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April 18, 2016 by: Sunny London

11 Best Places to Take a Selfie in London

Planning a visit and need to know the best places to take a selfie in London? Did you know that London is the selfie capital of the world? According to the website Suggestme, it’s very true.

With that in mind, it could be a bit overwhelming trying to figure out all the best #londonselfie places on your own. That’s why I put together this list to help you. So, without further ado, let’s review the top locations in London town for you to include with your holiday smile. If you’re wanting to better your smile before you go on your holidays and taking your super selfies, you may want to look at different dental offices close to where you are, such as this Dentist Temple Terrace for example, and see how they can help you.

Places to Take a Selfie in London: #1 Big Ben

The top spot to show your Facebook friends that you’re having a good time is Big Ben. Specifically, it’s the most popular backdrop for selfies in the capital. Many people try to take selfies as they cross Westminster Bridge. Time and time again when I pass these tourists, I see them struggling with positioning their picture because it’s difficult to fight the oncoming crowds of people moving across the bridge. Not to mention the oncoming traffic made of busses, taxis and cyclists.

The best location to get you and your friend Ben in the same shot is actually from the opposite side on Great George Street. In fact, you can get a two for one here because there’s a telephone booth you can position yourself inside or near that is perfect for an iconic London photo souvenir.

If you go to 12 Great George Street on Google Maps, you can see the place to which I am referring.

Here is a street view. The telephone booth featured in the pictures above is on the left.

It’s likely you’ll need to wait in a fairly organised queue to get a great shot, but it’s worth it. However, try to avoid making too much of a scene. Here’s a slice of my Snapchat (SunnyInLondon2) to show you what I mean.

Places to Take a Selfie in London: #2 Buckingham Palace

If you really want a royal way to remember your trip, then you must walk a few minutes from Big Ben to Buckingham Palace. It’s pretty easy here to stand in front of the gates and get a good shot of your faux visit with the Queen.

Places to Take a Selfie in London: #3 St Paul’s Cathedral

Another easy space to get a ginormous monument behind you is next to St. Paul’s Cathedral. However, take it to another level by being slightly more creative. Instead of just standing in front of the location and snapping a photo, walk from Southwark across the Millenium Bridge and position yourself with the cathedral behind you.

Places to Take a Selfie in London: #4 Madame Tussaud’s

If you’re looking to be just plain cheeky, there’s a Marylebone museum designed just for selfies. Well, almost.

If you want to win an Academy Award for Best Selfie on a Holiday, Madame Tussaud’s is THE place to travel. Inside you’ll see all types of fake celebrities which will surely give your selfie stick a genuine place on the stage. From Darth Vader to James Bond to the Royal Family, you can spend hours being star struck here.

Places to Take a Selfie in London: #5 Shrek’s Adventures

If you’re more focused on specific fictitious characters, then there are a few other options. While I feel Shrek’s Adventure in the South Bank area is primarily an attraction for people with small children, there is one alluring factor for adults.

Every group (which in my case on the day I visited was a party of one), gets a quick chance to pose with Shrek’s at the end of the experience. This photo op could make your friends really green with envy.

Places to Take a Selfie in London: #6 Platform 9 3/4

For a literal camera quest, you should add this spot which will make all your muggle mates curious.

While capturing the whole ‘illusion’ of finding Platform 9 3/4 is tough in a selfie, it’s every Harry Potter fan’s dream. I had a friend take this shot of me for the blog review of Hogwarts in the Snow at Christmas. Since you would need directions for getting to the Harry Potter Studio Tour if you’re just visiting London, you might want to consider just visiting a similar setup for a mystical photo at the King’s Cross Platform 9 3/4 area. Rather than take a full day of your trip to complete the Harry Potter Studio Tour, you can just hit the Central London staged setting.

Either way, both locations will let you get this picture of you that will produce magical results.

Places to Take a Selfie in London: #7 London Eye

Moving up your selfie itinerary, you can grab a shot at one of London’s newest icons in the sky- The London Eye.

Before you visit, be sure to read the blog on Advice for How to Ride High. While you are there, it’s pretty easy to get a great picture if you board the carriage and immediately head to the back. This perfectly positions you for a timely picture of you and one of the world’s most famous riverside views. While at the attraction, you can also snag a sneaky Big Ben photo from a different land angle too.

Places to Take a Selfie in London: #8 The Shard

For the highest horizon in Europe, you’ll have to go to the View from the Shard experience. I’ve visited twice and both times it was spectacular. From this altitude you can get a great shot of you and The Tower of London, the Tower Bridge, HMS Belfast and the Mayor’s office.

Places to Take a Selfie in London: #9 Regent Street

For all the fashion forward Sunny friends, put on your pret a porter gear and strut your stuff on this runway- the middle of Regent Street.

While you must be exceedingly careful to stage this shot, it is possible to position yourself in the center of Regent Street. I’ve actual done a Periscope broadcast from this location when I was promoting the NFL in London street party that’s taken place the past few years in the Autumn.

Places to Take a Selfie in London: #10 Tower of London Bridge Exhibition

For the most death defying selfie, there is no doubt in my mind that the glass floor in the walkway of the Tower Bridge Exhibition is the clearest way to get the best selfie in London.

Again, there is a whole blog review devoted to this attraction that’s part of the London Pass. In fact, many of the attractions listed here can be a part of that money saving system.

Places to Take a Selfie in London: #11 Piccadilly Circus

At almost any time of the day, you’ll find Piccadilly Circus flooded with eager selfie takers. With the bright lights and flashy displays, this spot is always a winner. In fact, if you look closely at the couple posing below, you’ll see they’re aiming for every angle.

Places to Take a Selfie in London: Final Thoughts

There is one spot in London that I have intentionally left out and that’s Trafalgar Square. It’s certainly populated with tons of tourists every day fighting to take pictures on and with the Nelson’s column monumental bronze lions.

