View of Hyde Park from our hotel on our last visit.
We’re off to England soon for a bit of vacation (and a wee bit of work thrown in). I compiled this top tip list during my last visit to London and even though it may come across as a bit cranky (which I was at the time), I think the tips work not only for London but for most other places as well.
- Pack a raincoat that covers your rear-end and it should have a hood. Umbrellas are great, but not on the narrow sidewalks of London and God help you if there is any wind.
- Know where you are going. Nothing is more tiring than trudging around crowded streets wondering if they’ve moved the British Museum. Have a pocket sized A to Z street guide and study it before you leave the hotel. Have an alternate plan in case the site you want to see is closed.
- Take advantage of the public (and free) museum bathrooms.
- Don’t booze it up during the day. You will be too tired to continue sight-seeing and you might get a headache.
- Always carry Advil (or equivalent). Tums are good too.
- Use internet cafés. They will keep you in touch with loved ones back home and are also handy for practical information (e.g. train times, theatre locations, weather predictions, horoscopes, etc…)
- Avoid the tube at rush hour. Even if you have to violate rule #4 and wait out the crowds in a wood paneled pub with a glass of Scotch.
- Throw money at the problem. This is one of my Dad’s favorite travel tips and one that I back one hundred per cent. But don’t be an ugly American and throw money around when there isn’t a problem.
- Drink water. Take your vitamins. Don’t neglect yourself. If it’s time to stop walking… stop walking. Get a taxi. See rule #8.
- Don’t underestimate the restorative power of a good piece of chocolate.
