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England Planning a Trip travel guide

Getting from Bristol to Dublin

Bristol is located in South West England and is the 6th largest city in England. It is one of the warmest and sunniest cities in the UK , which makes it a pleasure to explore the city any time of the year.

Dublin is the capital of Ireland and also the most important entry-point for the foreign visitors. It is known for nightlife and sights. Being easy to get to and well connected to the rest of Europe , Dublin is a pleasure to visit.

Quick summary

The cheapest option for traveling between Bristol and Dublin is the bus. The fare includes the ferry crossing but you need to change buses one time along the way. The fast option is the flight but you have to be careful when you make the reservation and consider the additional fees.

Flights from Bristol (airport code: BRS) to Dublin

Bristol Airport (BRS) is the ninth busiest airport in the UK and is not hub for any airline. It handles domestic flights, as well as flights to other European cities and Africa.

Dublin Airport (DUB) is the busiest airport in Ireland . It is located about 10 km from the city center, to which is connected by buses. The airport is hub for Aer Lingus, Air Contractors, CityJet, Orbest Orizonia Airlines , Ryanair and Thomson Airways. It handles domestic flights, flights to other European cities, Middle East and North America.

Flights between Bristol and Dublin are operated by Aer Lingus and Ryanair. The flight time is an hour. In mid-May 2012, expect to pay from £20 one way on Ryanair. Slightly higher fares – from £36 one way – are available in mid-July 2012.

Do remember that when you book a ticket via low-cost carries, you’ll also pay booking fees. And pay attention to the carry on size because if it doesn’t fit the measurement cage at the airport, you’ll be forced to pay the checked baggage fee. Also, good fares can be found if you book 4 to 8 weeks in advance.

>>read more about Flights to Dublin Airport

Trains and ferry from Bristol to Dublin

It is possible to travel overland between Bristol and Dublin. National Rail offers an easy option for this route:

  • Bristol Parkway to Parkway by train
  • Parkway to Holyhead by train
  • Holyhead to Dublin Port – Stena by ferry
  • Dublin Port – Stena to Dublin Connolly by train

The total travel time is 11 h 18 and the train leaves Bristol daily at 7:07 p.m. The single fare – for the route, excluding ferry and train in Ireland – is £35.00. The ferry route is operated by Stena Line and a single fare is £28.00.

Buses and ferry from Bristol to Dublin

Another overland option is to travel by bus between Bristol and Dublin. This also includes the ferry crossing, but you won’t need to get off the bus and the fare includes the ferry ticket, too.

National Express offers two departures per day from Bristol: 5:10 p.m. and 10:15 p.m. The first one requires a change in Birmingham , while the second require a change in Rosslare, Ireland. The single fare is £48 for either departure. The travel time is 11 h.

Driving from Bristol to Dublin

You can rent a car in Bristol and drive to Dublin. But do remember that you’ll be crossing a border and need to use a ferry, too.

The ferry crossing is via the Holyhead – Dublin route. Ideally, you should spend about 7 hours traveling (including the ferry crossing) but you need to time your arrival at the port with the next ferry departure. The shortest route is via A5.

The ferries are operated by Stena Line and the fares for an adult and a compact car start at £129.00, one way.

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England Planning a Trip travel guide

Getting from Manchester to Dublin

Dublin , the capital of Ireland, is the most important entry-point for the foreign visitors. The city is known for its nightlife and tourist attractions. With a center small enough to be tackled on foot, Dublin has made it to the traveler’s destinations list a long time ago.

The second largest city in the UK, Manchester is well connected to the rest of the country and the near-by European countries. Home to a large airport, the city has been quite popular among travelers for a long time.

Quick summary

The cheapest option to travel between Manchester and Dublin is by bus (you won’t even need to get off the bus for the ferry crossing). Other good option is the train and ferry, but the price is higher. For a fast option, choose to fly but pay attention to when you book the flight (about 4 to 8 weeks prior to departure is ideal).

