Visit England's biggest city on a little budget and shave off those Pounds (Sterling) with savings suggestions for airport, sightseeing and local transportation.
With the Great British Pound (GBP or £) holding strong at 2:1 against the US dollar ($), families have every reason to look for ways to cut their costs. Here is a list of discount travel and sightseeing options put together by the FTF staff with the assistance of the British Tourist Authority, to help those who want to see London without shedding too many pounds.
1st Big Cost – Transport To/From London Airports
Heathrow Express is the fastest and most environmentally friendly alternative to the US$60-US$80 cab ride into the city, and a good deal for small families. Every 15 minutes, you can hop onboard the fast train from Heathrow, including its newest Terminal 5, for Paddington Station. The ride, which takes less than a half-hour, costs £14.50/adult (US$35) per person (reduced fares for kids ages 5 to 15; under 5 ride free) one way in Express Class if purchased online. Prices are higher for first class and if purchased at the airport or on the train. Ask at the airport ticket offices about Family & Friends Rail Cards for up to eight passengers; they can save up to one-third of the adult fair and 60% for children. Tickets can be purchased online (another 10% discount), over the phone, through hotel concierge desks, at a machine at Heathrow Airport, at Paddington Station, or at Bureau de Change locations and onboard.
The Gatwick Express is a nonstop train service every 15 minutes from Gatwick Airport to Victoria Station. The one-way ticket costs about £15/adult (US$30) per person in Express Class or £25.50/adult (US$51) per person in 1st Class, compared to the US$100 taxi fare. The trip takes about 30 minutes.
The Stansted Express is a train service departing Stansted Airport to central London's Liverpool Station, stopping at Tottenham Hale station. Because this hub for regional European carriers has become very popular, it's slated to expand by 2012 into an even larger air transport hub than Heathrow. The one-way express ticket costs £15.50 (US$31) and the trip takes 45 minutes, compared with a US$120 and 70-minute taxi ride. Ask about a Kids Go Free ticket, available for trips booked by 7/31/08 for travel by 9/30/08. With this ticket, children under 16 travel free when they are accompanying a fare-paying adult.
The new Dot2Dot shuttle service is now operating from Heathrow and Gatwick airports to Central London. The shuttle brings you from the airport directly to your door, and makes no more than three stops along the way. Prices start at £17.50 (US $36).
The Piccadilly Tube Line runs through the heart of the city directly to Heathrow, connecting the main airport with the rest of the London Underground or Tube system. There are daily trains every few minutes, and at a cost of £4 (US$8) per person (including kids). Though it takes about 50 minutes to or from Hyde Park Corner and can be very crowded, it is the best value for larger families. There are multiple Underground stations at Heathrow Airport, serving Terminals 1-3, Terminal 4, and Terminal 5.
For 2009, a London Taxi seating five will cost approximately US$80-US$120 from Hyde Park in central London, although the GBP:$ exchange rate may vary.
National Express Airport coach services economically connect seven major UK airports with towns and cities across the country. For example, you may take an National Express bus going to Victoria Coach Station from Heathrow, Gatwick or Stansted. It's good value at £4 (US $8) but the traffic can be challenging.
Sightseeing & Entertainment Savings in London
If you're going to tour the United Kingdom, you should consider taking advantage of BritRail Passes. You can explore great cities like London and Edinburgh as well as the beautiful countryside with the country's national railroad. If you plan your route ahead you may be able to take advantage of special savings on certain routes. Additionally, the England Party Pass offers a 50% discount to the third through ninth passengers traveling on the same itinerary with two full-fare adults, and children's discounts often apply. You may purchase these passes from a travel agent or from the website before you leave for Europe.
Whether you're touring by train or car, gain access to nearly 600 castles, stately homes and gardens in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales with the Great British Heritage Pass. The pass costs US$60 for four days, US$88 for seven days, US$117 for 15 days, and US$157 for 30 days and provides travelers with exceptional savings on admission to these historic attractions. Family passes are also available at $137 for 4 days, $187 for 7 days, $236 for 15 days and $235 for 30 days. Another perk of this pass is the opportunity to learn about the many historic homes and manor houses that rent rooms with breakfast at less than market rates. These can be quite a bargain for a grand countryside vacation.
