To contact us Click HERE
The Most Celebrated Beaches for Your California Vacations
The beaches of California are amazing. The dazzling, temperate and relaxing rays of the sun are perfect for surfboarding and for exploring the pristine water of California. There are a lot of glorious beaches in California appropriate for your summer California vacations. Walking on Santa Barbara's seashores is similar to a trip Hawaii. They have wide seashores and eye-catching sand wonderful for swimming, grilling, surfing, sailing and more. The Santa Monica beach is another tourist hot spot in California and is great for those who just love to lie around on the beach. The ambiance in Santa Monica is very modest and laid back. You can spend your time just sprawling around, sailing or chilling under a beach sunshade. Laguna Beach is also a fantastic exploratory beach. You'll enjoy seeing dolphins and sea lions as they promote fun and create some noise. San Diego beaches are also suggested. There are a lot of beaches here but you'll definitely find one that's ideal for you. Whether you want to stretch out under the sun, walk away, or just enjoy water activities like swimming, sailing, snorkeling, or kayaking. California beaches are forever there to outfit your California vacations and beach wishes.
Best Resorts for California Vacations
California is famous for its great resorts and to have California vacations is the best getaway that you could ever experience. In fact, several wonderful places in California welcome every visitor sincerely, thus, you have lots of brilliant choices to pick from anytime. A trip to such romantic spas and resorts in California is surely going to relax and refresh your spirit. You can always go online to check out great resorts for California vacations and for sure, you will find the perfect place that will suit your need. All California spa vacations are becoming more admired and adored by a lot of people because of the state's great weather conditions. California spa and resort vacation destinations might be luxurious for the fact that they offer the best hotels and spa resorts. Spending your vacation in a resort is a very refreshing experience. Each resort and spa in the state provides delight. In addition, the stunning state of California offers very relaxing mountain, desert, and Oceanside resort spas.
California Vacations: Kids Deserve It
Wonderful California vacations are what most kids love to experience during vacation breaks. The realm of California is a perfect location to spend ones breathtaking vacation break. Thus, if you want to give your kids a gift for this years school vacation, then a trip to California would be the best reward of all. Visitors will find hundreds of lovely places in California such as wonderful parks and museums. The La Brea Tar Pits, the Redwood National and State Parks, the Los Angeles County Art Museum, and the Hollywood, CA are just some of the California vacation spots that kids will enjoy. Another attraction your kids will love is Disneyland California; thus, do not ever miss the excitement. The scenery is remarkable and fantastic. Let your kids be supportive to the endangered species like the Stellers lions, Northern spotted owls, and bald eagle, found in the National Parks and State Parks. California is the place that kids deserve, whether for fun or for educational purposes.
Vacation Guide to California Vacations
If you want to have unforgettable vacation moments, then you should experience California vacations. California is certainly one of the most stunning places that one should visit and appreciate. For travelers who are looking for a fun experience, California vacations offer an opportunity to unwind and to enjoy a wide variety of destination choices. Such beautiful California destinations to pick from are San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles, Sacramento, Santa Barbara, Napa, Berkeley, and South Lake Tahoe. No matter which region of California you choose, still all of the destinations offer their very own beauty and glamor. They also render incredible holiday experiences for vacationers of all ages. In addition, California vacations are truly for all kids, adults, couples, honeymooners, groups, families, and individuals who want to experience a unique getaway. The Golden Gate Bridge, Japanese Tea Garden, Palm Springs, Alcatraz Island, Death Valley, Big Sur, and Sea World Adventure Park are just some of the many amazing attractions in California.
13 Ekim 2012 Cumartesi
Disney's Ship Vandalized
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Disney's new ship the Fantasy which is being built in a shipyard in papenburg, Germany, was vandalized. The vandals caused $1.2 million in water damage to the ship.
Hopefully officals will catch these guys because we're not talking about a few dollars, its $1.2 MILLION. That's sad.
Security is being tightened around the shipyard but this is a serious lesson learned about the need for tight security.
Hopefully officals will catch these guys because we're not talking about a few dollars, its $1.2 MILLION. That's sad.
Security is being tightened around the shipyard but this is a serious lesson learned about the need for tight security.
Will Travel Agency's Get Sued Over the Costa Disaster
To contact us Click HERE
Travel Agency's are worried they will dragged into law suits being files by passengers and family members of those who lost their lives on board the Concordia cruise ship. The question on every travel agent and agency's mind who booked a client on that cruise is will our agency get sued and what are the odds that we will be held liable and if we are sued and win would the plaintiffs have to pay our attorney's fees?
The odds of an agency being sued really depends on the plaintiffs attorney. Some attorneys automatically sue everyone and anyone they can that has any attachment to the case at all regardless if they can actually collect anything from them or not, rather than risk any statue of limitations from running out before the plaintiff realizes they want to sue a company they feel was some how also liable. Personal injury lawyers would focus on the agency in the states since Costa tickets state that if the cruise did not depart from, return to or visit a U.S. port, the passenger must sue the cruise line only in Genoa, Italy, not the U.S.
Even if Costa was sued in the states the plaintiffs could not get more than $70,000 in damages due to a treaty limitation of liability so it is likely the plaintiff wold try to get more money from the travel agency. Even if the agency wins the suit they would be out thousands of dollars in legal fees and in most cases the judge does not have the power to order the plaintiffs to reimburse you for legal fees.
Sadly with a creative lawyer a case could be made that Costa had a history of allowing their captains sail too close to islands for "salutes" and that travel agents and agency's should have known about this and warned clients about the possible danger before booking them on cruises. Which is a little far fetched. There is no "maybe or mabe not harmful actions but not illegal conduct list" that goes out to travel agency's.
It is being recommended that travel agency's ask clients to sign a "disclaimer of liability" when booking them on a cruise. Be VERY CAREFUL about signing anything that gives away your rights to file a law suit in the event something goes terrible wrong. There are things beyond your agents doing but there are things that aren't. I NEVER give up my legal rights. If they ask you to do so, go some place else. Because if they do something really, really wrong and something really bad happens, you just signed away your right to sue them. So don't do it.
Travel Agency's are worried they will dragged into law suits being files by passengers and family members of those who lost their lives on board the Concordia cruise ship. The question on every travel agent and agency's mind who booked a client on that cruise is will our agency get sued and what are the odds that we will be held liable and if we are sued and win would the plaintiffs have to pay our attorney's fees? The odds of an agency being sued really depends on the plaintiffs attorney. Some attorneys automatically sue everyone and anyone they can that has any attachment to the case at all regardless if they can actually collect anything from them or not, rather than risk any statue of limitations from running out before the plaintiff realizes they want to sue a company they feel was some how also liable. Personal injury lawyers would focus on the agency in the states since Costa tickets state that if the cruise did not depart from, return to or visit a U.S. port, the passenger must sue the cruise line only in Genoa, Italy, not the U.S.
Even if Costa was sued in the states the plaintiffs could not get more than $70,000 in damages due to a treaty limitation of liability so it is likely the plaintiff wold try to get more money from the travel agency. Even if the agency wins the suit they would be out thousands of dollars in legal fees and in most cases the judge does not have the power to order the plaintiffs to reimburse you for legal fees.
Sadly with a creative lawyer a case could be made that Costa had a history of allowing their captains sail too close to islands for "salutes" and that travel agents and agency's should have known about this and warned clients about the possible danger before booking them on cruises. Which is a little far fetched. There is no "maybe or mabe not harmful actions but not illegal conduct list" that goes out to travel agency's.
It is being recommended that travel agency's ask clients to sign a "disclaimer of liability" when booking them on a cruise. Be VERY CAREFUL about signing anything that gives away your rights to file a law suit in the event something goes terrible wrong. There are things beyond your agents doing but there are things that aren't. I NEVER give up my legal rights. If they ask you to do so, go some place else. Because if they do something really, really wrong and something really bad happens, you just signed away your right to sue them. So don't do it.
Let's Go To London!
To contact us Click HERE
Everybody is talking about London now that theOlympics have taken place there. Londonis one of my favorite places to visit but it is also one of the most expensivecities in Europe. A trip to London isnot going to be a cheap trip but there are things you can do to cut costs soeven if you are a budget traveler London is still possible it just takes a little work, so let’s get started.
AIRFARE
You can save money by traveling during the shoulder or off season. It can get pretty cold in England during thewinter so for the best price and decent weather I would recommend the shoulderseason which usually runs from April to the end of May and September thruOctober.
