Abandoned in London - help me book a Europe tour please!

Tarara on 18/08/2014 - 21:15
Last edited 18/08/2014 - 22:18

Long story short.

Came to London with partner to meet his family.
Partner turns into giant douche in natural habitat.
I desperately want to book a tour to get out of here but internet isn't the best and I only have my phone.

Please help me book a tour.

  • I need to return to London to catch an early morning flight back to Melbourne on Aug 30
  • I have a couple of thousand dollars, it's my savings though so I'd rather not spend lots and lots, but willing to spend what I need to
  • I'd really prefer not to camp or stay in hostels, but again, I am desperate
  • I can leave ASAP

Please help me Ozbargainers!

Travel

Comments

  • [Deactivated] on 18/08/2014 - 21:19
    +8

    buy a euro rail card and go whereever you want whenever you want. easiest thing i reckon

    • Pacify on 20/08/2014 - 23:31

      Agreed. Just get a pass and explore, dont go for a silly tour

  • [Deactivated] on 18/08/2014 - 21:21
    +7

    http://www.eurail.com/eurail-passes

  • MasterNoob on 18/08/2014 - 21:24
    +35

    Tell us more about your family Tarara.

  • roiboi123 on 18/08/2014 - 21:25
    +4

    There're plenty of Flight Centres around London, let them do the checking for you, if you're joining a tour you won't get it much cheaper online anyway.

  • chill on 18/08/2014 - 21:42
    +73

    Please post some pictures of yourself sleeping at the airport Burger King

  • Tarara on 18/08/2014 - 21:58
    +4

    Glad I could give you all a laugh, thanks to those that offered suggestions.

    • kwaker on 19/08/2014 - 10:20
      +3

      Sorry to hear this happened to you, its a very common thing to happen. Lucky you have some savings

  • kiitos on 18/08/2014 - 22:30
    +13

    How old are you? Contiki will help you forget your partner!

  • zolinger on 18/08/2014 - 22:30
    +7

    Sucks. But hey! you're in London. Travel to France and hook up with a Parisan and get enchanted with the most romantic place in the world…

  • saine on 18/08/2014 - 22:31
    +7

    Had a quick look at last minute departures from Intrepid and Trafalgar, but couldn't see anything. TopDeck have some departing in the next few days, like London to Barcelona, if you're under 30 and that's your kind of thing. https://www.topdeck.travel/tours/alps-and-matadors/prices?di…

    Hostels can actually be pretty good - many have private rooms. You'll meet people in each city, thus not feeling alone - but, unlike a tour, it's easy to ditch those you'd prefer to avoid.
    http://www.theguardian.com/travel/gallery/2013/jan/24/10-of-…

    A local travel agent would be a good place to start if you are determined to go the tour route.

  • Fake News on 18/08/2014 - 22:34
    +1

    Eurolines buses are a cheaper option than rail as well. Megabus usually have decent fairs for bus trips within England (I got 50p fares from London to Manchester and up to Edinburgh)- you could go up to Scotland for a few days?

    Try a Thomas Cook travel agent, they always had amazing offers for last minute trips when we lived in the UK.

    Good luck!

  • rinbond on 18/08/2014 - 22:52
    +2

    Expat explore.com,based in London

    • IdBuyThat4aDollar on 20/08/2014 - 20:28

      I second this having done a tour with them in the past. A lot more affordable compared to other companies.

  • [Deactivated] on 18/08/2014 - 23:12
    +3

    Just take the train into Paris.

    There are some pretty nice & cheap hotels near the Notre Dame, and near St Germain.

    Spend a few days chilling there, and then travel to some other cities. Personally, I found individual train tickets to be better value than the rail pass.

    I think travelling on your own is always more fun, flexible and affordable than taking a tour.

    Sorry about your ex, but congrats on learning of his douchiness before wasting more time on him.

  • JKF on 18/08/2014 - 23:41
    +4

    Sorry to hear about your ex.

    Try pick up the free TNT magazine, it has last minute travel deal which would include flight and accommodation. I think there is an online version as well.

    London walks organise walking tours within London and otehr city/town by train which is very reasonable. We did Salisbury/Stonehenge as well as Cambridge. Lots of towns are great for day trip and very accessible by train such as Bath and Brighton.

    As other suggested, take the eurostar to France. Spend a few days / a week in Paris, continue by train east to Belgium and Netherland or Germany then take the ferry back from Netherland to UK. Otherwise head south through Switzerland, Italy or Spain and fly back.

    Be careful of the 4 airports in London. Depends on where you are based, I always avoided Stansted as it's so far away and a pain to get to (from where I was staying anyway). Getwick is short ride from Victoria station.

