January is the best time to hit the shops in London, when retailers from Harrod's to Doc Marten's to Burberry hold their biggest sales of the year. Discounts as much as 60% on good, solid British items (English china and woolens come to mind) can earn your travel money back if you find enough bargains.
Starting from $499, Virgin Vacations will fly you out of New York, Newark or Boston to London on January 16 to take part in its "Shopping Fling" promotion. That low base-price gets your airfare, six nights' accommodations in the Westbury Hotel near the Earls Court Tube stop, roundtrip transfer to and from the airport, breakfasts and a £25 gift certificate to Harrod's to whet your consumer's appetite. As with all their packages, Virgin throws in maps, their own city guide and a variety of discount coupons. The price is per person based on two people traveling together. You'll return on January 23.
Expect to pay an extra $99 in taxes and fees. Additonal departures are available out of a multitude of cities to many to list here. Supplemental costs for these gateways range from $70 to $350. Complete details, including a list of those other gateways, pictures of the available hotels and more can be seen here. www.virgin-vacations.com/LONFLSS.ASP.
To speak with someone from Virgin Vacations, phone them at 888/YES VIRGIN (same as 888/937-8474) Monday through Friday at 9 to 9 or weekends 10 to 6, all times EST.
To get even more savings, be sure to reclaim the steep 17.5% Value Added Tax you pay on goods you purchase. Click here to learn more about the VAT in our online coverage of London.
Europe Express, based in the Seattle area, is renewing two of its most popular packages, London Winter Supersaver and Paris Winter Special, as well as lowering the prices, allowing you to take a six-night break in either European capital from prices as low as $399.
That's the price out of New York City to visit London, with six nights lodging there, daily continental breakfast, hotel taxes and service charges included. Prices are per person, double occupancy, and do not include airline XXX and weekend surcharges. Space is subject to availability and certain restrictions may apply.
Out of Washington, D.C., the price is $449, out of Chicago, San Francisco or Los Angeles $599, and from Seattle it's $649.
For their Paris Winter Special, the prices are, respectively, ex New York City $499, out of Washington DC and Chicago $599, out of San Francisco, Los Angeles and Seattle $699.
For more information and reservations, contact Europe Express at 800/927-3876 or visit www.europeexpress.com.
