See what the experts are saying about Bedford. Get expert advice on how to get there what to see and more.
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When to go
The Weather -- Yes, it rains, but you'll rarely get a true downpour -- it's heaviest in November (2 1/2 in. on average). British temperatures can range from 30° to 110°F (-1°-43°C), but they rarely drop below 35°F (2°C) or go above 78°F (26°C... Continue reading »
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Calendar of events
January London Boat Show, ExCel, Docklands (tel. 0870/060-0246; www.londonboatshow.com). This is the largest boat show in Europe. Mid-January. Charles I Commemoration, London. To mark the anniversary of the execution of King Charles I "... Continue reading »
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Getting there
By Plane British Airways (tel. 800/247-9297; www.britishairways.com) offers flights from 19 U.S. cities to Heathrow and Gatwick airports, as well as many others to Manchester. Nearly every flight is nonstop. With more add-on options than a... Continue reading »
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Health & insurance
Insurance The cost of travel insurance varies widely, depending on the cost and length of your trip, your age and health, and the type of trip you're taking, but expect to pay between 5% and 8% of the vacation itself. You can get estimates... Continue reading »
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Entry requirements & customs
All U.S. citizens, Canadians, Australians, New Zealanders, and South Africans must have a passport with at least 2 months' validity remaining. No visa is required. The immigration officer will also want proof of your intention to return to yo... Continue reading »
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Getting around
By Car The British car-rental market is among the most competitive in Europe. Nevertheless, car rentals are often relatively expensive, unless you avail yourself of one of the promotional deals that are frequently offered by British Airway... Continue reading »
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Money
You'll avoid lines at airport ATMs by exchanging at least some money -- just enough to cover airport incidentals and transportation to your hotel -- before you leave home (though don't expect the exchange rate to be ideal). You can exchange m... Continue reading »
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Special-interest vacations
University Study Programs -- You can study British literature at renowned universities such as Oxford and Cambridge during the week and then take weekend excursions to the countryside of Shakespeare, Austen, Dickens, and Hardy. While doing yo... Continue reading »
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Tips on accommodations
Reserve your accommodations as far in advance as possible, even in the so-called slow months from November to April. Travel to London peaks from May to October, and during that period, it's hard to come by a moderate or inexpensive hotel room... Continue reading »
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Sustainable travel & ecotourism
Each time you take a flight or drive a car CO2 is released into the atmosphere. You can help neutralize this danger to our planet through "carbon offsetting" -- paying someone to reduce your CO2 emissions by the same amount you've added. Carb... Continue reading »
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Package tours
Packages for the Independent Traveler Package tours are simply a way to buy the airfare, accommodations, and other elements of your trip (such as car rentals, airport transfers, and sometimes even activities) at the same time and often at... Continue reading »
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Tips on dining
Contrary to popular belief (or perhaps we should say stereotype), you can indeed eat well during your trip to England. From cheap takeaway pasties or chips, to fine dining establishments that specialize in fresh, organic, and local ingredient... Continue reading »
