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Post by londonmzfitz on Jan 30, 2018 10:23:36 GMT
Interesting thread!
Holidays when I was a married woman were usually on canal boats because TBH (the b*st*rd husb*nd) loved canal boats, we could take the dog and TBH used to write off *foreign* because “all you do is walk around and see stuff” ….
Although he did enjoy Vegas for my 50th – I got to see my first love (Donny Osmond); I had wanted to go to Italy, but TBH couldn’t be persuaded … we did stay at The Venetian though …
Ah, Donny … my only trip to New York when Donny played BB Kings, again for my birthday in Feb 2005. Got to see a preview performance of Spamalot (with Tim Curry, David Hyde Pierce and Hank Azaria) and The Producers, but haven’t been back to New York since. I’ve also seen Donny in Belfast, Glasgow, Cardiff, Bournemouth, Brighton, Sheffield, Liverpool, Birmingham, Newcastle …
So now I’m free and single I’ve visited Italy three times, twice with groups over Christmas, to Venice, and a tour of Tuscany including Florence, Rome and Siena. I loved Florence so much I went back on my own (again for my birthday in 2015 – less crowds in February) and spent as much time as I wanted to at the Uffizi Art Gallery, admired David’s bum, walked through the Pitit Palace gardens, dined in little restaurants. Bliss. Of course, I didn’t realise until the night before that Tottenham were playing Florence the evening I arrived …. Bars full, lots of singing, etc.
18 months ago I travelled to Plovdiv, Bulgaria, with a few additional days in Panagyurishte. I have a Bulgarian friend, Tina, who is working on setting up tours of European cities, she’s absolutely lovely. Plovdiv was remarkable, going back in June for the Rose Festival. Amazing history in Bulgaria. I took my son Christmas 2016 to Borovets, Bulgaria with Tina – Borovets is a small and cheap as chips ski resort (he skied, I spa’d). I went to Riga, Latvia in September 2017 with Tina and a small group, great fun. This Christmas I went to Zagreb, Croatia – 3 years running the best Christmas Market in Europe. So much history there too, another group trip, mainly older women who were, on the whole, absolutely the best fun
Christmas 2018 might be Athens - friends I made in Zagreb said that was a great trip.
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Post by Elle on Jan 30, 2018 10:35:39 GMT
viserys That is great that you don't have to deal with the transfer from the airport and can get straight on the train. I like staying in apartments too. Maybe once I know London better I will have the confidence to stay further away from the center. londonmzfitz LMAO TBH! I agree with the love for Florence. Also the day trips to other parts of Tuscany are great from there.
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7,536 posts
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Post by alece10 on Jan 30, 2018 11:32:38 GMT
y wife and I are excited for the vacation we've booked in Europe to Spain and definitely we will go to the Canary. Tenerife is one of our eyeing place for our 1st stop There so many thing we want to do from a page we've read (spam link removed) Tenerife was my home for 9 years and love the island. You will have a great time and the people are so friendly. Plus it's warm all year round. The south is very touristy with most of the hotels but the north is very green and picturesque. Make sure you visit Mount Teide which is the highest mountain in Spain. It's a volcano and at the moment covered in snow.
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Post by kathryn on Jan 30, 2018 14:49:58 GMT
18 months ago I travelled to Plovdiv, Bulgaria, with a few additional days in Panagyurishte. I have a Bulgarian friend, Tina, who is working on setting up tours of European cities, she’s absolutely lovely. Plovdiv was remarkable, going back in June for the Rose Festival. Amazing history in Bulgaria. I took my son Christmas 2016 to Borovets, Bulgaria with Tina – Borovets is a small and cheap as chips ski resort (he skied, I spa’d). I went to Riga, Latvia in September 2017 with Tina and a small group, great fun. This Christmas I went to Zagreb, Croatia – 3 years running the best Christmas Market in Europe. So much history there too, another group trip, mainly older women who were, on the whole, absolutely the best fun I've never been to Bulgaria but everyone I know who has loved it. I think it's going to have to be next on the list.
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Post by kathryn on Jan 30, 2018 15:05:15 GMT
viserys That is great that you don't have to deal with the transfer from the airport and can get straight on the train. I like staying in apartments too. Maybe once I know London better I will have the confidence to stay further away from the center. The great thing about London is that most of it is pretty well connected to the centre by public transport, so staying a bit further out is fine, plus 'a bit further out' there's usually all kinds of stuff nearby worth seeing. For example, if you stay around the Liverpool St area you're only 20 minutes from Leicester Square on the tube, 10 minutes from St Paul's, the Globe, and London Bridge on the tube, 10 minutes from Islington in the other direction, 10 minutes walk from the Barbican and Museum of London, and a few minutes' walk to Spitalfields. It depends what you're going to be doing, of course, but if you were planning on seeing something at the Barbican, Almeida, Globe or Bridge Theatre you'd be better off staying towards the east end than the centre.