Museum lovers should take advantage of the free admission at national museums and galleries in England, Scotland and Wales, a gift from the Royal Family to promote the arts for all citizens. In fact, there are 238 free museums and galleries in London, 11 in Scotland and eight in Wales, more than enough to keep the family busy.
The London Pass is a great way to save on local sightseeing, as most of the city's small off-beat museums are included in a one-price admission booklet. This link provides a coupon for 5% off the retail price of the pass if you use this code: londpas05 .
A full-day guided tour of London, including either the Changing of the Guard or a visit to Horseguards Parade, St. Paul's Cathedral and the Tower of London all await you on the London Day Tour. You get an experienced guide, a luxury air-conditioned touring coach, lunch, a cruise of the River Thames, all entrance fees, and a pickup at 40 London hotels. Day tours can be booked by your hotel concierge. As an alternative, consider the more casual double-decker London Bus tours.
Purchase a ticket valid for 24 hours and the entire family can hop on and off the Original London Sightseeing Tour's traditional red open-top buses. There are five tour routes covering the major sites, English-speaking guides or digital commentaries in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Japanese and Russian and, for the young and the restless, a "Kids' Club Commentary" and activity pack. These one-day tickets cost £22 (US$44) per adult and £12 (US$24) per child and also include a free Thames cruise and walking tour. Discounts are given for purchasing tickets online. "Family tickets" are also available and are valid for two adults and three children. For details, call them at 44/0/20 8877 1722.
Or if you would like to take care of your sightseeing tickets before you even leave home, go to visitbritain.com or call 800/462-2748 and purchase the Essential London Kit. For only $124, this city pass provides a combination of transportation and sightseeing in a convenient and affordable way. Included is a three-day travel London Card, one ticket to the London Eye and the Tower of London, as well as a ticket on the traditional double-decker sightseeing bus, a Thames River Cruise and two walking tours. The kit provides a savings of nearly $15 per person. It also comes with a "London Planner Guidebook," can be shipped to your home before departure to London and the price is also in American Dollars, not Pounds! Additionally, Visit Britain occasionally has special promotions on the Essential London Kit where it can be purchased for as low as $99 for adults and $66 for children. The Essential London Kit saves you 10% from the purchase of each ticket individually.
If you keep your eyes open, there are plenty of free sights to enjoy in London. Take the tube out to Abbey Road and get a family picture that mimics the famous Beatles' album. Watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, explore the Royal Parks of London, or watch the Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London (tickets for this event are free but need to be booked two months in advance). Many free events happen once a year, such as Proms in the Park (broadcasting Last Night of the Proms) or the Thames River Festival, complete with fireworks that will amaze the entire family. Grab a free copy of The London Lite to discover what's going on during your visit.
Don't miss a chance to enjoy London's famous theatre scene. There is a tkts booth in Leicester Square, which sells half-price tickets for West End performances on the day of the show. To see what's on offer, you can visit the Official London Theatre website or speak with your concierge. You'll have to get to tkts early to avoid disappointment; the booth is open from 10am-7pm Monday through Saturday and noon-3pm on Sundays.
Getting Around London Town
London has an excellent public transportation system, but single rides can cost more than US$4 depending on how far you plan to ride. With most programs, children up to 15-years of age can purchase a one-day travel pass for £1 if they are traveling with an adult who has a valid travelcard. Children under age 11 can travel for free at any time. Ask about The Underground's simplified new use-anytime Family Travelcard, available for up to 2 adults and 4 children. (Children may need to present photo IDs with their date of birth to qualify.)
The Transport for London Oyster Card is a new, refillable transportation option that allows family members to board any Tube, tram or public bus for a reduced fee. Basically, a “smart card” that tracks usage throughout the day while deducting charges, the Oyster Card works most economically if used after 9:30am, when rates revert to “off peak” hours. For example, hop on the Tube to the British Museum at 8:30am, and you can begin your day paying GBP4 fee for a single tube ticket, or start working on a £13 all-day ticket. Do the same thing 65 minutes later, and you’ll pay only £3.50 for a single ticket, and under £5 for an all-day ticket (meaning an unlimited number of on/offs with a maximum day-long charge of £5). The Oyster Card also offers 33% off River Thames boat services where kids under 5 travel free.
As the rates on classic black taxis continue to rise, many locals recommend minicabs, four-door sedans that may only pick up passengers if called in advance. They're quick to arrive and somewhat cheaper, too. Ask your hotel or restaurant to book it for you, or text: HOME to the Cabwise Service at 60835. This assures that one taxi and two minicab service phone numbers are texted back to your cellular for booking.
