UK Trip Intinerary Ideas?

Posted by Jesse on 08/07/16 02:09 AM

Hello,

I was throwing around the idea of booking a surpirse trip for my mom who has always wanted to see the UK. I am not really sure how to go about it. Would it be better to book a tour? I am not sure if there are any comanies that would cater to a mother-daughter trip (or a tour if she were to go by herself). If I were to book the trip without a tour I would love some intinerary ideas. She loves castles, art, history, meeting locals, etc (I think she would enjoy anywhere in the UK!) And is it worth renting a vehicle? I am 18 myself and have never been to Europe so any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Posted by cala

Charleston & Birmingham

08/07/16 02:28 AM

4602 posts

Don't rent a vehicle-public transportation in UK is great and easy to use
. London-Tower of London, National Gallery, British Museum, Westminster Abbey. How many days will you have? I don't think a tour is necessary in England, although she might prefer it to going by herself.

Posted by epltd

08/10/16 01:43 PM

3123 posts

Have you posted this inquiry in the England and Scotland travel forums? Since Ireland is not in the UK, you're not likely to get many replies here in the Ireland forum.

How many days do you plan? Setting the length of your trip (which for most of us is determined by budget and time off from work) will help you narrow down your priorities for places you want to visit.

As for public transport versus car rental, I'd stick with public transport, especially in England, unless you sincerely want to visit out-of-the-way places. Scotland is a bit more of a challenge to see by public transport, but it still has great train and bus service compared to most places in the USA. Ditto for Ireland.

Posted by Pam

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA

08/10/16 06:25 PM

14725 posts

How long do you think you will have? It will be tempting to try to cover a lot of territory but you will probably have a more enjoyable experience if you edit down what you want to see based on how many days you've got.

Posted by Laura

Rick Steves' Europe

08/10/16 06:59 PM

16895 posts

I would start by looking at Rick Steves Tours for this region. They are very appropriate for a pair like you. You could travel cheaper on your own, but still have to have a pretty good budget. To plan an independent trip, start with Rick's guidebook for the UK (or the separate books for England and Scotland cover a slightly different selection of destinations).

Being 18 raises some issues with the surprise plan, budget probably being one of them. Renting a car would be another - agencies won't rent to someone under 21 and you don't want to say, "Surprise, Mom, you have to learn to drive on the other side of the road." I think you should discuss the trip idea with her sooner, rather than later.