FREE Itinerary for a Week in Europe for London, Paris, and Edinburgh (Including a PDF, Cost Breakdown,& links to purchase!)

I am a planner. BIG time. I have no shame in ironing out every minute detail of anything I'm going to do - especially something big and expensive! This Thursday, my boyfriend and I are taking a trip to Europe for about a week and immediately I began planning.

 

And kept planning...

One kind of silly thing I am doing from all this planning though is creating laminated cards of each day's itinerary with hand drawn pictures of the sights. I hope one day my future children will find them and want to take the same trip Mom did and they'll have the exact itinerary down to the tube stops to do it. So, I thought, maybe other people might want something a bit more personalized and free to do the same?! Sure, you can pay to have a travel agent or you can do it yourself. Or you can wing it which can turn out to be a real adventure! But if you're a planner like me, save yourself the time if you like where we're going! I should mention the main reason we planned this trip is all the Harry Potter activities Europe has to offer. And I'm a yuge fan...yuge. So, if Harry Potter isn't your thing, feel free to take it out, however I encourage anyone to visit AND it only takes up a small portion of our trip. We're still visiting all the London sights, Edinburgh sights, and everything in Paris!

Here is the PDF of our itinerary. 

Click on the image to access the printable and editable PDF!

Here is a breakdown of the costs of each item. At the end of each cost is a link to where you can directly purchase the same vouchers or tours we did. Including travel in your cost with advance tickets is a lifesaver and necessity. We've done all the work for you! Please keep in mind that prices for activities and tickets change daily and sales are sometimes running so our cost may be higher or lower than what you see when you book your own trip!

Travel Expenses: All prices listed are the total for ONE PERSON except where noted

• $2.415.86 roundtrip with hotel for two people - Qbic Hotel purchased WITH flight through Expedia: https://qbichotels.com/london-city/gallery/
• $102.33 - Train from London to Edinburgh, Scotland: Virgin Trains East Coast https://www.virgintrainseastcoast.com
• $94 roundtrip - Train from London to Paris, France: Eurostar http://www.eurostar.com/us-en
• $48.61 - Oyster Card 1 week pass to ride the tube unlimited per day in zones 1 & 2

Attraction Expenses: All prices listed are the total for ONE PERSON

• $39.01 - River Thames Cruise with Afternoon Tea https://www.viator.com/tours/London/Thames-River-Sightseeing-Cruise-with-Afternoon-Tea/d737-3542AFTEA
• $120.76 - The Making of Harry Potter Studio Tour and Oxford Day Trip https://www.viator.com/tours/London/Warner-Bros-Studio-Tour-London-The-Making-of-Harry-Potter-and-Oxford-Day-Trip-from-London/d737-5528IFPOTTER
• $17.91 - Walking Tour for Muggles https://www.tourformuggles.com
• FREE - Walking Tour of Edinburgh http://edinburghfreetour.com
• $34.54 - The London Dungeon https://www.thedungeons.com/london/en/
• $18.44 - The Louvre Museum https://www.ticketlouvre.fr//louvre/b2c/index.cfm/home *If the site pulls up in french, change the language at the top right of the page. The first of three options (Musee du Louvre) is the option we chose.
• $14.86 + $1.57 to print at home - Musee D'Orsay https://musee-orsay.fnacspectacles.com/processreservation/disponibilite.do *This site is partly in French and I couldn't figure out how to change it though I speak some french so I navigated. To purchase simple day tickets, go to that link, type in the number of tickets you want, choose the "print @ home" option under the "Credit Card" section and click continue. The next page allows you to purchase ticket insurance. Click continue and make an account. It will walk you through the rest. Comment below if you have any trouble!
• $18.44 for adults ages 25+ to go to top floor/$11.93 for second floor - Eiffel Tower http://ticket.toureiffel.fr/index-css5-sete-pg1-lgen.html?_ga=1.2897141.453521011.1490493465 *Tickets for those aged 12-24 are cheaper!
• $40.60 - Paris Big Bus Tour with Seine River Cruise https://www.bigbustours.com/en/paris/paris-tour-tickets-and-passes/paris-bus-tour-tickets/?qty[adult]=0&qty[child]=0&focus=top-filter-form/ *Their bus tours change throughout the year so check and see what's available when you book.

