Advanced planning is extremely important for those who want to embark on a school excursion from the United Kingdom to continental Europe. You will need to make sure your travel documents are in order, and that you’ve established a budget, itinerary, accommodations and lodging. Choosing cheap coach hire will also prevent unnecessary travel delays, allowing you to enjoy your trip hassle free.
Set Up Your Budget
When preparing a trip to Europe from the United Kingdom, your budget should be setup as soon as possible, even before you’ve established your itinerary and dates of travel. Some areas in Europe are more affordable than others, but there is always a way to maximize your available funds. Pay close attention to the exchange rate, and look for cost effective air deals, especially if you will be traveling in winter. By setting up your budget in advance you will avoid having to change your itinerary later on after discovering that some activities are too costly.
Choose Your Destination
Once you’ve established a budget, you will next want to choose your destination. Europe is a huge continent, with lots of places to visit, and some destinations can differ substantially from others. You will also need to consider the timing; it is sometimes best to visit certain countries during seasonal festivals or holidays, and you should always check local weather reports to make sure there are no storms or other events that could disrupt your trip.
Make Sure You Have The Required Documents
To travel from the United Kingdom to much of Continental Europe, at minimum you will need a passport. If you don’t have one, it can take from 4 to 6 weeks to get it from the moment your application is filled out, which is why it should be done in advance. It is possible to receive an expedited passport, which can reduce the wait time from 2 to 3 weeks, but this will cost extra, so it is a good idea to get this document as soon as possible. If you already have a passport in your possession, you will want to review the expiration date. Some countries may also require a visa in addition to a passport, so this is something that you should check out.
Establish Your Itinerary
Regardless of which country you plan to visit, it is crucial to establish your itinerary before buying a ticket. You should have a general idea of what you want to do during your stay, the places you want to visit, and the restaurants where you want to dine. Research these places and activities in advance, and be sure they are in accordance with your budget. Look for alternative methods of getting around, and take advantage of the different tours that are available.
Purchase Your Airfare
Getting to Continental Europe from the UK will require one to cross the English Channel, so unless you want to travel by boat you will need to buy a plane ticket. Depending on where you are going, airfare can be the most expensive aspect of the journey. This is why it should ideally be booked before the hotel and other accommodations. Doing so will give you greater flexibility when it comes to the dates, and you might also be able to reduce the cost of the flight. The best deals can be had by flying with airlines that offer rates which are internationally discounted. While many people disdain layovers, choosing one can give you the opportunity to visit an additional country.
Reserve Your Accommodations
Once your itinerary has been established, you will need to decide where you want to lodge. The earlier you arrange this, the better things will be, particularly during high season. While most people think you can simply book rooms at a local hotel, there is some wonderful lodging options in Europe that can be reserved for a reasonable price. A little bit of research can pay dividends. Some hotels in Europe have been incorporated into castles, houseboats and historic sites, so staying in these places could really spice up the trip.