By As one of the most popular capital cities to visit in the world, it is no surprise that thousands flock to London to experience its splendour. With that being said, the chaos of this vibrant city can lead to stress and disorganisation if not planned appropriately. When bringing your whole family for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to London meticulous planning must take place to avoid disappointment. In this blog post, we will share our go-to tips on how to avoid any stress when planning a trip to London with your family, and knowledge from past experiences we have encountered ourselves. Take a look at the following suggestions:
Plan your journey there
First things first, you need to plan your tickets for getting to London, in addition to your transport. London is a hot spot for visitors from around the world, which can lead to price hikes if you are planning to go for busier reasons. Cut the drama, and make sure you are booking your flights or train tickets in advance. Use applications such as Sky Scanner to find the cheapest days to fly there, or check out train providers if you are commuting by rail. To avoid the prices going up for each visit on the website, use private browsing to prevent your searches from being tracked. Depending on your location, there are also coach options that are much cheaper alternatives, however, they will account for a large portion of the time so be mindful of the commuting duration.
Be mindful of cancelled trains/ traffic
There is nothing more stressful than your flight and journey being cancelled. With train strikes being rife in the UK, you must be cautious and plan for any cancellations. Sometimes this is unavoidable, but always have a backup plan for the worst-case scenario. For example, if your train is cancelled, you might consider driving to London. Research parking in London for car parks that will keep your car safe for the duration of your stay. Also, opt for a hotel or Airbnb to stay in that allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours before your stay. This will avoid any lost finances and will allow you to rebook your trip when there are fewer barriers.
Pack reasonably for the weather
London may be one of the warmer places in the UK, but it is also renowned for being unpredictable for its weather. Make sure you pack the appropriate clothing to avoid facing the cold without the right amount of layers! If you are visiting during the magical months of winter, this is especially important. Buying a whole new winter wardrobe in London might sound good, but it can also break the bank! Pack enough of the appropriate clothing to keep you warm during this time.
Make use of London event websites
Exciting events are constantly taking place in London. From shows in the west end to free exhibitions at the museums, you need to be aware of what is taking place during your visit to avoid disappointment. Check out some of the most reliable London event websites weeks before your visit, and grab yourself the most wanted tickets for the hottest shows. If you book at the last minute, you might be subjected to price hikes due to the demand. Book in advance and avoid the stress of finding tickets!
Bring cash just in case
In the digital world we live in today, we are starting to overlook the importance of having physical cash. Most of the attractions you will visit in London take contactless and card, but you should always have cash handy to plan for all scenarios. For example, if you are dining out at a restaurant, often the waiters who have provided a good service would prefer cash tips, instead of having it included with the bill. Have some cash handy for these instances, and also for taxis just in case your card does not work due to connection problems. Money can be stressful when travelling. Make sure you have enough to get you through the excitement of London!
Bottom Line
Overall, visiting London will be one of the most memorable experiences, however, it can come with its stressors and risks. As long as you plan for all scenarios, such as potential travel cancellations, finding accommodation that allows for free cancellations 24 hours before, and booking your London events online instead of paying for hiked prices when you arrive, you will have a stress-free trip to London and have the experience of a lifetime!
