Follow what goes into planning a visit across the pond to Yank country with some helpful travel hints!
The last time I was back visiting back across the pond in Yank country it was for the Thanksgiving holiday in November. I stayed for two weeks and left a week or so before Christmas. While there, I shared the traditional Yank Thanksgiving holiday with two of my boys and my mum. I also kept a tradition of shopping over Black Friday with an aunt and cousin. I babysat for my grandkids, visited my youngest son in New York for a couple of days. I also spent an evening with some friends for dinner and catch-up, and spent lots of time with my mum! This time around will be more of all that!
But—first things first when planning a trip across the pond to Yank country
Accommodations ~ BOOKED! I let me my aunt know what dates I’ll be coming as she is my hotel! Although she tells me I am ALWAYS welcome and don’t have to check with her first! She always knows I’m coming anyway, by the amount of Amazon deliveries that hit her door leading up to my arrivals!
Air travel ~ BOOKED! I generally fly British Airways when I travel across the pond. During the Covid 19 pandemic, BA was consistent and on time. I have flown at the height of the pandemic numerous times on BA when there were less than a dozen people on board. Their consistency allowed me to stay in touch and connect with my family across the pond at the most stressful of times. I have joined as an Executive Club member and earn points every time I fly. I use these points to help defray the cost of flights each time I travel. Of course, you should always shop around for flight prices and airports that are convenient for you and where you are starting from and heading to!
Verifly App ~ While for the most part, COVID restrictions are gone for travelers, there may still be some requirements still in place. When my hubby travels with me to Yank country, he still needs to provide proof of vaccination, as he is a British citizen. And even though I am a U.S. citizen, because I book my departure from a Brit starting point, I still must let the airline know I have U.S. citizenship. The Verifly app is a great tool to use and gives me peace of mind when I travel so I know all the needed documentation has been uploaded to the airline ahead of time!
And the preparations go on!…
Yank Currency ~ None needed! I don’t ever bring cash with me. I use my debit and/or credit cards while abroad, so much easier, and more secure! Just a tip ~ you may need to alert your bank when you travel so they won’t decline purchases for security reasons.
Car Rental ~ BOOKED! For car rentals I generally use the same rental agency each time, one that has a presence in both Yank and Brit countries. I have also joined their membership program and earn status points which enables me to use their point system to get “free” rental days, “free” upgrades, etc.
However, there are times when it is cheaper to book the car rental along with my airfare. Most airlines offer this service, and SOMETIMES the rates are cheaper. Due diligence is required though. When you book your car along with your flight the rental is for the entirety of your trip. On my last visit I didn’t need a rental car for the duration of my trip, and It was more cost effective to only rent the car for the days I would need it. So, for that visit, I didn’t rent a car via the airline. I rented it from the rental agency I generally do business with and only for days I would use it.
Cell Phone Service ~ DONE! I have a Brit plan which enables me to use my phone on both sides of the pond. When I am in Yank country, upon landing in Boston, MA, I receive a text message from my provider welcoming me to the U.S.! And telling me that for each day I utilize the cell service I will be charged £6. The plan only charges me that daily fee, all other service remains the same!
A tricky part is always the packing!
Packing ~ NOT DONE YET! But I do have some things laid out. Like the Brit Chocolate I always must bring back! Along with my extra canvas tote (in case I have more coming back across the pond than my one suitcase will hold), my Passport, my British residency permit, etc. That’s what I’m gonna do as soon as this post is published!
See a previous post with more helpful hints about packing and traveling across the pond to Yank country!
https://yankeebrit.blog/2023/01/17/ease-of-travel-relocating-or-vacation-holiday/
Itinerary ~ Here comes the hard work …
Telling my 3 boys what dates I will be back and making sure I have plans with each of them!
I’ll spend a night or two at my oldest son’s and his partner’s house. He has already sent me a pic of the corned beef they will make for my belated St Patrick’s Day dinner! We’ll visit , chat, dine together, and catch up!
I’ve arranged at least one night to babysit for my grandkids! My middle son and his partner can have a night out! But, more importantly, I will have a free night to spoil my grandkids rotten! I will pop in for as many visits as possible after school and work are done for the day with them. And of course, plan an outing or two with the grandkids to play with them, laugh with them, and get tons of hugs from all!
I’ll also spend a night and at least two full days with my youngest son who lives in New York! We will visit, chat, dine together and usually spend an evening out at one of his favorite NYC haunts. We’ll share our love of music maybe at piano/wine bar. With any luck I’ll be able to catch him at one of his impromptu performances!
Spending quality time with everyone!
I’ll spend a few hours almost every day with my mum. We will go to lunch, visit with family, go shopping, take a scenic drive. Of course, I’ll take her to her favorite place of all—the casino!
My lovely niece has put aside an evening to have me in so I can spend time with her and her hubby and my amazing great nieces and great nephews. This includes a homemade dinner to boot! I’m sure at least one of my other nephews will be there as well. A great family afternoon. This fantastic niece always comes with me to the casino to keep me company when I bring my mum (as I am not much of a gambler). We always have some good laughs! She and I always make time to spend together and it’s always warm and fun.
My aunt (that I stay with), and I have always been close. We’ll spend time lunching, sharing a cup of coffee and tea each morning. We’ll catch up at the end of each day, generally falling into our old routine of talking, sharing, laughing, and always a little venting!
Always make time to spend with those friends you’re missing across the pond in Yank country!
I have plans with a close set of girlfriends to spend an evening together and have some homemade yummy but unhealthy Yank food. Aa glass of two or wine is on the menu too! Our conversation will go on and on…and the time will fly by catching up, reminiscing of times past, laughing and loving.
And plans with a lovely friend to spend a few hours together and catch up on each other’s lives, the kids, the grandkids, life in general!
I will try and spend a night out with a few of my cousins at a local pub in town. One of my prior co-workers tends bar there! This always makes for a fun time and a great way to catch up and have some good belly laughs!
And plans are already in the making for our summer visit! Hubby will join me to share all the above! We will also explore our favorite coast across the pond in Yank country!
PHEW!!! Sound like a lot? It is…but the memories made and shared, the hugs and kisses, the time spent with family and friends….priceless!!!
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