Spidge's proposed trip to UK/Europe - Mid April to end of May 2011 - Help Wanted!

Hi all,

I have put down tentative dates on paper however I need plenty of advice on accomodation etc and the best ways to get around in the UK and Europe. I have travelled all over the Pacific however Europe/UK is a different matter.

I have not put full details yet of where in Europe other than France, Belgium, The Netherlands, Germany and Italy.

I will be travelling "solo" and will not be going on a tour as I do not want to be tied down to specific days/places all the way round the continent.

The accomodation is the big hurdle as I am not a bloody millionaire and I don't want to pay for anything except a bed and a shower. No I am not a tightwad but 40 days accomodation could work out to be four times the airfare.

Accomodation:

I might stay with my brother in law in Ipswich for a couple of days and leave a bit of gear there.

He keeps moving further out: Forest Gate, Ilford, Brentwood, Colchester and now Ipswich.

I notice in London (around Russell Sq etc) there are 2 star, 1 star and budget however it is close to many of the places I want to see for the first couple of days. (Can't get the pricing as firefox won't connect me)

I will also be going to Scotland, Wales (Headstone photos and a bit of sightseeing) and Ireland.

What are the backpackers like in Europe? - Anybody

I am looking for some inspiration here so any advice welcome!

Almost forgot: Train travel Europass. Good/better/best?

Cheers

Geoff

 

Geoff

To start you off, one meal on me in London Town !

Looking forward to meeting you in April/May 2011.

Best regards

Ron

My e-mail address can be found in my Blog profile/About me here:
Blogger: User Profile: Ron Goldstein

 

I couldn't see Norway on your list, but that's sure just a slip ?
You can stay in my house for as long as you like (I live 45 mins from Oslo.)
Provided these fractures heal as advertised, I'll be "abroad".
If not, you'll be my distinguished guest!:ausflag[1]:

 

If you plan it right you could get the £9 a night Travel lodge deals. At least its a roof over your head. Thing is though the price seems to creep up and down depending where you want to go in the U.K.

 

Hello Geoff

A few pointers to start you off

The main centres in the UK are ok for motorway networks when you get out into the sticks as an example mid Wales and Scotland the travel time is extended due to single carriage way roads.


link to hotels
Russell Square London
Hotel Availability Search and Booking - provided by justonehotel.com

General hotel finder Travel deals: cheap flights, hotels, holidays, city breaks - travel cheaper with Expedia!

cheap hotel chain here (if you hire a car they are all over the UK)
Travelodge its a place to put your head down for a night or two
Make a booking at Premier Inn Ditto

Car Hire
Enterprise Rent-A-Car UK - Car Hire, Low Rates, Van Hire


British National Rail site National Rail Enquiries - Official source for UK train times and timetables

Rail Europe
European train tickets, Eurostar and InterRail passes | Rail Europe

I'm sure other forum members will have suggestions

keep us updated with your plan

 

I couldn't see Norway on your list, but that's sure just a slip ?
You can stay in my house for as long as you like (I live 45 mins from Oslo.)
Provided these fractures heal as advertised, I'll be "abroad".
If not, you'll be my distinguished guest!:ausflag[1]:

Hi Stormbird,

What a great offer. I have left ten days after Germany to decide whether I would do Scandinavia on a flying visit. I could "row" out to Midvaag on the Faeroe Islands and get my only RAAF headstone photo

I need three in Iceland however since I read Macca's had closed, it lost its appeal.

Once I get the itinerary sorted, I will send you a PM.

Cheers

Geoff

 

Oldest Aussie Backpacker to come to Pommyland ?


Oldest Aussie Backpacker to come to Pommyland ?

My mate did the backpackers through Europe and rode a bicycle in Spain and he is one year older than me. He can have the record.

Are you going to hire a car ?
At least we drive on same side of road.

Will do depending on the itinerary.

There's a mafia-style network of Aussies living over here that you can tap for info too.

Is that on a website?

Good luck with planning.
You'll love it.
I'm sure you'll get some offers off here for a free bed for the night as long as you do the washing up.

