LONDON TRAVEL TIPS FOR FIRST TIMERS | Must-Knows Before Visiting London + HUGE Mistakes to Avoid!
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First time in London? Avoid these 31 critical mistakes! 🇬🇧 LONDON TRAVEL TIPS FOR FIRST TIMERS | Must-Knows Before Visiting London + HUGE Mistakes to Avoid!
🇬🇧 What Surprised Me MOST About London as an American (First-Time Visiting): https://youtu.be/5PSRy3DBbSc?si=18EKgtIRWAjm3KoD
✈ Travel Essentials: https://www.amazon.com/shop/moredesh/list/3K3W4BSIW83P7?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_JTGZSYSG9WCQQPBH3803
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Firstly, I am in genuine shock. I say this with so much positivity. You are the first American tourist who actually knows how to pronounce certain places/areas (don't get me started on Borough Market pronunciations lol)
To be honest, with the frequency of the buses, tube and national rail/overground services, taxis and Ubers are super expensive in comparison. Speaking of the tube, there are is something called the Daily Cap. How it works is that each zone has its own zonal price (I'll put the links after to help your viewers). So say you are travelling to/from zone 3 to zone 1 (zones 1 and 2 are the same price), once you reach the total around from zone 3 (you can go on the tube as many times as you like within the zones), once you reach the daily cap for zone 3, the rest of the day is free as long as you don't exceed say zones 1 - 3. As for maps and guidance for the tube and buses, I can thoroughly recommend downloading the TFL Go app. You can journey plan, near by buses, the status of all lines and you can also top up your Oyster Card (as long as you register the Oyster Card to the App) via the app. It is also good for those who have mobility needs, they have an option on there for step free travel on the London underground, DLR and the overground services.
Daily Cap prices - https://content.tfl.gov.uk/adult-fares.pdf
Tube and Overground zonal map - https://content.tfl.gov.uk/london-rail-and-tube-services-map.pdf
The Uber Clippers, especially once it starts to get dark is amazing and costs less than a guided tour on one of the tour boats. Seeing the city from the river Thames and seeing the buildings illuminated is something else and quite magical. This also goes for The London Eye once it goes dark/golden hour. I did the London Eye last December and they had a Christmas theme in the pods. Again, between November and December on the London Eye, you can see some of the attractions and rides at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland from the London Eye (thank you also for NOT calling it a Ferris Wheel; its an Observation wheel ;) ). Also, Abbey Road Studios is not at Abbey Road on the DLR, the closet tube station to Abbey Road is St Johns Wood with the Jubilee and Metropolitan lines.
Another few greats days out (if theme parks are your thing), going from London Waterloo to Staines is only about 35 mins for Thorpe Park or about 37 mins to Chessington South for Chessington World Of Adventures (next year, they are opening up the worlds first Minecraft World area with some brand new rides). If thrill seeking rides are not your thing and you have younger children, there is also Legoland Windsor. It is 55 mins from London Waterloo (all the 3 attractions are from London Waterloo on the national rail lines) is about 55 mins train journey and then about 29 min journey on a local bus. For something more central to London, Lift 109 is an observation lift at Battersea power station and can be got to via public transport via the Northern Line tube line to Battersea Power Station Station (its a local transport joke within the transport community in the UK) or by the Uber Boats which are once every 30 mins but do check out the Uber Clipper website for that one.
Merlin Entertainments offer an up to 5 attraction entry ticket (which at the moment in the UK until the start of September is offering a VAT reduction on the ticket prices) for £60.37/$80.30. The more attractions from 1 to 5 on one ticket, the cheaper it gets. the Multi attraction ticket can be used 7 days from the date activated so no need to rush around the 5 attractions it covers. The price I quoted covers Entry to Madame Tussauds, London Eye, SEA LIFE Aquarium, Shrek's Adventure and the London Dungeon and works out at £12.50/$16.62 per person.
How do I know all this... as of the 7th August, I am down for my Birthday Weekend and my at least once a year visit to London. This year, I'm mixing it with my birthday. I am actually considering doing a full room tour and costings whilst down there to help others to like yourself are helping your viewers. Plus, you just got a new sub from me.
🇬🇧 What Surprised Me MOST About London as an American (First-Time Visiting): https://youtu.be/5PSRy3DBbSc?si=18EKgtIRWAjm3KoD
✈ Travel Essentials: https://www.amazon.com/shop/moredesh/list/3K3W4BSIW83P7?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_JTGZSYSG9WCQQPBH3803
Such helpful tips, thank you for sharing!
🧡 Check for Updated Travel Requirements: https://www.gov.uk/eta
🧡 Tower Bridge upcoming lift times: https://www.towerbridge.org.uk/lift-times
I never thought I would say this but, London-land is way more expensive than Disneyland! Food prices are through the roof!
