I did fly British Airways though and LOVED IT. I like to travel and I do so at any opportunity so I’m frequently flying when I do and by far, British Airways was the best airline I ever traveled on. My ticket was decently priced ($600 which isn’t bad at all considering I had to fly from Philly to Charlotte, NC for $450 once).

One thing I would recommend is that aside from getting from the airport to the hotel, don’t use a cab much. They’re expensive as hell and the drivers are scary. haha. They drive out of control there compared to here. The buses or tube make a great way to travel! I would definitely try getting like. .$20-$30 on an Oyster card for the four day you’re there. It makes it SO much easier and cheaper.

Oxford Street is fun if you’re in the mood to shop. I had a blast there spending money (who wouldn’t?). Trafalgar Square is basically the equavillant to NY Times Square except smaller (and I swear to God, there’s a sex shop right smack in the middle which amused me to no end for some reason). If you have the time, check out a play in West End. I saw Equus while I was there, and their theatre district is amazing!

Are you flying into Heathrow? Are you using Heathrow to fly to Rome? Fair warning, customs is a bitch to get through when arriving in London and you’re not English. The lines are long so don’t be surprised if you wait a while. Also, you’ll likely be put on a bus when landing to take you to the terminal. Heathrow is HUGE. I would also get there early when leaving for your flight to Rome. I swear I stood in the security line for over an hour and by the time I go to my terminal. .I had 10 minutes to grab a quick bite to eat at the pub before having to board for my flight.

If y’all are willing to get up early for a good standing spot; you have to see the changing of the guard at the palace. It’s so neat to witness. I’m not sure if you’re catholic or not, but Westminster Abbey is absolutely breathtaking. There’s also an Abe Lincoln statue across the street which was kinda strange to see. haha. We walked EVERYWHERE, just FYI. Walking was a lot more fun.

I can’t think of anything else right now. lol. If I do, I’ll let you know!

Here are some of my pictures from my trip:
http://wilmcoll.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2226&l=0d9ef&id=514571235

I loved London. It was absolutely amazing. I went to Bermuda about three weeks later for a family vacation and while I loved it there; London was the highlight of my summer/spring. I’m already planning to go back in the spring when I have spring break from school (providing I can actually afford it). Rome and Dublin are actually next on my list of cities to visit in Europe so I can’t wait to see you have to say about Rome.

I’d say the warmest days were only in the low sixties, but the sun was out so it felt wonderful and the sky was super clear. From what I’ve heard about Rome in the summer (hot, humid, smoggy and overrun by tourists) I highly recommend Rome in the winter. It certainly didn’t drop anywhere near freezing. Not that that kept the Roman women from breaking out their fur coats that to me looked like overkill even as a Canadian. Overkill anywhere south of the 60th parallel, really

It’s not far from Nottinghill. Good breakfast.

I think it ends today. Also American Airlines…. HURRY!

Granted, when I was last in England, it was 1995 (sigh), but I stayed in the Hilton London Paddington Hotel conveniently located right next to (on top of) Paddington Station (http://www.holidaycity.com/hilton-london-paddington/photo.htm). I just looked at the photos of it now, and it’s obvious they did a pretty major redesign of the interior since I was there. My room didn’t look half as nice as what they show in the photos now. Although, I was traveling solo, so they might have purposefully stuck me in one of the smaller rooms (and overlooking the interior courtyard — read pipes, construction scaffolding — lol!). I’m so much smarter of a traveler nowadays. But, the convenience of having the tube/rail station connected to the lobby was great. I stayed in a B&B on my first trip to England and a pension in Rome, but unfortunately don’t recall the names as I found them through a booking service at the rail stations when I arrived. That was typical college travel back then.

Good luck and I’m totally envious of your trip! I can’t wait to return, as well!

Christina

Where did you find out about the British Airways sale??