It was Thanksgiving Eve 2017, and while our friends were out at the bars, we hopped on a flight from CVG to Paris and onward to London. We flew home that Monday and can honestly say we packed so much into that trip!But fast forward five years, and the four days we spent exploring… can now easily turn into five!That’s because starting June 5, 2023, [British Airways](https://www.britishairways.com/travel/home/public/en_us) is offering non-stop flights to London from CVG. So that extra time waiting in terminals for connections can now be spent enjoying the food, culture, and sights of England.This new service is the only direct flight to the UK in Ohio, Kentucky, or Indiana!How cool is that?London Bridge is definitely worth a visit at night!So, get ready to add another stamp to your passport! (And if you need to get or renew yours, here’s the link with all the details.) Here’s why you should start planning that trip right now:It’s really not that far away\1. The departure time is awesome for the new British Airways flight. It leaves CVG at 9:30 pm, which means you can work a full day (and conserve that precious vacation time), head to the airport, grab an early dinner and hop on board. Once you hit cruising altitude, surprise, more food! Then pop your eye mask on or watch a movie, and about 7 hours later, you’re waking up in England and stepping foot inside London Heathrow at 10:15 am local time. (That’s less time than it takes to get to Hawaii. And it’s only one flight!)I really like the departure time for the flight home as well. No early wakeup calls for a 6 am departure. Enjoy a full English breakfast, take a late morning stroll, and then make your way to the airport for a 4:05 pm departure. With the time change, you’ll arrive back at 7:45 pm Cincinnati time.Hear me out… beans with breakfast are amazing!2. There’s way more than just fancy tea and cakes\Yes, you should, at least once in your life, do the fancy tea thing at a spot like [Harrods Tea Rooms](https://www.harrods.com/en-gb/restaurants/the-harrods-tea-rooms). Or, if you’re a fan of Bridgerton, check out afternoon tea at [Theatre Royal Drury Lane](https://thelane.co.uk/eat-and-drink-venues/grand-saloon-afternoon-tea).There are so many [attractions](https://www.guidelondon.org.uk/blog/major-london-sites/10-reasons-to-visit-london/) in London alone. A few of my faves:The Tower of London tour is very interactive.The Tower of London\The architecture is incredible and the history amazing (some of it almost unbelievable!) [Take a tour](https://www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london/#gs.kid5tw) with one of the world-famous Beefeaters and visit the remarkable Crown Jewels along the way. You’ll also enjoy a beautiful view of the River Thames.Free is for me!The British Museum\There are so many outstanding pieces to see in this museum. Some people will tell you to allow two or more days to truly see everything. The best part? It’s entirely free. [Book a reserved spot](https://www.britishmuseum.org/) ahead of time though, especially during busy seasons.The Abbey at dusk is gorgeous.Westminster Abbey\So many historic things have happened in [this building](https://www.westminster-abbey.org/), and we found the guided tour a great way to learn a lot in just a short period of time. Be prepared to be amazed!The Houses of Parliament\You’ve probably seen news clips of a lot of people crammed into a small room, sitting shoulder-to-shoulder, engaged in a fiery debate. You can actually [visit that room](https://www.parliament.uk/visiting/) and a bunch of other really interesting spots, including Westminster Hall, which is nearly 950 years old.Left: A corridor inside the Houses of Parliament, Right: A view from inside the Tower of London.The London Eye\Who doesn’t love a Ferris wheel? Especially when it’s the world’s tallest cantilevered Ferris wheel that provides one of the most spectacular views of London and the surrounding areas! [Book early](https://www.londoneye.com/) to reserve your preferred day and time.Fun facts along the way. (Believe it or not, this is true!)Covent Garden\If shopping’s your thing, [this is the spot!](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g186338-d189047-Reviews-Covent_Garden-London_England.html) Plus, there are awesome pubs and restaurants. We really enjoyed the talented street performers. If you’re visiting around Christmas, be sure to make this a stop, as the whole area is decorated beautifully.Left: Big (Lego) Ben, Right: A dessert crepe at a cafe in Covent Garden.3. There are accommodations for every taste and budget\London is a major city, and like most major cities… it can be a little pricey at times. However, there are ways to save on your hotel.Consider visiting during off-peak times – generally September through November and January through March. There are fewer people, hotels are cheaper, and it’s easier to get a table at a restaurant without a wait.For example: the four-star hotel we stayed at can