Flights from Manchester to Dublin

Manchester Airport (MAN) is the third busiest airport in the United Kingdom and is the largest airport outside of London. Hub for Flybe, the airport handles flights within the UK, to other European cities, to Africa, Middle East, Caribbean and North America.

Dublin Airport (DUB) is the busiest airport in Ireland and is located about 10 km from the city center. Hub for Aer Lingus, Air Contractors, CityJet, Orbest Orizonia Airlines , Ryanair and Thomson Airways, the airport handles domestic flights, flights to other European cities, to Middle East and North America.

Flights between Manchester and Dublin are operated by: Aer Lingus and Ryanair. The flight time is an hour. In mid-May 2012, expect to pay from £20 one way on Ryanair. Slightly higher fares – from £32 one way – are available in mid-July 2012.

However, do remember that you need to consider the carry on limitations (and fees if the bag ends up as checked baggage), the booking fees and the fact that you need to book in advance in order to get a good deal.

Read more about:

>>Flights to Dublin Airport
>>Cheap flights to Manchester

rains and ferry from Manchester to Dublin

It is possible to travel overland between Manchester and Dublin, by using a combination of trains and ferry. National Rail offers an easy option for this route:

  • Manchester Piccadilly to Crewe by train
  • Crewe to Holyhead by train
  • Holyhead to Dublin Port – Stena by ferry
  • Dublin Port – Stena to Dublin Connolly by train

The total travel time is about 8 ½ h and there are two departures per day from Manchester, at 9:55 a.m. and 9:50 p.m. The single fare is £37.00 for the morning departure and £32.00 for the evening departure. The price includes the trains only, for the UK section. A one way ferry ticket is £28.00.

Another option is to travel through London. First, take the train to London and then travel by train and ferry all the way to Dublin. It’s a more expensive and longer route, though.

>>read more about Getting from London to Dublin

Buses and ferry from Manchester to Dublin

There is also the possibility to take a direct bus from Manchester to Dublin. Of course, it involves the ferry crossing, but you don’t actually need to get off the bus.

National Express offers two departures per day. The 7:45 p.m departure from Manchester is direct and arrives the next day at 6:30 a.m. in Dublin. The single fare is £42. The second departure, at 8:15 p.m. , requires a change in Liverpool , but you’ll arrive at the same time in Dublin and the fare is also the same.

Driving from Manchester to Dublin

You can rent a car in Manchester and drive to Dublin. But you need to ask whether you are allowed to take it over the border and need to consider the ferry crossing fees.

The ferry crossing is via the Holyhead – Dublin route. Ideally, you should spend 5 hours traveling (including the ferry crossing) but you need to time your arrival at the port with the next ferry departure. The ferries are operated by Stena Line and the fares for an adult and a compact car start at £129.00, one way.

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Edinburgh England Planning a Trip travel guide

Getting from Manchester to Edinburgh

Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and a very popular city among travelers of all ages. Whether you want to attend interesting festivals, enjoy the history and the sites or taste the “weird”-ish local cuisine, Edinburgh is the place to be.

Manchester is one of the major cities in England, with good connections to the rest of the country of continent. If you need to travel between Manchester and Edinburgh, there are plenty of options: plane, bus, train and car.

Quick summary

The cheapest option to get between Manchester and Edinburgh is the bus (fares from £11 one way). The fastest option is the plane but, of course, the fares are higher (but not higher than train fares).

Flights from Manchester (airport code: MAN) to Edinburgh

Manchester Airport (MAN) is the third busiest airport in the UK and the largest outside of London. It is hub for Flybe and handles flights within the UK, Europe, North America, Africa and the Middle East.

Edinburgh International Airport (EDI) is the busiest airport in Scotland and the sixth busiest in the UK. It is located about 10 km from the city center. While not a hub for any airline, the airport handles flights within the UK, Europe and to North America and Africa.

Flights between Manchester and Edinburgh are operated by BMI and Flybe. The flight time is an hour. In late May 2012, expect to pay from £45 one way on BMI. Slightly higher fares are available from Flybe. Similar prices are available for flights in mid-July 2012 (from £49 one way on the same carrier).