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Post by 49thand8th on Jan 30, 2018 17:59:01 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jan 30, 2018 19:04:31 GMT
Yes- I found this quite shocking when I visited 10 years ago - and that was from someone then living in London. It seemed to be a bigger problem in SF than other US Cities then, and I have often thought in passing how the years, economy and Government attitudes might have made it worse. Such a pity- a wonderful city, with many wonderful people. But as the article says a real stark contrast between wealth and poverty. I personally only felt a little unsafe a couple of times-leaving concert venues late at night- and that would possibly be easily remedied by calling a cab/uber etc. and making sure one was with company- the usual. So as much as it's a very sad and unfortunate situation I'd urge everyone- even solo females like me to visit!
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Post by Jan on Jan 30, 2018 19:26:43 GMT
I’ve been to about 80 countries. India is interesting to visit and Russia in general and Moscow in particular underrated as a tourist destination.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 30, 2018 19:41:40 GMT
There are quite a lot of countries I’ve visited and I’ve found many of them fascinating. Sadly some of those countries are now ‘off limits’ to some of us. Russia is one of them. Egypt another. So I’m glad I went when the world’s eyes were wider than they now seem to be.
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Post by Elle on Feb 9, 2018 18:47:10 GMT
I have another London travel related question. 😄 Would over Easter be a good time to visit? I looked at a few shows and as far as I can tell the theatres will keep their regular schedules then. Is that right?
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Post by viserys on Feb 9, 2018 20:55:44 GMT
It'll be a busy period no doubt with hotel prices being high. In many European countries Easter is a four-day-weekend with Friday and Monday off, so everyone and their dog will be travelling.
This said, prices are unpredictable and weird. I was so happy I could book the Travelodge Finsbury Park for £82 for two nights recently, now I wanted to book it again for July and it was nearly twice as much. Ended up in the Liverpool Street one at £124.
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Post by Elle on Feb 9, 2018 22:23:40 GMT
viserys The reason I'm considering it is that the hotel I like sent out a special offer again and around Easter is the cheapest. So it's not too expensive then, I'm a sucker for special offers. I was more thinking about the stores and theatres being open then since it's Good Friday and Easter Monday. But you're right, it will surely be a busy long weekend in London. That could maybe also make it harder to get the great priced theatre tickets?
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Post by Elle on Feb 10, 2018 21:02:05 GMT
Thank you @theatremonkey! 👍
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Post by smalljenny88 on Feb 11, 2018 20:44:34 GMT
I'm planning to visit India in June. I'm waiting it so much. But it will be in 4 months There is so beautiful and I hope that I will like it. Did somebody visit India? Just look how it is amazing!
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Post by perfectspy on Feb 11, 2018 21:36:56 GMT
I just came back from China last year, had 4.5 weeks there including 5 nights in Hong Kong and 1 week in Busan, South Korea. I recommend China, hotels reasonably prices, taxis don't rip you off and food generally cheap. This year I want to go to Iceland but am worried about the cold and hotel prices. I want to see the northern lights, if anyone has been then please message me.
I've been pretty much to all the continents barring Antarctica.
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Post by viserys on Feb 11, 2018 21:51:07 GMT
Loved China, though I've only seen Beijing and Shanghai during a 10 day trip (and some outings to places like the Wall and Suzhou). Didn't like India too much, felt treated like a walking ATM so often, too much hassle in the streets. It's a fascinating country, culture, history, etc. to be sure, but I have no desire to go back there. China though - any time! Very friendly polite people, never felt unsafe anywhere as a solo female traveller - unlike India.
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Post by Mark on Feb 11, 2018 21:54:12 GMT
I just came back from China last year, had 4.5 weeks there including 5 nights in Hong Kong and 1 week in Busan, South Korea. I recommend China, hotels reasonably prices, taxis don't rip you off and food generally cheap. This year I want to go to Iceland but am worried about the cold and hotel prices. I want to see the northern lights, if anyone has been then please message me. I've been pretty much to all the continents barring Antarctica. I must say, I was amazed at how cheap the taxis (and food) was in China. You can also get a Michael Kors handbag for about £15 if you know where to look ..... totally real of course. I'm back to South Africa (Johannesburg) on Wednesday, I honestly think there is where you'll find the friendliest people in the world.
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Post by kathryn on Feb 12, 2018 1:45:09 GMT
I am currently in New Zealand, driving back to Auckland from Paihia. We went up to Cape Reinga yesterday. Fabulous!
