The how, what, when, and where Arsenal Road trip thread

[billyho96]

I am flying over with Ashley on Thursday, we are staying at a B&B for the whole 10 days, we are gonna keep our room when we are gone to Manchester on monday and Liverpool on Tuesday.

We are hitting Spurs, Prague, and Sunderland in London.

Monday we are going to Manchester and are thinking about going to see Citeh play Villa that night. Then go to Liverpool for the Champions League match v. anderlecht.

What are you guys doing on Thursday and Friday prior to Sunderland. My email is wkmoritz@aol.com and ashley's is jatm516@yahoo.com.

I'd like to exchange some cell numbers with a couple of you guys just to met up or if anyone gets lost or needs anything.

What is the weather to be like? Pack warm? Its still 90 degree where we live so I think the weather is gonna be a shock?

Also, are you bringing cash? Should I get currency exchanged here before I leave?

The idea that I'm going to a forgein country is settling in on me. Do I need my drivers license, or just my passport.........

any tips from experienced travellers?

Billy

[Bluto11]

i've used traveler's checks in the past. However, they can be a pain to convert. I changed some money in Chicago at the airport before I left, just so I could pay for a Tube pass and something quick to eat before I could hit a currency exchange. There is a few involved with changing money, but if you have Amex traveler's checks there is an American Express place right near Picadilly Circus where they change Amex checks with no fee, and you get a good rate. I found it was easier to just use my credit card like an ATM card and withdraw money from ATMs.

as for the weather, I have no clue. Bring a little bit of everything. When you go out for the day dress in layers, so if its too hot you can take of your jacket and just carry it or something.

i usually carried my passport around with me. I would make a photo copy of it and keep it with your luggage or in the safe in the hotel room. People always talk about pickpockets targeting tourists, so I would put my cash and important stuff in the front pocket of my jeans or shorts instead of my back pocket (or in the inside pocket of my jacket with the jacket zipped up!)

[jwaldman11]

Having done this several times (and doing it again tomorrow!), here's the best way to do this:

- Bring as many forms of ID as possible, including passport, drivers' license and the ORIGINAL copy of your birth certificate or a certified copy. Should you lose your passport, I believe you'll need a photo ID and some other form of identification to get a new one at the embassy.

- Make color copies of everything, including ID and credit cards. The passport copy proves that you're legally in the UK, while the other copies are in case you lose the originals. The credit cards are so that, if your credit cards are lost or stolen, you can take care of that immediately instead of having to wait until you get back. Keep the copies and the original forms of ID separate.

- If you're planning on driving at all, go to AAA (if you're a member) and you can get an international driving permit. It runs around $23 and is good for a year, so if you travel anywhere else, you're OK. It also can be a form of photo ID.

- As far as currency goes, I just exchanged cash there, but I think ATM's would be OK as well. I've used them here (U.S. bank card, Taiwan bank ATM) and typically get whatever the exchange rate is that day. Just check with your bank first to see what the fee is for using a foreign ATM.

- You really should have some kind of cell phone, especially since you're travelling to different sites. That way, if there's a problem, you can call somewhere without hunting for a pay phone. Also, find the number for the American Embassy and keep it with you. Chances are you won't need it, but better safe than sorry.

- Check both British and U.S. customs regulations before you go to see what you can and can not take or bring back. Things like meat and fruit are illegal to take from one country to the other, so something as simple as an apple can get you fined. I know people that have gotten around that, but I've also known people who got busted.

- One more travel tip: Don't go to the British Museum with a hangover, as walking into the central atrium will be the most painful thing you have ever done. :cool:

[michaec]

Billy, a couple of things.

Weather. At the end of October/start of November it's likely to be pretty cold, epsecially if you come from somewhere where a warm climate is the norm. You'll most likely get away with a t-shirt and jumper most of the time, but bring a waterproof jacket too as it's been known to rain a bit here ;) Some idea of averages here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/world/city_guides/results.shtml?tt=TT003790

Currency. I usually pick up my currency at the airport on my way out of the country, but I reckon you'kll probably be able to pick it up on the way in too. I use http://www.travelex.co.uk, they won't charge commission on the exchange, but I have known people to be charged by their card issuer for the transaction although it's never happened to me.

[arsenalgirl30016]

Billy: email is pooches2@bellsouth.net
We are staying in London until Tuesday morning then heading to Brecons Beacon for 2 days and back to London on Thursday. Send me an email! We are trying to figure out if it would be easier to get a prepaid phone or have international calling added to our phones now........