It’s just not something I would advise. There doesn’t seem to be a safe way to get to them and planning a selfie seems dangerous because there’s no railing and minimal space to balance your feet. There is no doubt that it is a great photo location. But, I wouldn’t count on a selfie stick producing concrete results. Well, unless you want to be on one of those viral videos that shows you falling off the statues.

What are your thoughts, Sunny friends? Where would you suggest is a great selfie spot in London?

April 4, 2016 by: Sunny London

Covent Garden London- Restaurants, Pubs and Attractions

What’s so amazing about WC2? It’s the postcode for Covent Garden, London and has the best restaurants, pubs and things to do in the town.Well, obviously I am a biased because it’s where I first lived when I moved to London as an American expat. However, this neighborhood represents an amazing selection of food, attractions, culture and history. Since the first day I published a blog post, I’ve been clear that it’s my favourite area of London.

Living on Great Russell Street next to the British Musuem and working in Bedford Square, when NBC News was located there, means I have spent quite a bit of time in WC2. Therefore, creating a guide to Covent Garden for you is not only fun but also fairly easy to do. And, recently I added a ‘Secret Things To Do in Covent Garden‘ video to the Sunny News YouTube channel too that can show you hidden activities. Below, you will find information about:

History
Hotels
Pubs
Restaurants Reviewed
Restaurants Others Recommend
Shopping
Street Performers
Things to Do

Covent Garden, London- History

We can consider the area to be between St. Martin’s Lane and Drury Lane, which is on the eastern fringes of London’s West End. From North to South, generally it starts around the High Holborn area down to The Strand. The Northern ‘border’ is a little blurry.

The central square is now a popular shopping and tourist site, but it originally was a fruit and vegetable market. Since the 1600’s it transitioned from this to a place filled with taverns, theatres and brothels. In the 18th century it had become a red-light district. However, an Act of Parliament assisted with organizing the market and moved it to be an area containing cafes, pubs, small shops and craft markets.

Currently, Covent Garden still demonstrates an array of its rich history through the street performers, attractions and overall vibe. It always seem to present an energetic, playful atmosphere full of seasonal surprises.

You also never know what will happen in the piazza. For example, in the summer of 2015 there was an art installation which featured over 100,000 balloons.

Covent Garden, London- Hotels

Covent Garden isn’t particularly known for a wide selection of hotels. For this reason, there is a just a few on this Guide.

Bloomsbury Hotel– While technically just outside the northern edge of Covent Garden, this hotel is on the street where I first lived in London. If you’re a literary fan, this is the hotel for you. It has an academic theme, reflective of this popular literary hub in London near where many authors like Charles Dickens lived.

Corinthia- This is a five-star hotel whose spa has been rated as the best in London. I enjoyed their Christmas afternoon tea here once and can certainly say it is very luxurious. For an exceptionally perfect New Year’s Eve location, choose Corinthia. Year round its proximity to other London attractions is an additional bonus.

Covent Garden Hotel- Part of the Firmdale Hotels, this London hotel franchise is by far the most beautifully decorated that I have ever seen. Their afternoon tea both here and on Charlotte Street are the best quality for the price.

One Aldwych– It’s countless how many times I have been to this hotel for cocktails, food and a staycation. The spa is impressive, and it has the coolest pool in town!

Just across from Waterloo Bridge, it’s location makes it perfect for a stay that features theatre trips. Also, it’s less than a five minute walk to Trafalgar Square. Regent Street and Buckingham Palace aren’t too much further either. This hotel has had rockin’ success with their Charlie and the Chocolate Factory inspired afternoon tea too. If it’s something you’d like to do, be sure to book well in advance, as it’s often full.

The Savoy- For one of the most luxurious stays in London, see The Savoy. I’ve only had dinner at one of their restaurants. I can only imagine how wonderful an evening or extended weekend/trip could be at this swanky spot.

Covent Garden, London- Pubs

Any Londoner or British person will tell you that not all pubs are equal. My husband, ‘Mr. Sunny’ was born in London, as were his parents. He prides himself on a deep knowledge (based on countless hours of research) of beer and pubs in London and around the world. All of the blog information about these two categories is his work. His recommendations for a ‘damn good pint’ and possibly food to go with it are below.

Cross Keys- All Londoners know this pub. It’s striking exterior makes it an easy place to find. However, inside is surprisingly dark and seemingly full of local Londoners.

Lamb and Flag– This pub is a bit tricky to find, but if you’re looking for a true British pub that isn’t full of tourists, this one’s for you. However, we’ve only had drinks here. It isn’t one that I would suggest you have a meal too.

The Porcupine- When I first lived in London, my friends and I met at this pub often, so now it’s where Mr. Sunny and I chose to rendevous if we’re meeting after work. The reason is the fact that it’s right outside Leicester Square underground station so it’s easy to find. If you’re trying to catch up with someone who may not have access to wifi or a mobile network, this is a great meeting place to have a drink and start an evening.

Shakespeare’s Head- While there is a pub in Carnaby with the same name, this is a Wetherspoon pub. Mr. Sunny likes this place because it’s generally cheaper than other pubs. It tends to get crowded, and it is very large. It’s a short walk from Holborn underground station on the Piccadilly line and Central Line.

The Harp- Of all the ones listed here, I think Mr. Sunny likes this one the best. It’s a Fuller’s pub that has a choice of ten hand-pumps. Again, beer only. I’ve had a few glasses of wine there, and let’s say that and food are not their specialty.

The Salisbury- This is the pub I pick for having traditional English pub food if you seek it in Covent Garden. (Another great one is Porter House, which is in the pub crawl listed below). I’ve eaten here and definitely recommend the fish and chips. It’s part of the Taylor-Walker chain.