🧡 Changing of the Guard schedule, times + updates: https://changing-guard.com/changing-the-guard-buckingham-palace-schedule.html#dates-bp
🧡 March alongside the band: https://funlondontours.com/tour/changing-the-guard-tour/
Useful
🧡 Most Scenic Restaurants & Attractions in London: https://youtu.be/5PSRy3DBbSc?si=18EKgtIRWAjm3KoD
🧡 Sky Garden Sunrise Tour: https://www.skygarden.london/sunrise
Apart from 6 weeks in summer schools in the UK open for 6 weeks then close for either 1 or 2 weeks.
Durring these half term breaks tourist areas get busy and the price of accommodation increaces. Even in winter.
You can check when most schools are closed online.
In popular spots the cost of accommodation can increase by 59% to 100% dirring school breaks
🧡 Oyster Card: https://tfl.gov.uk/travel-information/visiting-london/visitor-oyster-card
🧡 Citymapper App: https://citymapper.com/?lang=en
The UK is looking into to a recommendation to charge all adult non UK citizens a fee to enter all funded museums and art galleries
🧡 Universal Travel Adapter + Our MUST-HAVE Travel Essentials: https://www.amazon.com/shop/moredesh/list/3K3W4BSIW83P7?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_JTGZSYSG9WCQQPBH3803_9WPX5XS5ZBFVDP7BBBHY
🧡 Abbey Road LIVE cam: https://www.abbeyroad.com/crossing#crossing-hof
I'll give you some tips keep your hands in your pockets at all times do not go out at night and carry a gun if you can not purchase a gun walk around with two pitbulls one Cane Corso 3 XL bullies add one American ball Johnson be safe it's a jungle out there
🧡 Visiting STONEHENGE: https://youtu.be/5PSRy3DBbSc?si=18EKgtIRWAjm3KoD
🧡 Complete London Itinerary: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1u531Ecms1Jtg6T1muSP0vWV7PDttIN6KwTu525h5xNE/edit
Thank you for the info!
Other helpful links:
Please what's the name of the hotel u stayed I couldn't catch the name,thanks
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Very helpful information! Planning for my first trip to London, this was awesome!
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✈ Travel Essentials: https://www.amazon.com/shop/moredesh/list/3K3W4BSIW83P7?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_JTGZSYSG9WCQQPBH3803
Good
31 HUGE mistakes tourists always make in London. London travel guide | Avoid these costly tourist mistakes. These 31 London mistakes costs tourists thousands! Don't waste your London trip | 31 mistakes to avoid! First time in London? This guide offers essential tarael tips for your London vacation, showcasing iconic London sightseeing spots like the London Eye and Buckingham Palace. Join us on this London tour to see what surprised us most about the city!
More User Perspectives
Great video. As far as where to stay, someone suggested staying with zones one and two because if you're further away it can cost a lot of money and time if you're spending most of your time in Central London.
@annamartin3489Definitely going to use this for my trip to London. Thanks!
@JourneywithDoeGreat video! I have been to London years ago. This video refreshed my memory and made many helpful suggestions. Thanks!
@jollymon49You can buy an Oyster card to save on credit card fees
@joanosborne8387Thank you so much. You speak so fast, not simple for a poor foreigner
@danyoliettiEnjoyed your video. We are going to London for a couple of days before our cruise and looking for a hotel to stay at. You mentioned you put up a video with where to stay and suggestions on what to do. I can not find it.
Thank you, Iris
Hi, i like so much your reportings. Can you tell me how to find a cheap location in London please. Best regards
@zaimatid9977Pub Bishop's Finger: The name refers to finger-shaped signposts found in Kent during medieval times. These signposts pointed pilgrims in the correct direction toward Canterbury Cathedral, where they could find the shrine of Thomas Becket, the martyred Archbishop of Canterbury in 1170. Hence, the name Bishop's Finger. Brits love their slang.
Pub Fat Walrus: The owners originally wanted to purchase a site near the Horniman Museum in Forest Hill. The museum is famous for a large, stuffed walrus, which inspired the name. Despite opening elsewhere, they kept the "great name" regardless.
Pub Horse Shoe: In the Royal Navy it is referred to as "The Pony's Slippers". Again, the British and their slang.
Found your channel accidentally. Now will not stop watching your content intentionally. Great Video GGs!
@akashsrivastava7895Great video, Thanks
@mysteriousbree1301Thank you ❤😂🎉
@marciafierro4931❤
@teiubescteiubesc-yq9kdThanks for the information!
@sallieprice2354I’ve been planning a Scottish trip for a year. I decided to fly into LHR, spend the day there and head to Edinburgh by train the following day. I have a list of things around Westminster and Covent Garden to see, but will keep it fluid. Thanks for the tips!