    Realistically with 11days, best to just pick couple of countries upto 3 cities + surrounding region, get your tickets and go. You will have a great time where ever you go.

  • sparkles on 18/08/2014 - 23:43
    +1

    http://www.paddywagontours.com/

  • Davo1111 on 19/08/2014 - 00:54
    +1

    You could have a pretty fun time just within london tbh. I spent 10 days there and had a blast. If not, consider a 2-3 day trip elsewhere if you wanted - eurostar to disneyland/train to edinburgh/flight to ireland etc.

  • [Deactivated] on 19/08/2014 - 00:59
    +4

    tarara i will actually be flying from melbourne to london tomorrow. wait for me if you want a good time ;)….. kidding.

  • Tarara on 19/08/2014 - 06:47
    +11

    Thanks heaps everyone, especially Saine, I ended up booking the Alps & Matadors tour, well it's tentative pending they have accommodation available in such late notice.

    I would have loved to have went in the rail or organised something cheaper myself, but realistically I'm a 5ft tall girl with 27kg of luggage, and I'd definitely be the one to get pickpocketed or have my drink spiked or something.

    Anyway, woop woop, France, Spain and Switzerland!

    • retiredfeline on 19/08/2014 - 13:48

      I'm a 5ft tall girl with 27kg of luggage

      Mmm, maybe you were planning to set up life with the ex hence so much luggage? But honestly, put some of it in storage before you embark on your trip. Lugging that much stuff around will be no fun, and totally unnecessary.

      • Tarara on 19/08/2014 - 15:52

        Hair straighteners, dryers, make up boxes etc, all heavy.
        I was planning in staying with him and his family for over 2 weeks (after a 5 day stopover in Thailand) so wasn't really expecting to be lugging it around.

        It should be okay just to chuck on my tour bus though yes? Rather than pay for and travel to a storage unit..,

        • kiitos on 19/08/2014 - 17:54
          +2

          Check with your tour company - in the past, tour companies we used have been happy to store luggage for free at the departure point.

        • clarebear on 20/08/2014 - 10:37
          +1

          Some tour companies have very low luggage weight limits, 27kgs sounds too much actually.

          http://www.contiki.com/contikipedia/articles/weight-limits-a…

          I'm not sure what company you are going with but it sounds like you need to store some things.

      • nicksinternet on 22/08/2014 - 07:03
        -2

        Each box of condoms weighs 602 grams.

  • Tarara on 19/08/2014 - 06:50

    P.S - suggestions on the cheapest way to get from Barcelona back to London on the 27th? My internet access is pretty balls…

    • brokenxsmile on 19/08/2014 - 07:35

      I would just fly. 2 hour direct flights appear to be $230 - $250 . Train takes 9hrs… And on the RailEurope site (usually overpriced but on my phone so using the Spanish sight is too hard) tickets are 300+ Euros.

      Save the time and just fly.

    • Cheap as chips on 20/08/2014 - 16:22
      +1

      Which airport in London do you need to get back to? I'd be assuming Heathrow but generally Gatwick is cheaper for flights but if you then need to get a train back into the city it's a bit of a counterbalance.

      I'm quiet at work at the moment so if you let me know what times etc.. suit you best I can do a pretty thorough search. If the opportunity arises I would recommend trying to get to Bruges or Ghent and Edinburgh, really stunning places.

      As for your flight home - I know emirates hold the exit seats until you arrive at the airport so if you turn up early and ask there's a good chance they'd move you and explain the situation so that they don't stick him next to you. I would assume most airlines of a similar standard would do the same.

      • Tarara on 20/08/2014 - 20:20

        Thank you so much for the offer, if you could perhaps search Barcelona to Gatwick on the 27th, any time after 11am should be fine, you're a gem!

        I'm flying back with Vietnam Airlines, not really of the same calibre but I'm doubting he'll be on the flight anyway.

        • unity1 on 20/08/2014 - 23:23
          +1

          Surely there must be heaps of places with free wifi or even cheap internet kiosks. You are in a first world country after all. Enjoy the rest of your holiday. You must be looking forward to coming back home to the world's most liveable city.

        • Cheap as chips on 21/08/2014 - 14:39

          There is 1 seat left with British Airways $380AUD (264Euros) which allows you 23kg luggage plus your carry on. Leaves at 15.25 on the 27th. Just book straight through their website.

          Easy Jet is slightly cheaper and probably your next best option if you miss out with BA but the price won't include your luggage which they will royally shaft you for.

          Hope that helps.

  • windale on 19/08/2014 - 07:36
    +3

    Get on a plane to Prague, you won't regret it. Stay in pensions (b&b). Amazing city, great food, great scenery, arty, historic, friendly, cheapish, lots to do.

