By: Revanche

London, ho!

January 26, 2015

UKCollageSig

PiC and I finally went to London!

It was a short trip but we’d been talking about doing it for years and an opportunity came up that we couldn’t resist. Besides, with LB on the way, I don’t anticipate international trips figure large in our immediate future.

We had a good wander about: we explored Covent Garden, had fish and chips, and visited with some friends we don’t see often. I loved that display of Paddington Bears – for years, as a child who only explored other worlds through books, the adorable bear in a yellow hat represented England.

Due to my very limited energy, we saw a lot of things in passing but didn’t stop in for a full gander: Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, a statue of Abraham Lincoln (???), The British Museum. We waved at the London Eye, feeling too cheap and pressed for time to actually go up, that’ll be for another time when the weather is more certain.

We spent some time in a smaller neighborhood, exploring the local cuisine and shops, picking up more than a few specialty chocolates to bring home. I’d told PiC for years that chocolate from across the pond was different and he was more than willing to indulge in taste tests with me.

Next time – and there will be a next time! – I’d want to do a little bit more than we did this time but it was a good relaxing visit.

Usually when I travel internationally, I make it a point to learn to like a new food but this time was more about sharing my favorites with PiC.

Travel Costs

We flew British Airways coach, and while it was no great shakes back there in coach class, it was still better than our usual domestic airlines by a good stretch.  Maybe not better than Virgin America Main Cabin Select, but we don’t often splurge on airfare, especially on international travel. Someday though, we’ll have enough money that first class won’t be but a drop in the bucket. SOMEDAY!

I tried to use miles for the flight but as it turns out, BA miles are pretty worthless for international flights. They’ll charge a fuel surcharge that is very nearly the same as the cost you’d have paid for the ticket out of pocket. I saved them for another time.

I did redeem a truckload of Chase Rewards points though. I had the option of using them to book flights, hotels and car rentals directly for an extra 20% boost in points but they weren’t any good for our destinations. We weren’t going to drive and none of the areas we’d planned to stay were on the list of redemption hotels.

The best value was to book lower cost hotels and just redeem the points for cash. We had enough bonus and regular points to redeem for a thousand dollars in cash which nicely defrayed some of the travel cost.

Experience-wise, that was the best choice I think, as I picked places with pretty fantastic breakfast spreads. Seriously I think we breakfasted for three hours one morning.

16 Responses to “London, ho!”

  1. Kris says:

    Hooray!!!!! London’t my favorite – my niece is doing a semester abroad there now. Good for you, and so glad you enjoyed!!!

    • Revanche says:

      How fun – doing a semester abroad was something I really wanted to do in college. I couldn’t ever manage it though so I have to make up for it now. 🙂

  2. Linda says:

    Sounds like it was a fun trip! London is not a place I’ve been…yet!
    Linda recently posted…New Bay area experience: the casual carpoolMy Profile

  3. Your London trip sounds fun! Was it a babymoon? The London Eye isn’t worth it’s cost, so you’re not missing much, though the views are beautiful. My favourite was the British Museum and eating the countries second national dish of chicken tikka masala.
    Emily @ Urban Departures recently posted…2015 Financial OutlookMy Profile

    • Revanche says:

      Not intentionally a babymoon but I guess the timing was right! Glad we opted out of the Eye since it sounds more and more like it’s not worth it.

      I did want to do the British Museum now that you mention it. Next time!

  4. NZ Muse says:

    Meh on the Eye.

    Never thought much about transatlantic chocolate differences! Do tell.
    NZ Muse recently posted…Would you tell your boss you were looking for a new job?My Profile

    • Revanche says:

      American chocolate is widely derided in the UK… A few of ours pass muster but not many! British chocolate, though I don’t claim to love ALL variations, is richer and creamier. Their artisanal chocolates are fun, too 🙂

  5. Taylor Lee says:

    I have this image of 2015 England as being ALL PADDINGTON ALL THE TIME. Sounds like you had a lovely trip!
    Taylor Lee recently posted…New Year, New House, New Job, Same Old Me?My Profile

  6. Emily says:

    I love London! Glad to hear you had a great time. 🙂
    Emily recently posted…Sichuan ChiliMy Profile

  7. Quest says:

    Cool, London! My home town. Next time you go, try and get in to the Victoria and Albert Museum …. not only is it a great place to spend the day, but they have the BEST cafe food I’ve ever had anywhere. As a Foodie, I can tell you it’s first class mate. Glad you had such a good trip!
    Quest recently posted…Sunday EveningMy Profile

  8. w00t!! How cool! I’m tickled for you. Hope you get to go back and spend a long vacation in the British Isles sometime. It is so lovely, and when you get outside of London (where the locals are every bit as harassed as New Yorkers), the English, Scottish, and Welsh people are delightful.

    Good timing. Ex-DH’s favorite saying was “It’s hard to be suave when traveling with kids!”
    Funny about Money recently posted…Back to Normal…more or lessMy Profile

    • Revanche says:

      Didn’t notice any harassed Londoners but possibly vacation blinders helped with that. Adding British Isles to the “Someday…” List.

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