[Gunner Phan]

travel much, J? ;) I hear Frommer's calling.....

[arsenalgirl30016]

Billy, a couple of things.

Weather. At the end of October/start of November it's likely to be pretty cold, epsecially if you come from somewhere where a warm climate is the norm. You'll most likely get away with a t-shirt and jumper most of the time, but bring a waterproof jacket too as it's been known to rain a bit here ;) Some idea of averages here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/world/city_guides/results.shtml?tt=TT003790

Currency. I usually pick up my currency at the airport on my way out of the country, but I reckon you'kll probably be able to pick it up on the way in too. I use http://www.travelex.co.uk, they won't charge commission on the exchange, but I have known people to be charged by their card issuer for the transaction although it's never happened to me.
Thanks for the insight Michaec-I will need my "jumper" for sure! Hopefully I wont freeze to death! ;) :p

[surfcam]

Steph, Ash and Billy. What time are you guys arriving on Firday? If Ash and Billy are flying out of Dallas, we may be on the same flight. Either way, maybe we can meet up in Gatwick and head out from there.

[arsenalgirl30016]

Steph, Ash and Billy. What time are you guys arriving on Firday? If Ash and Billy are flying out of Dallas, we may be on the same flight. Either way, maybe we can meet up in Gatwick and head out from there.
We get into Gatwick at some unGodly hour like 8am or something like that. What are the odds that I will be able to sleep at all on the flight over? :rolleyes: ;)

PS Sent Sean to San Diego with my copy of Fever Pitch-his homework is to read it before we leave! :D

[surfcam]

We get into Gatwick at some unGodly hour like 8am or something like that. What are the odds that I will be able to sleep at all on the flight over? :rolleyes: ;)

PS Sent Sean to San Diego with my copy of Fever Pitch-his homework is to read it before we leave! :D

That is when we get in as well. I'll PM my flight info and we can try to meet up since we will all be getting in at the same time.

[arsenalgirl30016]

That is when we get in as well. I'll PM my flight info and we can try to meet up since we will all be getting in at the same time.
And so it begins........ :)

[michaec]

Thanks for the insight Michaec-I will need my "jumper" for sure! Hopefully I wont freeze to death! ;) :pIt transforms from a "sweater" into a "jumper" somewhere over the mid-Atlantic ridge I believe ;)

[arsenalgirl30016]

It transforms from a "sweater" into a "jumper" somewhere over the mid-Atlantic ridge I believe ;)
I was not sure if a jumper was a jacket (coat) or what. Thanks! I need to get my English to Queens English dictionary ready! ;)

[surfcam]

And so it begins........ :)

Jurys booked. Getting flight info to PM ya.

[Detlef]

One more travel tip: Don't go to the British Museum with a hangover, as walking into the central atrium will be the most painful thing you have ever done. :cool:

also, make sure you go to the pub (Museum Tavern)across the street from the British Museum, it's been around since like 1760. :eek: real hand pumps!

if you are going to see theatre, check with your hotel concierge for tickets. it'll save you time.

[leepyswetr]

- One more travel tip: Don't go to the British Museum with a hangover, as walking into the central atrium will be the most painful thing you have ever done. :cool:
To make the best use of this tip, ensure that you always have a hangover. :D

[billyho96]

Steph, Ash and Billy. What time are you guys arriving on Firday? If Ash and Billy are flying out of Dallas, we may be on the same flight. Either way, maybe we can meet up in Gatwick and head out from there.


we are flying out of Atlanta Thursday at 7:40 p.m., arriving at 9:00 a.m. BST at Gatwick

and I am quite certain I don't have a jumper. Its 90 degrees right now in Arkansas

[Bluto11]

any english folks know how long it takes to get from Gatwick to Heathrow?

i ask, because if Jim and i decide to take another few days and go somewhere (Amsterdam, sarabella we need to talk, or Leon to see my cousin who is studying over there) Easyjet flys to heathrow and we might have to book it over to heathrow to get the flight to Chicago.

[sarabella]

Amsterdam is always open, Dan. No problem.

[Bluto11]

Amsterdam is always open, Dan. No problem.
sweet. I'll let you know what we figure out to do!!

I think we're going the hostel route in London to save some $$ for the side trip that we choose.