Another train/car question

My initial worries and concerns when planning for trips where I've never been tended to make things more complex than they really were, I think that's natural. My philosophy is the more you plan and worry about the details, the more ready you will be to handle any hiccups. I'm definitely not a guy who makes up things on the run. We spent a week in London and then took a train to Bath and rented a car from there. We used Enterprise for the rental. Excellent service and they did allow me to decline the insurance. You can also call a day in advance to arrange a pick-up to take you to Enterprise to get your car. No problem booking an automatic. We travelled the Costwolds and then dropped the car off at Gatwick. You'll be charged extra for drop off fees at a different location but it was much handier then taking it back to Bath.

Hi Allan

Thanks for the reply. Yes, I agree we tend to worry more than needed and one reason I wrote my post, that and feedback helps to clear the head. I re-read Rick's tips on car rentals and contacted his "favorite" source Auto Europe. Talking to them on the phone not only made it easy but their knowledge helped me feel at ease. I booked the car at Gatwick so another todo off the list.

Steve

I'm with you in scrutinizing the details and the what-ifs. If I were landing in Gatwick and wishing to travel directly to Bath without an overnight stay, I'd be leery of a nonrefundable advance train ticket purchase. For me, the savings wouldn't make up for the stress of possibly missing the train since I know that transatlantic flights can be delayed by many hours. As much as I'd prefer not to drive while jetlagged, I'd either do what you're doing (pick up rental car at Gatwick) or else pay the significantly more expensive walk-up train fare.

Since you are driving, you're probably happy to know that the route to Bath is pretty much a straight shot. However, bring your sunglasses: if you're driving at the sunset hour since you'll be driving right into the sun for much of the way.

Sorry, but taking on the long drive to Bath when jet lagged on roads and a car you aren’t familiar with is a dangerous idea. Please reconsider. Take the train to Bath. Having a car in Bath is a disadvantage as parking is difficult.

I have been travelling from near Bath to near London today. Both main motorway routes in the opposite direction have had major road closures due to accidents, adding additional stress and lengthy delays which is what you don’t want to experience when jet lagged.

epltd
Yes those what ifs and details. I went through reserving the train. I didn't realize how man companies ran trains for the same route. No idea if one is better or worse. They all seemed to get a few bad reviews and Virgin expired last year I believe and is in temporary state. So I just took what the National Rail Enquires gave me price wise and went with it. But we are booked and ready to go!

Jennifer
I understand your concern. Jet lag doesn't take immediate affect. We will be arriving during the time frame that would be normal awake hours for us - before bedtime. The next day will be a drag I am sure. And it's only 2 1/2 hours. Over here I've done plenty of night time drives across our state for 5 hours including over mountain passes. I don't take risks. If get tired we'll pull over and relax somewhere. Our BnB in Bath has parking, too, and we can walk to the center of town.

Thanks for the responses
Steve

I don't think the standard Rick Steves' route of heading for Bath makes much sense when you land at Gatwick. This is several miles South of London (closer in fact to Brighton). It is also an easier drive to some splendid scenery (especially the South Downs), great stately homes (such at Petworth), attractive market towns as good as any in the Cotswolds (such as Lewes), and some fine castles (such as Bodiam). Why not stay in this area for a couple of nights and give yourself time to get used to English roads and driving conditions?