A Thread for Travel: Trips/Advice/Ideas

[Greyeagle]

Re: A Thread for Travel: Trips/Advice/Ideas

If lodging is still an open question, we had a great experience at Durrants Hotel on George Street. The West End location was important to us. The goal was something local and upscale, but not prohibitively expensive. It delivered.

Regardless of what you choose, your specific location will structure your stay. The closest Tube Station to Durrants is Bond Street. It's walking distance from the British Museum and Hyde Park; and a short ride to Buckingham Palace and the West End Theaters. Not a bad list. But if your wish list is different, use a travel guide to find a hotel close to your preferred tourist sites.

With regard to the theaters, I hope and assume that the Half Price Ticket Booth at Leicester Square still exists. Just like its Broadway counterpart, you often can bag great seats among the tickets released at the last minute. And the benefit of going at half price is obvious.

Among the historic sites, we really enjoyed being in Buckingham Palace. Can't exactly say why; I'm not a huge fan of the royal family or anything like that. But I recall the tour as being well done. All of the history, especially the artwork, was fascinating. In contrast, at the White House in DC, I remember being hustled through the tour and thinking that the few brief glimpses weren't really worth the wait. FWIW.

Oh, in case you're a Sherlock Holmes fan, resist the temptation to make a pilgrimage to 221-B Baker Street. The site is now occupied by a small office building. A single plaque marks the location. It's a nice enough plaque, just not worth a special trip.

Disclaimer: My information is 15 years old and things do change. But given that Durrants has been in business since 1790, I'm guessing that standards have been maintained. Buckingham Palace has been around a while too.

Have a great trip!

Thank you, appreciate the suggestions ! We are actually in the process of booking a flat (just across the Tower Bridge from the Parliament area) as there will be five of us. Appreciate the tips - unfortunately it appears Buckingham place is not open for tours when we'll be there.

 

[Greyeagle]

Re: A Thread for Travel: Trips/Advice/Ideas

For Paris, some of the departments stores on the Champs Elysees, sell Louve tickets at a discount. ask around for where the ticket office is, and it saves you tons of time waiting in line because the line at the louve is really long.

If you are coming in from the airport, catch the RER into the city and get off near your hotel. The road out to the airport is under construction so do not drive out there when you leave. You can get as good a view as the eiffel tower provides without the line by going to the top of the Montparnasse tower at sunset. and it's cheaper. It's across the street from the Gare du Montparnasse. The ticket machines at the subway/train stations only take ccards with chips. Get a navigo pass at one of the bigger subway stations. free rides for a week. If you have to buy a ticket, you will have to go to the ticket office and wait in a long line during business hours. A big pain.

There are a tons of things to do of course. We had a great romantic evening on one of the dinner cruises that leaves from the base of the Eiffel tower. make reservations ahead if you do this. you can do it on line.
I would also say, plan this out carefully ahead of time. oh also, the guillotine during the revolution, I believe was located on the traffic island at the end of the Champs Elysees near the ferris wheel.
Don't believe the BS that Frenchmen are anti American. it's not true. Most of them speak good english too, they just are looking for you to be polite.

Have a blast. it's safe most everywhere to walk around btw, and the food is to die for.

Thanks for the tips!
We plant to take the train from CDG to our hotel and we're taking the train to London when we leave Paris...but many thanks for the heads up and the info about the tickets.

 

[FadeToBlack&Gold]

Re: A Thread for Travel: Trips/Advice/Ideas

Tower of London was fun. The tour of the Crown Jewels was impressive even for a 17 year-old boy, and balanced with a healthy amount of bloody and gory history throughout the rest of the place.

Definitely use the Tubes to your advantage. They're nothing like New York's creepy subway system. Just be sure to "Mind The Gap".

If you can make it down to Canterbury, the Cathedral has awesome architecture - there is also an audio tour, and you can view the spot where Thomas Becket allegedly lost his head.

Advice circa 2004. HS band marched in the New Years Day Parade, though I'm not sure the locals really understood our funky dance to KC & the Sunshine Band's "Celebration".

 

[manurespreader]

Re: A Thread for Travel: Trips/Advice/Ideas

Thanks for the tips!
We plant to take the train from CDG to our hotel and we're taking the train to London when we leave Paris...but many thanks for the heads up and the info about the tickets.

any time. the " Train" from CDG to central Paris is almost certainly the RER B. It will stop at a lot of spots you don't want to be and eventually get you to Gare Du Nord, where you will have to change, most likely to RER A or possibly the subway. Really pay close attention to the signs inside the subway stations as it's easy to end up on the wrong one.
Once you are ready to leave, the Eurostar, which it looks like you are taking to london, leaves from Gare du Nord as well. It's upstairs, kind of behind you as you enter the main concourse. There are at least 5 train stations in Paris btw.