Prices:
From
Los Angeles, Ca Dallas, Tx New York, NY
May 21-28 May21-28 May21-28
$1012 – US Airways $997 – US Airways $723 - Finair
Kayak.com Kayak.com Kayak.com
ACCOMMODATIONS
One way to save money on your accommodations is to stay at a Bed &Breakfast or a Guest Hotel. These areless expensive than regular hotels and they include daily breakfast with theprice of the room which will help out with your meal expenses. Some people Bed & Breakfasts and GuestHotels even have family rooms with private bathrooms so check around to findthe right one to fit your family or groups needs.
Here’s a couple of great options, these hotels arein good locations for touring and are within walking distance to a tubestation.
HollandCourt Hotel
$34.02per night
www.travelstay.com
Holland Court Hotel London provides relaxing 3 star accommodation in thestylish Kensington area of Central London. The hotel has a beautiful patiogarden where you can enjoy your breakfast before you head out to explore thelocal attractions. From here you’ll find Olympia and Earls Court exhibitioncentres nearby, and you could also take the short journey to the PortobelloRoad Market in Notting Hill. You’ll also find Kensington Tube Station close by,providing a route around this amazing city. Just a short walk to Kensington tube station.
Ambassadors Hotel London Kensington
$42.81 per night
www.travelstay.com
Ambassadors Hotel London Kensington offers you an affordable chance tostay in chic Kensington, close to Museumland and Kensington Palace. You canbook a compact single, twin, double or triple room with ensuite shower andtoilet (some have baths too). Your 24 hour access centrally heated room will befilled with facilities including a colour TV with news channel, complimentarytea and coffee making facilities and toiletries, a direct dial telephone, desk,hairdryer and WiFi internet access. Infact, WiFi is available throughout Ambassadors Hotel London Kensington. Thebusiness centre with internet terminals and a fax and photocopying service willcome in handy if you’re coming to London on business. If the reason for yourtrip is purely pleasure you will make the most of the comfortable lounge area,the soft drinks bar that offers snacks and the breakfast room. You will findlots of tourist information at the 24 hour reception; the staff can even booksightseeing tours for you. To get to Ambassadors Hotel London Kensington on thetube you should travel on the Circle, District or Piccadilly line and get offat Gloucester Road Tube Station.
TUBE TICKETS
You will need tube or subway tickets to get around the city. The tube is very easy and safe to use. You can order multiday passes prior toleaving the States. By doing this youwill get the best prices but you can also by single day or single use ticketswhen you get there.
Travel Card – goodfor use on the Tube and buses
Adult $83.84
Under 18 years old - $41.92
Discounts for groups of 10 or more people and seniors.
Now that we haveour airfare, accommodations and tube tickets we have to figure out what we’regoing to do once we get there. This isan area where you can get really creative and save some money.
FREE THINGS TO DO
The Changing of the Guard
The changing of the guard takes place outside of Buckingham Palace dailyduring the summer months and every other day the rest of the year at 11:30am. The ceremony takes about 45 minutesand includes a band playing popular classical music. It is pretty impressive to see.
The National Gallery
The National Galleryin London takes up the entire north side of Trafalgar Square. It houses one of the finestcollections of Western European paintings in the world from around 1250onwards.
Its masterpieces include artworks from Botticelli, Titian, Raphael, Michelangelo,Caravaggio, Rembrandt, Cezanne, Hogarth, and Gainsborough.
The British Museum
In my opinion one of the best museums in the world. They have over 7 million objects in theircollection. The collection of Egyptianand Greek antiquities are without a doubt amongst the largest and best known inthe world.
St. James Piccadilly Free LunchTime RecitalsSt.James's Piccadilly in London is another church designed by Sir Christopher Wrenin 1684 and is often named as his favorite. Recitals are at 1.10pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and last 50minutes. All are free to attend but a donation of £3 is suggested. www.st-james-piccadilly.org
Kensington Roof Gardens
Not to be confused with Kensington Gardens, Kensington Roof Gardens is London'sequivalent of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.See Kensington Roof Gardens Photos. In the unlikely location 100ft above streetlevel, on top of a department store building in the busy Kensington shoppingarea, you'll find a tranquil garden planted in the 1930s. It includes a Spanishgarden, a Tudor garden, an English woodland garden and resident flamingos!
The Roof Gardens is locatedat 99 Kensington High Street, London, W8 5SA. Access to the building is viaDerry Street which branches off Kensington High Street.
Poppy Factory Tour
TheRoyal British Legion Poppy Factory in Richmond, Surrey makes paper poppies andwreaths for Remembrance Day, 11 November. The factory workers, many disabledex-Service and dependents, make poppies all year round and free factory toursare available. The Poppy Factory wasformed back in 1922 when disabled ex-Service came home from the war and foundno employment. The factory moved to its current site in Richmond in 1933.
Groupsof a maximum of 42 can take part in one of two daily guided tours at 10.30amand 1.30pm, Monday to Thursday. The tour takes about 1 hour 30 minutes and theyeven give you a cup of tea and biscuits at the end!
Tours run by arrangement so simply contactthem to arrange for a group visit, or if it's for individuals to visit just askwhich tour you can join in with. Visits to the Poppy Factory are very popularand it's recommended you book as far ahead as possible. Incredibly, The British Legion Poppy Factoryoffer these tours for free.
House of Parliament
Greenwich’s best attraction, this neoclassical buildingmuseum gets more interesting and fun the deeper you go in. The focus is onBritain’s seafaring past, including the bullet that felled Horatio Nelson, areplica of Ernest Shackleton’s life boat and plenty of kid-friendly interactiveexhibits in the Your Ocean exhibit.
Speakers Corner
Any dayof the week, there's free entertainment to be had in the north-east corner ofHyde Park. You can even join in. Speakers' Corner has existed since lateVictorian times, and welcomes a motley assembly of orators who tend to coverpolitical or religious subjects. Anyone can turn up and declaim on any subject,so long as they stay within the laws of free speech.
North-eastcorner of Hyde Park, near Marble Arch, W1
British Library
Theorange-brick headquarters of the BL aren't just for researchers and scholars.The titanic complex houses plenty of diversions that anyone can visit for free.First among them is the Treasures exhibition, which displays literature asdiverse as Magna Carta and original Beatles lyrics. Two small galleries off themain foyer also present ever-changing temporary exhibitions on literary themes.A quirky bookshop and excellent cafe with free Wi-Fi add to the attractions.And don't miss the sculptures by Antony Gormley and Eduardo Paolozzi in theforecourt.
Self Guided City Walks
This website lists anumber of different self guided city walks. You can printout the information and follow the instructions for thedifferent walks. They instructionsinclude a little bit of information about each of the sites you will see,however I suggest you take along some additional information perhaps a smallguide book to give you a little moreinformation about the sites. www.londonforfree.net/walks/index.shtml
Picnic in the Park
London is full ofbeautiful parks so why not grab a couple of sandwiches from a local deli andenjoy lunch in the park. If you aretraveling with kids bring along a freebie or inflatable ball and let them enjoysome down time playing in the park. It’sa great way to spend time like a local enjoying the city’s beautifulparks.
Cemeteries
There are a number ofvery old cemeteries in and around London. You will often find them on the grounds of old churches. They can be very interesting to walk aroundand look at all the old head stones. Someof the gravestones will state how the person died or some interesting factabout them. Some of the cemeteries themselvesare beautiful and interesting dating back hundreds of years.
National Theatre
Tap your feet to free music concerts in the NationalTheatre"Djanogly Concert Pitch" in the main foyer.Mon-Fri, 5.45pm; Sat at 1pm and 5.45pm; occasionally Sun at 1.45pm).
Southbank Centre
End the week on a high at one of the SouthbankCentre's free Fridayevening music concerts. Other free music events include lunchtime concerts inthe Central Bar of the RoyalFestival Hallon Fridays and Sundays.
National Portrait Gallery
Enjoy free concerts in the NationalPortrait Gallery practicallyevery Friday from 6.30pm.
Classical Recitals
Free classical recitals can be heard drifting through the majesticstained-glass windows of many of London's churches and cathedrals. Don't missthe lunchtime concerts at StMartin-in-the-Fields (Mon,Tues and Fri at 1pm).
Covent Gardens
If the weather's good, head to CoventGarden, where everyone from busking guitarists to string quartetsprovide a great free soundtrack as you watch the world go by.
