Valerie
Valerie fell in love with London on her first trip to the city way back in 2011. Since then, she spent a year living in London and visits as often as she can. Join her to explore my favorite city on earth and learn everything you need to discover the best London has to offer!
15 Great Places to Celebrate American Thanksgiving in London (2023)
Maybe you booked your tickets to London in November and didn't realize it was going to be Thanksgiving – or maybe you saw a screamin' flight deal and wondered whether it was worth it to miss the holiday in the U.S. to save on a trip to the best city on earth...
Mudlarking in London: A Complete Guide for Visitors
As you get oriented with London on a map while planning your trip, you've probably noticed that big, beautiful, meandering river cutting right through the city. The Thames is the lifeblood of London, and in fact is the primary reason a city sprung up here at all, way back in the days of Roman settlement and when the area was called Londinium...
23 London Foods You Must Try on Your First Trip
Hopefully by this point, the stereotype of "British food is terrible" is on its way out. After all, Anthony Bourdain spent an entire episode of his show lauding the revolution in British cooking. You no longer need to make your tastebuds suffer while the rest of you enjoys a trip to London. There are tons of comprehensive lists of the best foods in London, but...
Where to Eat in London on Christmas Day: 17 Spots for Festive Feasts
Charles Dickens knew it, and soon you will too: there's a certain magic that envelops London come Christmastime. The city, already known for its timeless charm, transforms into a winter wonderland of twinkling lights, grand Christmas trees, and festive markets that make the cobblestone streets glisten and the Thames sparkle a little brighter. From the shimmering ice rinks to the carolers echoing harmonies at Trafalgar Square, London at Christmas is nothing short of a fairy tale...
The 11 Best Places to Exchange Currency in London (2023)
We all know what makes the world go round – figuratively speaking, that is. Money is an important part of travel, and if you're planning your first trip to London, you might wonder about how to get Great British Pounds, GBP, the currency of the U.K. and thus, of course, London...
Visiting London in December: What to Pack, Weather, Events & Things to Do (2023)
Here we are, approaching the end of another year. Some people find this a contemplative time, others realize they still have goals they want to accomplish before the calendar turns over. If one of your goals is to visit London this year, planning a trip to London in December is a way to accomplish it...
The 19 Best Spots for Autumn Colors in London (Updated for 2023)
Hands down, one of the best parts of London in the fall is how the trees change color. You might not imagine London as a "leaf peeping" destination (not my favorite expression, but it's totally accurate, especially if you're an American) but it is. Across the city, parks, walkways, gardens, and even homes (covered in ivy) change color and the whole place is a riot of warm yellow, orange, and red...
How to Celebrate Oktoberfest in London (2023)
As the autumn season comes on, there are a few things that come to mind: cozy sweaters, Pumpkin Spice Lattes (hate them if you want, I still love them!), flickering candles, and... giant steins of ice-cold beer accompanied with loud Germany brass band music...
Visiting London While Pregnant: General Tips for Travel
Every London trip is memorable to me – I can tell you each trip I've taken, and almost all of the main attractions and areas I've visited on any given visit. But I had the pleasure of taking a particularly special trip recently that will stick with me for years: it was my first London trip with my little girl – due February 2024...
15 Fantastic Things to Do in London in Fall 2023
Falling leaves, cuppas of Chai tea, and the delicate blue skies that signal the end of summer; London in the fall is a magical time. Though the warm summer days have come to an end and you might need an extra layer to stay warm as the temperatures drop, autumn is a great season to visit London – and there's tons to do...
