not need them but at least you have them. An even smarter idea especially in the off season is a hat and a pair of gloves. The wind often makes you more uncomfortable than the cold.
12. Are there ways to fly to Britain without using Heathrow or Gatwick Airports?
Other airports you can fly into direct from the east coast of the US include: Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester, Stansted, Glasgow and Edinburgh. It is also possible to fly into one airport and out of another which may cost you a bit but saves you a lot of time.
13. Which is the better value for the dollar?
Oyster Card or London Visitor Travelcard? The latter is a far better value than the former.
14.What is the most effective means of sightseeing in cities especially for people traveling alone?
Learn what a hop on hop off bus is and take advantage of them for thorough sightseeing at the lowest price possible.
A minimum of 5-7 days per country. You have to allow for traveling time.
2. To travel in Britain, is it necessary to drive?
No. We prefer public transportation which we will teach you when you book with us. It is both cheaper and safer considering that their gasoline is now $9/gallon.
3. Since most Wales tours are only 3-4 days long, should I visit there for that time or longer?
There's a lot to see and do on a Wales vacation. Stay as long as you can. Our escorted program tours can last 10-14 days. In 3 days you cannot see much.
4. Should we plan a Britain trip in the winter to save money?
Visiting in the winter will save you money because most tourists don't travel then. However most people don't remember that the UK is almost as far north as Alaska and therefore on December 21, the shortest day of the year, daylight is very short giving you about 6 hours to see everything. The sun can rise as late as 9am and set around 3-4pm. Also an unexpected snow storm can set your trip back as you may not be able to move around freely.
5. On my British vacation how much money should I take and in what form?
There is much disagreement on this topic but personally I always take travelers checks in British pounds because they spend like cash and if you need cash, most hotels will even help you out. For large expenses use a credit card. More info.
6. What about using cell phones when you travel in Britain?
Today GSM phones are very common so if you have a cell phone but it is not a GSM phone, it is wise to visit your cell phone dealer and purchase a new phone. The difference will be less than you think and you will always be able to use it regardless of where you travel in the future. More info.
7. Since a Scotland trip will take you the furthest north in the UK, is its climate always cold?
The climate of Scotland is cooler than the rest of the UK but it is not difficult unless you wish to visit the Highlands in the middle of winter when there is snow and ice.
8. When planning Great Britain Travel, is it more economical to fly into one airport and out of another?
If the fares are equal, it is definitely more economical but it is also a great time saver because you don't have to return to your city of origin.
9. If we want to travel to Ireland from Wales or Scotland, is it smarter to fly or to take the ferry?
You can certainly fly to Ireland but I think that traveling by train and taking the ferry enhances your experience and learning to a much greater degree.
10. Can we travel to Scotland from London by overnight train?
Yes you can. The advantage is that a car trip is 8 hours and a train trip 4 hours so it saves time. It is also cheaper than a hotel night.
11. Do I need to take a raincoat and umbrella?
Yes absolutely. You may not need them but at least you have them. An even smarter idea especially in the off season is a hat and a pair of gloves. The wind often makes you more uncomfortable than the cold.
12. Are there ways to fly to Britain without using Heathrow or Gatwick Airports?
Other airports you can fly into direct from the east coast of the US include: Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester, Stansted, Glasgow and Edinburgh. It is also possible to fly into one airport and out of another which may cost you a bit but saves you a lot of time.
13. Which is the better value for the dollar?
Oyster Card or London Visitor Travelcard? The latter is a far better value than the former.
14.What is the most effective means of sightseeing in cities especially for people traveling alone?
Learn what a hop on hop off bus is and take advantage of them for thorough sightseeing at the lowest price possible.
Doonagore Castle in County Clare Ireland
Swanton British Travel Service LLC
PO Box 7398
Wilmington. DE 19803-0398
PO Box 7398
Wilmington. DE 19803-0398
Phone : (302) 529-0100
Fax : (302) 475-8669
Toll Free : (800) 637-5713
Fax : (302) 475-8669
Toll Free : (800) 637-5713
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Website by Limestone Business Web, LLC
Independent / Group Travel to Britain (England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland)
"Accurate advice, cost effective personal attention & one on one mentoring."
Please call us for assistance (302) 529-0100 or toll free (800) 637-5713