cost as much as $495 per night during the peak June 2023 travel season. (I have never, and would never in my life, pay that much for a hotel room!)However, that exact same room is just $204 per night in February 2023. If you’re looking to save even more, make sure to look for promo codes for sites like [Expedia](https://www.expedia.com/), [Priceline](https://www.priceline.com/), [Hotels.com](https://www.hotels.com/), [Hotwire](https://www.hotwire.com/), [Travelocity](https://www.travelocity.com/), [Orbitz](https://www.orbitz.com/), etc. Sign up for free accounts with each and log into their apps when you search for hotels. Sometimes the price can be even lower than their website. Plus, sites like Orbitz offer “Orbucks,” which give you a percentage of your booking back to use toward future stays.Value-priced accommodations are available but often with reduced amenities or are located farther from the city center. For shorter trips, consider staying in a more central location close to the subway.Speaking of…Trying not to look like tourists (the neck pillow kind of gives it away… as does taking a photo!)4. It’s easy to get around\The London Underground system, or Tube, is clean, efficient, and can get you everywhere. We also used it to get from the airport to our hotel with ease!For many people not used to utilizing mass transit, it can be a bit daunting at first to try to figure out how to get where you need to go and [not look too out of place](https://freetoursbyfoot.com/how-to-use-the-london-underground/).Buy a prepaid subway card ([OysterCard](https://oyster.tfl.gov.uk/oyster/entry.do)) when you arrive or opt for the “[Visitor](https://tfl.gov.uk/travel-information/visiting-london/visitor-oyster-card)” version, which can be ordered and mailed to you prior to your trip. If you’re staying for at least a week or so, consider the seven-day [TravelCard](https://tfl.gov.uk/fares/how-to-pay-and-where-to-buy-tickets-and-oyster/travelcards-and-group-tickets).Use Google Maps and click on the train icon. We found it very useful to help walk us to the correct train station, get on the right train, and know exactly where to get off at. You’ll also find Google Maps very helpful as you’re walking around the city. To save on cellular data, you can highlight a box around the city and select “download maps” while you’re on Wi-Fi.And if you really get lost, just ask someone! My cell phone ran out of battery while we were in an unfamiliar part of the city, and we had no idea how to get to the correct train station. So, we just politely stopped a group of folks who not only pointed us to where we needed to go but walked with us to the station. We had a wonderful chat along the way!You can also use cabs and services like [Uber](https://www.uber.com/) as well, but they’ll likely cost you more.Fish and Chips are a must… but we also enjoyed other dishes as well!So go on! Book that trip and visit one of the most historic and vibrant cities in the world!Want to save time AND money on your next adventure? Visit the [Jay’s Deals] page for the latest flight deals from CVG!Have a favorite spot in the UK everyone should visit on their next trip? Find me at @JayKruzOfficial on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/JayKruzOfficial), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/jaykruzofficial/), or [Twitter](https://twitter.com/jaykruzofficial), and I’ll share them!I’ll see you on an afternoon stroll through Hyde Park (the other one).-Jay

Peaceful paradise awaits in Florida.Spring break has been on school calendars for months, and many parents and college students have been planning their trips for just as long. So, if you’re traveling this spring, you might find that available hotel rooms are in short supply or that the flight you’ve had your eye on has filled up.Don’t worry, that Florida escape is still possible!Time by the pool is always time well spent!Be flexible in your destinationIf you have your heart set on a specific spot and don’t have reservations already, you might have to shell out some serious cash to make that vacation dream come true. However, if you’re open to trying out a new city, you can put the power of [Google Flights](https://www.google.com/travel/flights) to work to save you time, money, and stress.Here’s how:1. Visit [google.com/flights](http://www.google.com/flights)2. Choose CVG as your starting “where from” airport3. Type “Florida” as your “where to” airport4. Enter your desired travel dates5. Press the Search buttonIt’s easy to find new places to fly!Google Flights will display every destination in Florida you can travel to from CVG using nearly every airline. It will also show you the lowest cost flight for each city and nearby airport options (i.e. flying into Ft. Lauderdale / Hollywood airport to get to Miami). If you want to check flights on [Southwest](https://www.southwest.com/), visit their site directly, as their routes are included but do not display the price.Using this method, you