Wanna go to London for a vacation and dunno where to start...

[FoodStampz]

I have been thinking of what I want to do after I finish school this winter and I really would love to go to London. I am looking at this as a gift to myself for finishing college... So I have no idea where to even begin... I realize that this is going to be a very pricey trip and it's going to require saving a bunch of cash. So perhaps you all can help me...

1. Passport? I know nothing about these...
2. Expenses? How much would say a 5 day 5 night stay be at a hotel (NOT a hostel!! :P )
3. Conversion of Dollars to euro... I know what I got is gunna be worth 1/2 so any advice on how much I might need?
4. Places to visit? I wouldn't know where to start?
5. Transportation... and safety... I don't know much about the crime and wanna be stay safe you know
6. I know im missing stuff

Anyways as of right now I am probably going to be going by myself unless someone else I know is down for it. So any ideas would be helpful!!

[MDEMT280]

Passport: http://travel.state.gov/passport/get...first_830.html

Many post offices can accept passport applications. Some can even do photos for an additional fee.

http://www.usps.com/passport/

I'd recommend moving on it sooner, rather than later, however, since it can apparently take a really long time now.

Other than that, I've never used mine to travel internationally, so I can't help you there.

[mcsap]

I applied for my passport last Aug and had it within 4 weeks.

You can get your passport photo taken at Walgreens for $8.

[MDEMT280]

Was that before or after people needed a passport to go to Canada and the tropics? I remember that was a big thing that created huge backlogs.

As for Walgreens -- good idea. I think the post office charged me $15 for a crappy photo. :mad:

[patchcop]

London (and whole Great Britain) is very expensive.

They don't use the Euro (change rate 1 Euro = 1,43 Dollar yesterday) they use the pound on the island.

There is so much to see in London, the Towerbridge, the Buckingham Palace, Mdme Tousauts wax cabinet, the London Eye, the Thames river, the pubs and so on. Use google.com - fill in "visit London" and there you will have more ideas than you want.

[Stub]

When I travel internationally, I use the following website to determine current exchange rates:

http://www.xe.com/ucc/

USD = U.S. Dollar
GBP = United Kingdom Pound

Minutes ago (it changes often), the exchange rate was...

1 USD = 0.503475 GBP
1 GBP = 1.98620 USD

As previously posted, don't delay on the passport. Start the process immediately.

From my experience, mass transit throughout most of Europe is impressive in comparison to the U.S., especially the rail system.

Purchase airfare as far in advance as possible to secure more attractive rates.

Electricity in the U.S. is typically supplied at 110 or 120 volts and a frequency of 60 Hz. Electricity in Europe is generally supplied at 220 volts and a frequency of 50 Hz. Electrical outlets in much of Europe are designed differently, although most hotels offer a complimentary converter. Consider this for any electronic devices you may use while in Europe, such as an electric razor, laptop, cell phone charger... Make certain they are compatible.

While we are on cell phones, if you plan on using one in Europe, it must be GSM capable.

You think gas prices are outrageous in the U.S.? Be prepared to get bent when filling up in Europe. Somewhere in the ballpark of $6 to $8 U.S. Dollars per Gallon (It is sold in liters across the pond).

Europe is hands down a great place to vacation. One suggestion, don't limit yourself to England. If you have the time and $, hit the mainland.

[Aussie George]

Try Australia - the dollar is cheaper and if you want to stay at my house, you can fix my computer for me. :D

[Oldbillplod]

If you are going to stay in London, aim to stay somewhere that is not right in the heart of the city, this will greatly reduce how much a room is going to cost you.

Public transport is excellent in London with the cheapest journeys being via bus or tube. Try and steer clear of black cabs as you'll be paying a pot load of money just to sit in the traffic queues of which there are hundreds.

Remember that the £ is very strong against the $ at the moment making your conversion very poor but mine excellent for when I go to NY in May :D

Get yourself a guide on what to do whilst here and you won't go far wrong, most of the attractions are within walking distance of eachother and as I said earlier the London underground is very good for covering all areas and fairly easy to master as well.
The biggest airport Heathrow is only a stones throw from the centre of London and transport to and from is good.

Beware of Eastern Europeans and Somalian type characters who will target tourists and still anything they can from you.

If you get lost ask a policeman;)

[FoodStampz]

I checked out the "eye" last night on the internet and I was stunned! That thing is cool as hell!!!
I was looking at a few places in Europe to visit and while thinking about this I started to watch the movie called Hostel II and it scared the crap out of me! That's sort of why I wanted to limit it to places I have heard of that way uhm people don't get me and cut me up lol
(just kidding)


http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0498353/plotsummary

[patchcop]

If you're in Europe, make a short trip over the channel, visit a part of France (I know you americans love France), went through the Netherlands or Belgium east to Germany. Visit the City of Cologne. It is a very safe City, the only thing you have to be scared off are the cops, the girls, the beer, the junkies and the criminals:D

[FoodStampz]

If you're in Europe, make a short trip over the channel, visit a part of France (I know you americans love France), went through the Netherlands or Belgium east to Germany. Visit the City of Cologne. It is a very safe City, the only thing you have to be scared off are the cops, the girls, the beer, the junkies and the criminals:D

Does that mean your offering to be my translator?
:D

[Nole795]

Do a Contiki tour. Going on a group tour saves you lots of $$$, and you get to make friends with people in your age group. Plus the girl guy ratio is like 4 to 1.

http://contiki.com/tours/europe

I would not want to stay in London the entire week. It gets real expensive. A typical meal will cost you over $20.00 with the weakness of the dollar right now.

[Norm357]

If I was planning a trip to London, the first thing I would do is PM Oldbillplod to see if I could stay at his place, thus greatly reducing the cost of my trip.:D

[Norm357]

If you're in Europe, make a short trip over the channel, visit a part of France (I know you americans love France), went through the Netherlands or Belgium east to Germany. Visit the City of Cologne. It is a very safe City, the only thing you have to be scared off are the cops, the girls, the beer, the junkies and the criminals:D

Paris is a favorite place of mine to visit as is Nice.

MMMMMM Europian beaches.:D

[Oldbillplod]

If I was planning a trip to London, the first thing I would do is PM Oldbillplod to see if I could stay at his place, thus greatly reducing the cost of my trip.:D

I'm sorry do I know you:D