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Post by Eagle on Sept 4, 2007 1:03:23 GMT -5
It's hard to believe that a year has passed since my two-month trip last fall! I still haven't got all the photos sorted out! However, I'll be embarking on my next travel adventure in about a week!
I've decided that a return visit to the U.K. would be interesting this year, as I haven't been there since 2004. I'll be focusing on London and the south this time, including Bath and the Cotswolds. I've also decided to pay a visit Ireland this year, and rather than travel independently I'm going to try an organized tour for a change (I'm not sure whether I'll like travelling with a group, but unless I try it, I won't know for sure?).
The tour I chose specializes in small groups and somewhat of a "family atmosphere", so hopefully I won't mind being "herded around" with a cattle prod too much. The tour is provided by a well known American travel writer - not sure if I'd be breaking any rules by mentioning the name? As someone else will be doing the driving, that sounds like a good excuse to sample a wee pint of Guinness or two, or perhaps some "Old Bushmills"! The tour covers all the highlights of Ireland, virtually travelling around the entire island. Hopefully, I can get some good photos.
I'll be sure to post updates during the trip, as I did last year (provided I can find easily accessible net cafes).
Cheers!
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Post by WillTravel on Sept 4, 2007 13:05:23 GMT -5
Eagle, might the initials be RS?  I don't think you have to worry about breaking the rules. I think that should be an interesting tour. Most everything I've read about those tours is very positive, both in terms of the fellow travelers and the guides. It's a very good solution if you don't want to drive around yourself, but still see a lot. Do you get signed up with a roommate? |
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Post by Eagle on Sept 4, 2007 22:11:52 GMT -5
WillTravel, how did you guess? Yes, I'll be going on a Rick Steves tour of Ireland. I've always preferred to travel on my own, but thought this might be a good time to try a tour.
When I was in Italy last fall, I ran into the same RS tour group three separate times - the first was in Varenna, where I spent the afternoon drinking wine with the Guide and several other people (hey, it was raining, what else is there to do?). The next time was in Venice at a Vivaldi concert and the third time was in Orvieto at the Duomo. Everyone seemed to be having a fantastic time, although I'm sure the Guide was getting a bit annoyed at me "following" the group (he can't blame me for that, as I used a similar route to that chosen by his Boss!).
I won't find out about the "roommate" until we meet in the Hotel. It looks like there will be a group of 27 or so, of which about half appear to be girls / ladies travelling on their own. As I recall, there were only four couples? Having a roommate is not too different than staying in a Hostel, so I'm sure that won't be a problem, AND I don't have to pay a single supplement!
My travels in England will be on my own however. I'll be spending an entire week in London, and have LOTS of things to see! I also want to pay a return visit to the Tank Museum in Bovington, so have hired a car in Bath.
Only a week to go now - I'm a bundle of nerves!!!
Cheers!!!
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Post by WillTravel on Sept 5, 2007 1:00:59 GMT -5
You've done great on your last trips, so I'm sure this one will be fine too. How are you feeling physically?
I'm looking forward to hearing about Ireland. My daughter would like to go. My reluctance to drive in Ireland is making me consider tour options.
I forgot if you have seen the Imperial War Museum in London. If not, that might go well with your interests in tanks.
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Post by jennifer on Sept 5, 2007 7:22:53 GMT -5
Wow, you'll have a blast! By the way, I think mentionning names is okay if it's not for your personal benefit. It's always good to know about good tour operators and names as a tourist. I'm so jealous Oh well, I just have to hang on tight till may, I should be ok Keep us posted! |
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Post by me on Sept 5, 2007 9:38:25 GMT -5
I'm looking forward to hearing about Ireland. My daughter would like to go. My reluctance to drive in Ireland is making me consider tour options. is public transport so bad in Ireland that a rental car or a guided tour are the only options? although i've never been to the emerald isle, there were no troubles getting about on trains & buses elsewhere in Europe. i don't do guided tours, haven't since i was 15. and being a single traveler makes a rental cost too much. it's hard to believe that trains & coaches are so wanting there! - d |
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Post by WillTravel on Sept 5, 2007 10:46:52 GMT -5
I don't think it's a matter of being so bad, it's just that it seems rather time-consuming and inefficient to use public transport. At least that seems to be the opinion of many Ireland guide writers. We probably would not end up doing a tour anyway - my daughter really hates being rushed, and it seems many tours do have relatively early departure times each morning.
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Post by Eagle on Sept 5, 2007 17:54:57 GMT -5
W.T.,
I'm feeling fine, although I haven't put as much work in at the Gym as I had planned. I just saw the Dr. this afternoon for a quick "pre-trip checkup" and everything is good. I spent 1.5 hours in the Gym yesterday, and I'm going to try and get back today even if it's just for some cardio. I'll be having a final "tune-up" with massage and physio just before I leave. If I don't make it to the Gym, I'll take the Dog for a LONG walk tonight.
Interesting you should mention that. Your reluctance to drive in Ireland is probably well founded. I recently saw a statistic from a large tourist firm (Conde Nast, Frommer's or one of the others) that stated that Ireland is the second most dangerous place to drive in Europe behind Greece! That wasn't much of a factor in my decision to take a tour, but it was certainly in the back of my mind. I will be driving in England, so I not worried about driving on the "correct" side of the road (as the English frequently refer to it). I've also driven lots of narrow country roads along the edge of steep cliffs, so I'm not worried about that either. Lots of people do rent cars in Ireland, and many don't have any problems at all. Taking a tour rather than driving just seems like a more logical option.