might find a new Florida destination you hadn’t previously considered!To learn more about attractions, restaurants, and hotels available, hop onto [TripAdvisor](https://www.tripadvisor.com/) and type in the name of the city.Orlando offers more than theme parks (although those are pretty great). Check out Rock Springs Run just north of the city.Adjust your departure and return datesSometimes changing your itinerary by as little as 12 hours can significantly change the price of your flight. Using the same method mentioned above, try leaving a day earlier or a day later. Do the same for your return flight as well.A few minutes of having multiple browser windows open on your computer can work wonders!Now that’s a room with a view!Consider using Airbnb, VRBO, or other short-term rentals instead of a hotelWe’ve stayed in a half-dozen Airbnbs and VRBOs across the country. From a secluded retreat with a waterfall to a stream view condo in the mountains, each has been a uniquely fabulous experience. Plus, you get to meet some cool people along the way who serve as hosts!Here are a few tips to help book the right place for your family trip:- Use the “show total price” option One of the things that used to frustrate many people about Airbnb is that it would display a cheap nightly rate and then, upon checkout, tack on multiple fees and significantly increase the cost-per-night. However, Airbnb recently updated its app and website to show the total price (before required taxes) to make it easy to compare listings.- Find the right amenities for your family We really appreciate having the comforts of home while traveling, especially with a small child. Being able to prepare a few meals in a full kitchen, having a washer and dryer in the unit, and having multiple bedrooms so everyone has a little privacy are just a few advantages over a hotel. Use the filter option on VRBO or Airbnb to find amenities like free wifi, pool, beachfront, crib, or even electric vehicle charging.We love being able to prepare meals, especially breakfast, while on vacation.Check The ReviewsDon’t just look at the rating itself; examine how many reviews the listing has. If a place has a 4.8, 4.9, or even a 5.0 with 50+ reviews, it’s likely to be a pretty good choice. Airbnb and VRBO reviews can only be left by people who actually stayed at a property, so they tend to be pretty accurate. We aim to book properties that are as close to a 5.0 as possible.No one wants to run errands on vacation, right?Save time by using grocery delivery or pick-up at your destinationYou know the supermarket at home like the back of your hand and can get in and out in 10 minutes. But when you’re on vacation, it can sometimes take hours zig-zagging the grocery store to find everything your family wants.To spend more time at the beach and less time searching for the yogurt aisle, consider using a grocery delivery or curbside pickup service. Services like [Instacart](https://www.instacart.com/) and [Shipt](https://www.shipt.com/) will, for a fee plus tip, deliver to your Airbnb or hotel. (Check with the front desk to see how they handle deliveries; some will allow drivers to come to your room, while others will ask you to meet the driver at the front desk.)Florida grocery stores like [Winn-Dixie](https://www.winndixie.com/shoponline), [Walmart](https://www.walmart.com/cp/fulfillment-options/1987240), and [Publix](https://www.publix.com/) offer both delivery (verify with your hotel if they accept grocery deliveries) and curbside pickup options.Europe? Nope. St. Augustine, Florida!Jay’s Top Five Florida Destinations1. Orlando It’s one of the nation’s top family destinations for a reason. There’s literally something for everyone, and with multiple nonstop flight options from CVG, you can get there for less!2. Florida Keys There’s nothing quite like the Florida Keys, and each one offers a different vibe. Rent a car and drive the incredible bridges all the way to the southernmost point of the continental U.S.3. St. Augustine St. Augustine is one of the oldest settlements in the U.S. and maintains that charm with cobblestone streets and a lot of history. Plus, it also offers stunning beaches!Enjoy cycling along Hobie Island Beach Park in Key Biscayne, Miami Beach4. Miami There’s a reason Will Smith wrote an entire song about this place. There’s delicious food, shopping, sporting events, and of course beautiful beaches.5. Fort Myers Beach / Sanibel Island This would normally be my #1 spot. However, the entire area is still recovering and rebuilding after Hurricane Ian destroyed many homes and businesses. Give it time, and I know things will be even better than before!Turquoise waters welcome you to Marathon, FL in the Florida KeysHave a favorite Florida destination you’d like to share? Tell me all about it at @JayKruzOfficial on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/JayKruzOfficial), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/jaykruzofficial/), and [Twitter](https://twitter.com/jaykruzofficial).I’ll see you in flip-flops in Ft. Lauderdale!-Jay

