Don’t Make These 11 London Trip Planning Mistakes | Your 2024 London Travel Guide

[@YourGuidesAbroad]

Share your London trip planning mistake in the comments! Then, download our free London itinerary day: yourguidesabroad.com/london/

[@susannahthompson8573]

I’m a crazy-detailed planner, so on previous London trips I’ve filled most days with walking tours, dinner reservations, and theatre and concert tickets. I still think it’s great to do some of that in advance; however, I’ve learned to leave at least some unscheduled time for relaxed exploring of neighborhoods and more flexibility for spur-of-the-moment activities. Also, bring Neosporin! I found I needed some, and I couldn’t find any! That brings to mind another thing: for me, at least, if you’re planning to do a lot of walking (and you should, if you can), consider bringing fewer items of clothing and instead taking 2 prs of great walking shoes-maybe one pair that’s water-resistant. Blisters are no fun! Also, if you are staying anywhere near Paddington, the Heathrow Express is inexpensive if you book it really early.

[@YourGuidesAbroad]

Those are wonderful tips! Thank you so much for sharing. Erica had two pairs of walking shoes on our latest trip. We averaged 20,000 steps a day.

[@jplernihan]

Thank you, that's another really good video!

[@YourGuidesAbroad]

Thanks for watching our London series. We have a lot more coming out this season.

[@SilviaFernandez-kk7nh]

When we went to Spain for a month we used our T-Mobile service…$50 per phone line for the month and it was great….no problems at all.

[@YourGuidesAbroad]

That is a great price! It is simpler to go through your carrier for a hassle free experience!

[@tonyrantnrave6854]

The clothing tip is bang on THINK layers and prepare for the worst and hope for the best any time of year!

[@sd1572]

love the practical advice, super helpful!

[@a.humphries8678]

I'm here now. Got here 3 weeks ago and it was freezing!! This Texas girl did not come prepared. Lol. Took Elizabeth line in, and I'm leaving tomorrow on the Picadilly!! I did a lot of busses while here. Bus stops everywhere and Google maps tells you which one you need to get to your location. Also, the tap tap cap was amazing!

[@YourGuidesAbroad]

Well done on your trip! It has been unseasonably cold! I'm glad you survived and it sounds like you are navigating London like a Londoner. Safe travels home!

[@castlebound2010]

This is an excellent guide. We will be going to London in the summer of 2024 and we'll be following your advice. Thanks you.

[@YourGuidesAbroad]

Thanks for watching and for the comment! Have a wonderful trip this summer. A lot more videos are coming!

[@adventuresforthecurious]

Another great vlog! You two always have the best information (and I love your banter back and forth too!). Your info about the cell plans and discussing the transport from airport was extra helpful! Thank you so much for all the good details! I have the flights, the hotel, a London Pass, booked and now waiting for our restaurant/attraction dates (September 2024) to open up! Have a wonderful New Year - I look forward to more of your videos in the upcoming year!

[@YourGuidesAbroad]

You sound like an excellent planner! You will have a wonders trip!!

[@AsherTravelsVlogs]

This guide is truly exceptional! We're heading to London in this summer, and we'll definitely be heeding your advice. Thank you for sharing such valuable insights. We'll be sure to explore options for Express Parking as suggested. Much appreciated!

[@YourGuidesAbroad]

I'm glad you found our new channel! We have more London planning videos coming out to help with those big summer vacations. Thanks for watching and the comment!

[@DavidWood2]

If you know you will take the Heathrow Express, book in advance as it is much cheaper. The Elizabeth Line is now through-running, so if you want another location on the Elizabeth Line than Paddington, it will save you changing at Paddington. It has become extremely popular and gets very busy. When you say car hire, I am glad that you clarified you meant private hire (hiring a car with a driver to take you somewhere: Uber, Addison Lee, Twelve Transfers etc.). Do not hire a car for London - parking in the centre is heavily restricted and very expensive, also the roads are congested and challenging if you are not used to driving in the UK. There is a good reason why most Brits will use public transport in London wherever possible.

[@lorrytrujilloperezphd]

90 days in advance for the best price.

[@Listenerandlearner870]

It depends what is running. Check what is running on the day. All 3 rail routes from Heathrow can be affected by points or signal failues and from Paddington there can be overhead wire failures. Paddington station can very occasionally be closed also. So check what is running and allow extra time.