Don't you eat your Fish & Chips out of the paper anymore?:p


Cheers

Geoff

 

If you plan it right you could get the £9 a night Travel lodge deals. At least its a roof over your head. Thing is though the price seems to creep up and down depending where you want to go in the U.K.

Thanks Bern,

Great one to keep in mind. I am happy if it is clean with a bed and a shower.

Cheers

Geoff

 

Geoff have a look here

Australian Times - News for Aussies Living in the UK

 

Hello Geoff

A few pointers to start you off

The main centres in the UK are ok for motorway networks when you get out into the sticks as an example mid Wales and Scotland the travel time is extended due to single carriage way roads.


link to hotels
Russell Square London
Hotel Availability Search and Booking - provided by justonehotel.com

General hotel finder Travel deals: cheap flights, hotels, holidays, city breaks - travel cheaper with Expedia!

cheap hotel chain here (if you hire a car they are all over the UK)
Travelodge its a place to put your head down for a night or two
Make a booking at Premier Inn Ditto

Car Hire
Enterprise Rent-A-Car UK - Car Hire, Low Rates, Van Hire


British National Rail site National Rail Enquiries - Official source for UK train times and timetables

Rail Europe
European train tickets, Eurostar and InterRail passes | Rail Europe

I'm sure other forum members will have suggestions

keep us updated with your plan

Thanks Clive,

Great info. Was on one hotel's website and the cheapest was around 50 pound per night.

Will check out the others and collate the itinerary accordingly.

Cheers

Geoff

 

Spidge -
can recommend the railpasses for both Europe and Britain as driving over there scares the hell out of me plus the price of their petrol..bit of luck I might meet you over there
Cheers

 

An ambitious project indeed Geoff and the very best of luck with the planning!

 

Hello! The resident Belgian stepping up! What would you need to know aside from accomodation?

 

I'm also based in London so could meet up if you fancied a beer. With travel in the London area, it depends on how long you will be there. You can get an Oyster card which you top up with money at train or tube stations, newsagents and sometimes off licences. This allows you to use bueses, tubes, some trains after a certain time in the morning and I think the Docklands Light Railway. Or you can get a One day Travelcard from the same outlets. See London Underground's website Home | Transport for London/ for more details.

 

Geoff

Working on the basis that it's never to early to plan, have you thought about making a posting on Trip Advisor ? Holiday Reviews - Hotels, Resorts and Holiday Packages - TripAdvisor

I have been using the site for years now and have always found the local experts very helpful.

A posting on the site, setting out how many days you have available, what you are looking to do, the type of budget you have, etc., and you will have loads of suggestions from fellow travellers based on their own experiences. (I always post under the nom-de-plume of ex4thhussar)

Regards

Ron

 

Geoff,

Let me know if you travel to Berlin as it would be great to meet up.

Regards
Tom

 

Geoff

Working on the basis that it's never to early to plan, have you thought about making a posting on Trip Advisor ? Holiday Reviews - Hotels, Resorts and Holiday Packages - TripAdvisor

I have been using the site for years now and have always found the local experts very helpful.

A posting on the site, setting out how many days you have available, what you are looking to do, the type of budget you have, etc., and you will have loads of suggestions from fellow travellers based on their own experiences. (I always post under the nom-de-plume of ex4thhussar)

Regards

Ron

Thanks Ron,

My NDP will be "daughters not happy":biggrin:

Cheers

Geoff

 

Geoff

Working on the basis that it's never to early to plan, have you thought about making a posting on Trip Advisor ? Holiday Reviews - Hotels, Resorts and Holiday Packages - TripAdvisor

I have been using the site for years now and have always found the local experts very helpful.

A posting on the site, setting out how many days you have available, what you are looking to do, the type of budget you have, etc., and you will have loads of suggestions from fellow travellers based on their own experiences. (I always post under the nom-de-plume of ex4thhussar)

Regards

Ron

Hi Ron,

When I put the intinerary together I will contact them and see where my errors are.

Cheers

Geoff