One of the top cities to visit in the UK is London. The city has countless attractions, including museums, luxury brand shops, popular restaurants, various entertainment districts, famous theatres, a range of spas and a vibrant nightlife. If you are planning a vacation to this city, then planning your itinerary is not easy. This blog covers the essential travel hacks that you can follow to make your trip more enjoyable.
Tips for a London trip
- London draws travellers all year round, but you should try to avoid the summer months of July and August as the city overflows with tourists. Avoid school and bank holidays as London is a popular family destination. During this time, there are long lines, and the attraction can become hard to enjoy. You should book tickets for the shoulder season, which is from September to mid-October and March to the first half of May. During this time, the weather is pleasant, the city is less crowded, and things are affordable.
- When you book flight tickets, you will find that London has six airports. If you are coming from overseas, Heathrow or Gatwick will be the best choice. If you are travelling from Europe, then Luton and Stansted will be a good choice. British Airways serves 170 international destinations, and you can easily fly via this airline.
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- London is a big city and offers several options for accommodation. The area or neighbourhood you choose to stay in is important. If you are interested in sightseeing. entertainment and shopping, then you should look for accommodation options in Central London or the West End. In the West End, you will find popular restaurants, pubs and nearby transportation.
- Regardless of which season you visit London, you should pack smart casual clothes and a jacket or fleece for the night. You will need good attire for a night out, plays, dinners and more. For the shoulder season, you will need warm clothing, seasonal accessories like scarves and a hat, along with a pair of comfortable waterproof shoes. Light rain can happen anytime in London, and you will have to carry a raincoat or an umbrella. By preparing in advance, you can go about your trip as planned.
- Get an eSIM and ensure that you have an international data plan, as getting access to the internet in London is helpful. Many restaurants and pubs offer a menu on the QR Code, and you will need Google Maps to find your way. An eSIM is an embedded SIM and is cheaper than roaming. You can get access to data as soon as you reach your destination. While in London, you should get an Oyster card to pay for your transport, like buses, trains, river buses and the tube. The card can make travelling in London easier and is a more budget-friendly option.
- When strolling in London on foot, you should follow the walking etiquette rules. There are 30+ rules, and you should know all of them. You should keep to the left while walking, match pace with other pedestrians, stay at a reasonable distance from the curb, look out for oncoming traffic, and obey pedestrians crossing traffic lights and more.
- Another important tip is that you should get a travel-friendly credit card. In London, you will rely more on the credit card than on cash, as London is fast becoming a cashless city.
- One of the hacks to make the most of your trip to London is to book everything in advance. This way, you will not have to wait in long queues. The popular activities, day trips, highly rated events, and dining experiences sell out quickly. While planning your trip, book your tours, spas, plays and more.
- Add places with free admission to your itinerary, as it is a good way to save money in an expensive city. Visit the best museums in London, libraries and art houses as admission to them is free. Some of the must-see attractions are the British Library, the British Museum, the Tate Britain, the Tate Modern, the Science Museum and the National Gallery. London is known for its festivals and events that happen all year round, which offer free admission.
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- London has some of the best luxury brand outlets and shopping districts like Regent Street, Oxford Street, St. James and Covent Garden. These shopping areas overflow with people on the weekends; therefore, you should go shopping on weekdays. Places like the Westfield Shopping Centre, Mayfair, Bond Street, Camaby, King’s Road and Seven Dials offer an incredible shopping experience.
- As a tourist, you can depend on the buses and the tube to reach the suburbs or neighbourhoods in London. While travelling by a bus, you can see more on the ground, use your phone service, and the ride is much cheaper. However, buses are not punctual, and you can get stuck in traffic. If there is traffic, then you should opt for the tube, and if you have to use your phone and get views, then you should opt for a bus. Regardless of which option you choose, you should plan things with a buffer time.
- In London, you will not get table service at the pubs, and you have to place an order at the bar to avoid not being served. You can order drinks and pay, and carry your order to your seats. When you dine at the restaurants, you can skip the tip. The service charge of 12.5% is automatically added to the bill. Tipping is required in hotels and for hospitality services like taxis, spas and private tours.
- Try the English classic dishes and local food while in London. Some of the classics are fish and chips, Sunday roast, bangers and mash, Yorkshire pudding and more. Foodies can try the full English breakfast and desserts like Eton mess, sticky toffee pudding and trifle. You can try local food such as sausage rolls, savoury pies and more. Visit the foodie markets in London, such as Greenwich Market, Borough Market and Brick Lane Market, to get a taste of its diverse food scene.
- Learn the basic London etiquette, like never jumping the queue as it might be punishable crime, do not take a seat on the bus or train with your bag if it is crowded, avoid talking loudly and do not use a fake English accent, do not block the escalators/trains/sidewalks with huge suitcases and do not stop suddenly on a sidewalk.
Conclusion
London has a lot of tourists, and you can avoid the crowds if you plan well. You can book all your activities and tours well in advance to avoid standing in long queues. By following the above tips, you can make your trip to London more enjoyable and memorable.