David,
When I was researching my trip this year, it was my impression that the public transport in Ireland is great between the major centres, but a bit more "sparse" in the outlying, rural areas (Dingle, Aran Islands, etc.). Since I also want to see the rural areas, my choice was either to do a lot more planning and probably rent a car, or to take a tour. The tour was really the most efficient method (although not cheap!) and since I don't have as long away from work this year as I had last year, the time factor was important too. Of course, as I indicated before, if someone else is doing the driving I'll be free to have a pint of Guinness on occasion! One other compelling reason to take a tour this year, was because I've never tried one so I thought this would be the perfect opportunity. This really appealed to my sense of efficient travel! It will be interesting to see whether the reality matches my theories?
W.T.,
While I'm sure the group will be getting an early start most mornings, a full breakfast is included every day, so I doubt it will be too rushed. Also, there are several times during the two weeks where the group is given free time to do whatever they want. My perception is that a RS tour will be a more relaxed style of touring than Trafalgar or the other big tour companies. I can appreciate what you're saying though, as one of my colleagues from work took a "big company" tour of Europe last year, and it was so hectic it just about wore them out! Have a look at the R.S. web site to see how the tours are structured in terms of time.
I've been to the Imperial War Museum North in Manchester, but haven't visited the one in London yet, That's first on my list, as well as the Cabinet War Rooms and HMS Belfast! I'm only sorry I won't be at the Tank Museum during the summer months, as guests are able to drive a Tank around the range (for a fee of £300, from what I recall) - that would be an interesting experience, and might be worth a "splurge"!
One week today and counting!!! I have to work Thurs. & Friday, but after that I'm FREE until about Oct. 20th!!!
Time to finish loading the Backpack (hope I can fit everything in?).
Cheers!
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Post by WillTravel on Sept 6, 2007 11:43:09 GMT -5
Eagle, I found on my last trip that I had not done as much walking as I usually did, so I felt a bit out of condition for my usual style of lots and lots of walking. By the end, though, I had my conditioning back.
What flights are you taking?
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Post by Jules80 on Sept 6, 2007 13:10:32 GMT -5
yes, i was going to suggest the HMS Belfast! It was awesome! Cabinet War Rooms are another favorite. while you're in the vicinity of the HMS belfast (ie south bank) see if you can find the clink prison museum... it was entertaining and good for an hours entertainment or so if you're there in sept, i believe that is one of the only months you can go into buckingham palace... i've still not managed to be in the uk at time to do that! |
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Post by Eagle on Sept 6, 2007 23:05:48 GMT -5
W.T., I'm using Zoom airlines both ways. I'll be flying economy to London Gatwick, and returning with premium seating from Belfast. I want to try both types of seating, and will let everyone know what my impressions are. I used Zoom last year on my flight home from Paris, and was quite pleased with the service. However, one true measure of good service is consistency!
I had a brief look at the SkyTrax reviews this afternoon, and not everyone seems to be pleased with Zoom. My perception was that a lot of the complaints seemed to originate with flights from JFK (which is a relatively new route for them). Again, we'll see what my experience is this year?
Jules, thanks for the tips about the Clink Museum and the entry to "Buck House". I'm planning to see the Changing of the Guard, so will check on the opening times then. I have a feeling that London is going to be as tiring as Rome was. However, I'm hoping to have a nice Italian meal at Fifteen Restaurant, so that should help with the stress of travel!
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Post by WillTravel on Sept 7, 2007 1:33:26 GMT -5
Eagle, I think the only thing I would worry about with Zoom are possible delays, which can happen because they have so few planes. So long as you have not set this up so you are pressed for time with connections for onward travel, I am sure it will be fine.
Enjoy the premium seating. On our recent trip, with various airlines, we mostly had 31" or less legroom on most airlines. But one trip we had 33", and it was so great not to have our knees smashed.
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Post by pointofnoreturn on Sept 8, 2007 10:41:49 GMT -5
P.S. In Bath, avoid the Museum of Costume - they are currently undergoing a major overhaul so 60% of the exhibits have been removed. Admission is now 50% off but it's not worth your time. I was very disappointed with the lack of displays because that was one of my things to see in the UK. Also, if you're interested in photography, a visit to the Botanical Gardens in Royal Victoria Park is a must! I've gotten lots of wonderful photographs of birds and flowers from there!
P.P.S. Have fun!
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Post by Eagle on Sept 12, 2007 3:00:15 GMT -5
It's hard to believe, but the moment of departure has almost arrived! I'll be heading to the airport in about 8 hours (one more sleep!), so this will be the last Post for awhile from this side of the pond.
It was a monumental task trying to fit everything into my Backpack, which was surprising as I'm taking about the same amount of kit as last year (including camera gear and electronics). I had to resort to "Plan B" and use a larger Daypack for the "overflow". Since I'll be flying RyanAir once during the trip, I had to make sure I could fit everything into one pack for carry-on. The Backpack situation is something I'll have to look at before the next trip.
I'll try to Post short updates whenever I manage to find a Net Cafe.
Cheers!
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I don't think you have to worry about breaking the rules. I think that should be an interesting tour. Most everything I've read about those tours is very positive, both in terms of the fellow travelers and the guides. It's a very good solution if you don't want to drive around yourself, but still see a lot. Do you get signed up with a roommate?