Read more about:
>>Cheap flights to Edinburgh
>>Cheap flights to Manchester

Trains from Manchester to Edinburgh

Direct trains connect Manchester Piccadilly station to Edinburgh’s station. The travel time is about 3 ½ h . There are departures every 2 to 3 hours daily. Single fares start at £59.90. You can also choose to change trains in York but the fare can be higher in some cases (and the travel time increases).

Details, schedules and prices can be found here .

Buses from Manchester to Edinburgh

Chorlton Street Coach Station serves Manchester and is located close to the city center. There are two companies to choose from when planning to travel between Manchester and Edinburgh:

  • National Express : there are several buses per day, the fastest one taking 6 h 20 min to get between the two cities. Single fares start at £31.40.

  • Megabus : offers two buses per day , leaving Manchester at 9 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. The travel time is about 5 ½ h and the single fare is £11.00.

Driving from Manchester to Edinburgh

You can rent a car in Manchester and drive the 216 miles to Edinburgh via M6. The travel time (estimated) is about 4 hours but does depend on the traffic.

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England Planning a Trip travel guide

Getting from Liverpool to Manchester

Liverpool and Manchester are located just 35 miles from each other, making traveling between the two cities easy and cheap. If you arrive from Europe, you can fly into either city as both are served by airports. Of course, choose the most convenient flight. If you arrive from any other continent, you’ll have to connect through London.

Quick summary

The train and bus fares are similar for traveling between Liverpool and Manchester, so it’s basically a matter of choosing how fast you need to travel and whether you prefer the bus or the train.

Trains from Liverpool to Manchester

Trains connect Liverpool Lime Street station to Manchester Piccadilly station. There are departures every 10 to 30 minutes daily. The travel time is about an hour. Single fares start at £4.00 but they do depend on the time of departure.

Details, schedules and prices can be found here .

>>read more about Train Travel in England

Buses from Liverpool to Manchester

The central station in Manchester is Chorlton Street Coach Station and is located close to the city center. There are two companies to choose from when planning to travel between Liverpool and Manchester:

  • National Express : offers departures every 15 min, daily. The travel time is between 1h 20 min and 1h 45 min. Single fares start at £3.50 but depend on the time of departure.

  • Megabus : offers only two departures per day (leaving Liverpool at 6:35 a.m and 3:50 p.m.) ; the travel time is about 1h 25 min and the single fare is £4.00.

>>read more about Bus Travel in England

Driving from Liverpool to Manchester

You can rent a car in Liverpool and drive the 35 miles to Manchester. The easiest route is via M62. It should take about 45 min but it does depend on the traffic.

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England Planning a Trip travel guide

England in April

April is the month when the flowers are in bloom, so visiting the parks and botanical gardens is a pleasure. It is also the month when Easter falls (usually). Tourists are starting to buzz by now but it’s not as crowded as during summer.

Weather

As you probably know by now, England’s weather is never predictable. And spring is one of those times of the year when the weather isn’t predictable anywhere. But April is the perfect month to see the flowers in bloom. Even if you might find perfect weather when you arrive, don’t forget the umbrella and the sweater. Chances are you’ll need both.

Sample temperatures

Bath avg high 13C / avg low 3C
Birmingham avg high 11C / avg low 3C
Bristol avg high 12C /avg low 5C
Leeds avg high 11C / avg low 5C
Liverpool avg high 11C / avg low 4C
London avg high 12C / avg low 3C
Manchester avg high 11C / avg low 4C
York avg high 12C /avg low 2C

>>read more about Weather in England

Flights and Accommodation

April falls during the shoulder season and , unless you plan to visit the country around Easter, the prices are lower than during the summer. However, do plan your flight in advance – 4 to 8 weeks is typically enough to find good prices.

As for accommodation, the large cities don’t exactly have “seasons” when it comes to room prices but you can find discounts online. And if hotels are too expensive, there are always the hostels to relay on.

