Susan Silverman W.
Trip to England
I am taking this opportunity to write this way overdue review on my trip to England October 15-October 30, 2024, personally crafted by Across The Pond Vacations. I initially contacted Anne Marie Clarke late in October, 2019 with the intent of going to England possibly in May, 2020. Then Covid happened which put my plans on hold. I can’t recall exactly when I again contacted Across The Pond but think possibly April, 2024. Having traveled a fair amount I prefer private and not large group tours. I did my research and although there are many well known companies that had good reviews and offered customized private tours I wanted to deal with a boutique firm and ATP was just that. Additionally, that they were located in the U.S., knew England very well as both Anne Marie and Simon Clarke (from England originally) lived there for many years was a plus. It took several revisions to come up with the “perfect” itinerary, and as hectic as it was at times, I had a wonderful trip. The hotels with their staff were wonderful and very accommodating. I appreciated that the hotels were ideally located and welcoming. I will be writing a separate review for each hotel in London, Bath, The Cotswalds, York and Liverpool. The private guides to include driver/guides I had were marvelous with whom I established a real connection and remain in contact with a few of them. There is a reason why these individuals deserve the title of Blue Badge Guides and were expertly selected by Across The Pond Vacations. The transport arranged – private drivers, were courteous, personable and of course on time. Although I appreciated the in depth itinerary with directions provided by Google Maps, the binder was a bit much to carry around especially since I was taking trains and carrying my own luggage. Each day I would take the appropriate page out of the binder to guide me. I believe an option to receive all digitally would be welcome for those who embrace technology as many of us are adept with using Google Maps and Apps. It would be wonderful if ATP had an app (although I recognize this can be costly to develop) to use such as Travefy or some such itinerary planner. Additionally, the use of WhatsApp could facilitate any communications necessary when travelling as there are small tour companies that set up “group chats” when a client is traveling. Overall I appreciated that my trip was designed in such a way that I would not be “overscheduled”. There was adequate time to meet the guides and spend time touring and tickets for the sites had appropriately timed entrances. Although all was wonderful, a dream for me was to see Les Miserables at the Sondheim Theatre in the West End – London. I had tea at Claridges prior to the performance. When Anne Marie and Simon found out that The Blenheim Palace would be closed they arranged for me to have more time with my Cotswalds guide and I received a mini-tour of Oxford. A refund for my ticket was initiated promptly after the trip. There were so many highlights and so many pictures to show it’s hard to pick so here are a few. I loved the small group tour arranged to The Yorkshire Dales and upon my return binge watched All Creatures Great and Small, got my Bridgerton fix in Bath and so many more memories. Now that I have binged 7 seasons of Outlander Scotland is on my list. If anyone reading this review has specific questions, please do message me. I do recommend Across The Pond Vacations for your Great Britain travels.