I believe the eurostar comes in at St Pancreas, where you change. it's walking distance to Kings Cross from there. I would not spend the time and money to catch the special Heathrow subway which does save time going to Heathrow, but it's expensive and hard to get to. I'd just take the regular tube. Make sure you know which terminal you are leaving from because terminal to terminal can take a long time. However long you figure it will take to get out to Heathrow, add 30 to 45 minutes to that. If you are going out of london, say to stonehenge or to Stratford on Avon, most of the trains go out of Euston station.
It's worth the time to study the subway and train maps of both cities before you leave.

My biggest advice is that most of the stress in traveling is time related. If you have plenty of time to do something, then any delay is no big deal, but if you are pressed, any delay can be hard on you. Give yourself plenty of time.

Right now I'm headed for a beach in the Cyclades from which I hope to never return.

 

[pgb-ohio]

Re: A Thread for Travel: Trips/Advice/Ideas

...We are actually in the process of booking a flat (just across the Tower Bridge from the Parliament area) as there will be five of us...

Tower of London was fun. The tour of the Crown Jewels was impressive even for a 17 year-old boy, and balanced with a healthy amount of bloody and gory history throughout the rest of the place.

Yup. Given the location of the flat, Tower of London is at the top of the list.

Definitely use the Tubes to your advantage. They're nothing like New York's creepy subway system. Just be sure to "Mind The Gap".

Strongly agree. I'd only add that if you see a sign for a "subway" in London, it means "pedestrian underpass." No matter how hard you look, you won't find any trains in a London subway.

 

[St. Clown]

Re: A Thread for Travel: Trips/Advice/Ideas

Thanks for the tips!
We plant to take the train from CDG to our hotel and we're taking the train to London when we leave Paris...but many thanks for the heads up and the info about the tickets.

When you're in Paris, if you're using the Metro system there (subway/light rail), you will see the destination "Sortie" in green, if memory serves. Sortie is not a location, you won't find it on a map of the city. It's pointing you towards the exit. It took my buddy and I a few stops to figure out that one in the days before internet translators were around.

 

[The Rube]

Re: A Thread for Travel: Trips/Advice/Ideas

When you're in Paris, if you're using the Metro system there (subway/light rail), you will see the destination "Sortie" in green, if memory serves. Sortie is not a location, you won't find it on a map of the city. It's pointing you towards the exit. It took my buddy and I a few stops to figure out that one in the days before internet translators were around.

And don't forget to mind the gap.

 

[Greyeagle]

Re: A Thread for Travel: Trips/Advice/Ideas

I need to improve on my map reading skills....across from the Tower Of London which is not near Parliament.

 

[pgb-ohio]

Re: A Thread for Travel: Trips/Advice/Ideas

I wondered about that. But having never been to Parliament...

Regardless, your location should be fine.

 

[RaceBoarder]

Re: A Thread for Travel: Trips/Advice/Ideas

Thinking about making an impromptu trip to Cedar Point sometime this week... Obviously one of the most hyped amusement parks in the US... Any first hand reviews from anyone? Any secrets, tips, must see/must avoid type of things... Always enjoyed going to Six Flags Great America, but never been to any other theme parks, so this is all new to me...

 

[St. Clown]

Re: A Thread for Travel: Trips/Advice/Ideas

I need to improve on my map reading skills....across from the Tower Of London which is not near Parliament.

You need to do this just for the sake of doing it.

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/iAgX6qlJEMc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[pgb-ohio]

Re: A Thread for Travel: Trips/Advice/Ideas

Thinking about making an impromptu trip to Cedar Point sometime this week... Obviously one of the most hyped amusement parks in the US...

Cedar Point strives to have more rollercoasters and better rollercoasters than anyone else. Whether they succeed is for the customer to decide. But if you're a fan of coasters, I can guarantee you'll have a lot of fun deciding.

Any first hand reviews from anyone? Any secrets, tips, must see/must avoid type of things... Always enjoyed going to Six Flags Great America, but never been to any other theme parks, so this is all new to me...

Beyond the coasters, it's probably more similar to a Six Flags than different. So for the most part, just try the shows and rides you're naturally attracted to. The quality is pretty consistent.