What to do

April begins with a day of jokes and…fun. April Fool’s Day (April 1) is one of those days which are well known by everyone but when you look for its roots, no one seems to know where and why it began. It is known though that the day became popular in England in the 1700s and by tradition, you can only play jokes by midday. So, enjoy the day but try not to be one fooled.

April marks the arrival of the cuckoo, which by tradition means the spring is really here. So there are fairs to mark the event. More precisely, the Marsden Cuckoo Day in West Yorkshire, which is a festival to mark the beginning of the spring.

In most years, Easter falls in April so be prepared for a time of celebration. Head to the countryside to witness the traditional ways to celebrate Easter and the Holy Week.

April 23, St. George’s Day is also England’s National Day as St. George is the Patron of England. The legend says that St. George saved a village from a fierce dragon. In fact, St. George was a Roman soldier who protested against Roman’s torture of Christians, and just like others who did the same, he died for his beliefs. Don’t expect fireworks or parades on the National Day, though.

But April is a lovely month to explore the city. There isn’t such thing as shoulder season in London, for example, so do expect enough crowds to be hard to take good photos at the main sights, but it’s still relaxed and you can soak up the city’s atmosphere. However, smaller cities are even best to explore now as they don’t tend to get many visitors until late April.

>>read more about the Things to do in Manchester

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England Planning a Trip travel guide

Getting from London to Birmingham

London is a major European transportation hub and , especially if you fly from other continents than Europe, your first encounter with the UK will be London’s Heathrow airport. And even if you fly from Europe, you might find better deals for flights into one of London’s airport rather than flying directly into Birmingham . So, chances are you’ll need to travel between the two cities.

London and Birmingham are just 118 miles away, so there is no reason to fly between the two cities. So, you are left with traveling overland: by train, bus or car.

Quick summary

Prices are similar whether you choose the bus or the train. However, the trains travel faster than buses. Most trains run between London Euston station and Birmingham New Street Station.

Trains from London to Birmingham

Birmingham’s main station is New Street, which offer direct connections to London Euston station. Service is also available between London Marylebone station and Birmingham Moor Street station.

There are trains departing every 15 to 30 min between the two cities, with most departures from London Euston station. You can purchase the ticket online and pay as little as £6 per person, one way. The travel time is between 1 ½ h and 2 h, depending on the train.

Details , schedules and prices can be found here .

>>read more about Train Travel in England

Buses from London to Birmingham

All intercity buses arrive at Birmingham Coach Station, which is located close to the city center. Serving to London is very frequent and you can choose between two companies:

  • Megabus : offers 7 departures per day and the travel time is about 3 h. Fares range from £5 to £8 per person, one way and depends on the time of departure.

  • National Express : offers departures about every hour and connects Birmingham to London’s Victoria Coach Station. The travel time is 2 ½ h to 3 h. Fares range from £6.50 to £12 per person, one way and depends on the time of departure.

>>read more about Bus Travel in England

Driving from London to Birmingham

You can rent a car in London and drive the 118 miles to Birmingham via M1 and M6. It should take about 2 hours, but it does depend on the traffic.

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England

Cheap Hotels in Birmingham

Birmingham is located in the West Midlands and according to local authorities it’s the second largest city in England after London. A former industrial and commercial city, Birmingham is getting a new life lately, offering great shopping and excellent cultural experiences.

Accommodation in Birmingham ranges from hostel, guesthouses to fancy hotels. Regardless of what style you prefer, it’s a good idea to stay close to the city center, or at least within walking distance of public transportation.

Price-wise, expect to pay from £47 per night in a double room in a 3-star hotel , close to the Birmingham New Street Rail Station, in early summer. But, if you look carefully, you’ll be able to find better deals , especially if you book ahead of time. Don’t check only the booking websites, take a look at the hotel’s website , too (if they have one).

Search this map to find cheap hotels in Birmingham, or find even more hotel options by searching with the widget above.

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England

Cheap Hotels in Liverpool

When you think of Liverpool there are two things that most likely spring into your mind: the Beatles and the football team. A lively nightlife is also what Liverpool is known for. And it has a great cultural heritage, too.

