last minute rail pass - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

**lost in texas** · 03-17-2007, 05:09 PM

I put off buying my rail pass until today. I kept thinking I could just play it buy ear and get one in Europe, but I read today that they're something like 20% more once you get there! So I crossed my fingers and had it sent priority. I'm leaving Wednesday night, so there's no margin for error...

So I'm hoping for the best and heading out in search of guinness. Cheers!

**florencia9699** · 03-18-2007, 04:51 PM

Mine came via FedEx from the US and it took exactly 2 days to get from Newton, MA to Buenos Aires, Argentina. And I did it the regular way... no extra fees or anything.

So I'm sure you'll get yours with no problems at all!!

Good luck and have a great trip!!

**joe7f** · 03-18-2007, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lost in texas

I put off buying my rail pass until today. I kept thinking I could just play it buy ear and get one in Europe, but I read today that they're something like 20% more once you get there! So I crossed my fingers and had it sent priority. I'm leaving Wednesday night, so there's no margin for error...

So I'm hoping for the best and heading out in search of guinness. Cheers!

Hi David,

Unless something has changed, you CAN'T get it in Europe. So good thing you got it stateside. Good luck with the trip!

--Joey

**lost in texas** · 03-18-2007, 05:31 PM

I got my tracking number from DHL already, so it should definitely be here in time. Joey, if that's still the way it is I would have been totally screwed! I'm going for four months, so it's definitely a necessity. I'm down to the last couple of days so it's time to make plans for at least the first week... thanks for the encouragement guys!

**joe7f** · 03-18-2007, 06:02 PM

London should be cool but not too cold this time of year (50 degrees or so) which is great for walking around.

Depending on your length of stay you will want to get a Zone 1 pass because the individual tickets can be costly.

--Joey

PS You are flying into London right?

**lost in texas** · 03-18-2007, 06:21 PM

Yeah, I'm going to spend a week in the UK and then head to Italy when my little brother shows up. I haven't planned anything yet, but I'm looking forward to checking out the British museum (I'm all about history) and making some day trips around the area.

50 degrees is the heart of a cold Texas winter!

Fortunately I've always liked "the cold" so it should be nice. Did you stay anywhere worth recommending in London?

**joe7f** · 03-18-2007, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lost in texas

Fortunately I've always liked "the cold" so it should be nice. Did you stay anywhere worth recommending in London?

I sure did. The Green Park Holiday Inn in Mayfair.

Definitely out of my price range so I was lucky Dad had some points to blow. (The hotel has a max rate of 500GBP!)

It seems like people weren't too impressed with London's Hostels (kind of like Paris) but The Generator seems to be popular (and central) and there is a hostel in Piccadilly Circus (with at best, mixed reviews).

The Antigallican looks nice but doesn't seem very central. Ace Hotel looks good but kind of pricey.

London is very expensive, both for staying and for eating (<-even small hole in the wall type places were 6 or 7 pounds). Your wallet will thank you in Italy.

--Joey