The London Pass offers sightseeing and transportation discounts. An offspring of smart card technology, it allows access to more than 50 attractions and the ability to beat the lines. The London Pass also saves waiting time because you have all your admission tickets in advance, and provides even greater savings if you purchase the "travelcard" option with it. The price for a one-day pass (with transport) is about £43 (US$86) per adult and £24 (US$48) per child ages 5 to 15.
Save on Hotels: Apartment Rentals in London
Apartment rentals are a great value in London, and last-minute apartment deals can be found online at Barclay International Group (800/845-6636). Visit their site for information on specific rates on the apartment, villa, cottage or condo of your choice and follow the links to learn more about London's various neighborhoods.
For more information and money saving tips, call the British Tourist Authority at 800/GO2BRITAIN or visit www.visitlondon.com.
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On January 15, 2015, Google announced that it would stop selling the Google Glass product to consumers — who became its “Explorers” — while it makes more improvements to the technology and hardware. Simultaneously, the product will move from its test phase at Google X and become its own department within the giant technology company.
For complete details, please see this story: Google Glass Sales Halted.
This is a great summary of emerging family travel trends in 2015. I am very excited to see ecotourism evolving to include the youngest travelers as well as multi-gen travelers. Very interesting to see uber attempt to dig into the family market. As for all-inclusive hotels, after years of resisiting, I am finally a convert. My kids have always loved them and now their parents finally see the ease and economy of the pay-one-price concept. Happy Travels in 2015!
great feedback on what we’re seeing for 2015; agree that ecotourism has become so mainstream that it’s time all ages and all abilities (including those with disabilities) are included in nature-focused travel.
And yes, disruptive technologies like uber and airbnb are usually started by young people and grow by appealing to young travelers, but as we all know, they too will settle down and have kids and then look at new ways to make their services more “family-friendly.” So that’s an area where we see tremendous growth potential and hope for fresh ideas.
excited about what’s coming in 2015! Thanks for your comments.
I’m in, would love to win a stay at the Camelback water park in Pennsylvania. Close to my NJ home and sounds like a fun snowy or rainy day break with my boys. Sign me up!
After returning from a vacation with her daughter, C.S. shared this review of the Dreams Punta Cana resort in the Dominican Republic.
“Hi, we did not get sick at Dreams Punta Cana, stuck to bottled water, they were nice there not really attentive at concierge or lobby not knowledgeable and internet not working well, entertainment was okay and food just okay beach nice, tours not organized very well for swim with dolphins and no shopping for malls provided.
Yes the food was not great at all, hoping for better at gourmet restaurants, they always burnt the steak and not great the food, the world café was fine, buffet.
Kids club for my 8 year old she was bored, most of the kids were younger and not a lot to do for the 8 to 9 year olds, riviera maya dreams does a better job with kids club and takes them out to the real pool for kid games that is always nice.
I like Riviera Maya Mexico still a lot better.”
“The Singing Tower.” Bok Towers Gardens. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 July 2014.
The Vera Bradley outlet sale sounds like a midwestern version on Filene’s Running of the Brides! It sounds like a paisley lovers dream and a fun Mother/Daughter bonding event. Thanks for sharing!
How’s the weather up there now? Would it be warm enough to swim outdoors in late April, or still chilly? Seems like a fun spring break getaway since we only have a few days. Thanks for sharing.
I love Rocky Mountain National park! It’s great for all Colorado seasons. In the winter, when other parts of the park are closed down, they open up sledding areas. When I went, we shared the hill with just one other small group. A great afternoon for all ages!
In spite of all the cold weather we have been experiencing, this story makes me want to head up to Montreal for a frosty weekend of fun. The Montreal en Lumiere festival sounds like a winner, as does the hotel. Thank you for the terrific seasonal suggestions!
Skiing is such a wonderful way to experience Colorado’s beauty! There is such pride in that state and I love that so many resorts really cater to children too.
Eldora Mountain Resort wasn’t mentioned on this list, but on Saturday, March 8, they are hosting a scavenger hunt to raise money for Leave No Trace, an organization dedicated to teaching people to take care of the world around them, while also having fun. How awesome is that?! Can’t wait to hear more about it.
