London | Your Next Great Getaway

839.

What’s that you might ask?

That’s not the number of shoes I took on my last trip or the weight of my suitcase coming home (even though it’s pretty damn close).

That’s the number of days since my last international adventure. When I arrived home in January 2020 from my African safari, I had no idea that international travel would be so far out of reach.

I’ll be the first to admit that travel is not as smooth as it used to be. Flight cancellations, mandatory quarantine periods, and COVID testing requirements are just a few things plaguing the current travel industry. Throw a person in the mix who’s out of travel practice, as most of us are, and you’ve got a situation on your hands. Despite inept travelers and multiple travel hurdles, it is more important than ever to pack our bags and explore the unexpected.

Why London?

If you are anything like me, you’ve been closely watching travel restrictions abroad. In fact, I’ve got a list of places I want to visit, but some are a little further out of reach based on requirements. Initially, I planned a trip to Oregon for a little wine tasting because it’s a relatively easy flight from Nashville. While perusing the internet one evening, I came across a flight to London for the same price as my Southwest flight to Oregon. Who would have thought, right? Immediately, I phoned my friend to share my findings, and within 24 hours, our flights were booked, and we were researching restaurants in London.

How much time do you need to explore?

While there’s no right or wrong answer to this question, most people will recommend between four and five days if it’s your first trip. However, I tend to disagree. Depending on your interests and itinerary, you may likely need more time. I spent seven days in London and didn’t visit one museum or tour one world-renowned attraction. <insert audible gasp here> I much prefer exploring a city by wandering through the streets and trying out the restaurants, of course. After all, they say wandering can allow you to see the wonder of a city.

Let’s talk about the basics.

Currency: The currency of London is the British Pound. In 2021, the average exchange rate was 1.37 USD per pound.

Language: English is the most widely spoken language in the United Kingdom.

Climate: Generally, the climate is very mild in London. While we were visiting, the sun made an appearance every single day, which I hear is a rare thing. London has a tendency to be rainy and overcast, so I’d recommend packing a trenchcoat and an umbrella.

Transportation: Like any booming metropolis, transportation options are abundant. We took the Underground or the “Tube” as much as possible. There were two different stations less than a half-mile from our hotel, and it so easy to pop around the city. If it’s your first time in London, I’d highly recommend taking one of London’s Black Cabs simply to have the experience. Those who become drivers study for years to memorize the thousands of streets and landmarks within a 25-mile radius of Charing Cross. Ubers are available, but it can be sometimes challenging to get a driver based on your location. We stayed in the Westminster area, and it was nothing for us to wait between seven and ten minutes for a driver. Lastly, the famous double-decker buses are available for those who prefer to see the city in that manner.

Undoubtedly there are countless travel blogs out there that give guidance on where to stay and what to do based on the length of your stay. My upcoming blog posts are a bit different. If you are looking for the best place for afternoon champagne and the best brunches in the city, I’ve got you covered. Perhaps you are a wine enthusiast, I’ve got a great day trip option to Kent where you can try three different wineries and learn why English wine is becoming quite popular on the scene. And the recommendations don’t end there. I can’t wait to share my experience, and I hope that you fall in love with the city as much as I did.

Until Next Time!