Brick is a hard-working canine officer and a lovable family dog. He and his human partner, officer Nick Ruffing, do a ‘pawsome’ job at keeping the airport safe and secure.What job does Brick do at CVG?Brick is one of the dogs at the airport that detects narcotics; the other type of dogs at CVG detect explosives. Being a German Shorthaired Pointer, he has a very strong nose and a lot of drive.How long has Brick been at the airport?He and his partner completed their training in November 2019.Tell us about Brick’s background.Brick was born in 2018 in Hungary. Many of the working dogs at CVG are from Europe; they are well traveled!Does he like coming to work?Brick, along with his canine officer friends, get very excited to come to work. They enjoy having jobs to do and keeping their minds active. While Brick and his canine friends are very cute, please remember to keep your paws off; the dogs are hard at work.How did Brick get his name?All CVG’s canine officers were named and received extensive training before they joined the police force.What does he do in his off time?When he’s off duty, Brick enjoys relaxing in his massive and luxurious doghouse and spending time with his family.

Who’s excited to fly? This guy!Five Things First-Time Flyers Need to Know!According to [Forbes Magazine](https://www.forbes.com/sites/lealane/2019/05/02/percentage-of-americans-who-never-traveled-beyond-the-state-where-they-were-born-a-surprise/?sh=d658af528984), 13% of Americans have never been on an airplane. Whether it’s fear, finances, or finding the right vacation spot, if you (or a friend) are part of the one-in-ten people who haven’t been airborne, I want to help!If you want to see the country, other countries, and enjoy new experiences, here are five things every first-time passenger should know.This Boeing 767 is ready to take you on a non-stop flight from CVG to Paris!#1 It’s statistically the safest mode of transportation.I’ve been on hundreds of flights and am still in awe at how we, as humans, figured out how to keep a 200,000 lb. object 30,000 feet in the air at a speed of 500 mph.While it’s truly mind-boggling, here’s a great article from [Travel + Leisure](https://www.travelandleisure.com/airlines-airports/how-airplanes-fly) that breaks down the scientific stuff behind how a plane works.With [32,200,000 flights](https://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/2023-releases/2023-03-07-01/) worldwide in 2022, one thing remains very clear: commercial air travel is still the absolute safest form of transportation.Put another way, you are statistically safer riding in a plane than driving down I-75.Traveling at CVG is easy.“Accidents are rare in aviation,” said Willie Walsh, Director General of the International Air Transport Association. “Flying is one of the safest activities in which a person can engage.”Download your airline’s app and keep tabs on your flight status, gate changes, and more.#2 Turbulence can be scary, but it’s perfectly normal.Nobody likes turbulence on their flight, and it’s certainly understandable that it can cause anxiety for some people, especially first-time passengers.But what is it? And is it dangerous?One of the simplest definitions of turbulence is described by the Canadian Mental Health Association as “just some sort of change in the air around your plane.”There are a few main causes of bumpy air, including mountains, storms, and jet streams. Pilots communicate with each other and ground control to alert each other to steer clear of potential turbulence. Even when you do hit a few pockets of rough air, your crew is in control of the plane.Think of it as hitting a pothole in the sky.Where will you head next?#3 Know before you go!Some people have no problem booking a trip the night before and leaving in the morning, but even for seasoned travelers, last-minute travel can be stressful. To alleviate pre-trip headaches, here are a few things I do to make things a little less hectic.Create a spreadsheet outlining each day of your trip. I like to make a grid that’s 24 boxes tall with one for each hour of the day. I then put each day of the trip in a new column. I like to include: When we should leave home for the airport What time the plane departs Arrival time Hotel check-in time Activities we might want to do each day Check-out time When we need to head back to the airport Arrival time at homeI sent a friend a copy of the spreadsheet I used, and she modified it for her trip to Italy and Germany from CVG. If you want to go a step further, I also include approximate costs at the bottom of each day and then automatically add them up for a total trip cost. It helps when booking future trips. You can also use a free Google Doc and make the spreadsheet shareable with everyone on your trip. When packing, it’s helpful to make a list of items in your phone or in a notebook as you pack. This will make packing for future trips much easier. Don’t forget critical items like medication and eyeglasses (always place them in your carry-on), passports for international travel, and something to entertain yourself with on the plane.Left: a packing list from my phone for a work trip.