Last night I was successful, after many attempts, at booking airline tickets and the hotel on Expedia. I opted for a cheaper hotel in the north-west end of London, the Crown Moran in Cricklewood. I liked the many amenities it offered and the fact that it was four stars. The hotel is a bit out of the way (30 minutes to city center via the tube), but you couldn't beat the price. The package was $3200 including round-trip airfare and the accommodations for my sister and I. Airfare alone was $2100 after taxes. What I booked last night was only for getting there, hotel for the last seven nights (of a 13 night trip), and getting back. Five of the nights we'd be camping at the Glastonbury Festival of Performing Arts. That leaves us one night without accommodation, the first night we get there (June 25th). When I was looking for a room for that night, I was interested in somewhere close to Paddington Station in London. The fact that we were close to Paddington was very important because, our train/bus for Glastonbury will be leaving the next morning at around 5am. I found the Days Inn London Hyde Park. I booked it after looking over the reviews and its location. It's less than one kilometer from the station and was only $140. It also features a complimentary breakfast and free wifi. It couldn't be beat. As I look down my checklist, I've accomplished many necessities required for an amazing vacation. I also found some things I still need to do.
CHECKLIST
Register to purchase tickets for Glasto (Free)Place deposit on Glasto tickets on Oct. 7, 2012 (£50 each)Pay balance on Glasto tickets on Reading Week (£165 each)Book flights (about $2100)Book 7 Night Hotel - July 1st -> July 8th (about $1100)Book 1st night Hotel - June 25 (about $140)- Order optionsPlus for Air Transat flights ($130 each)
- Purchase 6 day London Pass with Travel Card (£145.80 each)
- Purchase Via Rail tickets to Toronto and back ($75.00 each)
- Purchase train fare from Gatwick Airport to City Center and back (£62.10)
- Train or bus from Paddington to Glasto site (about £30 each)
- Rent TripBuddy personal wifi device ($110)
- Order British Currency from TD
- PACK
As you can see, this is one monumental trip and I am very excited. With the Glasto lineup just being announced this week it's kind of fitting that I was also finally able to purchase the flight and hotel this week. I want to continue on with a tradition on this blog. That is that every blog post contains at least one image. I decided to do this to keep the blog from becoming stale and boring. Here is this confirmation email I received from Expedia this morning...
