Here, is the list of what I thought will be needed to be ready prior to the trip.
- The Flight
- The Luggage
- Getting familiarized with the surroundings
- Lodging
- Weather
- Transfer to the hotel
- Prepare the list of attractions
- Accessories to prepare before
1. The Flight
We are flying from TLV on August 26th to August 31th, but we were a little bit flexible before getting the exact days. It is always good and preferable to be flexible, since it generally will be beneficial at the time of choosing the correct deal. Flying to London is not cheap and in order to obtain a good deal we need to perform a background work by comparing deals of different suppliers. Sites like Expedia (Book with confidence thanks to the Best Price Guarantee from Expedia.com
) will help you find a deal, but it's good to use sites like Kayak which provides already comparison results from different providers, but, the best thing to do is trying to check if the company you're flying with, doesn't have already deals waiting for you in his own site. I actually got a very good deal with the last. I don't like to organize trips a long time ahead of it, and I got a good deal just a little less than two weeks before the flight.
) will help you find a deal, but it's good to use sites like Kayak which provides already comparison results from different providers, but, the best thing to do is trying to check if the company you're flying with, doesn't have already deals waiting for you in his own site. I actually got a very good deal with the last. I don't like to organize trips a long time ahead of it, and I got a good deal just a little less than two weeks before the flight.
Please, don't forget to check your passports are up to date.
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| In the plain |
2. The Luggage
One Medium-Big suitcase (Samsonite Aeris Spinner 82cm) and two small baggage (on board baggage size) will be enough for a 5 day trip for two adults + 1 kid.
There are a few good ways to get familiarized with the city. Actually the best way, is the combination of two ways. The first, Google maps and specifically "Street View", and the second is travel guides from YouTube. Get acquainted through the most famous landmarks.
St James Park, London Eye, Big Ben, London Bridge, etc.
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| London Eye (Google Street View) |
After we got familiarized with the center of London we were able to search for the hotel in the wanted location. The best location to search for it is around the Soho district. I like to search with TripAdvisor
The weather in London is incredible nice in the summer, with temperatures from 16 in the night and early morning, and goes up to 23 grades centigrade for the rest of the day...and some sporadic rains. No need for heavy winter coats.
If you land on Heathrow, the best "cheap" way is to take the tube (underground metro in London), there are several lines named by names and colors and you can get almost everywhere with a line or a combination of them. The price of the transportation in London happen to be a little expensive and the best option is to buy an Oyster card to travel.
Disclosure: I personally bought the Duo Saver Offer (This link may not be available in the future) they have, and took the Connect Express. The Connect Express takes you to the center of London in 15 minutes to London Paddington.
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| London Tube Map |
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| Paddington Tube Station |
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| Heathrow Express |
You may prepare the list of attractions and places you would like to visit. If you are going with kids, never miss the extraordinaire parks you have there; specially the St James Park and Holland Park. (I will prepare a special post for these two.).
The list of attraction could be divided by areas in order to take advantage of the day in a better way. Here are some excellent examples:
Do together:
1st Day: Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, London Eye. (The London Eye together with The Sea Life London and London Dungeon are together in the same place).
Tip1: You may buy London Eye Tickets
ahead and have a good discount. Tip2: Take photos towards the big ben after crossing the Westminster bridge and wait for those good shots including the seagulls.
ahead and have a good discount. Tip2: Take photos towards the big ben after crossing the Westminster bridge and wait for those good shots including the seagulls.
2nd Day: Trafalgar Square, National Gallery (Is inside trafalgar square) and St James Park stay at least half a day and don't miss the spectacular views and feeding the ducks and squirrels.
3rd Day: Tower of London, London Bridge, Heys Galleries and Borough Market.
4th Day: Notting Hill, Holland Park and Westfield London Mall.
Tip: For the Holland Park, buy some nuts, the squirrels will love it, and check out the nice Kyoto Garden (Japanese Garden).
5th Day: Walk the Oxford street to see shops, go to M&M world, dinner at Covent Garden Market and/or go to the theater in Covent Garden.
Well..an umbrella is a must in London (Although, we have only one single day of rain). A couple of AC power adaptors, some Pounds and a camera (Take something better than your mobile camera, you won't be disappointed).
In addition, I like to take my Payoneer Debit card which I can load through the US payment service with the funds I need.
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