A couple of things:

• We used Expedia.com to book our hotel and flight at the same time. I obviously can't guarantee matched prices for those things, however, if you go at certain times you'll get cheaper rates. We're going during spring break, April 1-9 which isn't really considered peak time for London. 
• The hotel we booked is called Qbic. I immediately fell in love with its modern and quirky mix of modern and minimalism. It's got amazing looking breakfast (will do a follow up post!) and is eco-friendly! Personally, I would recommend this place over a regular hotel because a) it's similar or cheaper in price and b) it's an experience in itself! Check them out at qbic.com
• We planned our days out based on our flight times and on spacing out heavy walking days with heavy travel days. Feel free to switch things around!
• Prices of any item listed may change at any time. 
• Purchasing advance tickets for attractions in France can be finicky. Make sure your bank doesn't have restrictions placed on purchasing out of country items. Also, if you plan on buying advance tickets for the Eiffel Tower, you need to get your tickets waaaaaay in advance. The Summit ticket (travel to all three floors) is booked up until May for us, so we'll have to buy tickets on site. 
• Again, lots of items on this itinerary are Harry Potter centered. I'm a huge fan and this is a dream come true trip for me. If you aren't keen on the series, substitute in another walking tour or show! Or just go get converted into a Potterhead - it's great. :)
• If you intend to go to The London Dungeon attraction AS WELL AS The London Eye, Shrek's Adventure, and/or The London Aquarium please note you can buy these attractions in packages and save money. We only went to The London Dungeon but if you have kids and want to work the strip and see all four of those attractions or even just three, they have money saving packages you can purchase here https://www.thedungeons.com/london/en/book-tickets/ticket-prices-and-offers.aspx or in person!
• We printed out every possible ticket, voucher, confirmation page, hotel itinerary, map, etc. possible for two reasons. 1) I don't believe you should rely solely on your phone for mobile tickets because you're going to be taking pictures and videos left and right. Don't get stuck out and about without your ticket. 2) Several places in London and France require a paper ticket over a mobile ticket. Carry a small, secure backpack or purse and take the day's activities tickets with you just in case.

I really hope at least one person finds this itinerary fun and useful! It's been months of excited planning and I'm 99% sure I didn't forget anything, but please let me know if you think of something else! With this itinerary, you should be able to take the exact trip we are and purchase everything with ease just by following the above information. A personal travel agent service for free! I'll be doing a follow up post when we return with pictures, reviews, and any changes I would suggest. 

If you have any problems or questions, let me know and I'll do my best to answer them!

With love, Jessica.

Harry Potter Silhouette Painting

Happy November Everyone!

I did this painting a bit ago actually but thought, with the holidays coming up, it might be a good gift idea for the special Harry Potter nerd in your life!

I've mentioned before I love DIY's that let me paint...and I may have mentioned I'm ferociously obsessed with my favorite wizarding world. ;) So, this was the perfect blending of my passions and I have to say, I love how it turned out! 

It was pretty simple. I started out by choosing my favorite HP quote that represented what I was going for:

"Let us step into the night and pursue that flighty temptress, adventure."

Next, I posed like the muggle I am with my personal wand straight from Ollivander's.

I don't have a picture of this next step, but I printed my muggleshot (get it? muggleshot? mugshot?) and used an exact-o knife to carefully cut out around my silhouette. I then laid it onto the lower corner of my canvas and traced it with a pencil and painted in the silhouette with black paint. Finally, I added some Potter-esque swirls coming out of my wand in what I hope channels a Patronus, and painted on my quote! Ta-da! 

I don't like my handwriting or spacing but I still love it. 

So, do you think you'll be making your own magical silhouette? Comment your painting below - I think this allows for so much creativity and I'd love to see what you come up with!

DIY Harry Potter Ornament Series Part 4: Winged Key, Quill, Sorting Hat, Nagini, Scabbers, Sir Cadogan

Hello once again!

If you've been keeping up with the craftin', we're on part 4 of my DIY Harry Potter Ornament series! See parts 1, 2, and 3 here!

These five ornaments took me around an hour or so to make. It was very enjoyable too because they involve painting, which is always my favorite way to transform a piece into something more recognizable. Now, onto the fun stuff!

