London Pass Review: Is the London Pass Worth It? (Accurate for 2021)
As I planned my first trip to London – way back in 2011 –, I was nervous. It was my first international trip, and while I was excited too, there was just so much to learn, plan, and do. I was also paying for the trip with gift money and wanted to make it last as long as possible. I was on the lookout for any ways to visit London on a budget...
The Hoxton Shoreditch (Hotel Review)
If you know anything about hotels, you know that there are some too cool for school. Like the Ace Hotels across the U.S., The Hoxton hotels chain is rapidly gaining the same reputation. Think hipster hot spots, urban chic, and no sacrifice of luxury or culture to still be cool....
The 12 Best London Houseboats on Airbnb
There are a lot of things one can say about London, and here’s another: there’s rarely a shortage of places to stay! From hotels to hostels to vacation rentals like Airbnb and VRBO, the only way you find yourself without accommodation while visiting London is if you wait too long to book...
Why St. Paul’s Cathedral is My Favorite Spot in London
On the list of most relaxing places in the world, I’m fairly confident that most people would not put London on that list. Technicolor double-decker buses trundled noisily past on Cannon Street, adding to the cacophony of foreign tongues. I may be a native English speaker, but in the heart of the English-speaking world, I was surrounded by other languages, other accents, other worldviews...
7 Days in London: The Best Things to Do for a Week
When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life. That’s a heck of a high bar set for a city, right? Even though it might seem an exaggeration I have visited London a half-dozen times and lived in London for a year – and I totally agree. London is the best city in the world. Spending 7 days in London is not nearly enough…
10 Things to Know Before Your First Trip to London
I still remember my first trip to London and the moment when it became one of my favorite cities in the world. I arrived, jet-lagged after not sleeping on my first Transatlantic flight and hoofed it to a bicycle tour. We stopped to admire the view of Parliament at the exact spot pictured above, and I realized: wow! I’m in London! This place is so old! I was hooked, and...
10 Essentials You Need to Pack for London
Ah, London. My favorite city on earth. I've traveled a lot, but there's nowhere quite like London. If you're planning a trip to London (hooray!), you might wonder what it's like and what to pack for London. Is everyone super formal or fashionable? (Sorta.) Do you really need to leave your jeans and sneakers at home? (YES.) Okay then...
5 Days in London: How to Plan a Short Week Itinerary
London, how do I love thee? Let me count the days... If you didn't already guess, London is my most favorite city in the whole world, and I return there often (my goal is always once a year!). If you're planning a trip to London and it's only going to be five days...
18 Must-See London Sights You Absolutely Shouldn’t Skip
If you're planning a trip to London, no matter the length, there are some sights you just need to see. I've been to London on half a dozen trips and lived there for a year... So I've curated this list from my own experiences. I've broken this list of must-see London sights into several different categories; you can add them all to your London itinerary, or...
How to Do the London Wall Walk: A Self-Guided Walking Tour
I'm standing across the Thames from the Houses of Parliament, admiring the view. My guide suddenly says, "and behind us is the second oldest privately owned garden in London, dating back to the 12th century." [I later learned this is Lambeth Palace Gardens.] Needless to say: on my first trip to London, I was struck by the incredible history of the place....