Roxy Bar and Screen
If you love cinema,you can enjoy the big screen on a little budget atRoxyBar and Screen. From film-noir classics to futuristic video art,Roxy has an innovative programme of screenings catering for film buffseverywhere. Screenings are free, apart from recent releases and double/triplebills which cost £3.
London film festivals such as the Portobello Film Festival are another good source of freefilms.
Watch free outdoor screenings at TheScoop, HornimanMuseum and Gardens andthe BP Summer Screen at the RoyalOpera House.
Theatre Royal Stratford East
Comedy Cafe
Catch the comedy stars of tomorrow everyWednesday at the Comedy Café and every Monday (from 8pm) at TheMarie Lloyd Comedy Box in HackneyEmpire.
BBC .
Arcola Theater
Every Tuesdayevening, the ArcolaTheatre sets aside acertain number of tickets for their "Pay What You Can" scheme. Youcan only get tickets on the night, but if you do nab one you just pay what youcan afford.
Guanabara
Head on down to Brazilian bar Guanabara where you'll find free dance lessonsmost evenings. Dance styles include Brazilian favourites such as gafieira,samba and forró.
Roller Skating
Pull on your roller skates and join over 5,000 skaters whizzing around thestreets of London. The skate departs from WellingtonArch every Friday at8pm. It's a great way to have fun without the wheels coming off your bankbalance! Visit the Friday Night Skate website for full details.
City Tour
If you prefer travelling by foot, why not go on a free London tour? SANDEMANsNEW London Tours freeRoyal Tour lasts up to three hours and takes in top London sights including the Housesof Parliament, StJames's Park and BuckinghamPalace. Tours depart daily at 11am and 1pm from Wellington Arch.
There aremany additional museums that are free as well so with a simple web search youcan easily find more museums to add to your itinerary.
So here is where we stand so far,
May 21-28, 2013 - overnight flightarriving on May 22, 6 nights.
Airfare
Los Angeles - $1012
Dallas - $997
New York - $723
Accommodations
1st option– Holland Court
$34.02 per night = $204.06 for 6 nights
$42.81 per night = $256.86 for 6 nights
Tube Tickets
Adult - $83.84
Under 18 years old - $41.92
Sightseeing
Even though we haveplenty of free things to do once we get to London you still should budget somemoney for some sightseeing that might cost some money such as visiting theTower of London.
Meals
You won’t have toworry about breakfast since it is included with your accommodations. As far as lunch and dinner you should figureyour budget the same as eating out here at home. There are plenty of fast food places to eatsuch as McDonalds or Burger King as well as deli’s and small restaurants. You can also stop by a grocery store and pickup something to eat. Sometimes they willhave readymade sandwiches and foods.
So here how a trip for 2 adultstraveling from Los Angeles a trip to London would look:
Airfare $1012 x 2 = $2024
Accommodation $204.06
Tube Tickets $83.84 x 2 = $167.68
Meals – Budget $10 approx.per meal, per person = $300.00
Sightseeing $100.00
Shopping & Misc $400.00
Total $3195.74
For about $3200 you could spend a week inLondon, not too shabby!
Everybody is talking about London now that theOlympics have taken place there. Londonis one of my favorite places to visit but it is also one of the most expensivecities in Europe. A trip to London isnot going to be a cheap trip but there are things you can do to cut costs soeven if you are a budget traveler London is still possible it just takes a little work, so let’s get started.AIRFARE
You can save money by traveling during the shoulder or off season. It can get pretty cold in England during thewinter so for the best price and decent weather I would recommend the shoulderseason which usually runs from April to the end of May and September thruOctober.
Prices:
From
Los Angeles, Ca Dallas, Tx New York, NY
May 21-28 May21-28 May21-28
$1012 – US Airways $997 – US Airways $723 - Finair
Kayak.com Kayak.com Kayak.com
ACCOMMODATIONSOne way to save money on your accommodations is to stay at a Bed &Breakfast or a Guest Hotel. These areless expensive than regular hotels and they include daily breakfast with theprice of the room which will help out with your meal expenses. Some people Bed & Breakfasts and GuestHotels even have family rooms with private bathrooms so check around to findthe right one to fit your family or groups needs.
Here’s a couple of great options, these hotels arein good locations for touring and are within walking distance to a tubestation.
HollandCourt Hotel
$34.02per night
www.travelstay.com
Holland Court Hotel London provides relaxing 3 star accommodation in thestylish Kensington area of Central London. The hotel has a beautiful patiogarden where you can enjoy your breakfast before you head out to explore thelocal attractions. From here you’ll find Olympia and Earls Court exhibitioncentres nearby, and you could also take the short journey to the PortobelloRoad Market in Notting Hill. You’ll also find Kensington Tube Station close by,providing a route around this amazing city. Just a short walk to Kensington tube station.
Ambassadors Hotel London Kensington
$42.81 per night
www.travelstay.com
Ambassadors Hotel London Kensington offers you an affordable chance tostay in chic Kensington, close to Museumland and Kensington Palace. You canbook a compact single, twin, double or triple room with ensuite shower andtoilet (some have baths too). Your 24 hour access centrally heated room will befilled with facilities including a colour TV with news channel, complimentarytea and coffee making facilities and toiletries, a direct dial telephone, desk,hairdryer and WiFi internet access. Infact, WiFi is available throughout Ambassadors Hotel London Kensington. Thebusiness centre with internet terminals and a fax and photocopying service willcome in handy if you’re coming to London on business. If the reason for yourtrip is purely pleasure you will make the most of the comfortable lounge area,the soft drinks bar that offers snacks and the breakfast room. You will findlots of tourist information at the 24 hour reception; the staff can even booksightseeing tours for you. To get to Ambassadors Hotel London Kensington on thetube you should travel on the Circle, District or Piccadilly line and get offat Gloucester Road Tube Station.TUBE TICKETS
You will need tube or subway tickets to get around the city. The tube is very easy and safe to use. You can order multiday passes prior toleaving the States. By doing this youwill get the best prices but you can also by single day or single use ticketswhen you get there.
Travel Card – goodfor use on the Tube and buses
Adult $83.84
Under 18 years old - $41.92
Discounts for groups of 10 or more people and seniors.
Now that we haveour airfare, accommodations and tube tickets we have to figure out what we’regoing to do once we get there. This isan area where you can get really creative and save some money.
FREE THINGS TO DO
The Changing of the Guard
The changing of the guard takes place outside of Buckingham Palace dailyduring the summer months and every other day the rest of the year at 11:30am. The ceremony takes about 45 minutesand includes a band playing popular classical music. It is pretty impressive to see.
The National Gallery
The National Galleryin London takes up the entire north side of Trafalgar Square. It houses one of the finestcollections of Western European paintings in the world from around 1250onwards.
Its masterpieces include artworks from Botticelli, Titian, Raphael, Michelangelo,Caravaggio, Rembrandt, Cezanne, Hogarth, and Gainsborough.
The British Museum
In my opinion one of the best museums in the world. They have over 7 million objects in theircollection. The collection of Egyptianand Greek antiquities are without a doubt amongst the largest and best known inthe world.
St. James Piccadilly Free LunchTime RecitalsSt.James's Piccadilly in London is another church designed by Sir Christopher Wrenin 1684 and is often named as his favorite. Recitals are at 1.10pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and last 50minutes. All are free to attend but a donation of £3 is suggested. www.st-james-piccadilly.org
Kensington Roof Gardens
Not to be confused with Kensington Gardens, Kensington Roof Gardens is London'sequivalent of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.See Kensington Roof Gardens Photos. In the unlikely location 100ft above streetlevel, on top of a department store building in the busy Kensington shoppingarea, you'll find a tranquil garden planted in the 1930s. It includes a Spanishgarden, a Tudor garden, an English woodland garden and resident flamingos!
The Roof Gardens is locatedat 99 Kensington High Street, London, W8 5SA. Access to the building is viaDerry Street which branches off Kensington High Street.
Poppy Factory Tour
TheRoyal British Legion Poppy Factory in Richmond, Surrey makes paper poppies andwreaths for Remembrance Day, 11 November. The factory workers, many disabledex-Service and dependents, make poppies all year round and free factory toursare available. The Poppy Factory wasformed back in 1922 when disabled ex-Service came home from the war and foundno employment. The factory moved to its current site in Richmond in 1933.
Groupsof a maximum of 42 can take part in one of two daily guided tours at 10.30amand 1.30pm, Monday to Thursday. The tour takes about 1 hour 30 minutes and theyeven give you a cup of tea and biscuits at the end!
