Hi, I'm taking my first Insight tour in about 4 days, and was wondering if anyone was going? I am traveling as a single for the first time, and just finished reading some of the valuable tips on the forum. I arrive in London Heathrow about 9:30AM on the 23rd...booked my own flight, was wondering if Insight provides transport to hotel for all flights arriving, or just for some time frame? The tour materials I received re this aspect were a little vague. The hotel is the Holiday Inn Kings Cross/Bloomsbury...and I just wondered if I needed to get a cab or what?? I would appreciate any tips or input from someone who's taken this tour...I'm trying to pack light with only a carry-on [a challenge for me] especially with this being an 18 day tour. So any suggestions for a female's clothing would be most welcome. Thanks in advance for any help. I am new to the forum.
Bengi

hello... I just returned from the Taste of Europe Tour and we stayed at King's Cross hotel. Our travel agent had arranged for "dot 2 dot" to take us to the hotel (a mini bus service). There is an info desk at the airport near the restaurant and the lady in it called the driver for us. I think a cab would be expensive. Most people on our tour had this service. I am pretty sure it was part of our fee. Call and ask about this before you leave!!
The most important thing to take is good shoes, and those usually aren't too fashionable! You will be walking a lot. Sandles can give you blisters. I wore socks and shoes. I wore sneakers one day and my "old lady shoes" the next day. I did wear sandals a few times at night. Shoes weigh a lot in your suitcase. We did not need many dress up clothes, so layer in the morning. We only changed twice for dinner. Take as little as possible. They will handle your suitcase for you, but you should have a zippered bag for the bus - I had an unlined nylon tote that was 16 inches by 14 inches. It was very light. It can be left on the bus when you get off to look at things. We found it very helpful to have granola bars or snacks and water with us on the bus. We wanted to see sights, not sit in restaurants waiting for food, and things do happen. You can get stuck in traffic jams etc. and you don't want to be famished.
When you get to King's Cross, if they don't give you an Insight Envelop, ask at the desk for your envelop. Be sure to call the Insight office to confirm that you have arrived (pay phone in the basement) Also, check on the bulletin board near the gift shop.
I traveled with 3 sisters, but we met a single lady on the first day and she joined up with us for most of our activities. We had a lovely group of 48 people. There was always someone to sit or eat with. Our group was from 6 countries. Our guide Reiner was excellent.
Remember not to jam your suitcase too full as you will buy things and luggage weight-overs were 8 Euros per killogram (2 pounds). Ouch!
We never unpacked, so your suitcase needs to be organized.
Take an adaptor for Europe for your camera.
We only used the hotel hairdryers.
And we showered etc the night before to save time in the morning.
Have a great trip

Carrie,
Thanks Loads!!! That helps me so much, it is all the little details that are so helpful. I will definitely phone. I'm copying your info to take with me. I can't tell you how grateful I am. I thought no one was going to answer my query.
I was trying to go with one carryon bag, but may re-think the bag. That's a good idea of not unpacking. I was hoping the hotels had hairdryers. The shoes were a big issue for me, as I wear sandals almost exclusively here in HOT texas, but will take your advice, and wear some comfortable, more supportive shoes.
Again, I thank you so much,
Bengi

hi Benji... If you have study sandals without heels, they will be ok. Remember you will be on cobblestones much of the time and going up and down curbs. We had very warm weather last week in Europe, high 70s, usually so for this time of year. And most of the hotels are not air conditioned, but the bus is. Take notes in a journal so you you will remember where you have been and what you took pictures of.
Have a good time!

quote:

study sandals

Which school do they go to?

Tangata, if I were guessing, it might be the "school of hard knocks"...
Thanks again Carrie for the further info. I have planned to take a journal, to use the time on the bus or at night for notes about the tour. I am taking a pair of Teva like sandals, as well as some lightweight tennis shoes [clog style] in addition to the "old lady" sturdy shoes. Hope it all fits, taking a zipped up duffel [to provide a bag to check if necessary on the return fligh} I love to shop, but plan to restrict that as much as possible. I've learned that unless it is really special, most things are available via internet these days. I have heard from my European friends that it is unusally hot over there right now, wish that shorts were more acceptable there, but I do plan to take a skirt or two that will mix/match. A skirt should be cooler than slacks. Found some very lightweight beige slacks, also the same in black...I am hoping that the London hotel is not too far away from major sites to allow for easy foot travel, but read that it was at least a half mile from the Metro stop. I will keep the lack of hotel air conditioning in mind. It sounds as though you enjoyed the Insight experience. I will post a review of mine when I return, as I was helped by reading other's experiences here on the forum.
I have two girlfriends from Ireland flying over to make my first day a little more comfortable, and I wish they were available to go on the entire tour with me. I will ask them if they like no air conditioning. BTW Ireland is a gorgeous country to visit. I did it on my own without a tour, for 3 weeks in 06, and would go again in a minute.
Thanks again, Bengi