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Post by Marwood on Feb 13, 2018 16:16:00 GMT
Going to Lille with my father next month for the St. Patricks Day weekend, then going there again by myself to see the Jesus and Mary Chain in June, and have also booked to see the Human League in Brussels in October. Will see how funds go but hope to go to the U.S. before the end of the year, I have only ever been to NYC when I've gone there before (3 times) so would like to try somewhere different (thinking about LA, Miami or Chicago).
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Post by Deleted on Feb 15, 2018 9:10:12 GMT
It is our last day in Reykjavik today, and half an hour before we board the sky bus to the lagoon before heading home.
I can safely say Iceland is one of my favourite travel destinations so far, with so much to offer. We hit the usual tourist spots like the south coast and golden circle, as well as some dubious museums (including the penis museum - not for the faint of heart) but the highlight for me was the glacier lagoon and diamond beach. The colours are beautiful and it feels like your walking onto a film set, the views are stunning.
We were also lucky enough to catch the northern lights last night, our last evening of the holiday, and it did not disappoint. The light show lasted a good 45 minutes, and the Aurora was particularly strong too. It was the best valentines gift I think I could have ever asked for.
In summary, everyone has to do this! It was very different to the typical city break that I’m accustomed to, but worth it in every way.
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Post by anita on Feb 15, 2018 10:30:18 GMT
I'm planning to visit India in June. I'm waiting it so much. But it will be in 4 months There is so beautiful and I hope that I will like it. Did somebody visit India? Just look how it is amazing! My daughter went to India & hated it. She particularly disliked how she , as a woman , was regarded & treated. - Her husband found it hilarious. [ It was his dream to go there ]. - Which only went to show just how little he knew her. They were supposed to be there for 3 months [ honeymoon] - they returned in 6 weeks.
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Xanderl
Member
Not always very high value in terms of ticket yield or donations
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Post by Xanderl on Feb 16, 2018 8:45:12 GMT
I have another London travel related question. 😄 Would over Easter be a good time to visit? I looked at a few shows and as far as I can tell the theatres will keep their regular schedules then. Is that right? In general, the West End theatres have a normal performance schedule but many of the subsidised theatres and fringe theatres are closed either for the whole weekend or just for Good Friday. More details here - 2017 - theatreboard.co.uk/thread/2717/easter-theatre-closures2016 - theatreboard.co.uk/thread/541/national-theatre-closedAs TheatreMonkey notes, most shops will be shut on the Sunday - along with Christmas Day it's one of only two days in the year that large stores are not allowed to open. I would expect most tourist attractions to be open though.
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Post by Mr Snow on Feb 16, 2018 9:36:06 GMT
Just a word of balance on India. We only had a week in Mumbai and a week in Kerula but we were blown away. So much colour and history. Maybe it's because we took the 90 year old mother in law,in her wheelchair, that people were so very friendly - but I doubt it.
Fascinating country and so much more to see. Can't wait.
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Post by Elle on Feb 16, 2018 14:51:59 GMT
Thank you Xanderl for the info. So Christmas Day is really only the one day a year where everything is closed in London then. Seems like that on all other holidays there's still plenty to do and some shows to see. I'm sure London is beautiful in the spring!
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Post by ruby on Feb 17, 2018 8:07:34 GMT
I usually stay at the Marylebone Travelodge. Pretty much next door to Marylebone Station. The cafe across the road is run by a lovely man and does a delicious full English breakfast for £6. Only disadvantage is the cafe is closed on Sundays.
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Post by Elle on Feb 28, 2018 10:25:16 GMT
Is anybody else dealing with messed up flights in Europe? I was supposed to fly to Portugal this morning however it was not meant to be. Big fat cancelled, one hour before departure due to bad weather. Once a week flight that "might" depart tomorrow. The whole trip is not happening anymore. Uuum plot twist?
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Post by TallPaul on Feb 28, 2018 11:14:47 GMT
It probably doesn't feel like it right now Elle, but you may well have had a lucky escape. You'd be right under Storm Emma.
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Post by Elle on Feb 28, 2018 11:44:32 GMT
Oh wow, you're right TallPaul! That looks real bad. The UK seems to have been hit particularly hard. I hope everyone stays safe, take care guys.
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Post by musicalfloozie on Feb 28, 2018 11:55:05 GMT
We are meant to be off to Rome in the morning however have had to book taxi and hotel for this evening as it looks terrible out there and not convinced we'd make it in the morning. Fingers crossed we get there it's my husband's 40th birthday celebrations and have pre booked so much I'd hate to lose out. Hope everyone safe today.
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Post by Elle on Feb 28, 2018 12:03:46 GMT
Good luck musicalfloozie! I hope it all works out and that you both get to enjoy Rome.
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