\ Right: the family checks out the view while heading to Grand Cayman. I’ve mentioned before how much I use Google Maps while traveling. It’s great for airports, too. Many airports have detailed maps showing where gates, restaurants, shopping, restrooms, water refill stations and other amenities are located. [CVG’s interactive map on the website is really useful].When connecting at a busy airport like Atlanta, the Google Map of the concourse is very helpful. Make sure to arrive early for your flight, especially during busy travel times (holiday weekends, Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.). Even though CVG has some of the shortest security lines of any airport I’ve traveled through, it’s still a great idea to arrive two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international trip. Wear comfortable, layered clothing with shoes that are easy to remove when you go through security. Leave belts, large earrings, and other metal objects in your suitcase if you can. As the temperature in the plane can fluctuate, I always like to have a hoodie or zip-up to stay cozy during the flight.Quick tip: Whether using the CVG ValuPark or CVG Terminal Garage, always snap a photo of your parking section or row. It makes it easy to find your car when you return.#4 There are great resources for those who might need additional help when flying.I was chatting with a friend who uses a wheelchair, and he shared that travel for those who require accommodations can sometimes be extra stressful.There are comfortable restrooms for individuals with disabilities located throughout CVG, along with family restrooms near Gates A11, B11, and B13. There is also an adult changing table in the family restroom at gate B13.If you need to gate-check a wheelchair or other mobility device, speak with the airline at check-in or before your trip. They’ll be happy to answer any questions about the process.For those with hidden disabilities, CVG has worked with the [Hidden Disabilities Sunflower](https://hdsunflower.com/) organization to utilize the [Sunflower Lanyard] program. If you or someone you’re traveling with has a hidden disability, just stop by the information booth at baggage claim while you’re at the airport and grab a Sunflower Lanyard. This will let airport staff and security know that you may need some extra help or a little more time. You can also request a lanyard ahead of your trip by calling 859-767-3230 or emailing [info@cvgairport.com](mailto:info@cvgairport.com).Going through the security checkpoint at an airport for the first time can be intimidating. If you have a question about TSA or the security screening process, you can reach out to the TSA Cares line at 855-787-2227 about 72 hours ahead of your trip. They can help answer questions about any special circumstances you might have and let you know what items you can and can’t bring on a plane. You can also check out [this handy guide](https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/all), which details all kinds of items you might be bringing and breaks down if they belong in your carry-on or checked bag.My wife and son appreciate the Mamava pumping rooms at CVG.#5 Headphones are your friend!Among my must-pack items for every trip are my earbuds. Not only do they let me listen to music and enjoy shows and movies on longer flights with seatback TVs, but they also help me relax and stay calm.Yep. The guy who writes a travel blog sometimes has anxiety while traveling.Whether it’s a lack of sleep, a tight connection, or when I’m running late, I’ve experienced anxiety attacks while traveling. One tool I’ve found to help is to have a calming music playlist or simply some ambient sounds that I can use to drown out the noise around me, close my eyes, and get back to a better state.Everyone in our family has their own set of headphones.Pack your favorite pair on your next trip, and keep in mind that most seatback TVs do not have Bluetooth, so make sure to bring a pair of wired headphones. I also like to use a lighting-to-⅛” adapter so I can use the same wired headphones with my iPhone.As a bonus: while on the plane, putting headphones on with an eye mask can work as a polite signal to an overly chatty seatmate that you’ve enjoyed the conversation but you’d like to get some rest.I’m always on the lookout for a good flight deal.I’d love to share your favorite travel tips! You can reach me at @JayKruzOfficial on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/JayKruzOfficial), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/jaykruzofficial/), and [Twitter](https://twitter.com/jaykruzofficial).I’ll see you at the gate (early, of course)!-Jay

