London has long been one of the most popular tourist and business destinations in the world. If a trip to the “City of Fog” is on your horizon, there are a number of things you can do to prepare and maximize your experience. If you’re planning a leisure trip to London, you’ll be in charge of making the decisions, so make sure you know what you want ahead of time.
The time of year you visit and the length of your stay should be the first things on your mind when planning a trip to London. If you only have a few days in the city, planning becomes even more important because there is so much to see and do. When it comes to weather, late summer or autumn is probably the best time to visit, as these are the months with the most sunshine. Summer in London is notoriously unreliable, and rain can appear out of nowhere on a bright day. Keep in mind that July and August are also peak tourist months, so plan accordingly if you want to avoid crowds. Visit around Christmas if you enjoy crisp winter weather.
In order to enter England, Europeans, Americans, Canadians, and Australians do not require a visa. To enter and stay in London for up to three months, you’ll need a valid passport. Although there are usually no travel advisories in place for England, it never hurts to double-check with the US Department of State.
When planning your trip to London, try to stay in a hotel that is in the heart of the city or at the very least close to an underground station. When you leave the yellow line on the metro map, your transportation costs will skyrocket, and you’ll have to rely on taxis more frequently. Simply because hotel prices appear to be lower does not mean you will save money in the long run.
Finally, make a list of all the things you want to see and do while in London. The sheer number of attractions can be overwhelming, and if you don’t plan ahead of time, you may find yourself wasting a lot of time. Combining multiple attractions in one day based on location may seem like a lot of work, but it will save you a lot of time once you arrive. The Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey, for example, are within walking distance of each other, as are the National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, and St James’s Palace. Combination entrance tickets for popular attractions are sometimes available, allowing you to save money while in London.