EZTravelpad

Transportation in England

Transportation in England

By Lindsey

You’re ready for vacation in England, you packed, you flew, and you landed. Now what?

Transportation in England is easily accessible. You can take the Underground, or the Tube as locals call it, taxi, train, or bus.

Let’s say you land at Heathrow, for example, you could take the Underground to central London for a low price. Should you fly in at Heathrow or Gatwick, they have Express trains, while a bit pricier, and will get you to central London in about half the time.

Taking a taxi from either of those airports will be the most expensive form of transportation you can use. Why use a taxi when you can start taking the train like most locals do? Unless you’re totally exhausted from your flight and want to check-in to your hotel as soon as possible, by all means, go for it. Keep in mind; you’re going to want to splurge on souvenirs and entertainment, not transportation, which is why I suggest the train or bus.

The trains and buses are fairly inexpensive and easy to use. Upon arriving at your hotel and settling in a bit, find out the train and bus schedule and start making use of them.

Bring good walking shoes. Walking is the most inexpensive form of transportation there is and with London being such a compact city, I would become best friends with your sneakers. Besides, you get exercise after slamming down a few caloric beers at the pub and you can totally immerse yourself in the culture.

If you want to visit other countries while you’re in England, take the EuroStar (the Chunnel) to France or Belgium.

If you want a more scenic ocean-esque view, take a ferry to the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Norway or Sweden. It’s more eco-friendly than flying and it’s better for your wallet.

Flying to other European countries from England is fairly reasonable as well. Think of it as flying from state to state in the U.S. Considering how much your trip and the plane ticket alone costs to get over the Atlantic, you should try to see and absorb as much as you can.

Remember, and this applies to anywhere, not just England or Europe: Don’t be afraid to ask questions. It’s better to stay on schedule and calm rather than become stressed and flustered because of transportation.

Ask questions, talk to locals, and get the inside scoop on travelling with EZTravelPad.

 

 

Ten Places A London Tour Won't Take You

Hi, I’m Lindsey VanWinkle, student at Butler University and intern for EZTravelPad. I recently read a blog on USA Today titled “10 great places a London tour won't take you” which categorized ten places to check out when people visit London for the Summer Olympics.

I found this particularly interesting because as a person who is going to England this fall, it rings true that one should not only see the spots that are most famous and regarded with tourists, but also pay attention to the places that might not be at the top of their bucket list to visit. The list included places like, Sigmund Freud’s Hampstead House, British Museum and walk through Exmouth Market.

I realized reading these that going to offbeat places that are not as highly regarded as tourist areas are most likely cheaper, and maybe even free of charge, perfect for visitors on a budget. Going to hole-in-the-wall places on any vacation rather than the standard restaurants, museums, and places not only get you away from being swarmed around tourists, but give travelers an opportunity to explore the culture outside of that realm. When travelers take the time to separate themselves from the beaten path, they get to witness the way the natives live their lives and experience a true vacation from their own.

 

Cruise Europe THIS SUMMER w Celebrity - Air Credits Make it Affordable!

Unbelievable Special Makes Europe Affordable THIS Summer on Celebrity Cruise

Celebrity Cruises (the Premium brand of Royal Caribbean) has a fantastic special just unveiled this week and sure to stir up some business- Book a balcony stateroom on a European sailing for the summer of 2012 and receive $500 per person air credit if booked with their Choice Air department. This makes a Mediterranean cruise this summer instantly $1000 more affordable!

Combine that with the fact that the dollar has been improving against the Euro (so those activities on shore are also more affordable) and it's a Win-Win situation.

Here's an example- Cruise 11 Nights in Italy, Greece and Turkey from $1865pp including air - Unbelievable!

Here are some specifics-

 

Hard to believe...

Are you searching for a Destination Wedding location? Thinking you might like to get married at sea? You're in luck - Celebrity is one of only a couple of cruise lines that can make that happen!

Desire to get married at home but thinking you can't afford the European Cruise for your Honeymoon? Celebrity is a brilliant choice for a Honeymoon - the sophisticated vibe and more adult nature of the brand lends itself wonderfully to a Honeymoon couple interested in seeing the Mediterranean!

Also - Celebrity has a fantastic array of drink packages including beers, wines & cocktails!!

So what do you do now?

Call your Travel Agent - now! They know the inside details - they will get you the best deal possible - and they will do all of the legwork for you.

If you do not have a travel agent that you are working with currently then get with EZTravelPad - we're here to help make your life experiences richer (and save you money so you stay richer!)

 

Destination Wedding in Tuscany.... is it YOUR Dream Wedding?

