Seeking advice on travel to London

[Tinkerdog]

I have an opportunity to go to England in May (5/23-6/1) and having never been off this continent before was wondering if anyone had any advice on a good time to purchase airline tickets. I already applied for a passport.

Thank you!

[quoll]

I tend to get mine early because there are often sales on and the earlier I buy, the more chance of getting the dates that I want. There is also the possibility that air fares will rise although with the price of oil going down at the moment, maybe that is a bit less likely. However, having said that, I do browse the airline sites and sometimes really really late bookings can be quite cheap - obviously if they havent filled the plane they release a few cheap seats. You will be going at quite a nice time of year though, shouldnt be overwhelmed with kids on holidays and the weather should (OK, no promises!) be reasonable.

I think there are some wonderful cheap options from the US which certainly arent available from Aus!

You may also like to think about accommodation and unless you have that already fixed for you, consider getting a package which builds at least some accommodation into your travel. Accommodation can be a real drain on the purse in UK especially if you are staying in London! There are some chain motels which offer occasional very cheap rooms (Travelodge.co.uk is the one I use) but otherwise think second mortgage ;D

Now you have got me all envious and I shall spend the rest of the morning perusing the Qantas site to see if I can get home cheaply in the not so distant future!

[Tinkerdog]

Thank you!

I am checking into this.

[maxx02]

If you don't want to take a tour, which I would highly recommend for your first trip, try priceline for fantastic deals on ticket/hotel packages. I would not plan to drive on your first trip. You'll have enough trouble managing everything else. Don't add a challenge you can easily avoid, especially in the UK. Take the train. It gives you a chance to watch the countryside and to talk with people.

England is a wonderful amazing country full of all sorts of fascinating nooks and crannies to investigate. Have fun!