Lodging: Staying at the Hotel Breakers is a very nice way to see Cedar Point. It isn't cheap, but being right on the amusement park grounds has a number of advantages. First, your entrance gate is just across the hotel parking lot; much more convenient than dealing with the enormous parking lot at the main gate. Second, you'll start your day at the opposite end of the park from most others. That should mean shorter lines for at least a portion of the morning. Third, you can take breaks during the day in your hotel room; and even use the swimming pool if you like. In hot weather this can be a godsend.

Restaurant: Famous Dave's is a solid choice for BBQ. If I have the story straight, Dave is a Chicago guy who launched his restaurant chain in the Twin Cities. Since Minnesota's Valley Fair and Cedar Point are owned by the same company, the Twin Cities connection likely explains how the restaurant migrated to Ohio. In any event, we're talking about a decent sit-down restaurant. Being just outside a park gate, it's usually not overly crowded. Prices are similar to those charged at other Famous Dave locations, meaning you're not paying an amusement park mark-up. And, in general, the food is more appealing than the junk food served inside the gate. Another benefit is that by patronizing the restaurant you're allowed to use the restaurant's parking. On the same road as the Hotel*, it's a much more convenient than the main gate. If memory serves, this also allows you to dodge the parking fee.

Hope this helps. Feel free to ask follow-up questions if you have any.

*EDIT: Famous Dave's is located at the Marina. Use the far left lane at the main parking entrance; the boat dock and restaurant come up fairly quickly on the left.

 

[FlagDUDE08]

Re: A Thread for Travel: Trips/Advice/Ideas

OK, for of those roadie cheapskates out there, here's your question of the day:

Take the nearest toll road from you (assuming there is one). What's the fastest way to avoid it?

 

[RaceBoarder]

Re: A Thread for Travel: Trips/Advice/Ideas

Cedar Point strives to have more rollercoasters and better rollercoasters than anyone else. Whether they succeed is for the customer to decide. But if you're a fan of coasters, I can guarantee you'll have a lot of fun deciding.

Beyond the coasters, it's probably more similar to a Six Flags than different. So for the most part, just try the shows and rides you're naturally attracted to. The quality is pretty consistent.

Lodging: Staying at the Hotel Breakers is a very nice way to see Cedar Point. It isn't cheap, but being right on the amusement park grounds has a number of advantages. First, your entrance gate is just across the hotel parking lot; much more convenient than dealing with the enormous parking lot at the main gate. Second, you'll start your day at the opposite end of the park from most others. That should mean shorter lines for at least a portion of the morning. Third, you can take breaks during the day in your hotel room; and even use the swimming pool if you like. In hot weather this can be a godsend.

Restaurant: Famous Dave's is a solid choice for BBQ. If I have the story straight, Dave is a Chicago guy who launched his restaurant chain in the Twin Cities. Since Minnesota's Valley Fair and Cedar Point are owned by the same company, the Twin Cities connection likely explains how the restaurant migrated to Ohio. In any event, we're talking about a decent sit-down restaurant. Being just outside a park gate, it's usually not overly crowded. Prices are similar to those charged at other Famous Dave locations, meaning you're not paying an amusement park mark-up. And, in general, the food is more appealing than the junk food served inside the gate. Another benefit is that by patronizing the restaurant you're allowed to use the restaurant's parking. On the same road as the Hotel*, it's a much more convenient than the main gate. If memory serves, this also allows you to dodge the parking fee.

Hope this helps. Feel free to ask follow-up questions if you have any.

*EDIT: Famous Dave's is located at the Marina. Use the far left lane at the main parking entrance; the boat dock and restaurant come up fairly quickly on the left.

Thanks for taking the time to provide the info

Coasters are the main attraction for us... We are staying overnight at Breakers Express... It's an off-site hotel... It was $40 cheaper and included a parking voucher... We are coming in Tue. night and doing the park on Wed... Since Wed. is our checkout day, we were told that we couldn't stay in the Hotel Breakers parking lot... I don't quite understand the logic there, but it is what it is... I didn't want to drop an additional $20 in parking on top of having to drive around the park anyways...

Would you happen to know if schools in SE Michigan/NW Ohio are still off on Summer Break? Obviously that will change how many people we have in the park...