Arranging a Destination Wedding in Tuscany

As a travel professional specializing in Honeymoons and Destination Weddings, you might imagine that I receive many requests for Italy. For both Honeymoons and Destination Weddings, Italy is the top destination for US citizens interested in experiencing Europe for their special event.

Honeymoons to Italy, and in particular the Tuscany region, are fairly easy for a travel professional like myself to help arrange. Selecting the best villa or hotel or tour or cruise is what I do day in and day out.

But, when you add the dimension of actually holding the ceremony in Italy, that's when I call in reinforcements. A WEDDING specialist that knows the area, knows the language, and knows wedding business is crucial to making certain that your wedding is everything you have dreamed of and more!

 

 
Perhaps you have dreamed of a ceremony in a centuries old Italian Cathedral

 

Or maybe your dream is of a reception party in the gardens of a castle

With EZTravelPad you can rest assured that your travel plans will be in good hands, and that we have sought out and collaborated with a Destination Wedding specialist in Italy that will work directly with you to plan the entire event - Large or Small, Grand or Intimate, Castle or Church....

So let me introduce you to one such wedding professional who is on the ground in Tuscany planning weddings for English speaking couples from US & UK and beyond- take it away Jackie...

 

Hi I’m Jackie and I own and run Marry me in Tuscany  an independent wedding planning service for the most important and beautiful wedding venues in Tuscany.

I have been living in Siena for nearly 10 years not bad for a Lancashire lass that was only supposed to be here for two years but I loved it so much that after only 3 days back in the UK I packed up my car with my most important personal belongings and drove through France in a day to come back home.

I set up Marry Me in Tuscany in 2004 I’d been kicking the idea around of setting up the company for some time, and finally feeling confident with the language and having the drive and contacts to make it work I took the plunge and haven’t looked back since, and have made lots of couples dreams of marrying in Tuscany come true.

When you don’t speak the language it’s extremely difficult to communicate what you want (I know been there done that and bought the T-shirt) and add to that the pressure of organizing one of the most important days of your lives it’s not surprising that many couples look for help organizing your special day in a foreign country.

For American couples it’s vital that they have a great travel consultant in the US as it’s often difficult for them to visit before the wedding they can certainly advise you of great places to stay and hold your wedding and of course sort out great deals on your flights and with my local knowledge (I live here all year round) I can help them by giving them an honest up to date opinion of a venue, be it a castle, villa, simple agriturimo, wine resort or hotel or restaurant.

Having a wedding planner doesn’t mean that you loose control of what you want, although I’m happy to make suggestions and create mood boards and offer alternative ideas when something just isn’t possible here I’m very conscious that it’s your wedding, which is why no two weddings are ever the same, they are all tailor made and as individual as the couples getting married.

I’m happy to organize as much or as little of the wedding for you, advice about the documents that you need, great photographers, flowers, transport, caterers, personal chefs, hair and make up things to do while you are here, or just help you with the actual wedding ceremony, it’s entirely up to you how much you’d like me to be involved in your big day.

I can help couples organize religious weddings in beautiful churches in the Tuscan countryside, civil weddings in some of the most famous and prettiest places that Tuscany has to offer and bespoke weddings which can be held anywhere that your heart desires. 

On my website  you’ll find lots of useful information, tips and ideas for wonderful wedding  here in Tuscany.

 So if you’re thinking of getting married in Tuscany,  look no further Marry Me In Tuscany will do everything they can to ensure that you have the most truly fabulous day to remember. Please feel free to drop me an email at info@marrymeintuscany.co.uk as I like to talk to couples about their requirements please include your phone number and a good time to call., it’s all part of the service.

You can also join me on Facebook  or you can follow me on Twitter

 

 

Yes, part of the job of a travel agent is helping people select the best destinations, and best accommodations in the destinations, but another large part is knowing the people on the ground - the people that are actually going to be there every step of the way!

When it's time for you to select your travel pro, give EZTravelPad a call, or email - or reach out on Facebook or Twitter or YouTube - We are here to help!

European River Cruises On Sale Now For Singles

Want to avoid the "Single Supplement" on your European River Cruise?

Uniworld, a leader in European River Cruising has recently announced that they are waiving the dreaded "Single Supplement" on many European River Cruises for departures in 2011. What does this mean?

What it means is tremendous savings for single travelers- Read on.

 

Traditionally cruise ships price their cabins for double occupancy. For example, if a departure is priced for $3000 per person, a single traveler can frequently pay 150-200% of that amount to travel alone! Yet, for many departures in 2011 Uniworld has waived the single supplement, meaning that single travelers can cruise many of the rivers of Europe at tremendous savings.