Tours run by arrangement so simply contactthem to arrange for a group visit, or if it's for individuals to visit just askwhich tour you can join in with. Visits to the Poppy Factory are very popularand it's recommended you book as far ahead as possible. Incredibly, The British Legion Poppy Factoryoffer these tours for free.
House of Parliament
The Palace of Westminster, homeof ‘Big Ben’ (or Clock Tower), is a neo-Gothic wonder from the mid-19thcentury. And it’s full of houses: namely the House of Commons and the House ofLords. Reserve ahead to watch antics during Parliament sessions.
National Maritime Museum
Greenwich’s best attraction, this neoclassical buildingmuseum gets more interesting and fun the deeper you go in. The focus is onBritain’s seafaring past, including the bullet that felled Horatio Nelson, areplica of Ernest Shackleton’s life boat and plenty of kid-friendly interactiveexhibits in the Your Ocean exhibit.Speakers Corner
Any dayof the week, there's free entertainment to be had in the north-east corner ofHyde Park. You can even join in. Speakers' Corner has existed since lateVictorian times, and welcomes a motley assembly of orators who tend to coverpolitical or religious subjects. Anyone can turn up and declaim on any subject,so long as they stay within the laws of free speech.
North-eastcorner of Hyde Park, near Marble Arch, W1
British Library
Theorange-brick headquarters of the BL aren't just for researchers and scholars.The titanic complex houses plenty of diversions that anyone can visit for free.First among them is the Treasures exhibition, which displays literature asdiverse as Magna Carta and original Beatles lyrics. Two small galleries off themain foyer also present ever-changing temporary exhibitions on literary themes.A quirky bookshop and excellent cafe with free Wi-Fi add to the attractions.And don't miss the sculptures by Antony Gormley and Eduardo Paolozzi in theforecourt.
Self Guided City Walks
This website lists anumber of different self guided city walks. You can printout the information and follow the instructions for thedifferent walks. They instructionsinclude a little bit of information about each of the sites you will see,however I suggest you take along some additional information perhaps a smallguide book to give you a little moreinformation about the sites. www.londonforfree.net/walks/index.shtml
Picnic in the Park
London is full ofbeautiful parks so why not grab a couple of sandwiches from a local deli andenjoy lunch in the park. If you aretraveling with kids bring along a freebie or inflatable ball and let them enjoysome down time playing in the park. It’sa great way to spend time like a local enjoying the city’s beautifulparks.
Cemeteries
There are a number ofvery old cemeteries in and around London. You will often find them on the grounds of old churches. They can be very interesting to walk aroundand look at all the old head stones. Someof the gravestones will state how the person died or some interesting factabout them. Some of the cemeteries themselvesare beautiful and interesting dating back hundreds of years.
National Theatre
Tap your feet to free music concerts in the NationalTheatre"Djanogly Concert Pitch" in the main foyer.Mon-Fri, 5.45pm; Sat at 1pm and 5.45pm; occasionally Sun at 1.45pm).
Southbank Centre
End the week on a high at one of the SouthbankCentre's free Fridayevening music concerts. Other free music events include lunchtime concerts inthe Central Bar of the RoyalFestival Hallon Fridays and Sundays.
National Portrait Gallery
Enjoy free concerts in the NationalPortrait Gallery practicallyevery Friday from 6.30pm.
Classical Recitals
Free classical recitals can be heard drifting through the majesticstained-glass windows of many of London's churches and cathedrals. Don't missthe lunchtime concerts at StMartin-in-the-Fields (Mon,Tues and Fri at 1pm).
Covent Gardens
If the weather's good, head to CoventGarden, where everyone from busking guitarists to string quartetsprovide a great free soundtrack as you watch the world go by.
Roxy Bar and Screen
If you love cinema,you can enjoy the big screen on a little budget atRoxyBar and Screen. From film-noir classics to futuristic video art,Roxy has an innovative programme of screenings catering for film buffseverywhere. Screenings are free, apart from recent releases and double/triplebills which cost £3.
London film festivals such as the Portobello Film Festival
Watch free outdoor screenings at TheScoop, HornimanMuseum and Gardens andthe BP Summer Screen at the RoyalOpera House.
Theatre Royal Stratford East
Comedy Cafe
Catch the comedy stars of tomorrow everyWednesday at the Comedy Café and every Monday (from 8pm) at TheMarie Lloyd Comedy Box in HackneyEmpire.
BBC
Arcola Theater
Every Tuesdayevening, the ArcolaTheatre sets aside acertain number of tickets for their "Pay What You Can" scheme. Youcan only get tickets on the night, but if you do nab one you just pay what youcan afford.
GuanabaraHead on down to Brazilian bar Guanabara where you'll find free dance lessonsmost evenings. Dance styles include Brazilian favourites such as gafieira,samba and forró.
Roller Skating
Pull on your roller skates and join over 5,000 skaters whizzing around thestreets of London. The skate departs from WellingtonArch every Friday at8pm. It's a great way to have fun without the wheels coming off your bankbalance! Visit the Friday Night Skate website for full details.
City Tour
If you prefer travelling by foot, why not go on a free London tour? SANDEMANsNEW London Tours freeRoyal Tour lasts up to three hours and takes in top London sights including the Housesof Parliament, StJames's Park and BuckinghamPalace. Tours depart daily at 11am and 1pm from Wellington Arch.
There aremany additional museums that are free as well so with a simple web search youcan easily find more museums to add to your itinerary.
So here is where we stand so far,
May 21-28, 2013 - overnight flightarriving on May 22, 6 nights.
Airfare
Los Angeles - $1012
Dallas - $997
New York - $723
Accommodations
1st option– Holland Court
$34.02 per night = $204.06 for 6 nights
$42.81 per night = $256.86 for 6 nights
Tube Tickets
Adult - $83.84
Under 18 years old - $41.92
Sightseeing
Even though we haveplenty of free things to do once we get to London you still should budget somemoney for some sightseeing that might cost some money such as visiting theTower of London.
Meals
You won’t have toworry about breakfast since it is included with your accommodations. As far as lunch and dinner you should figureyour budget the same as eating out here at home. There are plenty of fast food places to eatsuch as McDonalds or Burger King as well as deli’s and small restaurants. You can also stop by a grocery store and pickup something to eat. Sometimes they willhave readymade sandwiches and foods.
So here how a trip for 2 adultstraveling from Los Angeles a trip to London would look:
Airfare $1012 x 2 = $2024
Accommodation $204.06
Tube Tickets $83.84 x 2 = $167.68
Meals – Budget $10 approx.per meal, per person = $300.00
Sightseeing $100.00
Shopping & Misc $400.00
Total $3195.74
12 Ekim 2012 Cuma
Ca Country's Outstanding Traveller Guidelines To Get The Best Of Vacation Deals, Lodgings And Sights
To contact us Click HERE
The Most Celebrated Beaches for Your California Vacations
The beaches of California are amazing. The dazzling, temperate and relaxing rays of the sun are perfect for surfboarding and for exploring the pristine water of California. There are a lot of glorious beaches in California appropriate for your summer California vacations. Walking on Santa Barbara's seashores is similar to a trip Hawaii. They have wide seashores and eye-catching sand wonderful for swimming, grilling, surfing, sailing and more. The Santa Monica beach is another tourist hot spot in California and is great for those who just love to lie around on the beach. The ambiance in Santa Monica is very modest and laid back. You can spend your time just sprawling around, sailing or chilling under a beach sunshade. Laguna Beach is also a fantastic exploratory beach. You'll enjoy seeing dolphins and sea lions as they promote fun and create some noise. San Diego beaches are also suggested. There are a lot of beaches here but you'll definitely find one that's ideal for you. Whether you want to stretch out under the sun, walk away, or just enjoy water activities like swimming, sailing, snorkeling, or kayaking. California beaches are forever there to outfit your California vacations and beach wishes.
Best Resorts for California Vacations
California is famous for its great resorts and to have California vacations is the best getaway that you could ever experience. In fact, several wonderful places in California welcome every visitor sincerely, thus, you have lots of brilliant choices to pick from anytime. A trip to such romantic spas and resorts in California is surely going to relax and refresh your spirit. You can always go online to check out great resorts for California vacations and for sure, you will find the perfect place that will suit your need. All California spa vacations are becoming more admired and adored by a lot of people because of the state's great weather conditions. California spa and resort vacation destinations might be luxurious for the fact that they offer the best hotels and spa resorts. Spending your vacation in a resort is a very refreshing experience. Each resort and spa in the state provides delight. In addition, the stunning state of California offers very relaxing mountain, desert, and Oceanside resort spas.
