Monday, April 8, 2019

That's a Wrap!

I just wanted to thank you all for following me along on our trip to Paris and England. (If there's anything you either missed or want to refer back to, check the menu tab above for Paris/England 2018). One last post, lessons learned. So let's talk.


Some wondered how we could be away so long and that it had to be terribly expensive. Three and a half weeks, much of what was spent in two of the world's more expensive cities, isn't necessarily a bargain.


The cost of this trip for the two of us was right around $6,000. That included air, Eurostar, trains, buses and metro passes; all meals; 21 nights in a hotel (and three fabulous nights staying with blogger Jenny; thank you!); two theatre and three concert tickets; admissions to museums; two river cruises, my Cotswold's bus tour and my personal shopping. It doesn't count Rick's shopping but he didn't buy much. Our hotels were very nice, conveniently located and served breakfast. When we ate out we had nice dinners and usually light lunches, often picking up cheese and a baguette or a sandwich to enjoy in the park. In other words, we weren't whole hog spending but we weren't excessively frugal by any means. (I should also add that if I was traveling by myself, the cost would be higher as we were splitting hotel costs.)


In preparing this post, I looked at a group tour that was to Northern Italy for 13 nights (April 2020). Cost was $6095 with air from Detroit. It did not include travel insurance, tips, or optional tours but it did include daily breakfasts, seven lunches and eight dinners (the rest is on your own). Also included were guides, drivers and luggage porters. In other words, this tour offered 14 fewer days for more money for one person than we did for two. And those tours included a lot of time being on someone else's schedule.

Our flight, on the now-defunct WOW airlines was so inexpensive that we had $1500 between the two of us I put toward getting hotels in better neighborhoods. It was money well spent.


I know that not everyone is comfortable traveling without the benefit of a tour director and having things taken care of for them. Some aren't comfortable with booking online or familiar enough with an area to feel confident in doing so. Others may be worried about language issues. Certainly in England, language is no problem and really it isn't in France, either, although we were lucky to have our friend Jerry with us most of the time. Still, it would have been fine without.


And trust me, in stores, it doesn't really matter the language you speak. Somehow you work it out whether shopping at a market ...


...or a fine department store.


Had I been in a country where the language was more of an issue (possibly Eastern European, Russia or Asian) or if I felt there would be security issues, I might have a different feeling. But we were very pleased to have had the fun of planning and making our own arrangements and saving money. In fact, planning is half the fun!

More to the point, by doing our own itinerary, we were responsible only to ourselves and if we chose to modify it, all it took was a discussion. Remember when I said "My first travel rule is to make a detailed itinerary -- and then blow it out of the water"? When you travel independently, you can do that. And let me tell you, with my foot issues, that became pretty necessary at times. I had to forsake Windsor Castle -- but we had a wonderful river cruise, unexpected, that I would have been sad to miss.


Had we purchased a museum pass or attraction pass in either London or Paris, we may well have saved money on admissions and time in lines (although we really only had one line of any length). But those are usually used within a limited time period and being there for more time gave us the flexibility to group attractions to a neighborhood and not worry about meeting a deadline.


How did we work things out financially? Essentially, we split everything down the middle except shopping. Before we left, I made the hotel and transportation arrangements, keeping track of the total costs. When we arrived, Rick would withdraw ATM cash with a card that had a no-transaction cooperative arrangement with both a French and British bank. I would mark down how much my share of that was. We generally split meals, tickets, everything, keeping a fair accounting. When we returned home, we tallied up who had spent what and evened up. (Obviously, I spent more on our duo-tally than Rick because a girl's gotta shop!) It was a good method that worked for us, saved ATM fees and it was fair.


I should also add that if I was doing this trip on my own, my $3,400 of that total would increase, due to single rooms in hotels (as mentioned above) and, I would suspect, airfare would be much more since a bargain flight like we got might be a thing of the past. Still, it would be well under the $6,000+ of the 13-day Italy group tour. I wouldn't hesitate to travel alone to either of these cities in terms of safety or language issues (and will again).

We were lucky in traveling and the season that we could pack within a carry-on suitcase for the luggage rack. (That's harder if you're going when it's colder because of the clothing bulk). I think probably the only thing I would change packing-wise is adding another short sleeved top, because you can always layer and you never know when the weather will be unseasonably warm. (It was.) Or another button cardigan vs. an open one so I could layer if it was colder than planned. (It definitely wasn't.) Minor things. I was certainly shedding layers!


I would consider bringing pain patches and more advil than you think you'd need if traveling in a country with a language barrier. We were lucky to have Jerry in Paris. In England I could buy breakaway ice packs for my foot. If I'd packed them, TSA probably would have confiscated. Yes, you can buy things there. But sometimes it's not as easy as it might seem.