 

[FadeToBlack&Gold]

Re: A Thread for Travel: Trips/Advice/Ideas

Thanks for taking the time to provide the info

Coasters are the main attraction for us... We are staying overnight at Breakers Express... It's an off-site hotel... It was $40 cheaper and included a parking voucher... We are coming in Tue. night and doing the park on Wed... Since Wed. is our checkout day, we were told that we couldn't stay in the Hotel Breakers parking lot... I don't quite understand the logic there, but it is what it is... I didn't want to drop an additional $20 in parking on top of having to drive around the park anyways...

Would you happen to know if schools in SE Michigan/NW Ohio are still off on Summer Break? Obviously that will change how many people we have in the park...

Pretty sure Michigan doesn't start until after Labor Day anymore, except the private schools.

 

[jmh]

Re: A Thread for Travel: Trips/Advice/Ideas

Paris from 12/25 - 12/29
London from 12/29 - 1/5

First time for me in each city for me (wife went 25+ years ago) - any suggestions beyond the obvious?

Jealous!!!

For Paris, I'll echo the comment upthread that Parisians get a bad rap, just be friendly, greet people with a "bonjour", ask them if they speak English rather than assuming that they do, and you'll do fine. The idea to go to the Montparnasse tower is a good one too, because it's ugly and when you're at the top of it you don't have to look at it. I also love the view of the city from Montmartre. The Louvre is massive to the point of being overwhelming, you won't remotely be able to see it all in one day, so if you're going to go, try to figure out a plan of attack beforehand. The Pompidou Centre is also worth a look if you're interested in modern art, and in a building as modern as the Louvre is classical. Drink coffee, drink wine, eat crepes.

For London, if you're into history the British Library is worth a look; free (or was when I was there) and they've got a lot of cool stuff including copies of the Magna Carta dating to 1215. Check out a soccer game (sorry, "football match"); lower divisions are just as much fun and more affordable for a larger group.

Definitely use the Tubes to your advantage. They're nothing like New York's creepy subway system. Just be sure to "Mind The Gap".

Pah. The NYC subway is fantastic.

 

[bigblue_dl]

Re: A Thread for Travel: Trips/Advice/Ideas

Check out a soccer game (sorry, "football match"); lower divisions are just as much fun and more affordable for a larger group. Pah.

Or you can find a freshly painted building, and watch it dry. Your choice!

 

[pgb-ohio]

Re: A Thread for Travel: Trips/Advice/Ideas

Thanks for taking the time to provide the info

Glad to help. No doubt you'll return the favor someday.

Coasters are the main attraction for us...

You're definitely headed to the right place!

We are staying overnight at Breakers Express... It's an off-site hotel... It was $40 cheaper and included a parking voucher...

Not a bad decision at all. While it is off-site, it's Cedar Point owned. That means you're entitled to Early Entry to the Park, the voucher you mention, etc. And the drive is very short. You're literally on the access road. Just drive out the peninsula and you're there. Note that if you do use the Early Entry, you should avoid any congestion on the access road.

We are coming in Tue. night and doing the park on Wed... Since Wed. is our checkout day, we were told that we couldn't stay in the Hotel Breakers parking lot... I don't quite understand the logic there, but it is what it is...

That's a new one on me. Not sure if that's a new policy, a new level of enforcement or if I've just gotten lucky on several occasions. But for us, going to the park on the "getaway day" and driving back to Columbus after an early supper is a standard option.

I didn't want to drop an additional $20 in parking on top of having to drive around the park anyways...

Strongly agree. Don't know if your parking voucher gives you in and out privileges. I doubt it, but it's worth asking. If not, you could play the Famous Dave's card for one of your meals. Or, given that you're in the actual park for just one day, taking a mid-day break may be unacceptable anyhow!

Would you happen to know if schools in SE Michigan/NW Ohio are still off on Summer Break? Obviously that will change how many people we have in the park...

Don't know. I can tell you that in Central Ohio, virtually all of the kids are back in school. We're actually in the second week. There's even a full slate of High School Football games this coming Friday night. Unfortunately I don't know if Northern Ohio takes the same approach. If you do further research on this be sure to take Cleveland and NE Ohio into account. Cedar Point is roughly halfway between Cleveland and Toledo.

 

[Greyeagle]

Re: A Thread for Travel: Trips/Advice/Ideas

You need to do this just for the sake of doing it.

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/iAgX6qlJEMc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

This may have come up in our planning process!

 

[UNH GH]

Re: A Thread for Travel: Trips/Advice/Ideas

Just got home from a 2 day trip to Rome/Vatican City. Truly spectacular. I really enjoyed the Vatican, and the 320 step climb to the top of St. Peter's Basilica.