This is an excellent article. Well researched, thoughtful and motivating. I know as a parent right now considering a family cruise this Spring Break in March, kids drowning will be on my mind even though my son is on a swim team and swims two miles five nights a week for practice. Drowning can happen to anyone, any time, at any age. As a former swim instructor and lifeguard myself for many years to earn summr spending money and put myself through college, I know how water is dangerous — whether in a pool, lake, baeach or bathtub. But we all need reminding and education about what drowning looks like. And that is what you’ve done for me today. Thank you.
As a teen life guard, I saved a kid at our local pool who was “just floating.” It was a crowded pool on a sticky, hot Midwest day. A swimmer in the middle of the packed giant kids’ pool started yelling at me and pointing to the child “floating.” I’ll never forget doing mouth-to-mouth, his wide vacant eyes, his limp body, and then him catapulting upwards, spitting, sputtering to life. I tear up as I write this. What if he hadn’t lived? The guilt, the fright, the parents, the park district, the system…who to blame if the child had died? Would I be blamed for not seeing him inactive sooner? Would the pool be blamed for allowing too many people in? Would the park district be blamed for booking the swimming event? Did anything change after this incident? Yes. I got fired. And went to work for another pool heading up their swimming lessons program.
Thank you for writing this and your call to action for everyone to take responsibility for children around water at all hours of the day and night. Your “unthinkable” article has given us all much to think about.
Would be a fun vacation if you could really save money by doing it too!
What an adventure, I would love to do embark on a journey like this with my teens. The flora and fauna seem incredible, the guides professional. Thank you for sharing!
We’ve heard the Boeing factory tour is really interesting – wondering now if there any exhibits or parts areas that relate to the new Dreamliner. Would love to see one up close, especially being assembled after all the battery snafus.
Wish we all could have been there, Morocco looks fabulous and during the winter it would be a very productive coder’s retreat.
Congratulations to ALL of the students who entered in the FTF Writing Scholarship contest :3 Of course a big "congrats" should be merited to our winners, but I think every student who entered deserves a pat on the back–hopefully they'll be inspired to continue writing, too!
This sounds like a great resort for my all-inlusive loving teen children, who have a " bigger is better" attitude. I love that it is so close to the Cancun Airport, so you can get right to the fun as soon as you land.
I love the idea that guests at the hotel can "assemble" their own favorite meals from a variety of healthy offerings. Sounds like a great idea. If only I had time to cook so many different options every night at home!
This looks like a fascinating experience to remember and to go too! I have always wanted to go to Dubai and going there is a vacation never to forget!
Enjoy
One of the best states to come visit!
You make me want to go there and spend weeks on end, reconnecting with nature and making friends. And blobbing too. Thanks for sharing this.
Cincinnati, Ohio. Just another city in the Mid-West, right? Wrong. Cincinnati is one of the greatest cities in Ohio. With our stunning river front view, our bustling downtown, and the newly gentrified Over-the-Rhine, what else could we have in store?
For starters, Cincinnati has the 7th best zoo in the nation.Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a great location for exploration and learning. People of all ages can appreciate the wide variety of animals found in the Zoo. Not only are the animals astounding, but guests get the chance for a hands on experience with many of the animals. For example, in Giraffe Ridge, guests can purchase a snack for the Giraffes and then feed them over the balcony. These moments will be remembered and cherished for the rest of a person's life.
Another great accessory Cincinnati has is the new, urban planned area called "The Banks. The Banks features apartments on the second floor of the buildings and restaurants and music venues on the first floor. This is a great area for younger couples to hang out at night.
Findlay Market is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon or weekend. Findlay Market is the oldest public market in the state of Ohio. The market is open every day but Monday and is one of the best places to find locally and organically grown foods. Another great feature about Findlay Market is that the area surrounding the market is newly gentrified, meaning that it has been refurbished. This makes the area even more desirable.
The Newport Aquarium</a>is not located in the city of Cincinnati itself but it is an awesome place for family fun. Newport, Kentucky is only a 10 minute drive from downtown Cincinnati and has other amenities. Other places to visit while in Newport would be Dewey's Pizza, Brothers, Brio, and the Haufbrau House. All these restaurants give a different essence to the name "Cincinnati". Dewey's is a local pizza joint that runs the gamut in available options. Clever names and quick service make for a great time. Brothers and Brio are Italian restaurants that serve authentic Italian cuisine (Brothers is the less expensive option). The Haufbrau House is a German Bier Garten style restaurant that offers a large selection of beers and sandwiches. Along with normal options, the HaufBrau House also provides authentic German food. After you eat, the chicken dance is played, giving patrons the opportunity to dance on the table tops.