If you are lucky enough to have blog or real-life friends in any cities you might be visiting, it's well worth asking for some recommendations. I did that and thanks to you saw some things I might not have seen otherwise. And, because I didn't get to all of those, I have more than a few items for the next-time list! Jerry in Paris and Jenny and T in London were gracious in showing us around to things we might not have otherwise found.

The Musical Museum in London

At Gunnersby Park

That reminds me, if you have some sort of disability -- and by this I mean something where it would be uncomfortable to stand in a line for any length of time -- be sure to get a note from your doctor before you leave. We learned later that this would have got us immediate and often free admission to a number of Paris museums. Fortunately, our friend Jerry knew how to present the case in French and we were able to get through with my bad foot, even though I wasn't on crutches or (then) using a wheelchair. I think a companion is included in the free admission.

And one other thing -- don't hesitate to split up and do something not up your travel partner's alley. Rick had the best time cycling around London with T while Jenny and I went to Kenwood House.


And while he was cycling in Bath, I was exploring the Cotswolds.


Rick said before we left, "This is your trip, the trip of your lifetime. I'm along for it."  But I never wanted it to be that way -- I wanted it to be "our" trip -- and I think it was. We both got to do things that didn't grab the other and we got to do most all of it together.


In fact, that time was the longest we had been together, 24/7, in 23 years! And we still are, bad foot and all.


We gave it two thumbs up.

Sharing with:   Let's Add Sprinkles     /    Best of the Weekend   

46 comments:

Linda d said...

It’s been simply wonderful! If you ever decide to host a trip, please let me know. I love your sense of fun and adventure.

Karen said...

Your last line says it all! How is Rick doing?

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

I have been on tours both to Italy and France. Italy was a bus tour and France river cruising. While in France we did spend a week on our own without any tour guides and it was the best time. If we do travel again, we will do it on our own for sure! Glad you guys had such a great time.

Mae Travels said...

Your accounting is very fascinating! It's no surprise that guided tours cost much more, as you are paying a share for the accommodations and salary of at least a guide and a driver of whatever conveyance you go on, and for the back office organizers who hire and plan your tour. Great that you could be all these things for yourself, and keep the change!

We are sloppy and never work things out though I suppose that we have records of credit card transactions that would allow us to do so if we wanted to. I'm really happy for you that WOW stayed in business long enough to give you this boost in funds.

best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

Iris Flavia said...

Jeanie. What is money for if not to spend for life, for fun?
"When I was young"... haha... We lived in a car and brought money back and these days... we live in a cabin and spend money. So what. We work(ed) for it!
You have but one life.
And. Girls have to shop!! :-)

And I love that pic of you two at Gunnersby Park! :-)

And always yay for (bloggy-) friends!
And I agree, you´re not glued together for the whole trip!

Thumbs up!!

FrenchGardenHouse said...

Your trip looks so wonderful! You did so many fun things, I know the memories will warm your heart forever Jeanie.

Anca said...

It was so interesting to read about your expenses. I think it was very good value for money (I'm used to everything being £££, a downside of living in UK). Although for me it would be strange to think of our expenses per person and not combined, but we've always had our money together, even before we got married.
I'm originally from Romania, an Eastern European country and I've been to other countries in Europe: Hungary, Bulgaria, Austria, Germany, and the Netherlands. Language was never an issue, not even in Germany where they don't know English at all, there we've used a lot of pointing and we've managed to do everything we wanted. But, on the other side, having a tour is not for us, we want the flexibility of choosing where we go.

Sami said...

I also prefer to travel on our own instead of an arranged tours, it's cheaper and you have the freedom to do what you please.
You've made great memories for sure. Love that photo of you and Rick by the fountain.

Joanne Huffman said...

I have reached a point (70 years old and arthritic) where I am veering away from my independent travels and planning more cruises and group trips (although I tend to tag my own stuff onto the front or the back of a trip, like visiting my Danish friend before taking a Scandinavian cruise in May).

Hena Tayeb said...

It sounds like a wonderful trip. Looks like you two had a wonderful time..

http://henatayeb.blogspot.com

Miss Val's Creations said...

$6000 sounds like a bargain for everything! Scheduling a trip that is not an organized tour is so much more enjoyable. Especially in a foreign country where part of the fun is communicating, figuring out transportation, etc. It sounds like you had a perfect time (minus the foot, of course). I think it is wonderful that you are both comfortable to go off on your own with some things!

eileeninmd said...

Hello,

I have enjoyed your travel post. The photos are wonderful, I feel like I was there. It is good that you take photos of you and Rick while traveling. You looks so pretty. I regret not taking people photos on our previous trips. Happy Monday, enjoy your day! Wishing you a happy new week!

Preppy Empty Nester said...

Great pics, Jeanie. My fave is one of you in the hat with Rick. You need to frame that one. I loved all your travel posts. Start planning your next trip. Have a great week.

