The journey begins before departure! (#2)

I don’t know if this is true for everyone, but for me, planning a trip is basically a vacation in its own right. Psychologists agree, apparently. They say trip planning is one of the most pleasurable parts of travel, and research shows that simply anticipating a trip can boost happiness and lower stress long before you even unzip your suitcase. Science says it’s good for me, so who am I to argue?

We booked our flights back in November 2025, locked in some fantastic accommodations in December, and now—somehow—we’re only three months away! Which means it’s officially time for the really fun stuff: day tours, theater tickets, and deep-dive research that may or may not involve Gary's iPad, my laptop, and both our phones working all at once.  (Oh, and I'm also listening to Edward Rutherfurd's enormous book, London, to get a bunch of historical background...Vikings, Romans, and more!). I have loved every second of our trip research. Honestly, it feels like our vacation has already started. (And it's not just me...Gary has been like a man-possessed recently as he does his research!)

I won’t give away everything just yet, but our lodging lineup deserves a teaser. We’re staying in a charming Victorian B&B in York, a perfectly located (and refreshingly affordable) Ibis hotel in Liverpool, a storybook-worthy cottage in the Cotswolds complete with a fireplace and garden, and a modern London flat in the South Kensington neighborhood with a slightly quirky feature you’ll have to wait to hear about.

We’ve had an absolute blast researching the best Beatles tour in Liverpool, debating which plays to see in London, and figuring out the perfect countryside day trip from York. We know Paris—and France in general—like the back of our hands, but England is a whole new adventure for us. And the more we plan, the more we learn… and the more excited I get. At this point, I’m not sure if I’m planning a vacation or already living it!

Some of the planning highlights so far have been:

• corresponding with the owner of the B&B in York.  She is absolutely delightful and always includes a photo of something in York and a brief weather report on the day she writes me. (my favorite was the large Christmas tree in the center of York)
  
  
  

• Nothing quite compares to the pure joy on Gary’s face when he began researching restaurants in York and discovered that practically everyone caters to gluten-free diners. (I'm talking separate prep areas, separate cooking equipment, etc to avoid cross-contamination).  I’m pretty sure that’s the exact moment the trip went from “vacation” to “best idea we’ve ever had” in his mind. (I'm starting to fear I may never get him to leave the UK to return home!) And please note the dual-handed iPad/iPhone situation he has going here as he peruses GF menus, maps, and who-knows-what else!

  
  
  

• Researching theater options in London has been a journey all on its own—and by “journey,” I mean a delightful spiral into extras we did not know we needed. We’ve narrowed it down to three shows (self-control was exercised), but one theater really stole the spotlight by offering add-ons you can purchase with your tickets. Because apparently just seeing a show isn’t enough anymore.

  You can opt for two double PREMIUM G&Ts (because one double would be uncivilized), or perhaps ice cream paired with a mini bottle of Moët champagne—you know, for balance. And of course, a program, because nothing says “cultured theatergoer” like sipping champagne while flipping through cast bios. Honestly, I went in expecting to choose seats and left wondering why every theater experience in my life hasn’t come with cocktails and dessert. London, you’re doing it right. 🎭🍸🍦