California Vacations: Kids Deserve It
Wonderful California vacations are what most kids love to experience during vacation breaks. The realm of California is a perfect location to spend ones breathtaking vacation break. Thus, if you want to give your kids a gift for this years school vacation, then a trip to California would be the best reward of all. Visitors will find hundreds of lovely places in California such as wonderful parks and museums. The La Brea Tar Pits, the Redwood National and State Parks, the Los Angeles County Art Museum, and the Hollywood, CA are just some of the California vacation spots that kids will enjoy. Another attraction your kids will love is Disneyland California; thus, do not ever miss the excitement. The scenery is remarkable and fantastic. Let your kids be supportive to the endangered species like the Stellers lions, Northern spotted owls, and bald eagle, found in the National Parks and State Parks. California is the place that kids deserve, whether for fun or for educational purposes.
Vacation Guide to California Vacations
If you want to have unforgettable vacation moments, then you should experience California vacations. California is certainly one of the most stunning places that one should visit and appreciate. For travelers who are looking for a fun experience, California vacations offer an opportunity to unwind and to enjoy a wide variety of destination choices. Such beautiful California destinations to pick from are San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles, Sacramento, Santa Barbara, Napa, Berkeley, and South Lake Tahoe. No matter which region of California you choose, still all of the destinations offer their very own beauty and glamor. They also render incredible holiday experiences for vacationers of all ages. In addition, California vacations are truly for all kids, adults, couples, honeymooners, groups, families, and individuals who want to experience a unique getaway. The Golden Gate Bridge, Japanese Tea Garden, Palm Springs, Alcatraz Island, Death Valley, Big Sur, and Sea World Adventure Park are just some of the many amazing attractions in California.
The beaches of California are amazing. The dazzling, temperate and relaxing rays of the sun are perfect for surfboarding and for exploring the pristine water of California. There are a lot of glorious beaches in California appropriate for your summer California vacations. Walking on Santa Barbara's seashores is similar to a trip Hawaii. They have wide seashores and eye-catching sand wonderful for swimming, grilling, surfing, sailing and more. The Santa Monica beach is another tourist hot spot in California and is great for those who just love to lie around on the beach. The ambiance in Santa Monica is very modest and laid back. You can spend your time just sprawling around, sailing or chilling under a beach sunshade. Laguna Beach is also a fantastic exploratory beach. You'll enjoy seeing dolphins and sea lions as they promote fun and create some noise. San Diego beaches are also suggested. There are a lot of beaches here but you'll definitely find one that's ideal for you. Whether you want to stretch out under the sun, walk away, or just enjoy water activities like swimming, sailing, snorkeling, or kayaking. California beaches are forever there to outfit your California vacations and beach wishes.
Best Resorts for California Vacations
California is famous for its great resorts and to have California vacations is the best getaway that you could ever experience. In fact, several wonderful places in California welcome every visitor sincerely, thus, you have lots of brilliant choices to pick from anytime. A trip to such romantic spas and resorts in California is surely going to relax and refresh your spirit. You can always go online to check out great resorts for California vacations and for sure, you will find the perfect place that will suit your need. All California spa vacations are becoming more admired and adored by a lot of people because of the state's great weather conditions. California spa and resort vacation destinations might be luxurious for the fact that they offer the best hotels and spa resorts. Spending your vacation in a resort is a very refreshing experience. Each resort and spa in the state provides delight. In addition, the stunning state of California offers very relaxing mountain, desert, and Oceanside resort spas.
California Vacations: Kids Deserve It
Wonderful California vacations are what most kids love to experience during vacation breaks. The realm of California is a perfect location to spend ones breathtaking vacation break. Thus, if you want to give your kids a gift for this years school vacation, then a trip to California would be the best reward of all. Visitors will find hundreds of lovely places in California such as wonderful parks and museums. The La Brea Tar Pits, the Redwood National and State Parks, the Los Angeles County Art Museum, and the Hollywood, CA are just some of the California vacation spots that kids will enjoy. Another attraction your kids will love is Disneyland California; thus, do not ever miss the excitement. The scenery is remarkable and fantastic. Let your kids be supportive to the endangered species like the Stellers lions, Northern spotted owls, and bald eagle, found in the National Parks and State Parks. California is the place that kids deserve, whether for fun or for educational purposes.
Vacation Guide to California Vacations
If you want to have unforgettable vacation moments, then you should experience California vacations. California is certainly one of the most stunning places that one should visit and appreciate. For travelers who are looking for a fun experience, California vacations offer an opportunity to unwind and to enjoy a wide variety of destination choices. Such beautiful California destinations to pick from are San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles, Sacramento, Santa Barbara, Napa, Berkeley, and South Lake Tahoe. No matter which region of California you choose, still all of the destinations offer their very own beauty and glamor. They also render incredible holiday experiences for vacationers of all ages. In addition, California vacations are truly for all kids, adults, couples, honeymooners, groups, families, and individuals who want to experience a unique getaway. The Golden Gate Bridge, Japanese Tea Garden, Palm Springs, Alcatraz Island, Death Valley, Big Sur, and Sea World Adventure Park are just some of the many amazing attractions in California.
Disney's Ship Vandalized
To contact us Click HERE
Disney's new ship the Fantasy which is being built in a shipyard in papenburg, Germany, was vandalized. The vandals caused $1.2 million in water damage to the ship.
Hopefully officals will catch these guys because we're not talking about a few dollars, its $1.2 MILLION. That's sad.
Security is being tightened around the shipyard but this is a serious lesson learned about the need for tight security.
Hopefully officals will catch these guys because we're not talking about a few dollars, its $1.2 MILLION. That's sad.
Security is being tightened around the shipyard but this is a serious lesson learned about the need for tight security.
Will Travel Agency's Get Sued Over the Costa Disaster
To contact us Click HERE
Travel Agency's are worried they will dragged into law suits being files by passengers and family members of those who lost their lives on board the Concordia cruise ship. The question on every travel agent and agency's mind who booked a client on that cruise is will our agency get sued and what are the odds that we will be held liable and if we are sued and win would the plaintiffs have to pay our attorney's fees?
The odds of an agency being sued really depends on the plaintiffs attorney. Some attorneys automatically sue everyone and anyone they can that has any attachment to the case at all regardless if they can actually collect anything from them or not, rather than risk any statue of limitations from running out before the plaintiff realizes they want to sue a company they feel was some how also liable. Personal injury lawyers would focus on the agency in the states since Costa tickets state that if the cruise did not depart from, return to or visit a U.S. port, the passenger must sue the cruise line only in Genoa, Italy, not the U.S.
Even if Costa was sued in the states the plaintiffs could not get more than $70,000 in damages due to a treaty limitation of liability so it is likely the plaintiff wold try to get more money from the travel agency. Even if the agency wins the suit they would be out thousands of dollars in legal fees and in most cases the judge does not have the power to order the plaintiffs to reimburse you for legal fees.
Sadly with a creative lawyer a case could be made that Costa had a history of allowing their captains sail too close to islands for "salutes" and that travel agents and agency's should have known about this and warned clients about the possible danger before booking them on cruises. Which is a little far fetched. There is no "maybe or mabe not harmful actions but not illegal conduct list" that goes out to travel agency's.
It is being recommended that travel agency's ask clients to sign a "disclaimer of liability" when booking them on a cruise. Be VERY CAREFUL about signing anything that gives away your rights to file a law suit in the event something goes terrible wrong. There are things beyond your agents doing but there are things that aren't. I NEVER give up my legal rights. If they ask you to do so, go some place else. Because if they do something really, really wrong and something really bad happens, you just signed away your right to sue them. So don't do it.
Travel Agency's are worried they will dragged into law suits being files by passengers and family members of those who lost their lives on board the Concordia cruise ship. The question on every travel agent and agency's mind who booked a client on that cruise is will our agency get sued and what are the odds that we will be held liable and if we are sued and win would the plaintiffs have to pay our attorney's fees? The odds of an agency being sued really depends on the plaintiffs attorney. Some attorneys automatically sue everyone and anyone they can that has any attachment to the case at all regardless if they can actually collect anything from them or not, rather than risk any statue of limitations from running out before the plaintiff realizes they want to sue a company they feel was some how also liable. Personal injury lawyers would focus on the agency in the states since Costa tickets state that if the cruise did not depart from, return to or visit a U.S. port, the passenger must sue the cruise line only in Genoa, Italy, not the U.S.