The Ship Tavern– one of the best pub meals we’ve had is at this location in the restaurant upstairs. Drinks and bar snacks on the main floor are highly recommended too. It’s on a very secret street just around the corner from Holborn underground station.

Pub Crawl- For a Canadian, Irish and British pub that are in close proximity, you can take one of our first pub crawls published on the blog. There is also another pub crawl which features pubs that have sun-themed names and several are in Covent Garden too.

Covent Garden, London- Restaurants Reviewed

While you can find many of London’s popular chains throughout the neighborhood, there are also tons of individually owned restaurants that offer excellent food, both from a British or international cuisine.These are the ones I have reviewed and recommend to Londoners and visitors.

Bill’s Covent Garden Restaurant– There are two locations for Bill’s in Covent Garden. I enjoyed their afternoon tea at St. Martin’s Courtyard when I first started the blog. The restaurant is colourful, and the food is reasonably priced.

Byron Burger– A casual chain in London, my husband and I popped in this location while spending an afternoon in Covent Garden touring Christmas decorations and activities. A popular feature on their menu each year during this time is their Cheesemas burger. The extra calories for this one are truly worth it.

Five Guys– this location was one of the first to hit London. The popular American chain has since launched several other spots so the lines no longer stretch around the building. Having eaten at both this one in London and America, I can say they’re exactly the same.

Indigo Restaurant– Inside the One Aldwych hotel is where I had one of the best pieces of lamb I’ve eaten in London. Further, I’ve had cocktails in One Lobby Bar at the hotel and feel it’s a swanky place to chill both before and after dinner.

Le Garrick– The love story behind this French restaurant is endearing, and the food is fabulous.

Le Pain Quotidien– For a Belgium bakery found many places around London, I was pleasantly surprised at how healthy the menu is. This particular location spans several floors and has an outside seating area near the piazza.

Salvador and Amanda– For Spanish tapas, my husband and I have hit Salvador and Amanda several times. Aside from having Flamenco dancing several times a week, the restaurant and bar offer great drink specials during specific hours.

Shake Shack– A popular American chain, this casual burger place is one of my favourite in London. For a burger that is more affordable than other places, my husband and I love Shake Shack and treat ourselves to it as often as possible. They’ve added a few other spots around London, but the one in the Covent Garden Market still seems to have a regular queue at nearly all times of the day.

The Real Greek– You can hit this Greek restaurant either on Long Acre or St. Martin’s Lane. We’ve eaten at both and feel it offers a big, fat Greek experience that rocked both times.

The Savoy– While their afternoon tea is supposed to be incredible, my husband and I went to Kaspar’s Seafood Bar and Grill at The Savoy. We were able to reduce costs through an opportunity at Bookatable, so I suggest you explore this if you’d like to eat rich but save money.

Wildwood Kitchen– If you’re near Seven Dials and are looking for a rustic Italian experience, you can try this restaurant.

Covent Garden, London- Restaurants Others Recommend

There is a list of places in Covent Garden that I am aiming to review because I have heard great feedback about them, so I have included them here.

Big Easy– This American dining restaurant ‘provides the taste of Southern states.’ It seems like a fun place to enjoy a meal if you’re seeking a bit of American culture.

Flesh and Buns– This restaurant is brought to you by the people behind Bone Daddies Ramen and Shackfuyu. It is their Japanese Izakaya bar & restaurant. Everyone I know who has been here is impressed.

Fire and Stone– This pizza place seems fairly casual, as one would expect. There has been quite a few times I’ve seen representatives passing out flyers or coupons for it in various streets of Covent Garden around the restaurant.

Frenchie Covent Garden- opening on March 27, 2016 this restaurant is receiving a lot of hype from media and has the area buzzing. If you’ve been there and can leave some feedback in the comments, that would be appreciated. In fact, at the time I published this Guide to Covent Garden, they didn’t have a full website running.

Homeslice– for pizza that is as close to New York style that I can find in London, read this review and visit Homeslice.

Rock and Sole Plaice– This is the one fish and chips shop in London that’s the highest on my list to try. It’s always busy when I pass it, and the creative name has me very intrigued.

The Ivy Restaurant– Having eaten at The Ivy in Hollywood, I can say that I am a bit curious about this London location. It seems to have the same prestigous allure in the UK. However, since my LA experience was more about star spotting than food quality, I haven’t ventured to either London location for The Ivy yet. However, Londoners seem to think it’s a great place to eat, especially pre-theatre.

Covent Garden, London- Shopping

While I would say the best street to shop on in London is Regent Street, Covent Garden has a good selection of specialty stores that would make for a fun day too.

Seven Dials Shopping– This section of Covent Garden can be a bit confusing because it literally is formed by seven roads meeting at a roundabout. If you are planning on being in the area, I suggest you visit their website for any scheduled activities, as they frequently have summer and winter events. Specifically, they have a shopping party each year before Christmas and make the discount promotion for the evening available on their website.

St. Martin’s Courtyard– Perhaps most popular to Americans in this secret spot is Banana Republic. As a former car park, this section of Covent Garden has a handful of shops, restaurants and other services. It’s very small, so it’s not a place where you would spend a few hours.

Covent Garden, London- Street Performers

One of the most popular places to see street performers on a regular basis in London is Covent Garden. They audition at various times during the year. There is a judging panel made up of representatives from the Courtyard Musicians Association, Street Performers Association and the Capco Covent Garden Management Team.

The Courtyard pitch is for classical vocalists and instrumentalists. They don’t allow any wind instruments, brass instruments, electric guitars, drums, accordions, bagpipes or didgeridoos to be played at Covent Garden.

Covent Garden, London- Things to Do

Christmas- Covent Garden is one of the most beautiful places to visit in London during the holidays. Their installation of decorations kicks off the start of the Christmas season each year.

