Tips and Advice

_{Website and agencies legitimacy}

Before booking your trip away, it always best to do some research to check if the website or agency you are booking with are legitimate and reliable. Sometime there are website and agency that’s look professional but turns out to be a scam. We would hate for you to be in that situation, if you are unsure about the travel website or agency please feel free to check with us.

When looking at website and agencies online there are checks you can do to satisfy yourself that they are genuine and can assure yourself that they provide a good service:

See if there are any reviews and read what the reviews are like. Positive? Negative?
Ask your friends/classmates/colleagues/staff if they have used that company before
Check if the company website has a legitimate address and phone number
Check if they are ATOL protected (ATOL: Air Travel Organiser’s Licence)
Are they a registered company? Check through here
Check how the company accept payment, does it look odd to you?
Read the Terms & Condition/policy page, we know it can be dull, but it is important to read it.
If still unsure and want to double check, please feel free to contact us.

_{Vacation period and Sunday Impact}

The Easter, Summer and Christmas break tends to be the busiest time of the year for attractions. If you want to go to a popular attraction during those time of year, plan and book tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. For instance, if you would like to see the New Year fireworks in London, you would need to purchase tickets months in advance.

Public transport and shop times may make some changes during those time of the year, especially during Christmas. However, they will announce the changes in advance.

Sundays and bank holidays: Bank holiday tend to be similar to Sunday times. Some shops may have different opening and closing times. There may also be reduced frequency of public transports.

_{Annual travel cards that may you want to consider purchasing}

	Reading Buses Students can purchase a ‘Boost’ or ‘SimplyUni’ card for cheaper fares for travelling around Reading and coming to campus. This include mature students, any students who are a full time University of Reading student who has a valid student ID card, are qualified for the ‘Boost’ card and ‘SimplyUni’.
	Family & Friends Railcard The Family & Friends railcard takes 1/3 off rail fares for up to 4 adults and 60% off for up to 4 children’s (between the age of 5 and 15). The railcard can be under 2 adult names, making it more flexible with usage. The railcard is useful to have if you plan to travel by train frequently with your family and aim to go to some tourist attractions. As the railcard always have various offers for attractions, lifestyle and entertainment such as theatre.
	National Express National Express coaches are often cheaper than trains, but the journey can be longer. However, they often have offers to particular events, along 2 for 1 attractions and discount in certain restaurants as well.
	Children travel in London Children’s under the age of 5 travels for free in all types of transport in London, however from age 6 onwards, you may be required to pay for some transport (check with the transport company). The link above, will provide you information on what age will be required to pay for what transport and whether they qualify for a Zip Oyster Photocard.
	Oyster card The Oyster card is used in London to make paying for public transports easier and cheaper. Saving time purchasing individual tickets and reducing paper usage. You can purchase an Oyster card either online, at underground stations or at Heathrow airport.
	2 for 1 If you are travelling by train to an attraction, you may be able to get 2 for 1 (2 tickets for the price of 1), on that attraction and sometimes they have family offers too. On the webpage it will show you a wide range of offers to attractions around the UK and some restaurant offers. There is a large selection of offers for London area such as to The Coca-Cola London Eye, The London Dungeon, Kew Gardens, DreamWorks Tour Shrek’s Adventure, Sea Life London, etc. For more information, please click on the link.
	Blue Peter Badge Blue Peter is a British children’s TV programme that covers a range of topics and entertainment such as baking, creativity, games, history, learning new skills etc. This popular TV show has been around since 1958 and has a Blue Peter Fan Club where children from the age of 6 to 15 can apply and receive one of their badges. The badge will provide the child free access to over 200 Blue Peter Badge Attractions.
	Merlin Pass The Merlin pass gives you access to 32 of UK top attractions such as Thorpe Park and The London Eye, depending on the pass you purchase you may receive discount to some international attractions. The pass also provides discounted entry for family and friends, should you wish to bring them along to your trip. You can purchase a family pass for the year, which gives you access to array of attractions that are suitable for all ages and sometime discounts perks at the attractions itself. Children’s over the age of 12 are counted as an adult. Merlin pass are useful to have if you plan to go to a lot of the top attractions already and want to treat your child to a day out full of fun. At certain time of the year, there are offers for the Merlin pass which is worth having a look.
	Vue Mini Mornings Every weekend and during the school holidays, Vue cinema provide families with a discounted cinema experience. The Mini Morning starts from 10am and tickets will cost only £2.49p per person, the films will change throughout the year, please check in advance to see what films are available during the time you want to attend Mini Mornings.
	National Trust The National Trust is a charity that keeps unique and historical places alive, giving people the opportunity to explore the nation’s heritage and develop their knowledge. The trust looks after properties around the UK and Ireland, where you can even make a holiday out of them. For instance, the trust has cottages that can be rented out for families or groups of friends to stay for few nights. Being a trust member, it entitles you to free entry to over 500 places, magazine subscription, holiday ideas to help plan your visit and more. The trust membership can be purchased for the year or monthly basis. If you like historical places and aim to visit some whilst you are here in the UK, you may want to consider becoming a member. You can see their destinations on their website.
	Additional Destinations RUSU and the Chaplaincy organise trips that you may be interested in. For more information on what is available, go to their website below. RUSU Chaplaincy

2 for 1

If you are traveling by train to an attraction, you may be able to get 2 for 1 (2 tickets for the price of 1) for that attraction. On the webpage it will show you a wide range of offers to attractions around the UK and some restaurant offers. There is a large selection of offers for London area such as to The Coca-Cola London Eye, Tower of London, Kew Gardens, Kensington Palace, London Zoo, etc. For more information, please click on the link.