First, The Winged Silver Key from HP&SS that Harry had to catch to advance in capturing the Sorcerer's Stone.

Next, a Quill used by Hogwarts students.

As you can see, this one is hardly a craft as it's mostly done for you. But quick and easy is always a plus in my book!

The Sorting Hat we all know and love!

1. Gather a black witches hat (this felt one was $1 in the doll section at JoAnne's) and brown paints.

2. Cut a wavy, worn edge onto the brim.

3. Glue over the tip of the hat to make it worn and floppy.

4. Using hot glue, "draw" on your highlight lines where the eyes, mouth, and creases would be.

5. Paint entire hat dark brown.

6. Paint in shadows with black paint and highlights with light brown.

7. Attach hook and hang!

Nagini, Voldemort's beloved horcrux.

Again, very simple. Just painting her black designs on.

Scabbers, the untrustworthy fat rat secretkeeper. 

Much like Nagini, just paint with as much detail as you like!

And finally, Sir Cadogan in one of his paintings!

Five more ornaments down, still like thirty to go and only 38 days till Christmas! Keep an eye out for more DIY ornaments coming soon!

DIY Harry Potter Ornament Series Part 3: Harry's Glasses, Wizard Money, Ravenclaw Diadem, Goblet of Fire, Triwizard Cup, Extendable Ear

Well, look at that. It's November! I am so sorry for my month long hiatus. I can't even say I know where the time went. At least we gained an hour this weekend, so yay sleep! Okay, down to business people because brace yourselves...

****This is going to be a LONG post****

This series contains 6 ornaments: Harry's glasses, Wizard Money, Rowena Ravenclaw's Diadem, The Goblet of Fire, The Triwizard Cup, and an Extendable Ear.

I'll also show you how I spent my Halloween weekend!

First up, Harry's Glasses

Rowena Ravenclaw's Diadem

Wizard Money

I am aware of the $ sign and lack of insignia of the real wizard coins, however, from a distance, the colors look very similar and I get the intended purpose of wizarding money. : ) 

Triwizard Cup

Extendable Ear

Goblet of Fire

To be honest, I didn't take pictures of the hot mess process because it was really trial and error. If you want to recreate it, I used the largest plastic funnel from a 3 pk funnel set from Dollar tree for the goblet, some leftover craft foam for the stone base and fire, and brown/gray/white/black/blue paint.

DISCLAIMER: I am no artist. I'm also broke. These ornaments are of my own creation and opinion and can be rudimentary, purposely inaccurate, or works of art. Point is, I'm making them for me so use your own creativity when making your own!

Now, if you'd like to know where I spent my weekend, I'll tell you. The First Annual Harry Potter CONjuration Convention! It was a three day convention in Atlanta covering all beloved series from Harry Potter to Doctor Who to Supernatural. There were musicians, improv/magic shows, vendors, celebrity guests, and many wonderful panels about everything magic! I highly recommend going next year! Visit their website and Facebook to find out more!

My cosplay as a Deatheater :)

Stepping in as Sirius Black

Look guys, I'm on a Chocolate Frog card! One of my finest achievements! ;)

Taking a magic carpet ride

Do you recognize this lovely lady? It's none other than young Lily Potter! Miss Ellie Darcy-Alden did two Q&A panels this weekend and was kind enough to sign autographs and take pictures. She's very grounded, sweet, and funny! This picture was taken in the vendor's bazaar area.

Maybe you recognize this man, too? He's Mr. Ken Spivey of The Ken Spivey Band! He did performances and ran several of the panels at CONjuration, including one about the science in Doctor Who versus the magic in Harry Potter! Incredibly knowledgable and funny man who will be seen next at Atomacon 2014! Check him out here!

Ok, so I PROMISE it won't be as long for my next post! Feel free to leave comments on what you think of these ornaments or CONjuration! 

See the first two parts of the series here and here!

DIY Harry Potter Ornament Series Part 2: Neville's Remembrall & Scuttling Spiders Scene

Welcome to the second installment of my Harry Potter Ornament Series!
To see the first installment with 3 more ornaments, click here!