It’s also one of the locations that you can go ice skating during the holidays. Here you can see a bit of what the Somerset House experience is like.

Covent Garden Academy of Flowers– One of my most cherished experiences in London is the day I took an extensive floral arrangement course at this academy. They offer evening workshops for anyone mildly interested in learning about floral design. Vouchers for one of these sessions is one of the top gift ideas I suggest for the girl who has everything.

Hotel Chocolat– Who doesn’t love chocolate? My husband and I are guilty as charged for this. It’s why we loved the class we took at Hotel Chocolat so much. If you’re looking for a super fun date night idea, taking a chocolate course here is perfect.

London Coliseum– This is the home of the English National Opera. You can see what’s currently on the stage through their website, as it changes often.

London Film Museum (Bond in Motion)- This current Exhibit features cars and numerous other artifacts and props from James Bond films. It’s absolutely for people who enjoy and appreciate the franchise. As it is probably designed in honour of the release of Spectre, you will want to check their website to see if it’s still offered before you plan a visit.

London Transport Museum– If you’re even mildly interested in how people get from one place to another in London, this museum is worth your time. It’s also an excellent activity for kids and part of the London Pass discount plan for touring the town.

Olivier Awards- This ceremony is the British equivalent to the Broadway’s Tony Awards. Their given to individuals in West End productions and other leading non-commercial theatres based in London. They’ve been held at the Royal Opera House since 2012, and the most recent ceremony was April 4, 2016. Fans frequently fill the red carpets to watch stars as the enter.

Neal’s Yard- This is by far the most ‘Instagrammable’ location in London, after all the iconic attractions. It’s not an area you would just stumble upon, as it’s a bit tricky to find. However, it’s an explosion of colour and great food that real Londoners know exists and love.

Royal Opera House- Home to The Royal Opera and The Royal Ballet — this is the place to watch and learn about world-class opera, music, ballet and dance.

Horse-drawn Omnibus Tours– Stanfords offers an authentic horse-drawn tour through the streets of London. It’s something you would want to book in advance and is geared toward someone who doesn’t have a strong existing knowledge of London.

Theatre Royal on Drury Lane- This location is currently showing Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Covent Garden, London- Final Thoughts

You can get to my favourite neighborhood easily on the Piccadilly Line. However, the shortest journey on the underground in London is between Leicester Square and Covent Garden, at a distance of 300 yards. So, if you’re coming via the Northern Line, you may just as well exit at Leicester Square and walk less than five minutes to the heart of Covent Garden. Even though, the Covent Garden underground station has the best staff in London. (Trust me, they’re a very entertaining bunch.) You can see all their fun each day on Instagram.

Don’t miss the ‘Secret Things to Do in Covent Garden’ video added to the Sunny News YouTube channel also. It has things Londoners don’t even know exist! 😉

If there’s anything you can add about your recommended places in Covent Garden, I do hope you include the ideas in the comments below. Also, if I can answer any specific questions for you regarding the area, please give me a shout out! If you’re visiting London for the first time, you may also wish to see my Guide to London.

Want a Food Freebie in London?

Subscribe to the Sunny in London weekly email and immediately get the ‘Local’s Pocket Restaurant Guide to London.’ It’s the ultimate free travel accessory for your London trip. The Guide has top recommended restaurants from a local, organised by neighbourhood. With it you can easily find a place to eat when you’re on a London street. Downloading the file to your phone means skipping Wi-fi and finding a fab foodie place- fast!

As part of the welcome, you will also receive several other free downloads that will guide you through trip planning, plus a weekly edition of the hottest happenings in London.

March 6, 2016 by: Sunny London

Moving to London: What Household Goods to Ship

When you’re preparing for an international move, it’s difficult to assess what household items you should ship overseas. For example, if you are planning on moving to California from another state, to help make the moving process a lot easier, looking into something like the California movers page on My Long Distance Movers website would hopefully make this time in your life a lot less stressful, as we all know how the moving process can go. The same goes for wherever you live in the world. There’s always something out there to give you a helping hand. If you’ve never lived outside of your country, predicting what daily life will be like in a foreign environment is tricky.

Luckily, when I prepared for my last move from the US to London, I had the advantage of having lived in London once before. I wasn’t sure whether to move to Canada or London. I checked out Thorton real estate and found some beautiful houses however I decided London would be better for my career. This gave me some idea of what I should and shouldn’t take, for example, where to find the best mortgage rates that might be helpful for buying a house or an apartment. If you’re planning on moving to London, perhaps my shipping experience and suggestions of what you should and shouldn’t bring will help.

Recently, I wrote about my excellent experience with an international shipping company. In the beginning of this year they delivered 45+ boxes I had in storage in New York since I sold my townhouse in the end of 2012.

Now that I’ve finally unpacked all the boxes and have everything settled, I can reflect on what should and should not have been in the boxes.

For the most part, I am thrilled about everything I included, even if it doesn’t all quite fit in to my London flat perfectly. In fact, I regret more about what I left behind than feeling like I shipped too much.

Before I left, I sold all of my furniture except for two storage cabinets. I moved to London on a spouse visa, as my husband is British. We felt it would be best for me to get settled in to life here and then ship my belongings overseas. Once we found a flat big enough to hold all of my items, we unpacked them and bought furniture from Ikea that met our spacial and storage needs. This turned out to be an excellent plan for us.

Household Goods to Ship: Art

That white cabinet above is one of our Ikea purchases. I love it. However, even more important to me is the wall art above it. It’s not expensive. I purchased the decor from Pier 1 Imports in New York. It’s a piece that always meant something to me, so I decided it was getting packed for the move to London. When factoring what I could’ve sold it for against what it cost to ship it, the decision was easy. Also, I knew household items like that would be expensive in London.