Other Cincinnati food traditions are Goetta and Skyline. When German immigrants came over to America, they settled along the Ohio River, then called the "Rhine". The Germans created a meat similar to sausage called Goetta. Goetta consists of ground pork or beef, oats, and a variety of spices. This specific meat can only be found in Cincinnati and occasionally there are large festivals for Goetta and German heritage. On the other hand Skyline is chili, created by Greek immigrants. The name "Skyline" originates from the owner believing that the Cincinnati skyline was the most beautiful he had ever seen. Skyline chili has a unique flavor due to the large amount of chocolate used in the chili.
Come one come all! Memphis is the breeding grounds to fun and adventure!
I truly love my City of Houston. Though I don't know where my education will take me, Houston will always be my home.
Austin is a great place to live, love, and visit. It has wonderful sites, people, and things to do. Everybody should visit Austin.
Say what you will. An open mind is insightful.
Thank you for this spot-on mini-review of Greve and Panzano, two of the most scenic and charming towns in Chianti. Daniel Ferro's summer music program only adds to the area's beauty, with music in the piazza to entertain locals and visitors alike. The rental property sounds like an excellent choice for families who choose to vacation in and explore the area. Thanks for sharing!
Ames, Iowa provides many opportunities to experience American culture and become immersed in American history. Since the mid 1800s, Ames has become a booming college town. Culture has had lots of time to flourish in this time, and evidence of the age of this town can be found everywhere. Tourists coming to Ames can also feel safe and enjoy Ames' attractions without fear of crime. Gun fights in Ames are practically unheard of, and the friendly people never hesitate to wave, even at newcomers to the area. Any tourist can appreciate the age and personality of Ames, as well as its safety.
To experience the culture in Ames, tourists must visit Stephen's Auditorium on Iowa State University's campus. This theater hosts a variety of concerts, plays, musicals, and other theatrical performances. Comfortable seating and awesome acoustics make this location a worthy contender for a relaxing night out. Big acts such as Bill Nye the Science Guy and the band Needtobreathe have to known to reserve this venue so one feels included in a special and popular event, but the space does not have an overwhelming size, so overcrowding and overheating will not deduct from the experience. Stephen's Auditorium will help in discovering the culture of Ames.
Tourists wishing to discover some of Ames' culture would greatly benefit from attending Ames' Farmer's Market on Saturdays on Main Street. Vendors have local and homegrown produce, meat, eggs, pastries, jewelry, art and many other items for sale that offer a taste of Iowan culture. Musicians often perform for shoppers, so they can be entertained while shopping. Ames' Farmer's Market provides an excellent opportunity to experience the culture of Ames and Iowa.
Evidence of Ames' history can be found in a visit to Iowa State University's campus. Founded in 1858, Iowa State University was the sight where George Washington Carver decided to do much of his botany research. Visitors to the college will see evidence of the age of this college in the buildings from this era that still exist. Iowa State University also housed the master minds who created the first computer. Tourists to Ames can take a trip to Durham Center in Iowa State and view the replica of this first computer. Main Street offers a taste of history also. The buildings in this area of Ames give a taste of what architecture looked like back in the early 20th century. A mural on Main Street depicts some of the founders of Ames. History holds great importance in Ames, and tourists can experience this without too much trouble.
To curb tourist's hunger, Ames offers many excellent places for dining. No tourist should visit Ames without eating at Hickory Park. This restaurant is famous not only for its deliciously moist chicken but also its tangy barbecue sandwiches. After the main meal, enjoy sweet and creamy ice cream. Dublin Bay offers wonderful Irish cuisine for tourists to enjoy. Try the moist Shepherd's Pie with perfectly salted fries for contentment. For fans of Mexican food, El Azteca guarantees friendly service, free chips, and delectably flavorful food. Many restaurants with amiable service and food that delights the taste buds are available for hungry tourists.