Even if Costa was sued in the states the plaintiffs could not get more than $70,000 in damages due to a treaty limitation of liability so it is likely the plaintiff wold try to get more money from the travel agency. Even if the agency wins the suit they would be out thousands of dollars in legal fees and in most cases the judge does not have the power to order the plaintiffs to reimburse you for legal fees.
Sadly with a creative lawyer a case could be made that Costa had a history of allowing their captains sail too close to islands for "salutes" and that travel agents and agency's should have known about this and warned clients about the possible danger before booking them on cruises. Which is a little far fetched. There is no "maybe or mabe not harmful actions but not illegal conduct list" that goes out to travel agency's.
It is being recommended that travel agency's ask clients to sign a "disclaimer of liability" when booking them on a cruise. Be VERY CAREFUL about signing anything that gives away your rights to file a law suit in the event something goes terrible wrong. There are things beyond your agents doing but there are things that aren't. I NEVER give up my legal rights. If they ask you to do so, go some place else. Because if they do something really, really wrong and something really bad happens, you just signed away your right to sue them. So don't do it.
Let's Go To London!
To contact us Click HERE
Everybody is talking about London now that theOlympics have taken place there. Londonis one of my favorite places to visit but it is also one of the most expensivecities in Europe. A trip to London isnot going to be a cheap trip but there are things you can do to cut costs soeven if you are a budget traveler London is still possible it just takes a little work, so let’s get started.
AIRFARE
You can save money by traveling during the shoulder or off season. It can get pretty cold in England during thewinter so for the best price and decent weather I would recommend the shoulderseason which usually runs from April to the end of May and September thruOctober.
Prices:
From
Los Angeles, Ca Dallas, Tx New York, NY
May 21-28 May21-28 May21-28
$1012 – US Airways $997 – US Airways $723 - Finair
Kayak.com Kayak.com Kayak.com
ACCOMMODATIONS
One way to save money on your accommodations is to stay at a Bed &Breakfast or a Guest Hotel. These areless expensive than regular hotels and they include daily breakfast with theprice of the room which will help out with your meal expenses. Some people Bed & Breakfasts and GuestHotels even have family rooms with private bathrooms so check around to findthe right one to fit your family or groups needs.
Here’s a couple of great options, these hotels arein good locations for touring and are within walking distance to a tubestation.
HollandCourt Hotel
$34.02per night
www.travelstay.com
Holland Court Hotel London provides relaxing 3 star accommodation in thestylish Kensington area of Central London. The hotel has a beautiful patiogarden where you can enjoy your breakfast before you head out to explore thelocal attractions. From here you’ll find Olympia and Earls Court exhibitioncentres nearby, and you could also take the short journey to the PortobelloRoad Market in Notting Hill. You’ll also find Kensington Tube Station close by,providing a route around this amazing city. Just a short walk to Kensington tube station.
Ambassadors Hotel London Kensington
$42.81 per night
www.travelstay.com
Ambassadors Hotel London Kensington offers you an affordable chance tostay in chic Kensington, close to Museumland and Kensington Palace. You canbook a compact single, twin, double or triple room with ensuite shower andtoilet (some have baths too). Your 24 hour access centrally heated room will befilled with facilities including a colour TV with news channel, complimentarytea and coffee making facilities and toiletries, a direct dial telephone, desk,hairdryer and WiFi internet access. Infact, WiFi is available throughout Ambassadors Hotel London Kensington. Thebusiness centre with internet terminals and a fax and photocopying service willcome in handy if you’re coming to London on business. If the reason for yourtrip is purely pleasure you will make the most of the comfortable lounge area,the soft drinks bar that offers snacks and the breakfast room. You will findlots of tourist information at the 24 hour reception; the staff can even booksightseeing tours for you. To get to Ambassadors Hotel London Kensington on thetube you should travel on the Circle, District or Piccadilly line and get offat Gloucester Road Tube Station.
TUBE TICKETS
You will need tube or subway tickets to get around the city. The tube is very easy and safe to use. You can order multiday passes prior toleaving the States. By doing this youwill get the best prices but you can also by single day or single use ticketswhen you get there.
Travel Card – goodfor use on the Tube and buses
Adult $83.84
Under 18 years old - $41.92
Discounts for groups of 10 or more people and seniors.
Now that we haveour airfare, accommodations and tube tickets we have to figure out what we’regoing to do once we get there. This isan area where you can get really creative and save some money.
FREE THINGS TO DO
The Changing of the Guard
The changing of the guard takes place outside of Buckingham Palace dailyduring the summer months and every other day the rest of the year at 11:30am. The ceremony takes about 45 minutesand includes a band playing popular classical music. It is pretty impressive to see.
The National Gallery
The National Galleryin London takes up the entire north side of Trafalgar Square. It houses one of the finestcollections of Western European paintings in the world from around 1250onwards.
Its masterpieces include artworks from Botticelli, Titian, Raphael, Michelangelo,Caravaggio, Rembrandt, Cezanne, Hogarth, and Gainsborough.
The British Museum
In my opinion one of the best museums in the world. They have over 7 million objects in theircollection. The collection of Egyptianand Greek antiquities are without a doubt amongst the largest and best known inthe world.
St. James Piccadilly Free LunchTime RecitalsSt.James's Piccadilly in London is another church designed by Sir Christopher Wrenin 1684 and is often named as his favorite. Recitals are at 1.10pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and last 50minutes. All are free to attend but a donation of £3 is suggested. www.st-james-piccadilly.org
Kensington Roof Gardens
Not to be confused with Kensington Gardens, Kensington Roof Gardens is London'sequivalent of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.See Kensington Roof Gardens Photos. In the unlikely location 100ft above streetlevel, on top of a department store building in the busy Kensington shoppingarea, you'll find a tranquil garden planted in the 1930s. It includes a Spanishgarden, a Tudor garden, an English woodland garden and resident flamingos!
The Roof Gardens is locatedat 99 Kensington High Street, London, W8 5SA. Access to the building is viaDerry Street which branches off Kensington High Street.
Poppy Factory Tour
TheRoyal British Legion Poppy Factory in Richmond, Surrey makes paper poppies andwreaths for Remembrance Day, 11 November. The factory workers, many disabledex-Service and dependents, make poppies all year round and free factory toursare available. The Poppy Factory wasformed back in 1922 when disabled ex-Service came home from the war and foundno employment. The factory moved to its current site in Richmond in 1933.
Groupsof a maximum of 42 can take part in one of two daily guided tours at 10.30amand 1.30pm, Monday to Thursday. The tour takes about 1 hour 30 minutes and theyeven give you a cup of tea and biscuits at the end!
Tours run by arrangement so simply contactthem to arrange for a group visit, or if it's for individuals to visit just askwhich tour you can join in with. Visits to the Poppy Factory are very popularand it's recommended you book as far ahead as possible. Incredibly, The British Legion Poppy Factoryoffer these tours for free.
House of Parliament
Greenwich’s best attraction, this neoclassical buildingmuseum gets more interesting and fun the deeper you go in. The focus is onBritain’s seafaring past, including the bullet that felled Horatio Nelson, areplica of Ernest Shackleton’s life boat and plenty of kid-friendly interactiveexhibits in the Your Ocean exhibit.
Speakers Corner
Any dayof the week, there's free entertainment to be had in the north-east corner ofHyde Park. You can even join in. Speakers' Corner has existed since lateVictorian times, and welcomes a motley assembly of orators who tend to coverpolitical or religious subjects. Anyone can turn up and declaim on any subject,so long as they stay within the laws of free speech.
North-eastcorner of Hyde Park, near Marble Arch, W1
British Library
Theorange-brick headquarters of the BL aren't just for researchers and scholars.The titanic complex houses plenty of diversions that anyone can visit for free.First among them is the Treasures exhibition, which displays literature asdiverse as Magna Carta and original Beatles lyrics. Two small galleries off themain foyer also present ever-changing temporary exhibitions on literary themes.A quirky bookshop and excellent cafe with free Wi-Fi add to the attractions.And don't miss the sculptures by Antony Gormley and Eduardo Paolozzi in theforecourt.