Also included in my shipment were these decorative accents from Bed, Bath and Beyond.

I actually sent three of them. The other one is featured on another wall in our kitchen. You see, this wall above wasn’t big enough to show all of them together like I had them displayed in my New York townhome:

Again, the pictures weren’t expensive, but I love them. I also sent the two pottery vases you can see in the far left corner. Oh, and do you recognise that teapot on the right? It’s the same one that is in the first art work picture you saw above too. I plan on writing a separate blog on all the kitchen items you should include on a move from the US to London later.

Our flat isn’t quite large enough to hold all the art work I sent from New York. That’s something you’ll want to think about when making your decisions on what household goods to ship. There simply isn’t the same amount of space in Europe as exists in the US, especially if you’re moving from an American suburb. Further, you might want to save wall space for items you purchase on your travels once you live in London.

I feel my art work not only has sentimental value but also represents my life prior to moving. When you live as an expat, feeling parts of your home makes days in a foreign environment easier. There are many other pictures that I sent aside from the ones shown here. I don’t regret sending any of them.

Household Goods to Ship: Christmas Decorations

My suggestion for Christmas decorations is a bit two-sided. Again, since space is a huge issue in London, you probably won’t have any additional storage area like a basement or even large closet. For this reason, I opted to get rid of nearly all my Christmas tree ornaments such as several sets of matching bulbs and my artifical tree. I did keep special ornaments from family and friends, and I am very happy about that. These are some shots of the last Christmas tree I had in New York (pre-blogging days so I wasn’t really concerned about photography skills).

These are some of Christmas household goods that made the trans-Atlantic voyage…

Hey, a girl with a blog called ‘Sunny in London’ has gotta have a gold heel ornament at the top of her tree, right? I wasn’t about to play Cinderella and leave behind that little shoe. 😉

It’s important to bring your favourite Christmas items for your move to London because it makes surviving the holidays as an expat easier.

Household Goods to Ship: Special Products

Some of the best posts in American expat groups on social media include the times when people ask what products aren’t available in London. Immediately, the topic of Mexican food surfaces. It’s incredibly tough to find authentic Mexican food in London. Food items like Kraft Mac and Cheese, Butterfinger, and good peanut butter are a constant battle to find as well.

Then there’s this issue…

For whatever reason, you’ll find the quality of plastic bags and Q-tips just isn’t the same in the UK. Throw as many boxes of them in your household goods to ship as possible. Oh, and ladies, chuck some Secret deodorant in your stuff too if that’s the brand you prefer. Hardly anyone can find it here, and the equivalent just doesn’t exist.

My all-time biggest miss is scented candles and soap from Yankee Candle.

Yes, I know they have a few ‘satellite’ Yankee Candle shops in the UK. But, they don’t have near the variety that you will find in a US location. Let’s face it, you aren’t going to find this one below in a London store…

And at Christmas, this range isn’t available either…

You can’t even find regular bacon as you know it in London, much less a bacon scented candle.

At least I know that Molton Brown has a candle selection that is amazing, if my Yankee Candle collection runs out before my next visit to my home state of Florida.

Household Goods to Ship: Final Thoughts

As I indicated earlier, I have future blogs planned to help anyone with decisions of what to ship if they are moving to London from the US. Specifically, I will write about kitchen, electrical and clothing items. If you’re an American expat living in London, it would be great if you could include household items you wish you had or had not shipped so readers making the move can benefit from all of our advice.

The international shipping company I used is also offering a discount on shipments to people who use my promo code, so if that’s of interest to you, be sure to read this blog review and email me. These are my suggestions on what not to bring and advice for applying for a UK visa.

February 14, 2016 by: Sunny London

Eating Gator at the Ocean Deck in Daytona Beach

Have you ever eaten alligator? At the Ocean Deck in Daytona Beach, Florida you can have Gator Bites. Yep, you British readers are probably staring at your screen in awe right now. But, it’s true.

Oddly enough, even though I lived in Florida most of my life, I had never eaten gator until this past Christmas holiday. Why is that?

Well, to be honest, it just didn’t sound appealing to me.

I knew when planning Mr. Sunny’s first trip to Florida that I wanted to take him to all the iconic beach bars in Daytona and have him eat like a local. As I explained the restaurants and bars to him prior to our trip, he fantasized about what it would be like drinking beer on the beach at Christmas. He was born in London, and despite travelling all over the world while working for NBC News and even living in Los Angeles for a year, he had never made a trip to visit Florida.

While visiting the Ocean Deck’s website during out travel pre-planning, Mr. Sunny spotted Gator Bites on the menu. It’s all I heard about for the next few days. And then, on a December afternoon around Christmas, we hit the deck. The Ocean Deck.

Starting as a hot dog stand in 1957, the Ocean Deck is an iconic place to eat and enjoy live entertainment in Daytona Beach, Florida. This restaurant, also known as ‘The Legend on the Beach’, is a popular hangout for locals as well as tourists. It has music festivals, volleyball tournaments, 5k Fun Runs and many more events to keep you ‘dancing in the sand with a drink in your hand.’

We arrived just after 11:00am as I didn’t want to bring Mr. Sunny there when it was too crowded. Unfortunately, it wasn’t a particularly beautiful sunny day.

Because Mr. Sunny had already fully reviewed the menu, it didn’t take him long to order what he wanted. Once it all hit the table, he realized that all of his food choices were fried. This destroyed any hope of him having a healthy lunch. In fact, gator meat is generally known as a healthy meat source because it’s high in protein and low in fat.

Can you see my salad sitting there in the back? It’s just behind Mr. Sunny’s Caribbean Coconut Shrimp and the Crispy Clam Strips. Individually, the Grilled Shrimp Salad is pretty colourful. Let’s take a closer look to see what I mean…

I did try one mouthful of the Gator Bites. The meat was a little tougher than what I anticipated. Truthfully, in all that batter you can’t really taste anything bizarre. My husband really liked them.

