travel tips part 1
After only one trip to the United Kingdom and Ireland, I certainly do not consider myself an expert. But we did figure out a few things along the way, that maybe you'll find helpful. And things might change between when we wrote this and when you read it. And, we might just be flat out wrong about some of it. But at a minimum, I hope you find this entertaining...
- You really can survive without getting an international data plan. Wifi is available enough. And it's so nice to not have a phone for awhile!
- You can type "ok maps" into your Google Maps app on your device and it will let you zoom to the map you want and then you can save it to access it as an interactive offline map that will track your movement. It really works. It's kind of creepy. Big brother is watching.
- Several drug store type chains offer "meal deals" where you can get an entree (sandwich, wrap), a side (fruit, chips...or crisps as they call them), and a drink for only 3 something and some change. Boots in England even offers premium items (sushi and Naked Juices) for the same low price.
- Order a "flat white" at a coffee shop. Trust me, just do it.
- If you'll be doing more than 6 train trip legs, a rail pass will most likely be most cost effective. And if you're 25 or under, it is half price! Discount train ticket sites seem to only be valid for UK or European Union residents. So for us foreigners, rail passes do indeed seem the best option. We used Rail Europe and had a wonderful experience! You will need to order your tickets in time to have them mailed to you before you leave for your trip.
- Strings hanging from the ceiling in the bathroom may be the light, a fan or an alarm to call for help. Pull at your own risk.
For London specifically:
- If you're going to travel on the Underground or on buses for at least a couple of days, go ahead and get an Oyster Card and load it with 15 pounds. The physical card itself costs 5 pounds, so you'll be paying 20 pounds for the card total. And get one per traveler. Then as you see how much you use, you can plan reloads. You can turn in the cards at the end of your trip and be refunded the balance left on your card plus the 5 pounds card cost. Just know, it's more inconvenient to be stuck without enough payment on your Oyster Card than to be refunded more at the end. Your total spending during a day of travel will be capped at a certain amount (based on what day of the week it is and what time of day it is). So if you'll be riding a good bit, hopping on and off to see things, it really is quite worth it.
- Your boogers will be city boogers for the duration of your stay in London. Gray stickies.
- Don't be surprised if people are kind and helpful. Don't be surprised if people are vehemently angry. It's a big city.
- The National Gallery is lovely. Brilliant masters' works all displayed. Free. And pictures are allowed. It is breathtaking.
- Now through November 11, 2014 the Tower of London has a moving display of ceramic poppies flooding out through the moat in honor of each fallen British soldier in World War I. This year marks the centennial of when Britain entered the war.
- Near St. Paul's Cathedral (which is terrifyingly massive), there is a foot bridge over the River Thames from which there is a brilliant view of London Bridge and the city lights of the financial district at night.
- The YHA London Earl's Court is a great hostel on a quiet, nicer residential street. Wifi was not good, but it was quiet, well-staffed, guests were lovely normal people while we were there, they have a great courtyard and communal kitchen, and we slept wonderfully. We liked it better than the YHA St. Paul's that came highly recommended.
- The Co-operative food is a great, inexpensive grocery store that has great discounts. Buy food there for a meal and save.
That's all for now...