Hi All - Thanks for considering this question. My husband and I have used Rick's books before, and they're always fantastic. We plan to do so again when we visit London, Southern England and Wales in the summer of 2012. One conplication: this will be our 6 year old daughter's first trip to Europe and we'd like to leave as little to chance as possible. How far out would readers recommend we start planning? Thanks in advance!! Laura
Posted by
Dundas, Minnesota, USA
103 posts
Some things can be planned 12 months out (hotel/BB, most air tickets, passports) and many other US arrangements. But many other things - event/attraction tickets and local train tickets won't be able to be purchased until 90 days to 6 months out (depending on what and where). Having said that, no reason not to be excited about your trip right now and convey that to your daughter. Family travel is wonderful. M.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
Well ,having travelled with my kids( although a tad older then yours will be) I think its never too early to researching out sights etc. I have found that booking hotels and airfare can't be done years in advance though, so when I plan a summer trip I will start looking at booking airfare by Dec- Feb , and hotels by March or April,, at latest, just cause I like getting good deals. Thats just my way I am sure others book differently. We are going next summer and I have found I can't get rates on hotels yet,, ( some of them say no availabilties, but I know thats just because they are not going to take a reservation this far out) and airfares I have seen for that far out are way too high,, no deals yet. I will start looking closer to Dec-Jan for those and start comparing prices,, so when I see what I think is a deal I will jump on it. But, as I said, its never too early to plan sights to see etc, with kids especially I find it helps to plan for down (slower) days they will like ( castles, beaches and amusement parks) and mix in days we will like ( museums and galleries etc) .. so everyone gets a bit of what they like!
Posted by
Green Bay, WI, USA
21 posts
We're taking our 5 year old to Ireland next month. We started planning some basic things about a year ago (what cities we're going to, etc) and other things we're still working on right now. I'm so glad to hear that you're taking your daughter with you! Have a great time! :)
Posted by
Charlotte, NC, USA
3428 posts
Just remember that the Olympics will be in London the summer of 2012. That will be a plus and a drawback. Lots to see and do- but big crowds, higher prices and limited availability of rooms/apartments, etc. So excellent advance planning will be a real plus. I'd also start now sharing some things with her- pictures, stories (Paddinton Bear, etc.) Maybe get some videos so she can see the areas you'll visit. Talk about "the Queen", etc. If things really work out, you might get to see a Roayl Wedding (if the rumors are true).
Posted by
OP
Westchester County, NY, USA
2 posts
Thank you so much for your insightful replies, everyone. Toni, MANY THANKS for pointing out the issue with the Olympics and possible royal wedding. Sonya, I hope your little one enjoys Ireland! Sincerely, Laura
Posted by
Los Angeles, California
1986 posts
If i was roaming around in any Summer in England i would at least have my hotels booked for weekends- Friday night through Sunday night. There is also an August bank holiday. If the weather is good, vacation spots will be very popular. With a 6 year old child i would be even more cautious. Try and stay at least a couple of nights at each location. Much less stressul. last time we were there we found Blists Hill Village in Iron Gorge- a recreated village with some old fashioned fairground rides and intteresting things to see and do . (I think they also had a small zoo). Great place to take a child of that age. just a little west of the Cotswolds