Last Minute Trip

OK I have to admit, I'm not usually the type that just makes a spur of the moment decision, pack my bags and leave for vacation. My vacations usually start with months of researching and shopping for bargain prices on flights, hotels, rental cars etc, etc BUT all that went out the window with this coming trip. I knew I wanted to make a trip to Europe sometime in 2007 but the initial plan was to leave sometime in August. I even called the travel agent, looked online but the best price I could get on flights came in at around $1100! So I called my Aunt a few days ago and she suggested I go visit them for Chinese New Year. I thought about it and didn't think it was a bad idea myself especially since I have not been around family during CNY in almost 10 years (pretty much since I've been in the States). I just casually looked online for ticket prices and I was shocked to see they were between $500 to $600. I got super excited, called the travel agent to verify and looked a couple more websites before I decided within a A FEW DAYS to purchase through travelocity.com for $550! They aren't bad tickets, I leave StL at approx 6am Feb 15 and get into Heathrow, London at 10:30pm on the same day connecting in Chicago. Return also pretty good as I leave at around noon and get into StL at around 6pm. I know it's the off peak season but the tickets are half what I would have paid if I went in August!


London and Prague, here I come!!!

So anyway in the last few days, I have tried to contact quite a few people I know in Europe. I contacted a cousin from a side of family I have never met, they are related to my Dad's side. I emailed them so hopefully I'll get to see them as well for CNY. I also contacted my friend Tet and my old college buddy Adrian who lives in Prague, Czech Republic. I am planning a separate 3 day, 2 night trip to Prague as well. I made this decision so quickly mainly because of several reasons. Of course the cheap ticket price was a big one. Another is because my Aunt and my friend Tet will not be working the week I'll be there. My friend Tet will also be covering the London Fashion Week and will be able to take me in to see the event! How awesome! And last but not least the reason why it's off peak is because it's Winter but the coldest London ever gets is like 40 F which is NOTHING compared to Missouri winters :) So I have purchased my tickets and have started the hectic but fun process of planning for my first trip to Europe. I'm so excited. Wish me luck! I can't believe I'll be leaving in 2 WEEKS!!!