[@YourGuidesAbroad]

Thanks for sharing the tip!

[@clt2744]

Wonderful helpful video.....thank you so much, keep up the good work ❤

[@YourGuidesAbroad]

Have a wonderful trip!

[@rishellereads]

Thank you!!!

[@YourGuidesAbroad]

Thanks for watching!!

[@susannahthompson8573]

This was a truly useful video, though some folks might want to consider a stay in St John’s Wood or Maida Vale-two lovely, primarily residential areas that not only have their own charms but make for fairly quick tube or bus rides into central London. I’m not sure about hotel options in those areas, but we’ve found terrific airbnb rentals.

[@YourGuidesAbroad]

Thanks for sharing that tip! Those are very nice neighborhoods. We weren't aware of airbnb rentals there.

[@susannahthompson8573]

We've stayed in Airbnbs in both places. We do our best to avoid places that are obviously rented out by people who keep tons of apartments to rent out via Airbnb or Vrbo though.

[@anakerose]

One mistake I made was I booked a cruise before looking if there was anything happening in London. We're getting there smack in the middle of Wimbledon 🤦‍♀️ I wish we had at 2 days in London instead of only 1, but we're heading out from Southampton on a 16nt cruise so I'm already booking a lot of time off at work.

[@photosbyjb007]

I was born in Greenwich and live in Cambridge

[@susbs]

Thank you for this very informative video plus the free itinerary. Can you please tell me how to access the packing list on your site? There doesn't appear to be a link on that resource. 🌷

[@YourGuidesAbroad]

We are working on getting it written! The website is under construction. Stick with us as we come out with more articles soon.

[@tdoakes]

I’m looking for the E-SIM Airalo link and don’t see it. Am I missing something? Also, would love a separate video &/or article on just the Phone Plan & E-SIM Tips and Help!!! Thanks - your video have great content!

[@YourGuidesAbroad]

That is a great idea! It warrants more information and how to connect. We will do it. Here is a link to them, get their app: www.airalo.com/

[@johanadurian7365]

Thank you , I’m staying in Westminster hotel what should I take?

[@batshevanivylerner8582]

what about families of 5? while the US does have some hotels that cater to families of 5, i haven't found any in London. Do you know of any? We're talking about relatively young children, so they can't be in a room by themselves.

[@chrissie.0864]

I’m finding that I’m distracted from what you’re both saying as I’m focusing in on your amazing teeth 😂😂😂

[@Listenerandlearner870]

Do not even try to use Oyster or contactless on the Stansted Express. You will get a big fine. Buy a ticket to travel on the Stansted Express. A payment card can be used to pay for the ticket. You need a ticket to leave the airport station. If you do not have a ticket you will be fined.

[@Trollberg]

having hard time finding hotels with 2 Queen beds, any suggestion close to city center?

[@secondcharm72]

Is there a link to your stay at South Kensington? It looked so cosy!

[@ricamami02]

Hi there. We have a trip to London soon and I wonder what are the rules for little kids to ride in taxis. Do we need to bring car seats? Do you guys have any experience with that?

[@YourGuidesAbroad]

We do have experience with that. Car seats aren’t ready for kids in black cabs. We buckle them up in the seats. Car seats are required in Ubers. Have a great trip!

[@szusman]

Do you have a 13 days planned in London? I will be arriving April 19th and be leaving may 3rd.

[@YourGuidesAbroad]

Thanks for asking! We are working on a London itinerary. Stay tuned. Grab our one day London itinerary as then you will be on our mailing list. Thank you!

[@nancymcewen5377]

Start with the big museums - the Victoria and Albert (the V&A), the British Museum and the National Gallery. The National Gallery is in Trafalgar Square where you will also find St. Martin in the Fields church. In the basement of the church (the crypt) there is a wonderful cafeteria which serves healthy and delicious breakfasts and lunches. There is also a shop and facilities for brass rubbing (another great rainy day activity). There are also concerts at lunch time in the church (free) and candlelit evening concerts (not free). Day trips are wonderful. In addition to Bath and Cambridge, do go to Hampton Court Palace and Windsor. The gardens at Hampton Court are wonderful and very expansive - there are deer herds. Both Hampton Court and Windsor are easily reached by train. Still in London, take the tube to Hampstead. There are charming and suitably ancient pubs and Hampstead Heath to walk on. Regents Park is another treat for its gardens and there is a Zoo if you or your kids are into that sort of thing. Have a great time!

