Are you ready for your first trip to London? Whether you have been planning your whole life or just found out through work that you have a business trip across the pond, your travels will be easier if you read this.
As an American, I first moved to London on a study abroad program. I later returned to marry a British camera man I met while interning at NBC News- London Bureau. There were also many trips in between.
On the Sunny News YouTube channel, I have tons of videos sharing what I have learned about London through the decades. My husband ‘Mr Sunny’ and his family contribute content too.
London Tips: In Addition to the Video
Don’t share your fake British accent with people here. You’ll see in many video comments that people make fun of mine. My YouTube schtick does involve a bit of comedy, so the over the top Madonna accent is sometimes intentional. Londoners will say you sound like Dick Van Dyck. That’s a reference to the original Mary Poppins film. It isn’t a compliment.
Recognize that you are in a different culture. Wait until you get back to your hotel room to openly criticize how things are different here, if you don’t like something.
Don’t count on wifi. While free wifi is getting better in London, it’s not great. Up your text messaging plan or get an international package before you arrive.
Learn how to ask for the bathroom. Here people say ‘Loo’ or ‘toilet.’ The later one is a bit crass sounding to Americans. But- just go back to the second bullet point. As a side note, if you need one urgently, hit a pub. Just be sure to buy a drink before you leave. As Mr Sunny and all of London say, ‘It would be rude not to.’ 😉
London Tips: 10+ More Bits
For more important tips, including advice for what happens when you arrive at the airport, watch the Visiting London for the First Time video. Be sure to ask questions of the Sunny in London News community. There are tons of Londoners and other London lovers who watch and contribute information.
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The Sunny News YouTube channel, shares even more advice for things to do and what you’ll need to know about London. This includes safety tips, pub advice, an afternoon tea etiquette guide and a shopping guide. The blog also has a Guide for Americans Visiting London which is a collection of the top experiences I recommend. You’ll definitely want to bookmark it and visit the Pinterest boards created to help trip planning too.
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