When it comes to accommodation , you can choose from guesthouses to 4-star hotels and everything in between. While there are no 5-star hotels in Liverpool, that doesn’t mean you cannot find luxury accommodation.

As in the case of any city, you’ll probably want to stay as close as possible to the city center. You might want to check out Penny Lane, too (yes, just like in the Beatles song). Generally speaking, if you are rather close to the city center and within walking distance of public transportation, it should be fine.

Price-wise, expect to pay from £49 per night (2 persons) in a 2-star hotel right in the city center in early summer. A queen room in a 3-star hotel close to Albert Dock will set you back from £80 per night (2 persons).

Search this map to find cheap hotels in Liverpool, or find even more hotel options by searching with the widget above.

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England

Cheap Hotels in Manchester

Manchester is located in the north west of England and is particularly known for its music scene and football. It also has a long industry history and is home to a lot of students attending its Universities.

Although much smaller than London Manchester is home to the biggest airport outside of the capital city. When it comes to finding a hotel for your stay in Manchester, it’s always a good idea to head to the city center. But you can also look for places further away. Didsbury in South Manchester is quite fashionable and a lovely area for your stay. Old Trafford is another nice area for your stay.

Hotels in Manchester range from budget 2-star to fashionable and luxury 5-star hotels. Expect to pay from £44 per night for 2 persons in a 2-star hotel located close to Old Trafford in early summer. Double rooms in 3-star hotels cost from £58 and you’ll be close to the Piccadilly Railway Station.

Pay attention that it’s possible to find discounts especially if you ahead of time. Check both the booking websites and the hotel’s own website (if they have one).

Search this map to find cheap hotels in Manchester, or find even more hotel options by searching with the widget above.

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Peru travel guide

Itinerary for 10 Days in Peru

The Incas could never have predicted that hundreds of years after their disappearance Peru would become one of the most visited destinations in all of South America. The diversity of activities you can experience in Peru will leave you more breathless than the altitude change you’ll feel upon arriving to its vibrant city of Cuzco, which was once the capital of the Inca Empire. From desert sands and miles of coastline beaches, to lush green virgin rainforest, and the crowning glory of Machu Picchu, Peru has something for everyone to experience.

You could probably stay in Peru for 6 months and tackle all of the hiking trails, live among the local tribes in its Amazonian rainforests, or surf and eat your way slowly from north to south and back again. If you’ve only got 10 days to explore, this itinerary can help you decide what to see on this trip, and although many variations are possible, I’ve picked locations that can best help you get an understanding of the culture and history.

1 day in Lima

Admire Lima’s historic center, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can stroll through the Plaza Mayor, which is surrounded by 5 important buildings: the Government Palace, the Cathedral, the Archbishop´s Palace, the Municipal Palace, and the Palace of Lima. Lima is the 5th largest city in Latin America, and besides being Peru’s capital, some of its buildings from the colonial era still stand, a feature of these buildings being their prominent balconies, which adorn the lively and bustling area.

Walk over to the San Francisco Monastery, famous for its catacombs where over 250,000 bones rest. Also worth a visit is the Museo Banco Central de Reserva del Peru, housed inside a bank. Showcasing fascinating Folk Art, a separate Art Gallery, and inside its vault- a brilliant gold exhibition making for a dramatic display.

1 day Paracas/Nazca

Only 3 hours by bus from Lima, Paracas is easily reachable by early morning. Kick off from the nearby Pisco airport on a flight over the Nazca lines, which were built between 500 BC and 500 AD. The Nazca Lines are another World Heritage Site and have been studied for half a century, and yet they continue to baffle researchers. Many scientists believe the lines had some astronomical function for the Nazca civilization. During the sometimes stomach-churning flight, which takes about an hour, you can see famous glyphs such as the condor, the hummingbird, and the monkey etched into the mountainside. Be sure to bring your camera and have only a light snack beforehand!

