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Travel in France, UK , first time, please help!

Hi everyone,

I'm going to be travelling to Europe for the first time in my life in a couple weeks and was wondering if anyone could offer any insight/tips on the best ways to get around, what to do, etc. My main problem is that I will need to travel somewhat on a budget, as I don't exactly have a lot of funds right now. I'm flying into London, and out of Paris and will have 3 weeks. How easy would it be to find a relatively cheap hostel to stay at in London? what are the average prices of hostels there? Also, should I travel around anywhere else around the UK? In France, I really want to go to Normandy and will stay with an aunt who lives in Paris. So I guess my biggest question is what's the best way to go about getting from London to Normandy to Paris and possibly one or two other destinations in France? Thanks for any help, I really appreciate it!

Posted by
1014 posts

At times, Hotelformule1.com hotels can be as cheap as hostels, especially if there are 2 of you. Also travelodge is having a 19L room sale on now. You might want to check it out. Premier lodge also have cheap rooms.

Posted by
8700 posts

In London Palmers Lodge is a hostel that gets excellent reviews. You could stay in one of the YHA hostels. The Arran House Hotel is a B&B that, in addition to its regular rooms, has dorm-style rooms at hostel-like prices. Everyone gets the full English breakfast.

To get around on the tube and bus in London buy either an Oyster card or a travelcard. Read all about them here.

There are lots of places that make good day trips from London. What are your interests?

The best way to get to Normandy from London is to go to Paris first and then take a train to either Bayeux or Caen. If you're going to take the Eurostar from London to Paris, book ASAP at www.eurostar.com and register as a resident of the UK to get the cheapest fare.

If you're going to take an all-day tour of the D-Day beaches, you'll need to spend the previous night in either Bayeux or Caen. If you limit yourself to an afternoon tour, you can take the train from Paris to either Bayeux or Caen, take the tour, and take the train back to Paris all in one day.

For a list of all your transportation ticket and pass choices for the metro and bus in Paris, with links to detailed explanations of each one, go here.

There are lots of places that make good day trips from Paris. Again, what are your interests?

Posted by
1014 posts

The cheapest way from London to Paris is to fly Easyjet (it might be to late to book cheap flights) and/or take the bus.

I just checked and easyjet has a flight tomorrow - the 2nd- for 70.00 pounds and the next day for 95. After that, it is around 70 again.

See. Eurolines- http://www.eurolines.co.uk/. I think they are cheaper, plus you get a ferry ride included.

Posted by
1010 posts

Hello. My husband and I just returned from a month in London, Paris, Zurich, Lucerne and Lugano (May-June). Getting around London is so much fun on their subway, known as "The Tube". It is very reasonably priced also. We used the subway in Paris, but it wasn't as tourist friendly. We highly recommend you take some "Gray Line Tours" in either location. We took one around London, one out to Stonhenge/Bath, a couple in Paris also. You will have a great time. We are in our 60's and want to go back next year, if we can. We went all over by rail; we didn't rent cars. Elaine

Posted by
2 posts

Thank you everyone so much for the advice and help! I leave in 2 days and am getting real excited!

Posted by
515 posts

Have a great trip, Tom. London, Paris, and Normandy are all so wonderful. Use the Tube in London, and I recommend a day trip out to Windsor on the train, so easy, we LOVED London, then Eurostar to Paris, where your aunt can give you lots of advice about getting around, ah, Paris, TRES magnifique....train to Bayeux for a few nights to see the sights of Normandy, such a special place. We also took day trip to Rouen from Paris on train. It was all so very easy. Pack light. Have fun.

Posted by
32211 posts

Tom,

It's unfortunate that you didn't post earlier, as it would have given the group more time to offer suggestions, to help you work out the details.

In order to figure out "what to do", I'd suggest taking a quick trip to Edmonds to the Travel Store and pick up a copy of the England and France Guidebooks. They have LOTS of good information on the various sites that tourists typically visit in both countries, opening and closing hours, costs, ways to get around in the cities, good day trips, etc. They also have listings for accommodations in various price ranges and restaurants. I usually pack a few Guidebooks along, as they're an excellent source of reference during trips.

As you're "somewhat on a budget", Hostels are probably your best bet, although some budget Hotels will be somewhat in the same price range. I often use HI (YHA) Hostels. They have 7 properties in London but given the short time until departure your selection might be limited to those which have vacancies. Most Hostels serve breakfast and in the U.K. it will likely be "the full English Breakfast" (you might ask them to "hold" the Black Pudding!). As HI Hostels are a "chain", members receive not only a discount but also preference in booking. A membership is not expensive and you might find that useful.

The quickest and easiest method to get from London to Paris is via the EuroStar which travels under the Channel from London St. Pancras to Gare du Nord in Paris. It's a bit pricey so not sure if that will fit your budget?

You're fortunate to have a relative in Paris, as your Aunt will be able to give you lots of tips. Which area of Paris does she live?

A trip to Edmonds would also give you an opportunity to speak with the Travel Advisors at ETBD, if you have any specific questions.

Which London Airport are you arriving at? What do you want to see in Normandy?

Good luck and happy travels!

Posted by
32211 posts

Tom,

It would be a good idea to pre-book at least the accommodations in your first stop. When you arrive in London, you'll be tired and jet-lagged so that's not the best time to be wandering around an unfamiliar city looking for a place to sleep.

A few days before you head for Paris, book your next room. The Hostel staff would probably be able to help you with that.

Which London airport are you arriving at? If you need information on getting from the airport into London, post another note.

Cheers!