Overseas Trip

[irishoreo]

OK so for either this summer or next summer I'm planning a trip over to Ireland, Scotland and England....does anyone know the best way about going this adventure? Such as approximate expenses, lodging, sight seeing locations etc.? I'd like to hit this trip well informed, saving as much money as possible and not going insane...thanks in advance!

[Yorkie]

Well firstly that sounds like a great trip, I'm sure you'll have a great time.

You're asking for a lot there though and doing three countries with so much to see will be spreading yourself thin. You might end up doing a lot of traveling and missing a lot of the sights.

My first recommendation would be to do some research and maybe ask on some specialist sites - try seeing what other people have asked about on past threads in places like:

http://www.aardvarktravel.net/cotswolds ... 54b996a14b

or trip advisor.

Also, what is it you want to see and do? Do you want to be active (walking in the countryside), educational (visiting museums), entertained (nightlife/food/ shopping)? How will you travel (public transport or hire a car)?

You have a lot of planning to do, good luck!

[DrewE]

I'm mostly familiar with being a tourist in London (as opposed to any of the rest of the UK), and I assume that the greater London area will be a portion of this possible trip, especially as you're a Libera fan.

Getting around London is easiest IMHO by the underground and other public transport. A multi-day pass is convenient and pretty affordable. On a larger scale, the British rail system (although sometimes seen as the laughingstock of Europe) puts the Amtrak completely to shame; I'd prefer to take it or a bus over renting a car and trying to find my way around the "wrong" side of roads I'm unfamiliar with. If you're interested in renting a car, bear in mind that most have a manual transmission; if you don't know how to operate one, this would be a good excuse to learn.

One lodging that I'd suggest looking into is the Highbury Centre, http://www.thehighburycentre.org/. It's a bit outside the city, but a few minute's walk from an underground station. The rates are reasonable, the rooms comfortable enough, and the crowd generally genial.

[Rich]

Hey Deshaun,
As one who travels over to the UK at least twice a year, I can probably be of some help. However, Yorkie is right - that's a lot to cover in one trip. Without knowing what your interests are or your budget, it's hard to offer any specific advice.

If you've never been across the pond, maybe a week or two in London? Plenty to do, and as DrewE says, the transportation system is great. Whether it's the Tube, buses, or trains out of London, the system is fairly cheap and easy to use.

I'd first come up with a budget - how much do you want to spend. Then tell us your interests and what you want to see (museums, castles, a West End show, a little church in Norbury , etc.). After that, we can be of more help.

regards,
Rich

[Yorkie]

One good thing, if museums are your thing, is that all public museums in the UK are free (some ask for donations - the V&A did last time I went which was a few years ago) and even have the cheek to 'recommend' an amount in a way that makes it seem that you have to pay - but you don't.

Attractions like The Tower of London and most country homes do charge (and even places like York Minster charge but don't be fooled if you insist you are their to worship and say a prayer you can balls your way in without paying).

[irishoreo]

Very very true. I'm aiming on saving at least $6,000 if i can restrain myself from buying things non libera related lol. And even though history wasnt my subject in school, i DO like seeing history in physical form(such as museums and castles etc.)

[TEB]

Please send me a post card from Scotland if you get the chance? My family is from the Braemar area and we are part of Clan Farquharson. Unless I discover some money hidden in my house somewhere, I will never get my trip to the UK. It is simply beyond my means. Being poor sucks by the way.

[JimmyRiddle]

OK so for either this summer or next summer I'm planning a trip over to Ireland, Scotland and England

You would have been perfectly setup for this last year, when Libera had their Celtic tour. Still, I'm sure you'll be able to fit your itinerary around watching them in concert when you do come over.

Lots of idea's about city life and historical architecture etc... but if you can try and spend some time in the countryside. Surrey, Cotswolds, Lake District (watch Libera's Waitrose advert 'How Can I Keep from Singing' there's some scenery from the lakes on that video). It's very hard to time a stay during the perfect week of summer weather, but if you can, the phrase 'English Country Garden' will never be more perfectly suited.

...stay away from Central London in summer 2012, unless you like hustle and bustle. It's going to be busy for the capital that summer.

[fan_de_LoK]

If you can't wait to Libera's Concerts announcement (hopefully in february or march) before taking plane's tickets, then try to focus your trip to be in Great Britain between end of Jully and begining of august, it's usually when the European concerts take place.

Irishoreo, how much long do you plan your trip to be ?

...stay away from Central London in summer 2012, unless you like hustle and bustle. It's going to be busy for the capital that summer.

What about a Libera's Olympic Concert ?

[irishoreo]

If you can't wait to Libera's Concerts announcement (hopefully in febuary or march) before taking plane's tickets, then try to focus your trip to be in Great Britain beteew end of Jully and beguining of august, it's usually when the European concerts took place.

Irishoreo, how much long do you plan your trip to be ?

...stay away from Central London in summer 2012, unless you like hustle and bustle. It's going to be busy for the capital that summer.

What about a Libera's Olympic Concert ?

Minimum 6 grand hopefully.....AND OLYMPIC CONCERT GAH NEED TO SEE THAT!