@MargieDruschelIam going on my own😢
@MrCristian12332I am from the United States, and once when I arrived in London at Heathrow International Airport, I was detained at security because I had a little bottle of pepper spray, and pepper spray is illegal in the United Kingdom. However the officers were really good to me, because according to them it happens quite often. All they did was confiscate it, and then they let me go.😮😊
@youngblood2Excellent info. Thank you.
@judypattersonartthanks for the 'deals' sites tip - I have NEVER heard someone say this. Instead they push something like look (with high fees).
@scottsworldGREAT VIDEO!!
@EscapeWithCarrieIf you want to see aircraft from the past including Second World War aircraft and post war aircraft then go to the RAF museum London NW9 5LL. There is 3 aircraft there that I worked on when they were operational. It’s free entry however you can make a donation or spend some money in the gift shop. It’s a great afternoon visit.
@kevingould6725This is great content. I'm not sure how it only has 300 likes and 543 subscribers. You should be getting much more attention.
@billyk5906Great content for our trip this spring. Thank you!
@feliciahamm3976Visit London with an Oyster card, book major attractions early, and stay central to save time. Avoid peak-hour transport, overpriced airport taxis, and short stays. Explore beyond landmarks—markets, neighborhoods, and museums. Plan currency in advance with Matrix Forex. 🇬🇧✨
@Preeti-d5k5kThank you for the videos.
@michellephan1316Amazing view
@KarlssonAnnaThank you for all the helpful information. Planning a UK trip in 2027 and doing my homework now.
@erikabeck17Never, never, never buy single use paper tickets for the London underground if you can possibly help it. You get stuck with two serious disadvantages if you do:
- Paper ticket fares are outrageously expensive compared to contactless or Oyster cards.
- When using contactless or Oyster cards passengers benefit from a daily cap on the cost of travel. This often works out such that if you make three or more journeys on the underground in a given day any subsequent journeys you make will be free for the remainder of that day. This is NOT the case with paper tickets for the simple reason that there is no way for the system to know how many journeys you have made with different single use paper tickets,
Instead, use your contactless bank card or Apple/Google pay on your phone or other smart device. This automatically gets you the cheapest fare for the journey you make, and once you exceed the daily cap for the journeys you make, any additional journeys on that same day will be free of charge. Note that the daily cap figure varies with the number of underground zones you travel through. If you stick to just one zone, the cap will be lowest, but higher for two zones, more again for three zones, and so on. It's not something you need to worry about however. Just travel around using the same contactless payment method and the system will automatically ensure you are charged the minimum for the journeys you have made.
Something else to note is that the Uber riverboats are charged separately, and are not part of the daily travel cap. You can though pay the fare with your contactless payment method.
Hi!! Great video!! Which company did you do the half-day tour to Stonehenge from London with? Thanks in advance!
@sandrarosini6136Great content! London is on my bucket travel list to visit and thanks for sharing good information 🥰
@Mary_305I'm heading over there in October, and have discovered that as a dual citizen (Australia/GB), I have an extra hoop to jump through in order to enter the country. Either obtaining a British passport ($280.00AUD), a Certificate of Entitlement ($1207.00AUD), or renouncing my citizenship ($941.00AUD). Even if I had the money to throw away like that, renouncing is not an option, so I'm going the passport route.
@MsLizzy_TWell I learned some more stuff about London! Thanks for the video!
@mattakiin8287Great video, many useful tips. We’re going end of February and looking for all the help we can get. Thank you!
@markdaniels7724Fantastic list/advice on here! I go to London often and people often ask me to help come up with things to do. My first thing is - know what you want to do/see. Don't say "everything". Sports? Theatre? Shopping? Markets? History? Landmarks? Pub crawl? And consider your group. Everyone who has been on the eye either says 'waste of money' or 'one and done' and I know one person who is the 'it's not a trip to London without going on the eye' type. But if you have small children - you're paying a lot of money for a 'ferris wheel'. HoHo bus is the same. It's great, you get the history lessons and such but if your children are small, you're paying a lot of money to 'ride a bus'. Things like Shrek, wax museum, upside down house and such are great bargaining chips. "We're going to go up to this viewpoint for an hour and then we'll go to Shrek."
@cijmoWonderfully informative video Kariann, I really enjoyed all the amazing tips!😎👍
P.S. from now on I am going to wear my “Fanny Pack” on my boots, that way I’m safe if I ever go to London and it’s also my favorite book!😁😉
This is really really good, great content and advice and not just for tourists traveling from the States, but from all over, I'm 40 minutes from central London and watching this content makes me want to get back in to the city come spring time. Great Job!
@simonbryant3828Awesome video! Makes me want to visit London again! 🥳
@LuckyGhostGreat video! ❤ So helpful. I had no idea about the Oyster Card either. Great tip for families to save money!! Love all of your web links too!! Thx!! 😊
@Karmaried-sf6eu