Some of the departures available this year are:

 

Enchanting Danube

7 nts Budapest-Passau

June 26, July 10 & 31,Aug 7, Oct 23, Nov 06

 

Castles Along the Rhine

7 nts Amsterdam-Basel 

Nov 6 & 13

 

Imperial Capitals of Europe

14 nts Istanbul- Vienna

April 16, July 17 & 25, Oct 10

 

Danube Holiday Market

7 nts Budapest- Passau

Dec 12 & 19

and there are many more from which to choose!

Do you love history, food, wine, architecture, and music?

A European River Cruise is something on the bucket list of most baby boomers seeking travel experiences that they can cherish for a lifetime. There is nothing quite like meandering along the rivers of Europe as castles and vineyards pass by just a few hundred yards in the distance. Essentially you experience a guided tour in a 4 star hotel at your own pace, and best of all, you see much of Europe but only need unpack once!

There is nothing quite like the enrichment and educational programs offered by the cruise lines that specialize in bringing The Old Country to life as you pass through the heart of Europe and see it from a perspective like those that navigated these waters centuries earlier.

So if you would love to see Europe from a unique perspective but don't have a travel partner, this is your opportunity.

You can do it yourself, or you can enlist the help of "Your friends....in the travel business" - EZTravelpad

We're here to help you enjoy your life to the fullest!

Ferrari Factory Tour & Driving a Ferrari on vacation- Y not?

Ferrari Driving Experience in San Marino

What European vacation would be complete without touring the Ferrari museum in San Marino or a factory and having a room overlooking the Ferrari factory in Maranello?

A room overlooking the Ferrari Factory....ok, thinking that the wife might have a problem with that part of it :)

 

Highlights of the Ferrari Vacation:
Test drive a Ferrari with the exclusive "Prova Ferrari" A guided visit to the Ferrari Gallery in the Maranello Ferrari Factory A guided visit to the Maranello Rosso Museum in San Marino featuring 25 of the most renowned Ferrari models followed by champagne refreshments One week car rental with unlimited mileage and all insurance and taxes	3 nights at the Grand Hotel di San Marino in a luxurious deluxe room 2 nights at the Planet Hotel in Maranello in a Junior Suite overlooking the Fiorano Race Track or Ferrari Factory One welcome dinner at the Grand Hotel Daily buffet breakfast and complimentary access to the Grand Hotel's wellness center 20% discount at Messegue Beauty Spa and on any a-la-carte menu at the Grand Hotel

 

Here's another experience that is available- and this would be Sooooo cool- driving a Ferrari around Monaco - on the F-1 circuit through the streets of Monte Carlo - HOW COOL is THAT? We can actually set that up while you are in port on your Mediterranean cruise this summer....

These are some of the experiences that your travel agent can help you put together.

OR

You can do it yourself - for the same money - and stay on hold internationally - and get cut off while holding - and misunderstand the res agent - and be on your own in case anything goes wrong.....

Ultimately- the choice is yours. Might want to check out EZTravelpad when you start making your plans to enjoy what this Big Old Word has to offer.....

 

River Cruises- Watching the Castles of Europe pass as you float by in Luxury

European River Cruises Offer Europe from a Seldom seen Perspective

You may have never heard of a European River Cruise, or it may be on your bucket list. You may have cruised the Danube or Rhine, or may know someone who has. In any case, if it's not yet on your radar, it soon will be. As U.S. Baby Boomers see their portfolios recover from the Great Recession - and enter retirement with an energy and youthful exhuberance not seen before - with a desire to see the world, and the means to make it happen, what is on their bucket list?

As more mature couples fall in love and marry, what are they looking for in a Honeymoon? Beaches and a tropical paradise are great when you are young but at a certain point- for many, the desire for a little something different emerges...

River Cruises Top Bucket List for Many

Check out this short video to give you a sense of what this travel niche offers

 

 

3 Ways to See Europe

Esentially there are 3 ways to see Europe

• Fly in to a city or two and experience them for a few days at a time
• Tour several countries by a combination of bus and rail
• Cruise the rivers

Each of these strategies are great- nothing wrong with doing them all- and you know the easiest way to get it done, right?

Contact "Your friends....in the travel business" at EZTravelpad - where if we don't know the answer there is a good chance we are friends with an expert on the subject, so one call does it all.

Have fun, see the world, enjoy your life starting now- it goes very, very quickly!

 

Adventures by Disney- Outside the Theme Parks and into National Parks & More

Adventures by Disney Offers Highest Quality Tours

• Not interested in a "tour", but want to take the kids to see the Western US?
• Thought of taking the family on a European vacation but afraid the kids would be bored?
• Interested in the highest quality family trip available right now?

Think Adventures by Disney - here, take a peek...