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

You and Rick had such a wonderful time, Jeanie--truly a memorable vacation! Yes, tours have always been more expensive than independent travel,no matter what country one visits,as one is paying more for services. We are fortunate, as my Italian born husband can speak the language and has many relatives all over Italy, so when we visit Italy our costs there are extremely economical. We have learned that staying in hotels or VRBOs slightly out of the tourist areas, and eating in neighborhoods away from high tourist spots, are also a way to save money and often we get more comfort and authentic cuisine! Train transportation is fabulous in all of Europe too.

Misadventures of Widowhood said...

Such great travel advice. I'm glad you both had fun and brought home so many great memories to share.

Olka said...

It was such an amazing trip. It was nice to read about your experiences :)
And language: I travel a lot (mostly in Europe) and everywhere I go I find people who speak English. It's usually not a problem, that's why I never pick the travel office. I prefer to organize a trip on my own.
The only place I found it hard to talk in English was Czech Republic - most of the people preferred to communicate with me in my native language than in eng, haha :D

Lisa from Lisa's Yarns said...

You certainly planned this trip well! Planning really is part of the fun. I loved doing so much research before my Paris trips. It kind of extends the fun. And when you are doing it on your own, the before-hand research really pays off. Then you can add in guided walks and tours while you are there. I did several Paris-Walks tours and did a guided tour to the beaches of Normandy. All were worth the money spent and I could not have garnered so much knowledge on my own, unless I REALLY spent time reading and researching!

Jenny Woolf said...

We were impressed by how organised you were, and how up for fun too, definitely willing to scrap the plans if something changed. We did enjoy having you to stay, it got us doing stuff we wouldn't have done and it was so delightful to have your perspective, and Rick's!

Red Rose Alley said...

You had many wonderful traveling experiences, Jeanie, and you can always look back at your fantastic photos and remember the special time spent with Rick. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. Love those coffee cups and would have brought one home with me. : )

~Sheri

The Joy of Home with Martha Ellen said...

Jeanie, I love your travel tips and certainly use many of them on our travels. The most important is to plan your itinerary!!! I couldn't agree with you more. It allows flexibility when you plan yourself. It's so easy today with the internet to make plans way in advance. I remember our first trip we planned to Europe was using a Michelin and Lonely Planet guidebook. Thanks for sharing your wonderful experience!!

Lynne said...

Thumbs up you two.
“That’s A Wrap.” . . . another excellent post!

R's Rue said...

❤️🍀🐩

Sandra said...

6K for 21 days out of the country is not bad at all.
Sorry you had issues with your feet.

Anonymous said...

Jeanie, I think you did so well on your trip. 6K is not bad at all for such a long holiday away. Such memories to keep forever! xo

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

Again, beautiful photos and wonderful memories for you both!! I honestly do not think that what you paid is a lot. I know people who have paid close to that to visit places here in America and not do half the amount of things that you have done..Thanks so much for stopping by!!
Hugs,
Debbie

Marilyn Miller said...

This is exactly how I love traveling in Europe. We even did well in Thailand like this too. So many speak English enough to get by that we could struggle along. I love reading your adventure, it sounded just perfect except for the foot problem. I even found in Europe pharmacies were great at making recommendations if we needed medicine or pain pills. What a great trip!

DUTA said...

Well done! All of it - planning as well as carrying it out.
My favorite picture is that of you & Rick by the fountain - it's very artistic!

A foreign language is a big asset even if you know only the aphabet and a few words. East Europe is well worth visiting , and english is not always a friendly language there. So a tiny word/phrase dictionary or conversation booklet will help.

Tracy said...

This has been sooo much fun, Jeanie... Thank you for sharing so much detail and all the photos--a labor of love just to share your trip of a lifetime with us! :) Sweet how it became YOUR trip--for both of you. It makes it all the more special. Love that last pic of the two of you! I think the cost of your trip sounds pretty reasonable, all in all, all costs considered as well as length of stay, etc. Travel in general isn't cheap I don't think. But WOW... no more WOW airline?! Guess it's true, there's "no free lunch"... haha... Is that fountain pens Rick is looking in that one pic, looks like a nice department store? LOVE that pic of all the mugs... I have a weakness pretty or fun mugs that I'm trying to curb! :/ haha... Thanks for sharing so much, and for all your tips and ideas! ((HUGS))

Victoria Zigler said...

That's a really good price for everything you did, and I'm glad you were able to take the trip, and do so many of the things you wanted to while on it.

Sandra at Maison De Jardin said...

Jeanie, what a wonderful trip you had. You not only have such wonderful memories, but you also have beautiful photos and your lovely blog. I have enjoyed traveling with you immensely.

Happy spring days and I do hope things are progressing well for Rick.

