Apparently my planned trip to England is eight weeks away. I know this because the other day I opened the Qantas app on my phone to check upcoming work travel and saw a reminder. Eek.
I’ve mentioned before I’m not a fan of holiday planning. When I went to Italy in 2018 I only made most of my bookings one month before leaving. And in the lead-up I wrote about the fact I was prevaricating rather than procrastinating, worried about making the ‘right’ decisions. Though ultimately reminded myself that any decision was better than no decisions. And in reality, given I left it so late my accommodation options were more limited than they might otherwise have been. (Although everywhere I stayed was fabulous, so regret was not an issue!)
I told myself that this weekend I would plan my England trip, because you see… other than my (very expensive!) flights to and from the UK, the only bookings I have made are for the Theakston Crime Writing Festival. So there are 14 other days and nights to plan.
I’ve very randomly picked out names of places I’d like to go to, mostly inspired by Agatha Christie novels… like Chipping Cleghorn (although there’s no such place so I’m going to settle for Chipping Norton), TV show Escape to the Country (Ilfracombe) and places with posh English names (Stratford Upon Avon).
Of course I’m yet to do any research but vaguely intend to travel to Harrogate (which the map on my computer screen tells me is in North Yorkshire) on arrival for the writing festival and then wind my way back down south through quaint English villages. I think.
However, my holiday planning… (ummmm) plans for this weekend have been thwarted before I can even get started because I’ve just remembered I FINALLY cancelled my credit card this past week. (You may recall I lost it while travelling for work recently!) So I cannot book any trains or accommodation.
Oh well… I’ve still got eight seven weeks…
I’m happy to take any suggestions for my visit to England – places to visit and stay?
* Image by oxana v on Unsplash.com
May 20, 2023
Oooh I wish I had tips for you but the last time I was in England I was pregnant with my first child … 19 years later … haven’t been back. Have an awesome trip!
May 21, 2023
Thanks Alana. It’ll be my first visit there – which is kinda weird given that I’ve done a little bit of o/s travel… just not to the usual places.
May 20, 2023
Hi Deb, I feel very excited for you but I understand the overwhelm. For myself, I love holiday planning, poring over maps and choosing hotels. I love it. Hopefully your credit card will turn up soon so you can get to it.
May 21, 2023
A lot of people love it Jen but I find it stressful. I guess it’s also cos I know nothing about anywhere I’m going. I don’t even know what’s a county vs a town vs a district over there.
May 21, 2023
We went to Chipping Norton last weekend and stayed at the premier inn (with kids). Which if you need a cheap night is a great option as it’s an easy walk to the main street. It’s a beautiful area for discovering the small towns and a lovely town itself.
May 22, 2023
Oh thanks for that! Chipping Norton is certainly on my wish list!!!
May 24, 2023
Hi Deb – I’m always so admiring of people who do solo travel – and you’re adding having no definite plans into the mix. It would do my anxious, over-thinking head in! So kudos to you and I’m sure you’ll have an amazing time – we’re doing up our kitchen instead of travelling – cheaper and lasts longer 😀
May 24, 2023
When I was in Italy in 2018 someone I met there commented on how brave I was travelling by myself. I guess I’ve always been single so rarely travelled ‘with’ someone so kinda used to doing my own thing – eating out alone etc…