Self Guided City Walks
This website lists anumber of different self guided city walks. You can printout the information and follow the instructions for thedifferent walks. They instructionsinclude a little bit of information about each of the sites you will see,however I suggest you take along some additional information perhaps a smallguide book to give you a little moreinformation about the sites. www.londonforfree.net/walks/index.shtml
Picnic in the Park
London is full ofbeautiful parks so why not grab a couple of sandwiches from a local deli andenjoy lunch in the park. If you aretraveling with kids bring along a freebie or inflatable ball and let them enjoysome down time playing in the park. It’sa great way to spend time like a local enjoying the city’s beautifulparks.
Cemeteries
There are a number ofvery old cemeteries in and around London. You will often find them on the grounds of old churches. They can be very interesting to walk aroundand look at all the old head stones. Someof the gravestones will state how the person died or some interesting factabout them. Some of the cemeteries themselvesare beautiful and interesting dating back hundreds of years.
National Theatre
Tap your feet to free music concerts in the NationalTheatre"Djanogly Concert Pitch" in the main foyer.Mon-Fri, 5.45pm; Sat at 1pm and 5.45pm; occasionally Sun at 1.45pm).
Southbank Centre
End the week on a high at one of the SouthbankCentre's free Fridayevening music concerts. Other free music events include lunchtime concerts inthe Central Bar of the RoyalFestival Hallon Fridays and Sundays.
National Portrait Gallery
Enjoy free concerts in the NationalPortrait Gallery practicallyevery Friday from 6.30pm.
Classical Recitals
Free classical recitals can be heard drifting through the majesticstained-glass windows of many of London's churches and cathedrals. Don't missthe lunchtime concerts at StMartin-in-the-Fields (Mon,Tues and Fri at 1pm).
Covent Gardens
If the weather's good, head to CoventGarden, where everyone from busking guitarists to string quartetsprovide a great free soundtrack as you watch the world go by.
Roxy Bar and Screen
If you love cinema,you can enjoy the big screen on a little budget atRoxyBar and Screen. From film-noir classics to futuristic video art,Roxy has an innovative programme of screenings catering for film buffseverywhere. Screenings are free, apart from recent releases and double/triplebills which cost £3.
London film festivals such as the Portobello Film Festival are another good source of freefilms.
Watch free outdoor screenings at TheScoop, HornimanMuseum and Gardens andthe BP Summer Screen at the RoyalOpera House.
Theatre Royal Stratford East
Comedy Cafe
Catch the comedy stars of tomorrow everyWednesday at the Comedy Café and every Monday (from 8pm) at TheMarie Lloyd Comedy Box in HackneyEmpire.
BBC .
Arcola Theater
Every Tuesdayevening, the ArcolaTheatre sets aside acertain number of tickets for their "Pay What You Can" scheme. Youcan only get tickets on the night, but if you do nab one you just pay what youcan afford.
Guanabara
Head on down to Brazilian bar Guanabara where you'll find free dance lessonsmost evenings. Dance styles include Brazilian favourites such as gafieira,samba and forró.
Roller Skating
Pull on your roller skates and join over 5,000 skaters whizzing around thestreets of London. The skate departs from WellingtonArch every Friday at8pm. It's a great way to have fun without the wheels coming off your bankbalance! Visit the Friday Night Skate website for full details.
City Tour
If you prefer travelling by foot, why not go on a free London tour? SANDEMANsNEW London Tours freeRoyal Tour lasts up to three hours and takes in top London sights including the Housesof Parliament, StJames's Park and BuckinghamPalace. Tours depart daily at 11am and 1pm from Wellington Arch.
There aremany additional museums that are free as well so with a simple web search youcan easily find more museums to add to your itinerary.
So here is where we stand so far,
May 21-28, 2013 - overnight flightarriving on May 22, 6 nights.
Airfare
Los Angeles - $1012
Dallas - $997
New York - $723
Accommodations
1st option– Holland Court
$34.02 per night = $204.06 for 6 nights
$42.81 per night = $256.86 for 6 nights
Tube Tickets
Adult - $83.84
Under 18 years old - $41.92
Sightseeing
Even though we haveplenty of free things to do once we get to London you still should budget somemoney for some sightseeing that might cost some money such as visiting theTower of London.
Meals
You won’t have toworry about breakfast since it is included with your accommodations. As far as lunch and dinner you should figureyour budget the same as eating out here at home. There are plenty of fast food places to eatsuch as McDonalds or Burger King as well as deli’s and small restaurants. You can also stop by a grocery store and pickup something to eat. Sometimes they willhave readymade sandwiches and foods.
So here how a trip for 2 adultstraveling from Los Angeles a trip to London would look:
Airfare $1012 x 2 = $2024
Accommodation $204.06
Tube Tickets $83.84 x 2 = $167.68
Meals – Budget $10 approx.per meal, per person = $300.00
Sightseeing $100.00
Shopping & Misc $400.00
Total $3195.74
For about $3200 you could spend a week inLondon, not too shabby!
Everybody is talking about London now that theOlympics have taken place there. Londonis one of my favorite places to visit but it is also one of the most expensivecities in Europe. A trip to London isnot going to be a cheap trip but there are things you can do to cut costs soeven if you are a budget traveler London is still possible it just takes a little work, so let’s get started.AIRFARE
You can save money by traveling during the shoulder or off season. It can get pretty cold in England during thewinter so for the best price and decent weather I would recommend the shoulderseason which usually runs from April to the end of May and September thruOctober.
Prices:
From
Los Angeles, Ca Dallas, Tx New York, NY
May 21-28 May21-28 May21-28
$1012 – US Airways $997 – US Airways $723 - Finair
Kayak.com Kayak.com Kayak.com
ACCOMMODATIONSOne way to save money on your accommodations is to stay at a Bed &Breakfast or a Guest Hotel. These areless expensive than regular hotels and they include daily breakfast with theprice of the room which will help out with your meal expenses. Some people Bed & Breakfasts and GuestHotels even have family rooms with private bathrooms so check around to findthe right one to fit your family or groups needs.
Here’s a couple of great options, these hotels arein good locations for touring and are within walking distance to a tubestation.
HollandCourt Hotel
$34.02per night
www.travelstay.com
Holland Court Hotel London provides relaxing 3 star accommodation in thestylish Kensington area of Central London. The hotel has a beautiful patiogarden where you can enjoy your breakfast before you head out to explore thelocal attractions. From here you’ll find Olympia and Earls Court exhibitioncentres nearby, and you could also take the short journey to the PortobelloRoad Market in Notting Hill. You’ll also find Kensington Tube Station close by,providing a route around this amazing city. Just a short walk to Kensington tube station.
Ambassadors Hotel London Kensington
$42.81 per night
www.travelstay.com
Ambassadors Hotel London Kensington offers you an affordable chance tostay in chic Kensington, close to Museumland and Kensington Palace. You canbook a compact single, twin, double or triple room with ensuite shower andtoilet (some have baths too). Your 24 hour access centrally heated room will befilled with facilities including a colour TV with news channel, complimentarytea and coffee making facilities and toiletries, a direct dial telephone, desk,hairdryer and WiFi internet access. Infact, WiFi is available throughout Ambassadors Hotel London Kensington. Thebusiness centre with internet terminals and a fax and photocopying service willcome in handy if you’re coming to London on business. If the reason for yourtrip is purely pleasure you will make the most of the comfortable lounge area,the soft drinks bar that offers snacks and the breakfast room. You will findlots of tourist information at the 24 hour reception; the staff can even booksightseeing tours for you. To get to Ambassadors Hotel London Kensington on thetube you should travel on the Circle, District or Piccadilly line and get offat Gloucester Road Tube Station.TUBE TICKETS
You will need tube or subway tickets to get around the city. The tube is very easy and safe to use. You can order multiday passes prior toleaving the States. By doing this youwill get the best prices but you can also by single day or single use ticketswhen you get there.
Travel Card – goodfor use on the Tube and buses
Adult $83.84
Under 18 years old - $41.92
Discounts for groups of 10 or more people and seniors.
Now that we haveour airfare, accommodations and tube tickets we have to figure out what we’regoing to do once we get there. This isan area where you can get really creative and save some money.
FREE THINGS TO DO
The Changing of the Guard
The changing of the guard takes place outside of Buckingham Palace dailyduring the summer months and every other day the rest of the year at 11:30am. The ceremony takes about 45 minutesand includes a band playing popular classical music. It is pretty impressive to see.
The National Gallery
The National Galleryin London takes up the entire north side of Trafalgar Square. It houses one of the finestcollections of Western European paintings in the world from around 1250onwards.
