Here's something completely different on
Getaway: four strangers, one van and five countries. Welcome to
Getaway's
European Road Trip.
For many, many years, young Australians have been saving their money for an adventure in the Northern Hemisphere. Some travel around, some find a place they love and stay and work for a year or two. Most eventually come home saying they miss Australia's beaches, climate and their family and friends.
We linked up with Gabriel, Eloise, Courtney and CJ, four young Australians, and followed their adventures, starting off in London, a city of must-see places.
Buckingham Palace
Home to Queen Elizabeth II, Buckingham Palace, in the heart of
London, was built in 1702. If the Union Jack is flying, you know the Queen is in residence.
The Changing of the Guard takes place in the palace forecourt at 11.30am every day in summer and every other day in winter. The New Guard marches to the palace from Wellington Barracks with a guard band. The Old Guard hands over in a 45-minute ceremony seeing sentries changed. The New Guard then marches to St James' Palace. Guards are dressed in traditional red tunics and bearskin hats and the ceremony is set to music.
From Buckingham Palace, it's an easy walk to the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Piccadilly Circus, St James' Palace, 10 Downing Street, the Thames and Trafalgar Square.
Big Bus Tour
This is a fantastic way to get your bearings in London. If you're there for a short time, a bus tour will let you see major landmarks. If you plan a longer stay, you will spot places you would like to visit later.
Tickets for the open-top bus are valid for 24 hours and passengers can hop-on and hop-off at more than 70 stops on two routes. Also included are some great guided walking tours and a river cruise. The ticket will also get you discounts at a range of bars and restaurants.
Campervan
There are countless options when it comes to hiring or buying a campervan. Do some research before you leave home to find people who have "been there, done that" and get some advice from them.
Ferry to the Netherlands
When they were ready to move on, the gang took a Stena Line ferry from Harwich, two hours from London to Hook of Holland. There are two crossings every day, so you can choose between day and overnight sailings. It journey takes a little more than six hours.
On board you will find two restaurants, two bars, shop and cinema and there are refurbished cabins to suit singles, couples and families.