Hello London!Thanks to [British Airways](https://www.britishairways.com/travel/home/public/en_us), CVG now has the region’s only nonstop flights to London! And who better to share some of the best things to see, do, and eat than some of our British friends who have decided to make the Cincinnati area their home!British Airways, now welcoming you at CVG!Say hello to our panel of experts from the UK:Sally Barker is an instructional aide at Lakota High School. Sally grew up in a small village called Cherington in Cotswolds, England.\Claudia Glen is a stay-at-home mom who previously worked in the pharmaceutical industry before arriving in the US. Claudia grew up in a small, picturesque village named Stock, in the county of Essex, located about 40 miles north of London.(Left) Sally Barker, (Right) Claudia GlenAlister Bates is a research scientist in respiratory aerodynamics at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Alister grew up in Ascot, Berkshire (pronounced Barkshire), in England.\"Ascot’s claim to fame is the Ascot Racecourse horse track. Every year in June, there’s a week of horse races that the late Queen would always come to watch, and it would be worth visiting if someone wants to see British people in top hats and tailcoats."Alister and his wife, Nara, in front of Tower Bridge.What brought you to the Cincinnati / Northern Kentucky area?Sally: I came to the US after meeting my husband in England while he was flying in the U.S. Air Force. He was only there for six weeks then had to go back to the US. We carried on a very long-distance relationship then got married in my beautiful church in England in 1987. I then moved to the US, and we were based at Barksdale AFB. After leaving the Air Force, my husband went into the business world and that’s what brought us to West Chester, Ohio. We have lived here for 27 years and love it!\Claudia: My husband Stephen’s job brought us to Mason 10 years ago.\Alister: I originally came for a one-year research fellowship in Pulmonary Medicine at Cincinnati Children’s, but one year has now stretched into seven, in part because of the great opportunities I had to continue my research at the hospital.The Palace of Westminster contains the House of Commons and the House of Lords. I highly recommend going on a tour. -JayIf someone were planning a trip to visit the UK, what are some must-see things?Sally: You have to visit London! Nothing in the world compares to this city! Buckingham Palace, Horse Guards Parade, Tower of London, The Eye–the list goes on and on!London is incredible any time of the year, but summer is a fan favorite!The Cotswolds, where I grew up, is stunning! The stone cottages, gardens, scenery, small villages, and the area is also home to Highgrove House...(Left) Sally pictured in a garden. (Right) A garden in the Cotswolds village of Bibury is stunning.Cherington is beautiful and has [an annual show](https://www.cheringtonshow.com/post/come-one-come-all-the-unforgettable-cherington-village-show) in July, which I grew up looking forward to and would highly recommend.\I also love [Bourton-on-the-Water](https://bourtoninfo.com/), a stunning town with beautiful scenery and gift shops.Bourton-on-the-Water offers scenic waterway views and leisurely strolls.Other places are Cirencester, Bath, Cheltenham, Gloucester, and if you can make it to the coastline in the southwest, Cornwall is a beautiful area...\Claudia: A day hitting up all the main tourist attractions in London: Buckingham Palace, Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, London Eye, Millennium Bridge, and St. Paul’s Cathedral. We did this route walking last summer and loved it. There are lots of places along the river to eat as well.Claudia in front of Buckingham Palace.Check out a British seaside town. We typically visit Southend, as it’s closest to where my family lives and is known for having the longest pier in the world! There are plenty of wonderful beaches all over the UK with many in Devon. I’ve been to Woolacombe, Cornwall, and St. Austell. Brighton is supposed to be very nice with lots of good independent shops and restaurants. Also, Aldeburgh in Suffolk is great.Woolacombe in North Devon is breathtaking.The Harry Potter Studio Tour is amazing for Harry Potter fans. It’s where they filmed the movies and has loads of sets, props, and green screen special effects, plus a huge gift store! The tickets have timed slots, and it gets booked up in advance.Harry Potter Studio TourA few other honorable mentions would be Oxford or Cambridge to experience the history and grandeur of these ancient University towns. Also, Canterbury in Kent (my college town) has Canterbury Cathedral (the most important church in the Church of England) and a beautiful river.Canterbury in Kent welcomes many tourists every year with picture-perfect views around every corner.Alister: For someone interested in the outdoors, the Brecon Beacons in Wales is a beautiful mountain range to hike on. If staying in London, the Royal Albert Hall is an amazingly beautiful