Its masterpieces include artworks from Botticelli, Titian, Raphael, Michelangelo,Caravaggio, Rembrandt, Cezanne, Hogarth, and Gainsborough.
The British Museum
In my opinion one of the best museums in the world. They have over 7 million objects in theircollection. The collection of Egyptianand Greek antiquities are without a doubt amongst the largest and best known inthe world.
St. James Piccadilly Free LunchTime RecitalsSt.James's Piccadilly in London is another church designed by Sir Christopher Wrenin 1684 and is often named as his favorite. Recitals are at 1.10pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and last 50minutes. All are free to attend but a donation of £3 is suggested. www.st-james-piccadilly.org
Kensington Roof Gardens
Not to be confused with Kensington Gardens, Kensington Roof Gardens is London'sequivalent of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.See Kensington Roof Gardens Photos. In the unlikely location 100ft above streetlevel, on top of a department store building in the busy Kensington shoppingarea, you'll find a tranquil garden planted in the 1930s. It includes a Spanishgarden, a Tudor garden, an English woodland garden and resident flamingos!
The Roof Gardens is locatedat 99 Kensington High Street, London, W8 5SA. Access to the building is viaDerry Street which branches off Kensington High Street.
Poppy Factory Tour
TheRoyal British Legion Poppy Factory in Richmond, Surrey makes paper poppies andwreaths for Remembrance Day, 11 November. The factory workers, many disabledex-Service and dependents, make poppies all year round and free factory toursare available. The Poppy Factory wasformed back in 1922 when disabled ex-Service came home from the war and foundno employment. The factory moved to its current site in Richmond in 1933.
Groupsof a maximum of 42 can take part in one of two daily guided tours at 10.30amand 1.30pm, Monday to Thursday. The tour takes about 1 hour 30 minutes and theyeven give you a cup of tea and biscuits at the end!
Tours run by arrangement so simply contactthem to arrange for a group visit, or if it's for individuals to visit just askwhich tour you can join in with. Visits to the Poppy Factory are very popularand it's recommended you book as far ahead as possible. Incredibly, The British Legion Poppy Factoryoffer these tours for free.
House of Parliament
The Palace of Westminster, homeof ‘Big Ben’ (or Clock Tower), is a neo-Gothic wonder from the mid-19thcentury. And it’s full of houses: namely the House of Commons and the House ofLords. Reserve ahead to watch antics during Parliament sessions.
National Maritime Museum
Greenwich’s best attraction, this neoclassical buildingmuseum gets more interesting and fun the deeper you go in. The focus is onBritain’s seafaring past, including the bullet that felled Horatio Nelson, areplica of Ernest Shackleton’s life boat and plenty of kid-friendly interactiveexhibits in the Your Ocean exhibit.Speakers Corner
Any dayof the week, there's free entertainment to be had in the north-east corner ofHyde Park. You can even join in. Speakers' Corner has existed since lateVictorian times, and welcomes a motley assembly of orators who tend to coverpolitical or religious subjects. Anyone can turn up and declaim on any subject,so long as they stay within the laws of free speech.
North-eastcorner of Hyde Park, near Marble Arch, W1
British Library
Theorange-brick headquarters of the BL aren't just for researchers and scholars.The titanic complex houses plenty of diversions that anyone can visit for free.First among them is the Treasures exhibition, which displays literature asdiverse as Magna Carta and original Beatles lyrics. Two small galleries off themain foyer also present ever-changing temporary exhibitions on literary themes.A quirky bookshop and excellent cafe with free Wi-Fi add to the attractions.And don't miss the sculptures by Antony Gormley and Eduardo Paolozzi in theforecourt.
Self Guided City Walks
This website lists anumber of different self guided city walks. You can printout the information and follow the instructions for thedifferent walks. They instructionsinclude a little bit of information about each of the sites you will see,however I suggest you take along some additional information perhaps a smallguide book to give you a little moreinformation about the sites. www.londonforfree.net/walks/index.shtml
Picnic in the Park
London is full ofbeautiful parks so why not grab a couple of sandwiches from a local deli andenjoy lunch in the park. If you aretraveling with kids bring along a freebie or inflatable ball and let them enjoysome down time playing in the park. It’sa great way to spend time like a local enjoying the city’s beautifulparks.
Cemeteries
There are a number ofvery old cemeteries in and around London. You will often find them on the grounds of old churches. They can be very interesting to walk aroundand look at all the old head stones. Someof the gravestones will state how the person died or some interesting factabout them. Some of the cemeteries themselvesare beautiful and interesting dating back hundreds of years.
National Theatre
Tap your feet to free music concerts in the NationalTheatre"Djanogly Concert Pitch" in the main foyer.Mon-Fri, 5.45pm; Sat at 1pm and 5.45pm; occasionally Sun at 1.45pm).
Southbank Centre
End the week on a high at one of the SouthbankCentre's free Fridayevening music concerts. Other free music events include lunchtime concerts inthe Central Bar of the RoyalFestival Hallon Fridays and Sundays.
National Portrait Gallery
Enjoy free concerts in the NationalPortrait Gallery practicallyevery Friday from 6.30pm.
Classical Recitals
Free classical recitals can be heard drifting through the majesticstained-glass windows of many of London's churches and cathedrals. Don't missthe lunchtime concerts at StMartin-in-the-Fields (Mon,Tues and Fri at 1pm).
Covent Gardens
If the weather's good, head to CoventGarden, where everyone from busking guitarists to string quartetsprovide a great free soundtrack as you watch the world go by.
Roxy Bar and Screen
If you love cinema,you can enjoy the big screen on a little budget atRoxyBar and Screen. From film-noir classics to futuristic video art,Roxy has an innovative programme of screenings catering for film buffseverywhere. Screenings are free, apart from recent releases and double/triplebills which cost £3.
London film festivals such as the Portobello Film Festival
Watch free outdoor screenings at TheScoop, HornimanMuseum and Gardens andthe BP Summer Screen at the RoyalOpera House.
Theatre Royal Stratford East
Comedy Cafe
Catch the comedy stars of tomorrow everyWednesday at the Comedy Café and every Monday (from 8pm) at TheMarie Lloyd Comedy Box in HackneyEmpire.
BBC
Arcola Theater
Every Tuesdayevening, the ArcolaTheatre sets aside acertain number of tickets for their "Pay What You Can" scheme. Youcan only get tickets on the night, but if you do nab one you just pay what youcan afford.
GuanabaraHead on down to Brazilian bar Guanabara where you'll find free dance lessonsmost evenings. Dance styles include Brazilian favourites such as gafieira,samba and forró.
Roller Skating
Pull on your roller skates and join over 5,000 skaters whizzing around thestreets of London. The skate departs from WellingtonArch every Friday at8pm. It's a great way to have fun without the wheels coming off your bankbalance! Visit the Friday Night Skate website for full details.
City Tour
If you prefer travelling by foot, why not go on a free London tour? SANDEMANsNEW London Tours freeRoyal Tour lasts up to three hours and takes in top London sights including the Housesof Parliament, StJames's Park and BuckinghamPalace. Tours depart daily at 11am and 1pm from Wellington Arch.
There aremany additional museums that are free as well so with a simple web search youcan easily find more museums to add to your itinerary.
So here is where we stand so far,
May 21-28, 2013 - overnight flightarriving on May 22, 6 nights.
Airfare
Los Angeles - $1012
Dallas - $997
New York - $723
Accommodations
1st option– Holland Court
$34.02 per night = $204.06 for 6 nights
$42.81 per night = $256.86 for 6 nights
Tube Tickets
Adult - $83.84
Under 18 years old - $41.92
Sightseeing
Even though we haveplenty of free things to do once we get to London you still should budget somemoney for some sightseeing that might cost some money such as visiting theTower of London.
Meals
You won’t have toworry about breakfast since it is included with your accommodations. As far as lunch and dinner you should figureyour budget the same as eating out here at home. There are plenty of fast food places to eatsuch as McDonalds or Burger King as well as deli’s and small restaurants. You can also stop by a grocery store and pickup something to eat. Sometimes they willhave readymade sandwiches and foods.
So here how a trip for 2 adultstraveling from Los Angeles a trip to London would look:
Airfare $1012 x 2 = $2024
Accommodation $204.06
Tube Tickets $83.84 x 2 = $167.68
Meals – Budget $10 approx.per meal, per person = $300.00
Sightseeing $100.00
Shopping & Misc $400.00
Total $3195.74
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