Holiday Withdrawal Symptoms......Tell me where you're going?

Foxriver8

Croatia in May, cant wait


Then possibly Greece later in the year, was then thinking Seattle and up to Canada next year but will need a bit of thought x

Ballard

I have no itinerary as yet but am thinking of a 5 day trek in the hills around Darjeeling. I need to do some investigation as I don't like heights so I need to find out whether the trail includes any rope bridges or making your way along a ledge. There's also a lovely scenic 'toy train'. Other than that we will spend a few days in Kolkata and perhaps go looking for tigers.

I flew Qatar to Jakarta a couple of years ago and rated them highly. Comfortable with decent food. The change of planes in Doha only allowed us about 90 minutes and involved a trip along a motorway to another airport but we made it easily.

PompeyPete

Ballard, I was looking forward to your plan, but it looks more pie-in-the-sky so far.

Ballard

PompeyPete wrote: »

Ballard, I was looking forward to your plan, but it looks more pie-in-the-sky so far.

It's early days yet, Pete. I have an idea of some things that I'd like to do and I dare say that my pal will have his own thoughts. We only have a fortnight so we then have to work out what we can fit in to this limited time.

I differ from you in that I like to have a good idea of an itinerary without having it planned completely. It'll start with a couple of days in Kolkata and a flight to get us to Darjeeling. We will probably return to Kolkata about a week later. There are 2 day trips from Kolkata to the nature reserve which looks good.

If England are playing at Eden Gardens at any point then we'd have to take this into consideration. Partly because I'd like to watch some of the match and partly because it would have an effect on what accommodation is available.

DUKE

I shall look forward to that plan too Ballard.

I've flown Emirates quite a bit, as they just happened to come up the cheapest at the time. You can choose your seat, I quite enjoy going online & moving myself around accordingly. Then when I get to the airport I ask for bulkhead row or exit row seats (for Daddy long legs), & I've always got them.

6 weeks today for me & I'll be ready & raring to go to Nepal. Flying Etihad so not sure I'll get the extra leg room for free.

My collection of weird trousers is coming on a treat - https://tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk/p/Multicoloured-Drapey-Joggers/129271733-MultiColoured?searchTerm=:relevance&searchProduct= TUT, in the sale now, furious :-(

http://www.clothingattesco.com/womens-trousers/f+f-monochrome-graphic-print-trousers/invt/jf612463&bklist=icat,4,shop,catgwomens,womens-trousers

I got a black pair for a fiver from DP! :eek:

Ballard

There is an option of a 5 day trek along the Singalila Ridge which looks very interesting but with my dodgy back and mortal fear of heights might be a bit too much for me. My pal would almost certainly love to do it as it's exactly his thing so we might go our separate ways for a few days.

I'm excited about it already and it's 8 months away. I'd be unbearable if I was going to Nepal in 6 weeks. Okay, EVEN MORE unbearable.

sandsy

We flew Emirates back from Dubai last month - very nice airline.

Currently trying to get home from a long weekend in Amsterdam. The winds aren't conducive to flights being on time.

PompeyPete

DUKE wrote: »

6 weeks today for me & I'll be ready & raring to go to Nepal. Flying Etihad so not sure I'll get the extra leg room for free.

Hi Duke. We flew to Kathmandu with Etihad too. One or two things worth sharing...

- LHR to Abu Dhabi was fine. Nobody seemed to get away with taking the mickey regarding carry on cabin stuff, so there was plenty of overhead space. In the air, Etihad cabin staff do a good and pleasant job.

- Abu Dhabi airport is like where civilisation from around the world all collides. Almost everyone is transiting, it's a busy chaotic place, and ground staff service is poor [imo]. But that's not much of a problem, just be alert.

- Abu Dhabi to Kathmandu. As Abu Dhabi is Etihad's hub, only a few of the pax on this flight will have been on your flight from LHR. Many will have flown in from other European airports, and many will be starting out from Abu Dhabi or other ME airports. What we witnessed and endured was a lot of passengers carrying loads of stuff well over their entitlement, and these people made sure that they were at the front of the queue at the Departure Gate. Consequently, there was nowhere near enough overhead space, and finding any was a bun-fight. We never bothered and just kept our stuff under our legs. Not a particularly pleasant flight, but it's only 4 hours or so.

- Kathmandu Airport. It's small, but does the job. You'll be unlucky if there's anymore than one other flight arriving at the same time as yours. Only passengers are allowed into the Terminal Buildings, so it's fairly stress-free. Make sure you keep your luggage tickets, as you'll have to show them when you leave the Arrivals Building. As you leave the airport you'll immediately realise that you'll be in for a holiday to remember!

- Money Changing. There's a money changer in Arrivals [airside]. It's only a v.slighly less rate of exchange that you'll get in Kathmandu. Most money changers in town are in the the tourist area [Thamel]. Check out a few.

- Visa. Have you got it yet, or are you getting VOA? We got VOA, and simply printed off the application form online.

Your collection of weird trousers should fit in nicely, and will be complemented by some of the snazzy t-shirts you'll come across everywhere on your trip.:)

DUKE

Ooooh Ballard, not sure I could wait 8 months! :eek: Although I did book this early January as I couldn't wait. I usually try & book about 6-8 weeks before I go as the stress of the wait is as bad as having no holiday for me.

DUKE

Hi Pete, I've printed off the VOA & will fill it in & print off photos too. That's what was advised on TA, but now people are saying you don't need the photos, then you do need photos. So I'll just do the photos anyway just incase.

Oh God, I've seen them in various airports with teapots & kettles & all sorts of ridiculous stuff piled onto their trolley. Not good news about the bags on laps Although I don't mind as I only have my blanket in mine, & it comes in useful to put my feet up on it. But Mr Duke will not be happy having to guard his camera bag as it weights about 12kg. Emirates never say anything as our allowance is 30kg & our 2 suitcases together only just about weigh that.

Pleased that I'll fit in with my weird trousers, I've got many pairs now, some just past the knee. I shall take shorts too for around the hotel, is that acceptable? Also I have a cossa with short like legs :rotfl: not that I ever get time to swim.

Thanks Pete