In less than an hour, the tables were full at the Ocean Deck. Because we were doing a beach bar pub crawl, we started to make our way out of the restaurant. Mr. Sunny loved the personality of the place and thinks the toilet and other signs are pretty clever.

He also had a real treat in the gift shop, as the person working was from England and moved to Daytona Beach twenty years ago. We all had fun picking out a bar shirt for him, as that’s one of the souvenirs he always likes to get. However, because people in London don’t generally wear clothes with bright colours, we didn’t get any of the traditional style shirts they sell. He bought a white one with the logo.

As we headed to our car in the parking lot, Mr. Sunny enjoyed hearing the tiki doll exclaim, ‘Ha!Ha!Ha! Haaaaaaa! Welcome to the Ocean Deck’ in the same way it’s been said for decades in commercials. Just in case you aren’t from Daytona Beach and don’t know what I mean, you can hear it for yourself as soon as you visit the beach restaurant and club’s website.

Our only regret with our visit to the Ocean Deck was that the weather that day wasn’t too picturesque Florida. But that just means we’ll need to make a trip back the next time we travel to Daytona Beach together.

Are gator bites on your food bucket list, Sunny friends? Have you tried them already, and are you a fan?

February 7, 2016 by: Sunny London

How to Have the Best International Shipping Company Experience

Are you planning to move overseas? If so, there’s no doubt you want to find the best international shipping company possible, if you are interested in finding out more about shipping containers for sale you could find out about them with a quick google search. Would you believe the shipping overseas process from the US to UK took me over three years?

Here is a summary of my saga and what you need to know for your move. (Oh, and make sure to see the end of this blog for a discount code for shipping!) (July 2018- Please see end note about discount)

My Timeline:

November 6, 2012- Representatives from a local moving company packed up my belongings from my three bedroom townhouse in New York. Items were held at New York storage facility until UK Fiance Visa approved.
January 9 2013, UK Fiance Visa approved. See separate blog about the nightmare I experienced with this process due to a weather disaster.
February 2013- Decision to keep items in storage until London life settled and we found a flat large enough to accommodate my belongings.
March 2013-January 2014- Wedding postponed due to parent illness.
September 2015- Moved in to London flat that we love.
November 18 2015- UPakWeShip retrieves items from New York storage facility.
December 6, 2015- Items begin trans-Atlantic journey. (I requested they send them a bit later so they wouldn’t arrive in London just before Christmas)
January 28, 2016, UPakWeShip arrived to our North London flat with over 45 boxes of my personal belongings. Delivery time took less than 2 hours.

The Best International Shipping Company Experience: Pre-packing

What I Did:

To make the international move easier, I put all of my furniture from my three bedroom townhouse on Craigslist in the US, with the exception of two cabinets and a wicker chest that I purchased from Pier 1. This is a photograph of the cabinet that I thought would never survive the move because it chips so easily. (It arrived flawless) 🙂 Also make sure you get the best storage containers. Check out this website if you wanted to learn more.

I chose to bring them because I knew they would fit somewhere in a London flat. I contemplated bringing this Queen-size bed because it would be less furniture to buy once settled in London.

Next, my mother helped me pack 30 boxes full of my personal belongings. We documented nearly every item in each box as we packed.

I’ll write separate blogs later on specific household, kitchen, electronic and clothing items I included in these boxes and how I chose them. In summary, everything but glass, odd shaped items and my Gucci, Prada and Michael Kors bags went in to the boxes we purchased from a local storage company.

Clothing I didn’t like anymore or knew I wouldn’t wear in London went to a local consignment shop. However, I packed two full size suitcases and a carry-on suitcase with items I would need during the estimated 6-10 weeks it would take for my shipping from the US to UK.

Tips for You:

Try to bring as little furniture as possible. If you don’t know the exact dimensions and layout of where you will live, you could end up paying to ship furniture that you won’t be able to use (or doesn’t fit) in a new location.
Take the time to list the contents of every box for yourself and put it in a spreadsheet. This helps calculating insurance, organizing your unpacking, and remembering what you shipped internationally. Also, it will help clear your items in Customs faster.
Use the opportunity to offload stuff that is clutter or no longer of value/interest to you.
It is possible to ship all the items yourself and not need a shipping company to do it for you. You’ll need to rent or buy a shipping container but it is doable if you want to. Check out https://www.opptrends.com/railbox-shipping-container-pricing-and-wholesale-buying-options/ for information on how to get your own shipping container.

Best International Shipping Company Experience: Professional Packing

What I Did:

I arranged for a local moving and storage company to handle the remaining parts of packing my belongings. Like a sniper attack, the professional movers in New York packed the items efficiently and with care.

They put glass and china items like a set of 12 Waterford champagne glasses, martini glasses, and giant pasta bowls in Dish Barrels. They packed artwork, an ironing board, handbags, exercise equipment and wooden drying racks in to boxes. Finally, the New York movers also took four plastic bins that I had packed previously.

Tips for You:

Use social networks like Facebook to ask for recommendations for local moving companies with excellent reputations. Make sure you ask if they have climate controlled storage, if there could be the slightest chance your belongings being delayed in starting the international shipping process.
Have the professional movers pack very expensive items, glass or odd shaped things. It’s worth the money for several reasons. Plus, what they pack is insured for damage upon arrival. If you pack a box yourself, there’s little you can do if the items are damaged when you unpack it in your new location.
Pack tissue paper in between all of your clothes. I never imagined my items would be folded for three years. My coats packed with tissue paper looked fine when I removed them from the plastic bins.