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

I'm SO glad you shared these tips. I have NEVER taken a tour because I have enough trouble when I bring my friend Sally some place. I like to travel on my own time and terms. But I've been known to sleep in my car and clean up in rest areas, which is a BIG savings in my estimation. Since I typically only eat once a day, if I get a free breakfast, it has to last me the entire day. I only budget for one meal a day and have to make it count.

I agree that you need to ask internet friends for places off the beaten path. Staying with friends can save a big chunk of hotel change, BUT I often seem to make up for it by taking my friends to expensive 4 star restaurants I would never go to otherwise.

I really enjoyed this wrap up and LOVED the first photo with the old phone booths.

William Kendall said...

That was quite a trip for you to make!

Lowcarb team member said...

I've really enjoyed all of your tour posts, the photographs and how you've journaled it have been incredible.

All the best Jan

The French Hutch said...

All good advise Jeanie. One of the reasons we are able to travel so much is keeping the cost down with planning our own trips. Watching for bargains, usually traveling off season and doing a lot of research. And, as you say, planning is part of the fun. We've made a few trips with groups we belong to and they are usually more expensive. I hope you plan another trip soon, I feel like I've been traveling with you.........

Zaa said...

Hey Jeannie ..You are a wise traveler. I agree that is important to plan but also to have the flexibility to change things if necessary..We do that too, as I could never do the walking with a group, they move too fast, plus, often you want to linger and enjoy the scenery. We sometimes ... just fly, land and then look for a place to stay...It's dangerous but exciting ... because often we get better rates. It's a little harder in England because it is such a popular destination. You sure did have a fabulous trip due to your wonderful planning and what a reasonable price too. .... but oh how sore your foot looked...What a trooper you are !!! Thank You for taking us along on your trip. I thoroughly enjoyed it...Big Hugs

Pam Richardson said...

Jeanie, I can’t believe all that you saw and did for that amount of money. You really did your homework and planning! I am so glad you had an incredible trip and shared it with us!

Pam said...

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the phone booths....great shots. You should have more then one album for all those great memories. Thanks for sharing.

CHERI said...

You certainly know your stuff when it comes to traveling. I think that's what scares me the most...my husband and I have no knowledge of travel and would not know what to do. Yet I hesitate to do the guided tour thing...feel it might be too restrictive. Anywho!!! Maybe some day we will get brave. Your pictures and explanations are awesome!

Sandra said...

I'm glad you got to do this. It sounds like a trip of a lifetime.
Don't you love those red phone booths:)

My name is Erika. said...

I always plan our trips myself and venture out without the us of being on a tour. (Although I do sometimes take a tour once I arrive at the destination). It is SO much cheaper to do that. It does however have a few flaws, like you have to do all the planning work yourself (which I love to do), and you risk missing something you might not know about. But you can find deals on flights and hotels as you know. And who needs to stay in a big fancy hotel anyhow? You really only sleep there. Thanks for this post. I enjoyed reading it because it sounds like you plan travel a lot like me. It is good recognition that it works! Hugs-Erika

thepaintedapron.com said...

Yes indeed, a trip of a lifetime for both of you! You had so many varied experiences and saw so much history and art. I think $6000 is incredibly reasonable for 3 weeks in Europe! That's the price of renting a condo on our gulf coast for a week in the summer, no food or travel included! I am so happy for you Jeanie that you and Rick have such an amazing relationship! Once again, I appreciate you sharing your trip with us, I love traveling through my friends! :)
Jenna

Carol @Comfort Spring Station said...

Have a best friend for 23 years is the best part of life I think. You are such a planner and organized everything so beautifully.

Sketchbook Wandering said...

The trip of a lifetime!!! It makes me happy to read about the rich experiences you both had. And, it sounds inexpensive to me and I think that is a lot due to the inespensive flight. Wow! And thanks for the travel tips.

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

Thanks Jeanie for all the previous posts and for this final one. You have given some great tips on how to travel well and save $. Too bad about the now defunct WOW airlines, but if and when we do travel I have this idea of going with British Airways (sort of the When in Rome mentality). I also think that traveling in a season where you don't need to pack bulky items is always good. I was wondering how you handled doing laundry and if you did it in the hotel. A friend who travels told me she just took all of hers home to do, but when traveling for a couple of weeks. When we drove cross country for 5 weeks last year, we would use facilities in the hotels every week and it worked out well.

Karen (Back Road Journal) said...

We have been traveling on our own in Europe for years and I can definitely agree that it is much less than if you go with a tour. On the other hand, sometimes a tour gives you the opportunity to make new friends while traveling. Each has their advantages and disadvantages.

At Rivercrest Cottage said...

It was wonderful reading about your trip. I especially appreciated how frank you were about the cost and expenses you incurred. Being retired I often read about wonderful trips others take and wonder if it's doable, but don't usual get an honest cost assessment like you gave. Grateful for your advice!

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