Hello everyone. I have been on hiatus with my travel blogs for a long time and of all the travels I must put here into writing, it must be our 2022 Europe trip. So please bare with me while I chronicle what I should have done exactly a year ago. You know, I wanted to savour the moment and just enjoy, so I didn’t really post much then, but more on Instagram Stories and a couple of posts. And when I got home in Manila, anxiety and depression kicked in. So..

Catch my London, Isle of Wight, Scotland and Paris posts, blogs, reels and hopefully vlogs as I bring you down to memory lane.. hopefully it doesn’t just end in our memories but hopefully a repeat in the nearest future. Cocobear, this is for you.
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I wanted to go to US because that was what’s on my mind since 2020. If you remember it, we were supposed to fly to New York on the 27th of March 2020 and celebrate Coco’s birthday there. But 12 days before our flight, it was the lock down due to Covid-19. My mind was programmed to booking a flight to New York, but my mom and Auntie Grace encouraged me to just go with them to UK. I wasn’t that ready yet. It was a good idea though, especially for Coco. But I realized it was now or never. So we sealed the deal when we booked our UK Visa appointment early October. Coco and mine’s UK Visa was released exactly 3 weeks after while my mom’s was released around 10 more days after.

As soon as we got our UK Visa in November, we booked our flight via Etihad Airways. We booked our flight directly on their website after so many contemplations as we were also looking into the flight with Emirates. We chose what was cheaper and with less layover time. That very same day, I started booking an appointment for our Schengen Visa. I really had a hard time booking it that’s why we were a little short in time, but we still pushed through with the application.

It took a while before we were able to book for our Schengen Visa with France Entry as we had problems with paying for our appointment that we ended up booking through a travel agency. Mind you, few days before our flight, we still don’t have our passport back from VFS Global. We were so stressed already as we don’t know when we will get it and we don’t know how to contact VFS then. But God is good, He made it possible. It was really meant to be.

My mom got our passports with Schengen Visa exactly 12 hours before our midnight flight. At this very moment, exactly a year ago, we were aboard Etihad Airways EY421, going to Abu Dhabi. It was a 9 hours and 35 minutes flight. We left Manila at 12 midnight of December 6 and arrived Abu Dhabi at 6AM.

But first, before we board, we first passed time at Marhaba Lounge. We always stay at that lounge when we are in Terminal 3, thanks to our American Express Credit Card, which allows 1 companion each. Needless to say, I was able to savor my favorite arroz caldo before we leave Manila.

I wasn’t able to request for kid’s meal for Coco as you have to do that at least 24 hours before the flight, good thing I have lots of snacks for him and the food from the lounge as well, since I know it would be a hit or miss for him when it comes with kid’s meal. He was able to receive a kiddie activity pack though. Upon arrival though in Abu Dhabi at the check in counter, I was able to request a kid’s meal for Coco not only for our next flight, but also for the flight back to Manila. Note that we didn’t need to check in again, but I just asked help regarding the kid’s meal. We went through the security check and to our Boarding Gate.

We have a layover of 5 hours and 10 minutes at the Abu Dhabi Airport, so we just stayed at our Boarding Gate. Coco and my mom went around, he was able to eat some nuggets at Burger King. I went to the restroom, which was a little far from each boarding gate. WIFI wasn’t a problem, but sockets for charging were. There weren’t any in the Boarding Area, but outside in the corridor are booths were you can charge. It has around 4-6 sockets per booth. The booth aren’t a lot and most of the sockets weren’t working.

We boarded our plane EY 25 to Heathrow, London before our 11AM Abu Dhabi time flight and arrived Heathrow Airport, London 7 hours and 40 minutes after (2:50 PM in London). Auntie Grace, my mom’s youngest sister, would meet and welcome us at the arrivals area. She arrived a few hours earlier than us. We last saw her in April 2019, when my grandfather passed.

We waited for our car rental (probably around £80-100) which was pre-booked by my Auntie Maggie for us. The car would bring us to Portsmouth, which was a 2-hour drive from Heathrow. We were dropped of at The Hard Interchange for us to ride a ferry going to Ryde, Isle of Wight, our first destination. My mom’s second sister, Auntie Maggie and Uncle Arman lives in the Isle of Wight. As of press time, both of them have retired already and arrived Manila in September, enjoying time with their children and grandchildren.

We finally arrived EUROPE. I couldn’t help but pinch myself to confirm the surreal realization of a cherished dream I never dared to envision as a tangible reality.

EXPENSES | 2022

I will update this once in a while as I haven’t done the other blogs.

Etihad Airways Round Trip Ticket
2 adults USD 1036.50 each
1 child USD 734 .20
UK Visa
Schengen Visa
Travel Insurance
Car Rental from Heathrow to Gunwharf

Here is a list of things to prepare pre-flight to the United Kingdom:

Essential documents:

• Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date from the UK.
• Visa: If applicable, check the UK visa requirements for your nationality and obtain the necessary visa before traveling. You can read my UK VISA blog here.
• Travel insurance: Protect yourself against unforeseen circumstances by purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, trip cancellation, and lost luggage.

Travel itinerary and arrangements:

• Flight tickets: Confirm your flight bookings and have your e-tickets or printed copies readily available. If you are also flying through Etihad Airways, don’t forget to request kid’s meal at least 24 hours before the flight (if you are with child).
• Accommodation: Plan your accommodation in advance, whether it’s hotels, hostels, or Airbnb rentals. Make reservations and keep confirmation details handy.
• Transportation: Research local transportation options and consider purchasing travel passes or arranging car rentals if needed.

Packing essentials:

• Clothing: Pack versatile clothing suitable for the UK’s varied weather conditions. Include layers for different temperatures, waterproof outerwear, and comfortable shoes.
• Toiletries: Pack essential toiletries in travel-sized containers to adhere to airline regulations. Consider bringing reusable items to minimize waste.
• Electronics: Bring any necessary electronics, such as chargers, adapters, and a power bank. Check compatibility with UK voltage standards. I also got myself a sim card that I was able to use for a month – Purchase a simcard here.
• Medications: If you require prescription medications, carry them in their original packaging with a doctor’s note.
• For Kids: Prepare snacks for your child, especially if they are a picky eater. Prepare some toys, books, and even a tablet to keep the long haul flight more enjoyable for them.

Additional considerations:

• Currency exchange: Familiarize yourself with the UK currency (pounds sterling) and consider exchanging some money in advance for initial expenses.
• Language: The official language in the UK is English, but other languages are spoken in various regions. Learn basic phrases to enhance your interactions.
• Cultural sensitivity: Respect local customs and traditions. Be mindful of dress codes in particular places and avoid disrespectful behavior.

Pre-departure procedures:

• Check-in online: Utilize online check-in services offered by airlines to save time at the airport.
• Arrive early: Allow ample time for check-in, security screening, and potential delays.
• Declare prohibited items: Be aware of restricted items and declare them appropriately at customs checkpoints.

Remember to stay informed about any travel advisories or restrictions. Have a safe and enjoyable trip to the United Kingdom!