Travel Agent Central Coast

Beginning of winter in the UK, and I arrived in Manchester from the long flight at 6am in the morning. The cold and damp of Manchester was a bit of a shock to the system at first, but something you get used to.

I attended our International Conference in Manchester, which was a fantastic experience. Not only has it boosted my business but was great to meet and associate with Travel Counsellors World Wide. Let alone winning the Best New Australian to the company, which was a total surprise to me.

Being so close to Christmas the markets were out in abundance and the shopping was fantastic. I stayed at the Radisson Edwardian, which is a 5 star hotel. I grew quite accustomed to the huge English Buffet Breakfast on offer. The Radisson, and many others in the same location, is great for the business or leisure traveller, with easy access and within walking distance to all the shopping.

After a short 2 hour train trip I arrived at Euston Railway Station, a short walk around the corner and I was on the tube to Gloucester Road. I stayed at the Rydges Kensington, which is directly opposite Gloucester Road tube station. The hop on hop off bus is directly at the front door and the museums are directly around the corner, not to mention Kensington Gardens at the end of the road. A perfect spot with such easy access around all of London.

Single rooms were very small here, though I did an inspection and the twin/double rooms certainly have more room to be a bit more comfortable. Though travelling alone I found it quite adequate, I just missed the huge Hot English Breakfast included.

With so much to do and see in London my days were very busy for my short trip here. December is definitely cold and dark very early too.

A must is to get the hop on hop off bus tour. This gives you unlimited access to all of the attractions around London, with the flexibility to stay for how ever long you wanted at each point. Stops include Big Ben, Hyde Park, Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Harrods, Wax Musuem, St. Paul's Cathedral, The London Eye and so much more. The open air bus has full commentary of everywhere it travels, but it was a bit cold to sit up the top this time of year. You can mix the open air bus with the underground tube, so everything is accessible.

I did a Thames river cruise which started opposite the London Eye, right near Big Ben down to London Tower. Here I did a tour of the London Tower which was so interesting. The guides were comical and knowledgeable in the history and the tour is definitely worth doing.

I decided to come back to go on the London Eye at night to look over the city lights. Fantastic views and not to be missed. You can pre purchase your tickets, which in peak season will save so much queuing time.

Shopping is also fantastic and I did a lot of my christmas shopping here for my kids. When I was there Harrods had a christmas theme mixed with the Wizard of Oz. The window displays were awesome and to see the whole store inside and outside lit up in the dark in the christmas spirit definitely put you in the spirit of christmas. I just wanted the snow next.

As this was winter, I found that the city wasn't as busy as it would normally be, and although very cold was definitely a different experience if you don't mind the cold.