Hello Forum folks,
Itinerary planning is hardly a new topic for this forum but I cannot find the specific answers I seek by review of previous posts. My husband and I will be in traveling in April 2023. Great Britain is new for us but we have planned many other international trips. Since we are in our 70’s now, I am searching for a service to assist with lodging reservations and travel connections. We will be using public transport. We are still working on our itinerary but would like to get some recommendations from other travelers who might know of a concierge service who can assist us.
Thanks much for any ideas.
Posted by
Duluth 🛶
6323 posts
Well, there's Secret Scotland. I have not used it, but it's been mentioned before on this forum. You can read about it here: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/scotland/secret-scotland But I don't know about England and Wales. I always plan my own trips (I'm 68), and am working on a 5 week trip to England in the spring, but spent 3 weeks in Scotland this year.
Have you thought about taking a tour? Rick Steves offers tours to England and Scotland (but not Wales). That would take care of the accommodations and itinerary. I don't know if there are tour companies that would combine all three countries you mentioned (although you could take more than one tour to get them in). Another idea might be to look at tour itineraries and borrow from them. But of course, that doesn't solve the problem of booking accommodations.
Keep in mind that the forum members here are VERY helpful and can help you find good lodging and good public transportation. So working it out on your own is doable, but if that's not to your taste, then I would go back to the tour idea.
Posted by
Camano Island, WA, usa
1450 posts
Friends of mine spent a week in Edinburgh and took day tours from there. You could then train to your next destination such as Chester and train to Conwy, and take day trips in Wales. Wales has a north-south Bus line if you want slow travel. Then train to London and take day trips via Underground and train to Canterbury, etc. For accommodations you can look on this site, www.visitscotland.com which has photos and info on most regions of this country. Pick where you want to go and your readers will have more specific information I'm sure. Pack light and go for it! Bon Voyage
Posted by
OP
NE Washington State
3 posts
Will check out the Secret Scotland option . I did not see this on the forum posts so thanks! We are not opting for a tour this time so want to continue self guided with lots of help. The idea of using a place as home base with day trips appeals as one does not have to schlep baggage around so often. Yes! We will pack light and are looking forward to the journey.
Posted by
Lake District, England
5764 posts
I presume you are travelling in 2024, versus 2023.
One company who spring to mind are a company called Ffestiniog Travel.
I can't link them as I am mobile currently on an overnight bus/coach. They mainly do overseas work but will equally do domestic work.
Posted by
OP
NE Washington State
3 posts
Yes, 2024. I will check them out. Thank you