building and puts on a classical concert series every day in the late summer. You can get tickets ahead of time, or you can show up the day of a show to get cheap standing tickets.For getting a great view of the city from up high, visit the Monument to the Great Fire of London, which you can go to the top of for only a few pounds.Royal Albert Hall features a massive pipe organ.Whenever I visit a new destination, I love trying new dishes. What would you recommend?Sally: My favorite was always a Ploughman’s Lunch! It’s delicious local cheeses, crackers, and pickles.A Ploughman’s Lunch looks amazing!Claudia: You can’t beat most Indian restaurants. I love two restaurant chains: Wagamama, a Japanese canteen chain that features mostly curry and ramen, and Nando’s, which serves Portuguese Chicken. Also, fish and chips are a great comfort food.Claudia shares a classic English meal.I love going for afternoon tea. This one is the Alice in Wonderland-themed tea at the Sanderson Hotel in London. I can also recommend the afternoon tea at the Cafe Royal and The Berkeley Hotel.A sampling of Claudia’s Afternoon Tea Experiences.Alister: If in London, absolutely visit one of the Indian restaurants near Brick Lane. Also, everyone knows about fish and chips, but make sure you order curry sauce for the chips.Got any travel tips you’d offer someone who is visiting the UK for the first time?Sally: Driving can be tough due to being on the other side of the road. Also, once you get into the country, the roads are very narrow. There is a lot of public transportation to the larger cities, but a car is needed if you want to explore the beauty of the countryside.Driving on the left in a right-hand drive car can prove challenging at first.Claudia: Check with your cell phone and credit card providers to ensure that they will work in the UK. Take an international travel plug and use public transport. It’s generally cheap and efficient.Don’t forget to pack your travel power adapter plug!Alister: Most of the things someone would want to see, particularly in a city, can be visited using public transport; you’re unlikely to need a rental car for nearly everything. Also, for someone visiting London who wants to experience the passion of English football (soccer), English Premier League tickets can be hard to get, so I’d recommend going to see one of the teams in lower leagues (leagues like Championship, League 1, League 2), several of which have stadiums relatively close to the center of London.Emirates Stadium in London is the home of the Arsenal.Have you flown with British Airways? What’s the experience like?Sally: I don’t think I’ve ever flown British Airways, but I will now!\Claudia: Yes, I have flown with British Airways many times. I love it. The staff are always so welcoming and hearing their British accents makes me feel at home. The amenities and food are good. I especially like their chicken curry.\Alister: I haven’t had the opportunity yet but will definitely be using it in the future to visit family in England.British Airways’ friendly crew are ready to meet you!Thank you to our entire panel for the insight. I can’t wait to get back to London and am even more excited to skip the connecting flight on this trip and fly direct!Have a great spot in the UK I should visit? I’d love to hear all about it. You can reach me at @JayKruzOfficial on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/JayKruzOfficial), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/jaykruzofficial/), and [Twitter](https://twitter.com/jaykruzofficial).Let’s hop on a nonstop flight and have tea in London soon!- Jay

Sunset in beautiful Gdansk, Poland.Does it feel like everyone you know wants to plan a dream vacation to Europe? You’re not dreaming. According to KAYAK, people really want to grab a croissant in Paris or hear Big Ben ring out now more than ever. Searches for European flights by Americans are up 77% from this time last year. My wife and I have stayed in over 20 cities in Europe and have loved each and every trip.We feel blessed to have visited so many places in Europe and can’t wait to see more.I thought it might be helpful to answer some of the questions that we’re asked about most often when it comes to visiting Europe.I could spend all summer in the Gothenburg, Sweden archipelago.What keeps us coming back?1. The unique culture of each city and country. Although it’s roughly the size of the United States, there are about 50 countries and 24 official languages spread across the EU. You can hop on a train, and in just a few hours, you’ll have a completely new landscape, language, and culture. The [Schengen Area](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/schengen.html) makes it easy to move between 27 different countries without border crossings or checkpoints.2. The people. We have met so many incredible people in our travels. From tour guides to taxi drivers to t-shirt vendors, we love meeting new friends on our travels and discovering