2 days Puno

The capital of folkloric Peru, Puno lies at the foot of the world’s largest commercially navigable lake, Lake Titicaca. This lake, 12, 500 feet high in the Andes, is home to a population of people who live on some of the artificial islands, created by floating reeds. The exact number of islands changes as they are made and remade by hand and, after a period of time, abandoned. Each island is inhabited by islanders who either work in Puno (generally those who live on the islands close to the shore), live in relative isolation (those far from the shoreline), or who use tourism as their main source of income and allow travelers to visit during the day or spend the night.

Most of them speak Quechua, a language native to Peru and neighboring Bolivia. Amantani & Taquile islands are the most popular to visit, where you’ll get a chance to learn about the local customs and take a ride on a reed boat. The handcrafts of Puno are some the best in Peru and the sunsets on the lake are spectacular. If you’re lucky you can dress up in typical clothing, which is something you’ll get to do when you spend the night on Amantani Island and experience the hospitality of a local family who will host you, give you a home cooked dinner and possibly a dance show in the evening, lit up by candles.

2 days Cusco

Cusco is a gem, a gorgeous city flanked on all sides by mountains stretching as far as the eye can see. Walking among its ancient cobblestone streets you might think you’ve stepped back in time. Once the capital of the Inca Empire, its population has exploded and it’s now the most visited city in Peru. Tourists flock here by the millions, and it’s easy to see why. Dozens of ruins are spread out among the hillsides, most notably the ones to visit are Saqsayhuaman (which can be reached by a short hike-mostly uphill from the city center), Tipon (with its water terraces), and Moray (with its unusual agricultural terraces).

Scope out the local art scene in the barrio (neighborhood) of San Blas, where the number of art galleries outnumber its coffee shops. Sit on a bench in the famous Plaza de Armas and breathe it all in, which might be a bit difficult while you get used to the high altitude. Have a cup of coca tea, which works wonders for altitude sickness at any of the 2nd floor restaurants in the Plaza de Armas for a better view, especially at night. When you’ve recovered, walk along the Avenida el Sol to the temple of Qorikancha and its Church and Convent of Santo Domingo. On your second night, gear up for your train ride to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.

1 day Aguas Calientes

Wake up at 3am for breakfast before you join other travelers making the line for the bus (first one up leaves at 5am) that will take you up to visit the stunning ruins of Machu Picchu. The bus ride takes about 30 minutes or the more adventurous can walk up the winding road till the top. Take the whole day to wander around the exquisite ruins, saying hello to the Llamas that wander freely amongst the grounds, eat some lunch on a grassy viewpoint, or make the early morning line to climb Huayna Picchu (if you don’t easily get vertigo!)

You could spend days properly exploring so make sure you get there early enough to be on one of the first buses going up the mountainside. Witnessing Machu Picchu at sunrise is an experience you’ll never forget.

2 days Puerto Maldonado

The southeastern city of Puerto Maldonado is a perfect beginning to a trek deep in the Amazon jungle. The protected nature reserve of Tambopata Reserve is a unique place to spend a few days unwinding and observing one of the greatest eco systems on the planet. The diversity and amount of species here is mind blowing: thousands of butterflies, hundreds of birds and amphibians, reptiles, mammals and so on. Hopefully you’ve charged your camera batteries so you can get out and photograph the beauty that lives here. Protected reserves like this are rare because of logging/deforestation in the surrounding areas so you have a better chance of seeing species that might not be found anywhere else in the rainforest. Head there between June and October and you can stay overnight in a primitive campsite, or splurge in more luxurious jungle surroundings.

1 day in Pisco

After the last 9 days of adventure, take a little day trip to the city of Pisco and discover more about the brandy of the same name which is produced in this particular region of Peru. Watch a local guide show you exactly how the Pisco is produced at a local farm and cap off your incredible time in Peru by having a tasting of all the different types of Pisco.

author: Mica Ivealis

photos by the author (and may not be used without permission) – except the photo of the Cathedral and Archbishop’s Palace in Lima, by David Baggins, and the Nazca Lines, by Bruno Girin