Travel Opportunities from the UK

I thought it might be nice to mention a positive about being in England--the opportunity to travel short hops to great locations.  Being from the States, it costs a fortune to travel and you never have the paid time to take a vacation. Since living here, I get 41 paid vacation days [30 plus bank holidays] and there are great package deals to everywhere in the world and if not, budget airlines to get you there and back sometimes for taxes cost only. It's great!

We're making the most of the travel opportunities.  We've been to France, Ireland, Scotland, Portugal, Greek Islands, Italy, Egypt and of course all over England.  I love it.  

It is something that I didn't actually consider when I made my move to the UK, but it has been a very big part of my life here and contributes to my positive feeling about being in the UK.

I'm already planning our next trip!

Funny you should mention this.  I'm just now planning a few days in Brugge.  My best friend from the US is coming over for a visit and I thought it would be a nice surprise.  With flights to Brussels at £30 a pop and relatively cheap B&B's, it makes a great little excursion.

So very true, Cris.  I definitely believe that people here in the UK take their holiday time a little bit more seriously than folks in the US.  Where I come from, if you take vacation time and actually GO anywhere, then you're considered jet-set and probably make a lot more money.  I never actually took a proper "holiday" until I came here because, as you pointed out, I either didn't have the money or didn't have enough vacation time or both! lol

Easyjet became my new best friend when me, Frank and my oldest daughter were all able to go to Paris for less than £100.  We're probably going to just travel in country for the next hols but I'm looking forward to it!

I know that Iam a bit late responding to this thread,but I agree 100% about taking holidays in the UK,and how the British do take it a bit more serious,and makes it alot easier for ppls to take more then one a year.

This time when we go back,we will be visiting Italy,and Egypt  also .My husband has been to both places,but me  and our daughter havent.Any hints for Americans going there the first time??

  If you like travel, which i do, i agree the UK is an ideal sport to live.    I intend to take rhia and my daughter on a trip (which i have done twice before)when we get back to UK and am thinking about 2 weeks travel over the continent.

   Travelling only 200 miles per day and staying in b and b's it is possiblke to go through france into belgium, holland, Germany. Luxemburg (and the scenery there is breathtaking), austria and lastly into Italy, you can add a few more countries if you plan your trip properly and the only country you hit twice is france landing and departing there from the ferry.

   The trip is not expensive but great fun.

Thought I'd mention this:
Packaged vacations from Europe (& UK as well) are available to the Maldives. From the U.S, it's sooo expensive and the flight is verryyy long!

This is such an amazing place! If you have the chance, then do it!

I'm lucky right now since we live only a five hr. flight away from the Maldives.    Hoping to return soon!

Has anybody gone into the depths of France to buy fresh truffles?  [smiley=smitten.gif]I'd love to hear about any trips like this. We don't drive in France -- we don't drive here, either. We take the trains, etc. What about you?