more about their daily lives.This sign in the Copenhagen airport sent you to either catacombs… or cotton candy.3. The history. Some of the most memorable meals we’ve ever enjoyed were in Barcelona, London, Bratislava, and Gdansk. There is so much we’ve learned about a country just from the food. From pierogies to paella, tapas to tiramisu… we always seek out an authentic meal wherever we end up.4. The food. Some of the most memorable meals we’ve ever enjoyed were in Barcelona, London, Bratislava, and Gdansk. There is so much we’ve learned about a country just from the food. From pierogies to paella, tapas to tiramisu… we always seek out an authentic meal wherever we end up.How about a pierogi sampler with microgreens in Poland?What’s the best way to get there?There are so many ways to get from CVG to your favorite European destination.- CVG offers two nonstop flight options: - [Delta](https://www.delta.com/) currently offers nonstop service to Paris. - [British Airways](https://www.britishairways.com/travel/home/public/en_us) nonstop service to London begins June 5.However, with just one stop, there are hundreds of cities you can visit from CVG:- [Air Canada](https://aircanada.com/) stops in Toronto on your way to a dozen European destinations.- [United](https://www.united.com/), [Delta](https://www.delta.com/), and [American](https://www.aa.com/homePage.do) offer one-stop service to hundreds of cities via connections at airports like New York-JFK, Newark, Charlotte, Atlanta, or Chicago.- [British Airways](https://www.britishairways.com/travel/home/public/en_us) can be your one-stop connection to London and beyond. Every major European city (and many smaller destinations) are just a short connection through Heathrow.History everywhere!Where should I go for my first trip to Europe?That’s a pretty big map with a lot of choices, right? Here are four ways to book a trip based on your personal preference:1. You have specific dates and want to see a specific country or countries.2. You want to see a specific country but can go whenever it costs the least.3. You have specific dates but are open to going wherever the fares are lowest.4. You are open to wherever the lowest fare takes you.I’d recommend hopping on [TripAdvisor](https://www.tripadvisor.com/) and clicking on “Things to Do” in each destination you might be interested in. It’ll help you get an idea of not only what to do but the best time of the year for that activity.A sunny day at a castle in Lithuania.How long should I go, and how many countries should I see on a trip?There’s no right or wrong answer. For a first trip, I generally recommend one or two destinations and about seven to 10 days. That’ll give you time to adjust to the time difference and recover from any jet lag. You may also consider utilizing one of the many train services that stretch across Europe, especially the high-speed rail lines. It can be a great way to add more cities to your trip.What a view! Riga, LatviaSo, I need a passport, right? How do I get one?Absolutely. Everyone, including your kids, needs a passport to visit Europe. There are three ways to obtain a passport:1. Routine processing: You apply, get your photo taken, send in the application, and wait.2. Expedited processing: All of the above, except you’ll get faster service.3. In-person at an agency office: If you want to travel within the next nine weeks, you’ll need to visit a passport agency office.More details can be found [here](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/get-fast.html).Didn’t think that all the way through. (Got very wet.) Barcelona, SpainThe State Department updates the estimated processing time for passports on [this website](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/processing-times.html).The current wait time as of May 1, 2023 is 10-13 weeks for routine processing and 7-9 weeks for the expedited option. For an expedited passport at an agency office, you must have international travel within 14 days.If you already have a passport, make sure it’s valid for at least six months after your trip. Check the expiration date carefully for each member of your family. Adult passports are generally valid for 10 years. However, children’s passports (under the age of 16) are only good for five years.We stumbled across a traditional dance competition and loved every minute.What’s your favorite country?It’s impossible to pick just one. We’ve loved something about every single place we’ve visited!So go on, book that next adventure! Keep an eye on my [Jay’s Deals] page for great international deals I’ve hand-picked for you.Always try the pink soup!Have a favorite Florida destination you’d like to share? Tell me all about it at @JayKruzOfficial on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/JayKruzOfficial), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/jaykruzofficial/), and [Twitter](https://twitter.com/jaykruzofficial).I can’t wait to see you on a flight to London very soon!-Jay