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Know before you go: 5 tips about London travel

25th June 2015 Print

Traveling to London is exciting beyond words can convey. As an added benefit, it's one of the few countries in the world that speaks English as a native language, which is good news for anyone who doesn't speak foreign languages. 

You're already packing your bags, right? Well, before you book your trip, make sure to review these handy tips to make traveling easier.

1. Use phones wisely. Unless you have exceptional international calling with your cellular service, you will want to pick up something local to communicate with others traveling with you. It's a lot cheaper to buy something disposable for the trip than it is to pay the expensive roaming charges. Often, these phones can be purchased at the airport. 

Alternatively, if you plan to make calls home, invest in an international calling card. Even with a local phone, international calls are expensive. An international calling card allows you to use local phones to make the call without paying a lot out of pocket. These cards can be purchased before you even leave.

2. Be wise about money. This advice is twofold. London is not a destination for those looking for a budget vacation. Everything is expensive and deals are hard to find. The UK currency is the British Pound, and it's important to keep in mind that the pound runs anywhere from 1.5 to 2 times the value of the US Dollar. Something that doesn't look so bad at 30 pounds is actually 45-60 dollars, depending on current exchange rates. If you travel with Euros, some shops will take them but you will get change in pounds. 

Major credit cards are accepted at most places, but there is often an exchange fee charged by the credit card company. This fee can vary depending on the company. If you are traveling international, it is always best to notify your credit card companies before you go so purchases are not flagged as suspicious activity and the account isn't temporarily locked.

3. Plan your schedule with flexibility in mind. It's a good idea to get an idea of where you want to visit while in London, but before you create an itinerary understand that commuting from place to place takes time. Taxis can get stuck in traffic. During the morning and after work hours, the Tube gets very crowded during these times and it can be overwhelming to navigate. Be sure to allow for extra travel time in your schedule so the days don't run behind. 

Another travel tip is that if you are planning to do a lot of travel via train in London or the UK, you may want to invest in a Brit rail pass. This offers flexibility with the schedules so you don't have to worry about missing a train and losing money. Alternatively, if you plan to ride the bus a lot during your stay (and the bus is a very popular way to travel), pick up an Oyster card at the airport to save some money.

4. Pack appropriately for the trip. The average temperature in London is cool, depending on when you travel. Make sure you pack a jacket. Even in the winter months, London rarely gets very cold. Wearing short sleeves under the jacket in the warmer months is a good idea as well. Then, if it gets too warm, you can just shed the jacket to be comfortable.

Also, make sure to wear good walking shoes. No matter what you plan to do, it will require a lot of walking. If your footwear isn't up to the task, the day will feel much longer than it should.

5. It rains, so be prepared. Most Londoners carry a compact umbrella in their bag every day, because it frequently rains, but usually not for very long. Make sure to invest in a good, compact umbrella to keep you dry. It is also advised to use durable luggage with a hard exterior, like Rimowa luggage. This style of luggage has a hard shell, so it will keep your possessions dry and intact.

Follow these tips, and you will be prepared for the trip before you go.