London Singles Tour
FAQ's
Q: How many nights is the trip?
A: The tour begins in London on February 23, 2009 and ends the morning of February 28, 2009. Therefore the tour is 5 nights/6 days. Note: Flights from North America must depart on February 22 in order to arrive in London on February 23, 2009. Your return flight from London arrives in the U.S. on the same day, so the actual length of the trip is 6 nights/7 days (first night on airplane).
Q: How do I meet up with the group?
A: Make sure you are at the Hilton London Metropole, 225 Edgware Road, on February 23 and our tour begins at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, February 24, 2009. Tour directors are available to assist on Sunday, February 23, 2009 but the day is at leisure. Note that hotel is subject to change before departure and any changes will be reflected in your final documents.
Q: May I come in early or stay on in London?
A: Of course. We have a 1 and 2 night package before and after the tour and will request that you are confirmed at the same hotel as our tour, although not guaranteed.
Q: How should I schedule my flights?
A: In order to be ready to begin the tour at on February 23, you may be required to depart your home city on the day before. The trip concludes on the morning of February 28, so you may schedule your return at any time that day.
Q: What are my options for transportation in London?
A:. If you manage your own airline reservations, you may purchase round-trip airport transfers for $70. Your flight must arrive on February 23 between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. and you may depart any time on February 28. For guests arriving early or departing late, you may opt for our transfers at $35 each way or from the airport. On any arrival day, you may opt to take the 15-minute Heathrow Express to London Paddington Station(14.50 pounds each way at press time, subject to increase at any time), from where taxis are available to take you directly to the Hilton London Metropole hotel. The taxi ride from Paddington Station to the hotel takes 5 minutes. For pricing and booking information go to: https://www.heathrowexpress.com
Q: Are there any other expenses which are not included?
A: Our tour does not include airfare, 3 dinners, transfers, optional excursions, including the dinner on the former Yacht Britannia and extra hotel nights before and after the tour. You are responsible for alcoholic beverages , incidentals such as laundry and phone calls, plus gratuities to staff ($10 per day) US and local guides.
Q: Will you match me with a roommate?
A:Absolutely. Our site is so popular that we guarantee to find a roommate for you or the single room is on us! In order to take advantage of our offer, you must be paid in full by November 17, 2008. Better yet, single accommodations are available at no additional cost. Book today as we are limited to only 6 single reservations, based on a first come, first serve basis.
Q: Do I need a passport and/or visa to travel to England?
A: All guests are required to travel with a valid Passport that does not expire prior to August 21, 2009. No visas are required for US or Canadian citizens.
Q: I've never taken a singles tour, will I be alone?
A: Of course not. You will be pleased to find out that nearly 90% of our guests on every trip sign up and have never met anyone before joining the group.Our first day begins with an orientation and the camaraderie builds as we go along. The nature of the trip is trying something new, challenging yourself and motivating those around you. The bonds that develop on our tours are by far the strongest and longest lasting.
Q: What are the ages of the other guests? What is the ratio of men to women?
A: Our "All Ages" vacations cater to 35+ and our average age range is 38 to 62. We generally have a ratio of 60/40, women to men. As a travel club, matchmaking is not our focus. Ages listed on our page are not restricted. They are simply used as a guideline. We offer an opportunity for single travelers to see the world in the company of other singles and do not guarantee the ratio or ages.
Q: What will the weather be like in February?
A: The winter months are beautiful in England and weather can be pleasant. Tourism in the winter months is enjoyable. There are fewer crowds to deal with. You can expect daytime high temperatures to be in the mid to upper 40s.
Q: What is the baggage allowance?
A: Currently, most airlines will allow you to check two bags, weighing 50 pounds each, for a fee. In addition you may carry-on one bag plus a personal item such as a purse or briefcase. Please check with your air carrier for up-to-the minute regulations and fees for checked baggage. IMPORTANT: On tour, only ONE bag weighing 50 pounds (22kg) measuring 30x21x11 is allowed.
Q: What kind of clothing will I need?
A: Bring along winter clothing and we recommend that you mix and match using 1-3 colors, such as khaki, brown and white. Comfortable walking shoes are a must.
Q: Do you have any suggestions on what else to bring?
A: Packing Tips: Take only what you need; don't over pack. Save room for souvenirs and purchases. Pack flat and full to avoid wrinkling. Bring wardrobe basics; mix and match around one or two colors. Don't pack anything valuable, fragile or perishable. Label your luggage with an outside tag, and place an identification card inside each suitcase.
Essential Items: We highly recommend that you bring the following items.
A good, comfortable pair of broken-in walking shoes.
Winter coat, gloves and scarf
A pair of shoes for restaurants (loafers, dress shoes, etc).
Collapsible umbrella and/or lightweight raingear.
Ladies will want to bring a nicer warm wrap and gentlemen a nicer jacket, for evening wear.
Toiletries: all your daily essentials.
Prescription medications: sufficient supply for the entire trip plus legible written prescription in case of loss. Keep medications in their original, labeled container. Always pack your medications in your carry-on bag!
Eyeglasses, contacts, contact lens solution. You may want to bring along a written prescription for your eyewear in case of loss.
Over the counter medications: cold remedy, aspirin/pain reliever, antacid/stomach upset remedy, Band-Aids, money or other anti-bacterial medication.
Travel alarm clock with illuminated face, especially for guests in an inside cabin.
Small, Swiss Army type utility knife. Remember to pack this in your checked luggage!
Travel journal/notepad and reading material.
Home address book for sending postcards. A useful tip to avoid bringing your entire address book is to pre-write names and addresses of people to whom you want to send postcards on sheets of self-adhesive labels. It saves time and space in your luggage.
Small, basic sewing kit with a few extra buttons. Remember to pack scissors in your checked bag!
Photography Equipment: Bring a sufficient supply of film and extra batteries.
Q: What is the currency and exchange situation in London?
A: The currency used in England is the British Pound.
Exchange Rates: The exchange rate for the British Pound fluctuates often. You may find the current exchange rates in the financial sections of newspapers and on the Internet. You may also find a number of websites by typing "foreign exchange rates" in your search engine. Two specific websites are: xe.com and money.cnn.com/markets/currencies.
Currency Exchange: Many locations will accept major credit cards, but for incidentals and small vendors you will need some local currency. ATM machines will dispense local currency for internationally accepted ATM cards and/or credit cards. They are usually conveniently located in large cities, but are limited in smaller towns and rural areas.
You may exchange cash and traveler's checks for local currencies at hotels, banks and exchange bureaus. Banks offer the best rates, but beware, hours are limited in England. They are generally open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Credit Cards: Your credit card will be accepted to settle your incidentals bill at all hotels and in major shops and restaurants.
Q: How can my family reach me?
A: Your Final Documents will include phone contact numbers for each hotel listed in your daily itinerary. We suggest you leave a copy of this with your family.
Singles Travel Servcie, 1040 First Ave, New York, N.Y. 10022 www.singlestravelservice.com 212-752-2429