[@regardie99]

I have between now and March 20th to make one lol

[@harrylight5296]

You can't use an Esim card if your phone is locked.

[@utkarshsahu]

You guys are lovely, i feel jealous😬

[@YourGuidesAbroad]

Thanks for subscribing and for the comment! We have fun making these videos.

[@TheRichb688]

your not in Hawaii lol Did my Hawaii trip now planning on London late Aug Early Sept

[@YourGuidesAbroad]

I am glad you found us!

[@melissalawler-x8f]

Can you do one on the public toilets in London.

[@AndyKing1963]

use pubs and railway stations

[@YourGuidesAbroad]

Central London is pretty good with public toilets in the parks and along the street. They may cost 10 pence or more, but they are clean. We will share some tips in a future video.

[@jenanization]

Go in McDonalds or Costa.

[@ElizabethCasperite]

We just always went when we ate or in a museum.

[@halliepeppin]

My wife and I will be in London Oct 2-9. I'm overwhelmed by the neighborhoods and hotel options. We don't mind walking to get to attractions, and are o.k. spending $200-$250 (U.S.) per night. Any suggestions??

[@YourGuidesAbroad]

Sorry for the late reply! For that price, you will probably have to stay in Southwark (southside of the Thames but easy to get around). Try to find a Premier Inn.

[@gamezjhnny]

What are your thoughts on those travel apps. I have found plane tickets cheaper on these platforms than the airline directly.

[@YourGuidesAbroad]

We need to explore them more. In the past, there are good deals but you have to jump on them and be flexible. We should look at them again...

[@meredithhoffman2892]

If we are going to London and staying at the Great Scotland Yard Hotel -how should we get there from Heathrow, since it’s an hour drive?

[@YourGuidesAbroad]

Thanks for watching! Take the Elizabeth Line to Tottenham Court and then take the tube or cab. I hope that helps!

[@meredithhoffman2892]

@@YourGuidesAbroad thanks we are using all your suggestions!

[@Mathemagical55]

You really don't need to book for a pub meal unless it's incredibly popular. Just show up early and you'll be fine.

[@jenanization]

You do if you want a Sunday roast though

[@samkotlin8938]

If you are travelling to the UK, you can pick up a uk sim card, with anything up 50GB of data, with free calls for around between 15 to 20 pounds for a month. You could properly get other sim’s cheeper than that, however you have to make sure that your phone is unlocked. In the UK all new phones are sold unlocked, but in other countries I’m not sure whether it is the case. Personally I would never take either the Heathrow or Gatwick express, there are better and cheeper alternatives such as the Elizebeth line in the case of Heathrow and both Thameslink and Southern in the case of Gatwick.

[@timdaugherty5921]

handsome!!

[@MichaelsMusicMix]

probably needed to point out that a Taxi/Uber/Lyft from either airport will cost you around !00 pounds

[@FRPORTER160367]

Leicestershire Square!! 😏😂

[@YourGuidesAbroad]

😛

[@stephenlee5929]

Hi folks, Transport from Airports, in your video, you kept saying Heathrow Express but showing Gatwick Express.

[@YourGuidesAbroad]

We are aware, we put a comment up to that effect. We had a lot of footage of the Gatwick Express and not the Heathrow Express. That is all.

[@dale9706]

Freaking out arriving in London without data? Getting a SIM (if you dont have ESIM) is the easiest thing.

[@katieburrell9647]

"With climate change the summers are getting better" Are you for real? It's a climate crisis and that's huge negative impacts on how people will manage to live. It's not an opportunity to have warmer summers. Please take it seriously, your nonchalance has an impact. Try reading at least the summary of the IPCC synthesis report.

[@YourGuidesAbroad]

You're right, we should have said that differently. We take climate change seriously.

[@Bellababe777-in2jp]

You’re way too serious- get a grip

[@tomw4918]

No jokes allowed around this lady

[@margaret4372]

@@YourGuidesAbroadyou handled this rather presumptuous comment very well. Proud of you!

[@carolinedewey6838]

😂 This couple is so good!! I also like warmer Summers. 👍👍 YEA