Description

Does the recent Harry Potter release have you dreaming of a visit to England with kids to see the play? We are!! Today we are chatting with Nicole Wiltrout from Arrows Sent Forth, who spent three years living in England with her family. She gives us great ideas on planning an itinerary, getting outside of London, and the best times to visit England.

ON THE PODCAST

00:35 - Kim and Tamara experiences in England

10:22 - About Nicole Wiltrout

13:27 -Ideal stay in England

17:20 - Family trips to England tips

19:40 - Best time of year to travel to england

21:47 - Theater tickets in August (kids)

22:13 - London Christmas

23:14 - Top attractions in London

27:46 - Planning your family itinerary

32:25 - Nicole's favorite places to stay

35:58 - Best place for a family photo

37:30 - Nicole's Favorite travel gear

40:10 - App of the week

ABOUT NICOLE WILTROUT

Nicole Wiltrout is a travel planner with Ciao Bambino and a freelance travel writer. She also blogs about her family's travels at Arrows Sent Forth. You can follow her travels on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

TIPS FOR VISITING ENGLAND WITH KIDS

• If you are planning a trip to England, it would be best to spend at least two weeks and make sure to devote some of that time outside of London.
• Driving around in the country is the best idea. It will give you more flexibility and you won't waste your time waiting around for busses.
• London is not the most stroller-friendly. There are no elevators or escalators at most stops on the London tube.
• Rarely gets above 80º in the summer and in the winter it rarely gets below freezing.
• Schools in the UK stay on a very rigid schedule; they will dismiss for the summer towards the end of July through August. Travel there in June or early July is ideal for the summer, you will miss a lot of the rush and the prices are a little bit cheaper. Thanksgiving is also a wonderful time to visit when things are decorated for the holidays but the prices are still low.
• Great spot to splurge on a tour would be at the Tower of London with all its rich history.
• Most of the museums in London are free.
• York is a must for families that love history. It is great for a two day walkable experience.
• The Lake district is every bit as beautiful as Scotland and Ireland. A great place for hiking trips about a five hour drive from London.

BEST PLACE TO TAKE FAMILY PHOTO

Parliament Square right outside the Westminster tube station is a great place to let your kids run around and take a photo with Big Ben in the background. Another great place for a family photo is in the promenade area right along the river and you can pose with the Tower Bridge perfectly in the background.

FAVORITE TRAVEL GEAR

Nicole recommends a Columbia rain jacket is great for London's wet weather and if you have a bright color, it will make it easier for your other family members to be able to find you. Wellies (rain boots) are a must and they can be found in every store in England.

TIP/APP OF THE WEEK

It is good to know how much your dollar is worth and the exchange rates. Make sure you use the app XE or the website XE which helps with your currency conversion.

MENTIONED ON THE PODCAST

Chow Bambino to plan your trip to the UK

Arrows Sent Forth

XE currency conversion

Jet Lag Survival Tips

We3 Travel Facebook

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If you liked this show, please be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, or Google Play and leave us a review! Have a question or comment? Send us an email or leave us a voicemail at +1.641.715.3900, ext. 926035# You can also follow our travels on Stuffed Suitcase and We3Travel, or follow the Vacation Mavens on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter. Thanks for listening!