  • sparkles on 19/08/2014 - 07:39
    +2

    Iberia is the airline there, found 169 euros that day. Ryanair is 162 euros from BCN to Stansted.

    Much cheaper option example Barcelona to Edinburgh 55 euros on Ryanair, spend day cool place, catch Megabus from Ediburgh to London 35 pounds overnight, save a nights accomodation.

    • RockyRaccoon on 19/08/2014 - 10:05
      +2

      Just be careful, if you make the connection time tight and with multiple connects, a delay could mean a missed flight home and added costs. Plan to be back for your flight a day earlier and spend the time in London.

      You can leave your bags at the airport with the left luggage/baggage storage facilities in each terminal (10pounds for 24hrs)

      • sparkles on 19/08/2014 - 10:44

        The tour ends in Barcelona 27th. Flight departs London 30th. Three days is ample to account for missed connections in that area given the many alternative options.

  • gevidian on 19/08/2014 - 08:58

    Will the giant douche be seated next to you on the long flight from London to Melbourne? Second chance??

    • [Deactivated] on 19/08/2014 - 09:47
      +6

      LOL reminded me of this scene…

    • Tarara on 19/08/2014 - 15:56

      Yes he is booked on the same flight home, but he's had a hissy fit and said he's staying in England now. Meh!

  • coin saver on 19/08/2014 - 09:31
    +1

    You can try looking at HUKD http://www.hotukdeals.com/travel/deals/hot but note that most quoted prices are per person in groups of 2-4

  • ronnknee on 19/08/2014 - 19:55
    +1

    Another OzBargainer stranded in a foreign country…

    • Dr Techno on 19/08/2014 - 22:58
      +1

      The ozbargain community, Australias best export! Quality number one! Whos next?

  • jc8 on 19/08/2014 - 22:00

    Are you certain it's him being the giant douche? You're going out of your way to make alternate travel arrangements to what you two planned earlier, that's also a douche move isn't it?

    These situations usually involve someone being unfair, and when perspective is taken into consideration, the person being unreasonable might not be who you think.

  • pinkscarf on 19/08/2014 - 23:27
    +1

    Hey Tarara - I don't have any tours or links for you as my last trip I just went at it alone & had an amazing time. But after what your going through I think a tour is your best bet - everything organised &
    Hopefully you will meet some nice fun people on the tour as well!!
    I love Spain & barcelona is amazing esp this time of year so make the most of the free couple days - crazy shopping at zara & mango, drink sangria & club at 2am!
    I hope your doing ok with the situation - I didn't know it was common as mentioned before
    I certainly was stranded all alone in the states once when my ex just turned .. Long & horrible story but I just flew home so good on you for sticking it out & making the most of your holiday :)
    Good luck

  • striker5950 on 19/08/2014 - 23:30
    -6

    INB4 thread turns into another stuck in overseas plz help me get back home thread.

    • Tarara on 20/08/2014 - 07:07
      +5

      Considering I posted 24hrs ago that I've booked a trip and I'm making the best of my time here seeing as I flew all the way to London, don't really think that's going to happen hey.

  • [Deactivated] on 19/08/2014 - 23:55
    +1

    Never make plans which rely on one person too much (its not a plan then) and always have a back-up plan. Glad you managed to find something. Enjoy your adventure!

    I'm wondering what could have happened that made you suddenly 1) want to escape london at the cost of quite a sum of money 2) he is throwing a hissy fit and not wanting to come back to Australia.
    I'm basing this off the fact that you decided to travel halfway around the globe to meet the folks (with 27kg of luggage no less!).

  • Tarara on 20/08/2014 - 07:16
    +36

    Basically on the plane (planes) he was horrible, by the time it got to over 20hrs, the smell of the Vietnam airlines food made me throw up, I did so discreetly and into the bag provided. He then proceeded to humiliate me and belittle me loudly for all to hear, saying he can't believe I did that, why didn't I go to the bathroom, and whinged that I put him off his food. Not once did he express any concern and he just sighed and made disgruntled noises for awhile after.

    When we arrived he was like 'bye, going to see my friends' and lumped me with his mum, who insisted I cook dinner for 9 people without having slept. She even wanted me to buy all the ingredients, but let me off when I had a go at him and got upset. Prior to leaving he was all 'I'm going to take you everywhere with me babe'
    Also, the reason I had a go at him was because he told his mum he was sorting out work contacts as he intended on moving back (this was the first I heard of it)

    So yeah, I was feeling pretty abandoned, in Australia he'd 'joke' that I have the upper hand but things would be different in London, I thought it was a joke but clearly not.

    I'm not a douche for booking something else, I'm 27, I've been with him a year. My last relationship was 6yrs and I've been around the bush enough to know what I want and deserve and I will not settle for being mistreated.