Best International Shipping Company Experience: UPakWeShip

What I Did:

Searching for an international shipping company is not easy. To get a quote, I had to complete a page of information which triggered tons of email responses. Then, I would have to wait for a shipping company representative to contact me by phone. Trying to remember which company said what was a nightmare. This stalled my process quite a bit.

Eventually I discovered UPakWeShip online. The company handles overseas shipping from New York or anywhere else in the USA.

They also handle moves to:

– the USA, UK, German, or anywhere else in Europe

– Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South America, Asia and Southeast Asia

If I could summarize the entire experience with them in one word it is: easy.

I was put in touch with Mark Nash, who throughout my entire experience was always very accessible, informative and friendly. He moved from London to the USA himself, so this made my trust in him even greater.

He understood that my items had been in New York for nearly three years and was eager to assist in reuniting me with them. In fact, many times Mark and his employees were ready with information faster than I was during the process.

We discussed my shipping rate for the 2 crates weighing approximately 2100 pounds (272 cubic feet). In addition, I learned about insurance options (which was complicated because I had packed many boxes myself and had professional movers) and the UK Customs clearance process.

Their website says they will ‘get your belongings there safely and save you money.’ True. And True. Mark indicated that it would be cheapest for me to pay for the second floor delivery in my initial check rather than upon arrival. This was one of the many money saving tips he provided me due to his strong experience with international shipping.

For more insight on the moving process, Mark has a free eBook available for download.

Tips for You:

Be sure to thoroughly understand the insurance process before you enter an agreement with a company. Also discuss timing and any potential additional charges that could happen outside of your quote.
Add time that the international shipping company predicts for you because you never know what will happen. My items were held at UK Customs extra time due to the fact they had been in storage for long, and this raised questions. I had to provide additional documentation to account for this. Luckily, Mark and his employees knew exactly what to do to handle the inquiry.

Best International Shipping Company Experience: The Delivery

What I Did:

Prior to the delivery, I gave our flat a good clean. This is the calm before the box storm…

I knew once the boxes arrived it would be chaos for a while.

UPakWeShip showed up exactly within the timeframe they indicated. A team of three guys moved my items quickly in to our flat to the room and place I indicated. The spreadsheet I had of my belongings really facilitated this.

A fourth member of UPakWeShip documented everything with an iPad, including pictures of the process. I also had a camera on deck.

We chose not to have them unpack all the boxes, even though this was available and paid for. Because I knew I would need to wash all my dishes and glasses plus buy cabinets to store them, it seemed silly to have everything unloaded without somewhere to store it.

They did unpack the artwork, furniture and a select number of boxes.

Fortunately, the only item that was affected by the move was one of my storage cabinets. As they unpacked it, one of the four legs was broken. However, this seems to be from the storage company and how it was initially packed. UPakWeShip was quick to take many pictures of the item, as was I. To be honest, with the amount of glass, artwork and other boxes I shipped, I can’t believe this is the only thing that ‘went wrong’ with the process.

Tips for You:

Discuss parking arrangements with the company prior to scheduling your delivery date. In London, you might need to purchase a parking permit for the company in advance.
Try to have at least two people available for the delivery. When I was busy guiding the placement of boxes, my husband assisted with taking pictures and answering other questions the movers had.
If you aren’t going to have the movers unpack items, make sure you have a plan for debris removal. Luckily, my husband was able to take crushed boxes and packing paper to a dump facility in London. That is an additional charge there.

I did receive a discount on my shipment because I planned to write a review on the company and process. It in no way affected my opinion of UPakWeShip. Think about it- if a company destroys your personal belongings- the last thing you would do is hold back the information on the internet! Now, I wish I could just snap my fingers and have all this fit neatly in to our flat 😉

If I ever need anything shipped in the future, there is no doubt in my mind that I will contact the best international shipping company in my opinion. They are also on Twitter and Facebook.

Please know that your own shipping experience could be different based on what you are sending, how you pack it and where you are going.

The Best International Shipping Company Experience: Discount

If you do choose to follow my recommendation for this international shipping company, UPakWeShip is offering Sunny in London readers a discount if you quote my promotional code at the time of your inquiry.

For this code, simply Contact Me. I’ll reply with the promotional code and answer any questions you might have about my experience. Please leave comments you have about your international shipping experience below to help others who are planning to move overseas.

Finally, a huge thank you to Mark and everyone at UPakWeShip for the amazing service. My stuff, after three years of sitting in a warehouse, is finally with me. These are a few shots they took to document the story too…

July 2018- Please note that this discount code has ended. However, I still without a doubt continue to recommend this shipping company.

If you’re planning a move to London, you can subscribe to my YouTube channel too. It shows advice for living in London, as well as event, attraction and things to do guides.

January 12, 2016 by: Sunny London

How to Fly Virgin Atlantic Heathrow London to the US

Why was my first Virgin Atlantic Heathrow London to the US flight an unpleasant experience? Oh… let me count the ways!

After years of only flying Delta Airlines roundtrip London to the US, I was forced to fly Virgin Atlantic (their partner airline) over the Christmas holidays due to ginormous price differences. I wish I could say this was a positive experience. While there were a few positive things. Sadly, I can’t say I would ever be pleased about flying Economy with this airline again.

Virgin Atlantic Heathrow London: Seat Selection

This is by far the biggest issue I have with the flight. While I booked the Christmas holiday tickets for my husband and I in September, we weren’t able to select our actual seats at the time of booking.

As someone who has had vein closure surgery on both legs, trans-Atlantic flights are tough. Further, my husband, a proud London beer drinker, is a big dude. We need space and access to the aisle. And, like you, we’re not interested in jumping over people to gain it.

After several hour long phone calls with Virgin Atlantic airline, we were told that unless we paid £25 per seat, we couldn’t pick our actual seats until 24 hours before our flight. This is in addition to the original £1732 ($2528) price tag. Seriously?

