Costs

The cost for the trip is approximately $570 each. This includes van transport, accommodation, 2 meals at Nick's, and a 10% contingency. It does not include your flight. Any funds remaining will be returned. This is a non-profit trip and is considerably cheaper than one led by one of the for profit outfits.

Flights

The only airline which flies direct to Birmingham is Continental from Newark. www.continental.com. The cost is approximately $800 in June. This will increase according to your original departure city. There are two flights to Birmingham and one returning.

15 June 2006  Thursday

CO 26 Departs 8:50 PM  Arrives 8:40 AM  on Friday - cheaper

CO 32 Departs 7:00 PM Arrives 6:55 AM on Friday

25 June 2006  Sunday

CO 27 Departs 9:00 AM  Arrives 11:45 AM on Sunday

We suggest you make reservations as soon as possible. Let us know if you wish to make other arrangements to get to Birmingham.

Accommodation

We will stay in a rented house in either St. Davids, Newport, or Fishguard.. The size obviously depends on the final number of hikers. A house is much cheaper than staying in a B&B for a week. I will book the house when I have a good idea of the number of hikers. The house will be within walking distance of the village or town so anyone who doesn't want to hike can wander about the area.

Insurance

Check your health insurance to see if it covers overseas travel. If not you may want to purchase travel insurance. The AMC recommends Travel Insurance Select at www.tripmate.com. You can compare various travel insurance companies at www.insuremytrip.com.

Miscellaneous

If you are delayed call one of the following numbers:

Nick's house: 011-44-1922-629405   In UK 01922-629405

Nick's UK cell phone: 011-44-7711-071180    In UK 07711-071180

Roy's UK cell phone: 011-44-7792-491543    In UK 07792-491543

011 is the international operator and 44 is the country code for the U.K.

You can use your credit card to make a phone call at the airport.

Make a copy of your passport page. This will save you a lot of problems if you are unfortunate enough to lose your passport. Make sure your passport is not within 6 months of the expiration date.

When going through customs just say you are a tourist and give Nick's address as your destination on the landing form. Do not say you are with an organized group. They may think it is a for profit group and want to ask about licenses, etc. I once did this and endured a grilling before they accepted the fact that it was just a trip with friends. Nick's address:

Nick Clarke

7 Ravensdale Gardens

Walsall, West Midlands  WS5 3PX

The easiest way to change money is to use ATMs. They are everywhere and you get a good rate. You don't need to change money before you arrive.