This week I wanted to recreate Neville's Remembrall.
1. Supplies:
- clear ornament
- red ribbon (mesh is best for the smokey effect)
- gold paint pen/sharpie
-scissors

2. Cut a piece of ribbon that's about 12 inches long.
3. Fold the end of your ribbon to thread it into the ornament. Mine pushed in easily because it was wired ribbon, but you can use a pencil if yours isn't.
4. Use your gold marker to draw details. I drew a gold band around the middle at an angle.
5. Next I drew some gold dots to resemble the real Remembrall.
6. Done!

Scuttling Spiders Scene
I really got the inspiration for this ornament when I saw this pack of little spiders at Dollar Tree. Seriously, people that store is the shiz. You remember in Chamber of Secrets where the spiders run across the hall and out of the window? That's the scene I wanted to recreate. This is a long tutorial so forgive me.

1. Not pictured: cardboard, excato knife, hot glue gun

2. Draw a Hogwarts style window on your cardboard.

 3. Cut out with exacto knife.

 4. Brace cardboard by glueing on craft sticks.

5. Print picture of Forbidden Forest and cut to size.

6. Paint window with layers and foam to resemble stone.

 

7. Lay craft sticks in a tight row to form a "floor". Brace by glueing on two support sticks.

8. Flip over and use hot glue gun to draw on a brick/stone pattern.

9. Layer paint colors to resemble a stone floor.

10. Glue your picture to the back of the window.

11. Attach floor to window with hot glue and craft sticks for support. Glue on spiders to look like they're fleeing to the forest. Voila!

I hope you enjoy! Check out the first installment here!

DIY Harry Potter Ornaments Series: Acceptance Letter, Hogwarts Express, Ron's Howler

As you may have noticed in a recent post of mine, I've become preoccupied with making preparations for the holidays! Are you the person who slams their hands over their ears when Christmas songs trickle onto the radio mid-November?! Look no further, this post is not for you (unless you're willing to un-grinch yourself for some Harry Potter)! I'm a carol singing, Christmas in July celebrating, present planning, deck the hall-er who may or may not have a Christmas countdown app on her phone as we speak......

So! Here's to looking ahead just as the crispness of fall begins to cool off this hot Georgia heat. In case I haven't mentioned it before, I am obsessed with Harry Potter. Go ahead, ask me anything. I'm in Ravenclaw House, a proud Pottermore member, and have seriously considered enrolling at Hogwarts. (It's a real thing, look it up!) For the holidays I want to make a Harry Potter tree with all the DIY ornaments I can think of to adequately capture my admiration. I'll be chronicling how I make each of these DIY ornaments so that you can make them too! I'll try to do a couple each time because my list of ornament ideas is at about 54. Ha. Ha. Forgive me if some of these end up being a little rudimentary, I'm only striving to live up to my expectations which, with the time and budget crunch, may be a smidge low, ya dig? Here we go.

Harry's Hogwarts Acceptance Letter

This was super easy. When I went to WWoHP (see my trip here!), I received a parcel post with my itinerary inside. It's just a plain Potteresque envelope that I thought would work well as Harry's official acceptance letter. I simply addressed as it is in the book and voila! Easy as that! Seeing as not everyone went to WWoHP, make your own by folding a sheet of paper into an envelope. You can print a tan colored pattern onto printer paper or Hobby Lobby has parchment paper for 79 cents.

 

The (Wooden) Hogwarts Express
A rudimentary representation at best but it still makes me smile. I picked this wooden train up at the Dollar Tree. I used a gold paint marker to write on the name, number, and small details to make it look somewhat like its real life counterpart. It was already red and black!

 

Ron's Howler
One of my favorite parts of Chamber of Secrets is when Ron gets his howler. I'm sorry for the lack of instruction because I was really just winging it here. But my lack of expertise means you can totally replicate it! I just cut up a red piece of construction paper until it had the shape I wanted and taped it in place. I wrote out the howler contents on printer paper and used a scrap of red ribbon for the tongue. Teeth are printer paper.

 

As you can see, a four year old could make these. But that's the beauty of the books as well, they reach an astounding range of ages, young and old. If you want to add a little magic to your holidays with literally no budget, time, effort, or skill, these ornaments will be the easiest way to DIY it!