Overwhelmed with London Travel Planning? Start here.
Stop drowning in “Top 10” lists on the internet and videos about London travel planning that move way too fast to give you any value. Here is the honest truth about planning a London trip that actually makes sense.
Let me guess what your browser looks like right now.
You have at least 15 tabs open. One is a train schedule you can’t decipher, one is a “Top 10 Things to Do in London” list that looks exactly like the last three you read and another is a hotel map that makes you wonder if “Zone 4” is too far away.
You started this process excited. You wanted to plan the perfect London trip. But now? Now you just feel a tightening in your chest or wake up at night worrying about everything. The sheer volume of conflicting advice, price variations and logistical nightmares is enough to make you want to close your laptop or iPad and give up.
You aren’t just “planning a trip.” You are trying to curate a once-in-a-lifetime memory without making an expensive mistake.
Here is the truth that travel influencers won’t tell you: More information is not the answer.
You don’t need more options. You need the right options.
Most people try to plan their London travel by piecing together generic advice meant for the masses. But you aren’t “the masses.” You are you. And relying on generic advice is exactly why you feel so confused.
I’m an American who has lived in London since 2013 and I am married to a local. My husband and generations of his family are London born. I have navigated the Tube during strikes, found the hidden gems that Instagram ignores and figured out the hard way what is worth the money and what is a tourist trap. Further, my husband and I met while working at NBC News London- so we know how to show a good story.
In my 1:1 Trip Consultations, I don’t just give people a list; I give them their sanity back. Here are the top questions I get asked privately and the honest answers that will save your London itinerary (and your wallet).
1. What should I book ahead for London?
It’s not the restaurants and it’s not the theatre tickets.
Once your flight and hotel are secured, Eurostar tickets must be next on your priority list. Do not wait on this. Eurostar, for now, is the most efficient way to get to the Continent. So, if you have any plans to further your European travels, this is your go to method.
If you are planning a multi-city European trip, please know that train travel within Britain and across to France, Belgium and the Netherlands is not cheap. The difference between booking three months out versus three weeks out can be hundreds of pounds. If you wait until the last minute, the price will be ridiculously high.
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I’ve written detailed advice about Taking the Eurostar: Your Ideal Train from London to Paris if this applies to you.
Pro Tip: Heading up to Edinburgh or over to Cornwall? The same rule applies. Book as early as possible to save money.
2. How can I visit the Cotswolds while in London?
This is the number one source of disappointment I see in itineraries.
The harsh reality? Unless you do a structured coach trip (which means 70% of your day is spent sitting on a bus looking out a window), it is highly unlikely you will “see” the Cotswolds on a day trip.
The Cotswolds is a region, not a single town. It is best experienced as an excursion where you stay for several days. Rushing it in a day isn’t ideal and usually results in exhaustion, not relaxation. However, it’s possible.
Should you visit? Absolutely! But, try to make it part of an extended London trip stay. And in this article on Cotswolds What to See: Best Towns, Mistakes and Hidden Gems there are great suggestions if you do.
3. How do I fit in Stonehenge or the Harry Potter Studio Tour?
I love enthusiasm, but we need to look at a map.
Stonehenge isn’t close to anything. It sits in isolation on Salisbury Plain. You should only go there if it is at the very top of your bucket list. If you are lukewarm about rocks, skip it.
But, if you are seeking a way to get there and squeeze in a bit of the Cotswolds, you’ll want to read my tips on taking a Stonehenge and Bath Tour. I’ve done it twice and highly recommend it!
The Warner Bros. Making of Harry Potter Studio Tour is a different story. It is absolutely worth a day of your time, if you are a fan of the books or films. Just remember, getting there takes time and the tour itself is extensive. Treat it as a full-day commitment.
I’ve visited several times and to help I’ve written Getting to the Harry Potter Studio Tour to help you explore options best for you.
4. What do locals know that isn’t on TikTok?
This is a safety and comfort tip that never makes the viral videos: Avoid Westminster on a Saturday!
Saturday is the primary day for large-scale protests in London. Because Westminster is the seat of government, that is where they converge. Even peaceful protests can be loud, crowded and overwhelming if you don’t know London and your surroundings well. It can be really unsettling to get caught in a crush of people when you’re just trying to see Big Ben.
5. How do I know if I’m missing something important?
This is the “FOMO” (Fear Of Missing Out) question. The answer varies for everyone. And this is where a London itinerary planner helps.
Because I’ve lived here since 2013 and see the city through both American and British eyes, I know that “must-sees” are subjective.
In my 1:1 London trip consultations, I send a comprehensive survey ahead of time to discover your specific interests. During our Zoom call, I can tell you exactly what to swap out based on how you like to travel.
- Hate crowds? We skip the Changing of the Guard.
- Love history? I will send you to specific museums.
Travel agents and AAA generally sell packages designed for mass interest. I don’t sell packages; I solve puzzles.
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6. Is your London itinerary safe?
London is generally safe. But safety feels different to everyone.
Having a local perspective is crucial here. I know which neighbourhoods are charming and which streets get a bit “sketchy” after dark. For single female travellers, this is especially vital. I help plan routes and suggest hotels/Airbnbs in areas where you will feel secure walking home after dinner, not looking over your shoulder.
7. Be honest: Should I visit the London Eye?
It is undoubtedly touristy. There are free alternatives (like the Sky Garden or Horizon 22) that offer views that are just as nice, if not better, without the price tag.
Personally? I can tell you to skip it because I’ve been on it twice. I know what’s involved.
However, I also know the feeling of a Bucket List. It’s like the Eiffel Tower; if you’re in Paris, sometimes you just have to do it once. If the London Eye is high on your list or someone joining you on your London trip, do it! Just be sure to get your tickets ahead of time, especially during peak London travel seasons.
London Travel Planning: Now What?
You can read a hundred more blog posts and you might still feel that nagging worry that you’ve forgotten something crucial.
That’s because blog posts are monologues. They talk at you.What you really need is a dialogue. You need someone who “gets it.” Someone who understands the confusion of being a tourist, but possesses the knowledge of a local. You need someone to look at your messy list of ideas and say, “Move this to Tuesday, cut that out and here is the link to the train ticket you need.”
London Travel Planners
1:1 Trip Consultations
London Bucket List Travel Planner
3-day Iconic London Travel Planner
Ultimate Christmas in London Guide
London Travel Planning: Make a Decision
Stop stressing. Let’s just get this sorted.
You don’t have to figure this out alone. Let’s hop on a 1:1 Trip Consultation. I offer several different options.
But in just 30 minutes or up to an hour, we will take your chaotic tabs and turn them into a clear, exciting and logical plan. On the VIP packages, you will leave the call with a custom itinerary, insider booking links and the relief of knowing your trip is going to be amazing!
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