 

 

 

Adventures by Disney marries the Disney level of exceptional quality with destination tours across the globe - a great Marriage!

Adventures await from close to home-

• Washington, DC
• Grand Canyon
• Yellowstone
• Alaska

to far, far away places such as-

• Italy
• Ireland
• China
• Costa Rica
• South Africa
• Egypt
• Galapagos Islands

A sample itinerary to the Western US looks like this (just the highlights- the whole itinerary looks really amazing!)

Trip Highlights

• Monument Valley Off-Road Excursion

  Climb aboard a 4x4 jeep for your very own Navajo-guided, off-road excursion to the beautiful buttes and magical mesas of Monument Valley. See the secret corners of the Valley and marvel at the geological wonders!

• Grand Canyon Hike

  Discover one of the seven wonders of the natural world as a naturalist guide takes you off the beaten path for a stunning Grand Canyon hike and drive along the South Rim.

• Colorado River Rafting

  Soak up the sights of the spectacular landscape on an exciting yet leisurely Colorado River rafting (Class I-II) adventure for the whole family.

• Cowboy Cookout and Entertainment

  Kick up your heels at a fun-filled cookout on the banks of the Colorado River! Meet a real cowboy and chow down on some down-home cookin'!

• Arches National Park

  Step into a surreal landscape dotted with sky-scraping sandstone land arches and hike to its crown jewel, the Delicate Arch. Learn the living geological history of a million years and marvel at mother nature's wild side.

 

Interested in what you can do? Where you can go? How many memories you can make?

EZTravelpad is a great place to start- you are guaranteed the best pricing and help all along the way! After all, you can trust "Your friends....in the travel business"

Single Travelers Rejoice! You CAN Avoid the Dreaded "Single Supplement" with Uniworld

Single Supplement Waived on select Europe, Russia, and Egypt Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

Travel on the lovely boutique river cruises (like a 4 star floating hotel) to places you have always dreamed of going, and on select sailing for this year, and next year (2011) you can avoid the Single Supplement charge that can add so much to the cost of traveling by yourself...

Ready for a relaxing vacation with no worries? 

   

Ready to meet new friends and explore exciting old world destinations?

The consensus is clear- Uniworld is among the best ways to see Europe, Russia and Egypt- cruising the rivers of ancient lands like people have done for thousands of years- only not in THIS kind of style!

See the REAL country- the part that you miss traveling on the highways - after all, most cities were built around THE RIVER - it's where all the action is, and the convenience is unbelievable!

For more information please contact EZTravelpad - we're here to make your vacation the best it can possibly be!

 

Alternative to Tours in Europe - while Still SEEING Europe

Looking for an alternative to a European Tour?

But still want to EXPERIENCE Europe?

Thinking you would like to arrange something a little more independent, yet not break the bank? I hear it ALL THE TIME - "I don't want a tour- I just want to go do things on my own" Would you be interested in the opportunity to immerse yourselves in the local culture by living in an apartment in hand-picked locations around Europe for a period of one or two weeks? All locations are selected for their authenticity and tend to be off the tourist track while still allowing for easy accessibility to the sights and wonders of the area .

You can experience independent travel with support. Benefit with help for all trip logistics, airport transfer assistance, and access to an on-the-ground staff person who will orient you to the area and tell you about events going on during your stay.

A company called Untours is the source - check them out and find that profits are diverted to worthwhile charities - Read about their winning the Newman's Own/George Award

Just the kind of model that we love here at EZTravelpad - So travel knowing that your integrating with the real community and not just the tourist areas, and also knowing that your are contributing to the well-being of society in general - makes a compelling case to go visit doesn't it?

An Example of what is possible-

Experience the Switzerland missed by most travelers. Spend one or two weeks in a beautiful Chalet apartment surrounded by the glorious mountain scenery of the Alps. Spend your time hiking the hills or exploring local villages. Or, take advantage of the renowned Swiss rail network to visit a number of cosmopolitan cities. Best of all, see what you want, when you want, all on your own time.

Switzerland two week ground-only reduced price: $1,389* per person double occupancy. Switzerland one week ground-only reduced price: $1,049* per person double occupancy. Discounts available on departures between 9/22/10 and 10/6/10.

But it's not JUST about Switzerland

Similar experiences are available all over Europe-

• Budapest
• Vienna
• Paris
• Florence
• Barcelona

And it's not just Europe

Similar accommodations are available in other locations also-

• Buenos Aires
• Quebec City

So you can elect to go do it yourself- search the internet for all sorts of possibilities, and maybe you may just find the best alternative for yourself and your family.

or

You can contact EZTravelpad - "Your friends....in the travel business"