So. Much. Planning.

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

I seriously cannot believe that everything is comming together. omg. omgomgomgomg. It's a little bit surreal.

Either way, I finally feel like I can go ahead and start planning! Everything was kind of on hold for a while because I didn't want to go and pack everything up and book a flight before I heard back, but now, I can do just that!

It's probably good timing, too, since Air Canada and some of the other jets have started increasing their prices because of the rediculous cost of fuel. So, hopefully by the end of next week I will have a flight booked.

I just have something I want to think over, first. My original thought was to fly or take a greyhound bus to Toronto, spend a couple weeks visiting extended family there, then fly to London from Toronto, which would be cheaper. On the other hand, that does mean that I have to get everything packed and sorted before I go, then cart it around while I'm in Ontario - something I'm not so keen about anymore. I'm thinking I will book a ticket from Calgary, and then decide later if i'd like to visit family for a week or so before I leave.

Now the question is, when do I want to fly out? Ideally I'd like to have an apartment and be settled by October... but how much time should I give myself to find an apartment? That I'm not sure. I doubt i'd need more than 2 weeks to find an apartment - but i'd hate to book a hotel for 2 weeks only to find something the first day. Maybe I'll book something for 5 days or a week and see what happens.

I'll also need either a place with Wi-Fi or be in proximity to a cafe or something that gets Wi-Fi. This will be important in my search for an apartment.

The only problem I can forsee is a phone. I'm not sure if places like Virgin Mobile allow you to buy prepaid cell phones if you are a tourist. If they did, this will be ideal. That way people can contact me as well.

Omg. I am so happy. And overwhelmed, but mainly with happiness. Here we go!

6 comments:

Canadian Saver said...

Have you looked into apartments already? In my search for a Paris apartment for 2 weeks, I see so many of them available long term. I'm sure there are agencies in London that you could research online and even book before you left..........

We're also going to book our flight asap... fuel surcharges are going to increase so I don't think waiting for a seat sale is a good idea.

I'm so glad everything's coming together for you!!!

Anonymous said...

You should be able to buy a prepaid mobile phone. Why should they care if you're a tourist or not?

You should also check with your current cell phone carrier to see if they can "unlock" your phone. I have an AT&T phone which uses a SIM card. I could have had it unlocked and then bought a SIM in Manchester when I was there, then been able to use my phone.

I'm sure you'll LOVE being there, London is a great city!

Anonymous said...

While in Leeds, my sister used Linley & Simpson for her leasing company. I don't know if they do property in London, but you can give it a shot.

Canadian Finance Guy said...

If you have a Rogers phone you will be able to unlock it and use it in the UK. Telus, and Bell will not work.

Checkout some of my travel tips,

http://imwtff.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

If you have a triband phone, take it with you and get it unlocked and buy a pay as you go sim card- much cheaper.

Bouncing Back said...

I had a pre-paid phone from T Mobile when I was doing a lot of traveling in the UK a few years back. The only hitch I had at the time was I could not auto pay with my US credit card. I had to buy phone cards.

But as others have said, if you have a triband or even some dual band phones, you can use that with a SIM card.

Your plans are coming along just great.

You should check out Plonkee Money blog. She lives in London and maybe she can give you some help with ideas for housing.