    • therooftop on 20/08/2014 - 09:40
      +24

      That's terrible tarara! Glad you got out of that relationship.

      P.s. I'm 27 and single!

    • [Deactivated] on 20/08/2014 - 09:46
      +6

      He sounds incredibly immature. If he gets so grossed out by you throwing up on a flight, imagine what would happen if you got pregnant and had morning sickness. Guys who have no sympathy for sick women really annoy me.

      Breaking up is hard, let alone in another country. [virtual hug]

      • [Deactivated] on 20/08/2014 - 12:34
        +2

        People who have no empathy for the sick really annoy me.

        Can't stand misandry it needs to be stamped out hmmph…

        • BobCobb on 20/08/2014 - 15:03
          +1

          What a dick.

    • ChatCPT on 20/08/2014 - 11:18
      +1

      This reminds me of my situation last month. It was the other way around.

      I went overseas for a wedding in my hometown and met my ex there because she is our mutual friend and got invited too, ended up looking after her and showing her the city/taking her to shops because it was my hometown and she didn’t really know anyone.

      Tarara, have fun on your holiday and stay safe. Hope the situation with your ex works out for the best.

    • [Deactivated] on 20/08/2014 - 13:53
      +3

      The douche is definitely him. Good on you to leave, quite a feat he managed to keep his douchiness under wraps for such a long time.

    • rodericb on 20/08/2014 - 14:28
      +1

      You poor thing. It's not a nice situation but at least it has occurred now and not in years to come (i.e. when you are married!).

      Keep looking on the bright side and keep smiling :)

    • jc8 on 20/08/2014 - 15:31
      +4

      Well this occurred over a 24-48 hour period right? Did he treat you better over the previous 1 year? What I'm saying is people shouldn't be defined by 1 day. Maybe he was also having a bad day, maybe he was male PMSing. Sure it looks bad on face value but this could be about some other deeper issue that you were not aware of. Have you actually tried to talk this through with him before going to this extent?

      On face value though, sounds like you dodged a bullet :)

    • bargdebarg on 21/08/2014 - 05:27

      What a douche!

    • bargdebarg on 21/08/2014 - 05:27

      What a douchebag!!!

      • johnno07 on 21/08/2014 - 15:45
        +3

        What a douchebagbag!!!!!

    • sm007h on 21/08/2014 - 15:48

      If you don't mind, can we get a follow up once you get back? I hope he realises his mistake and tries to grovel and beg his way back into your life. And of course, I hope you don't accept him back :)

      • Tarara on 26/08/2014 - 07:19
        +2

        I'm currently in Avignon, France and heading to Barcelona tomorrow, I will post an update when it's all over :-)

  • tinx on 20/08/2014 - 10:19
    +1

    Don't have tour advice but hopefully you're not using your australia sim card to access internet.

    That will be another surprise when you get back home :)

  • [Deactivated] on 20/08/2014 - 10:43
    +1

    FIRST THINGS FIRST… DUMP YOUR PARTNER

  • dasher86 on 20/08/2014 - 11:55
    +1

    hotukdeals.com might be able to give you better advice than ozbargain, specifically they are based there.
    try traveltalktours and expatexplore always seem to have very competitive rates.

  • Turd on 20/08/2014 - 13:46
    +1

    Sounds like fun though, stuck in europe no plans. Just go any where! Random trips to random places are the best

  • branners on 20/08/2014 - 14:26
    +4

    Be careful in Paris, in particular. It's a great city but the pickpockets there are Olympic class, particularly on the Metro. Keep all your valuables well hidden, zipped up and tucked away.
    Also, watch out for added extras in restaurants. If a waiter asks if you want a bread roll with your el cheapo pasta, make sure it is not going to cost you 5 euros!
    Sorry to be a gloomy old fogey, but some dodgy travel rip-offs have happened to me and it sounds like you have gone through enough grief for a while!

  • andyken on 20/08/2014 - 15:29
    +7

    maybe scott can set up OZdatingBargain site

    • Turd on 21/08/2014 - 16:37
      +4

      Those 2 for 1 deals will look very attractive.

  • partymix on 21/08/2014 - 12:39
    +1

    Hey Tarara, really sorry to hear about your situation :(

    I did a tour of Scotland through Haggis Adventures (www.haggisadventures.com) as well as Ireland via Shamrocker Adventures(www.shamrockeradventures.com) last year and really enjoyed it. They're actually all part of the same company or have some sort of partnership.

    Have a look at them because you have the option of getting a private room as well and the tour guides are absolutely entertaining. Prices are very affordable compared to the likes of Contiki and if you're lucky, the tour groups are great - my Ireland tour group was the best and I still keep on contact with most of them til now.

    I hope that helps :)

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