Though a relatively small town, Ames offers visitors a chance to learn about the history and culture of not only Ames, but the state of Iowa without fear of crime. Numerous attractions exist for this purpose. Visitors can also talk to the mayor of Ames, Ann Campbell, about the culture of history of Ames. City council members happily will answer questions from tourists. Tourists will not be sorry for visiting this town.
Northern Nevada never stops to amaze.
Sunday River has been on my radar for a potential family ski trip for quite a while. This story is so loaded with good information, it seems like it is worth the extra time spent in the car to ski at such an excellent family resort. Thanks!
Wow, this sounds likea great merging of chocolate and history, two of my favorite subjects.
I am looking forward to experiencing this for myself, thank you for the informative post.
I love this post so much! I hope I will come here one day!
This is a terrific article that I am so glad to have read. I didn't know there was a car-free way to appreciate the beauty of the Grand Canyon. Sounds like a fun, scenic and eco-friendly option.
Your essay moved me to tears. I am also a finalist in the scholarship and I wrote about visiting Poland’s concentration camps. I would love your opinion on my essay.
I wrote this essay hoping to bring people closer to understanding, as close to understanding as we can get. I want to share an experience that had an impact on me. This trip truly changed me, and what I want do with my life. I suggest if you have the means or are able to visit Poland or go on March of the Living. I know there are teen and family trips with BBYO.
Thank you so much for what you said. I truly appreciate what you said. I also visited the picture of your family. Your family is beautiful and I am so glad that they were able to make it through such a devastating time.
I loved reading about your romantic return to what sounds like a beatiful and vibrant island. Thanks for sharing some of its treasures.
This is a great story, thank you for sharing the glories of Octoberfest in lesser known Nerumberg. My mouth was atering reading about all of the regional delicacies that accompany the beer!
Oh goodness, this is so sad! Thanks for sharing all of this information, a lot of these things I did not know until just now. We're taught about the Holocaust at school, but I'm sure that there is nothing like actually being at a concentration camp to understand how it actually was. Thanks for sharing.
wow! This sounds like such a wonderful experience. I'm sure it was very enlightening, and it really makes me happy to read that last paragraph. I think it's beautiful that you see things that way, and I hope to some day personally come to that realization through my own experiences. Thanks so much for sharing this.
Hi Debbie,
You will want he Medical Authorization Form from each child's parents with a photocopy of their insurance card.
Then you can use the last form which is for group tours, school outings etc. It is fine for domestic travel, Include travel info for each child so that parents assign you guardianship for certain period of time only.
Get these forms notarized. Make several photocopies in case an adventure tour operator wants to keep one. Or, if you all travel on same flights, get one long form, like a petition, and be sure both of each child's parents or guardians sign it.
You should be fine with it. Does the hotel know? Many states say it is illegal for a minor to occupy a room without an adult present. You may need connecting rooms guaranteed.
Enjoy the trip and write about what you did!
JaguarZ writes to the Admin with a very good question:
I will be traveling to Hawaii, originating on the eastcoast, with 4 minors (only 1 is my child) – they will all be 17 at the time of travel. I need to be able to "act as their guardian" — for example, sign waiver forms for activities, seek medical coverage if necessary.
I found a form or two on the site, but they seem geared toward international travel and do not seem to include the ability to "sign the waiver forms" I mention above. Any suggestions? I realize I may be able to get some of these forms signed before we leave, BUT for those activities they decide on when we are there — H E L P!
Thank you so much for your anticipated support
Debbie
This is really incredible. It is a dream of mine to visit Alaska, and I hope that if I ever do get to go, that I can experience what you did. My dad and I are avid kayakers, so it was somewhat relatable, although I doubt that Miami waters are NEARLY as cool (haha) as those in Alaska.This truly sounds like the trip of a lifetime.
I wanted to add that I loved the way you described everything, it was so beautiful and real.
Aw, I'm so sorry that happened to your dad but I'm glad something good came out of it. My family was actually planning on going to Gatlinburg next summer but we're all way too chicken to do this white water rafting haha. Thanks for sharing this.
Thank you for sharing this! That sounds like a truly beautiful experience. I love the bit about never underestimating yourself the most, very true.
*2009 not 2008
This is about my trip to South Dakota.
This trip was indeed and enriching expreience.
If you copy and paste the URL at the bottom of the post into your browser, it will take you to a video clip of the event, and if you skip to the last 12 seconds of the video you will see myself and one of my good friends sprinting in to the finish. We ended up tieing for 9th place.