What’s the big damn secret for seats, Virgin Atlantic?

For weeks I had sleepless nights worrying if we would be stuck in the middle of their Economy seat selection. The rows are comprised of two seats, four seats, and two seats. It’s a couple’s nightmare if you get the middle sets in the section of four.

After seeing me in tears so many times after booking our flight, a week before the flight my husband said he’d pay for our seat selection as part of my Christmas present.

So, instead of a cool olloCase for an iPhone 6 or iStabilizer Shutter Remote that I put on my Cool Blogger Gadgets Must Have List, I got reassurance that I would not sit next to a stranger for 10 hours on a plane. We received two seats together in the left side of the plane in row 60-something.

Virgin Atlantic Heathrow London: Boarding Process

WTF?

I felt like I travelled back two decades to either you’re First Class or you’re not! That’s basically how it felt.

As usual, people started queening pre-maturely. Then, Virgin Atlantic staff announced everyone should get in line to board, in two sections, Upper Class or not.

Two giant lines and one big mess.

Virgin Atlantic Heathrow London: Overhead Cabin Space and Seat

I struggled to put my barely acceptable carry-on in the overhead compartment. Thank goodness my husband just brought a backpack. We shoved our stuff overhead and took our seats.

The most painful part of the Economy flight experience is the seat. For nearly 10 hours, I barely had enough room to extend my legs. Further, my husband and I had trouble not jabbing each other in the ribs with our elbows because the seat width is so small.

However, with regard to positives, I will say the in-flight entertainment far surpasses that of Delta’s Economy or Premium seats.

The music selection is excellent. For half the flight I did some serious seat dancing to Electronic and Dance tracks. I figured if I was going to supercede my seat barrier that I should do it with some stellar disco dance moves. I also had a few ‘bottles’ of wine to ease the journey too.

I noticed from the side that it’s difficult for other passengers to see what’s showing on your seat screen. This was handy when I was watching the scenes from Entourage: The Movie that were for adult eyes only. 😉 So, I didn’t feel too uncomfortable about my movie choice because I knew everyone behind me couldn’t clearly see my screen. It’s so much better than watching this for 10 hours…

Virgin Atlantic from Heathrow London: Other Economy Positives

Wow. Virgin Atlantic crushes Delta when it comes to airplane food. We liked our meals, except for the fact that they ran out of pasta by the time they got to us.

And, we each had inseat chargers. You know how valuable that is on a ten hour flight if you play games (like my husband) or blog on a plane like me. In comparison, you’re lucky to have this on a Delta flight in Premium Class, as chargers aren’t standard.

Virgin Atlantic Heathrow: Upgrade to Premium

My husband’s return flight was on Delta because he had to be back in London earlier than me, and the flight times and prices were best for his needs.

I dreaded my return trip on Virgin Atlantic. However, on my Daytona Beach, Florida to Atlanta flight on Delta, I was automatically upgraded to First Class. Cooooool.

Because I am a Silver Medallion member on Delta and was travelling by myself, apparently I got upgraded to a Premium seat on Virgin Atlantic too. However, I didn’t know this until I logged in to the 24-hour online check-in. Being in a Premium seat on the Virgin Atlantic flight from Atlanta to Heathrow meant I got to board quickly. It was much more organised in Atlanta.

My seat (21D) was much bigger than the in-bound Economy flight, offered tons more leg room, and was soft and comfortable. (Well, as much as can be expected on an airplane). The middle rows in this part of the plane only have three seats, not four.

There was a bottled water waiting for me when I arrived. And I was offered three glasses of Prosecco before the plane even took off. My damn #DryJanuary New Year’s Resolution was the only reason I wasn’t dancing on the chair before we headed for takeoff.

Another benefit included receiving super fast attention and assistance from flight attendants. The views are of course, the same.

Virgin Atlantic Heathrow: Economy vs Premium

I will never fly in the Economy section of Virgin Atlantic on a trans-Atlantic flight again, unless it’s the last possible option on Earth. I’d suggest to you that it’s worth the additional money to upgrade to a Premium seat, if this is the airline you pick.

While Delta’s Economy seats are nothing to cheer about, I find they’re better than Virgin Atlantic. But, when it comes to matching the Premium seats, Virgin Atlantic easily beats Delta.

This makes me even more curious as to what the Upper Level experience is like on Virgin Atlantic. My mother had the opportunity to fly it from New York to London en route to Ireland once. I was more jealous of her flight than of her trip at the time!

Hey, Richard Branson and company, are you looking for a blog review of your Upper Class service? *Shameless pitch*

I strongly suggest that you book a premium seat when you fly Virgin Atlantic, if you can’t travel Upper Class.

Have you ever flown Virgin Atlantic roundtrip London to the U.S.? If so, what are your thoughts? Any Delta frequent fliers out there like me who have flown Virgin Atlantic due to the airlines’ partnership?

Oh, and if you fly through Heathrow often, it’s worth reading World Duty Free Heathrow: What You Don’t Know. It has a link for a discount card that’s a great way to save money while at the airport!

January 10, 2016 by: Sunny London

Duty Free Price for Chanel, Chocolate, Michael Kors and More!

Do you find a duty free price tempting when you’re travelling internationally? Have your eye on Chanel perfume or a handbag and waiting to see if it’s cheaper at the airport? Need a last minute gift for your holiday host and think chocolate from duty free could be an easy answer?

On a roundtrip flight from the London Heathrow Airport to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in the United States, I spent some time comparing specific products based on blog readers’ inquiries over the years.

Initially in 2014 when the currency exchange rate was $1.75=£1, I compared items like Jack Daniels whiskey, champagne, Marlborough cigarettes, and various perfumes to see if duty free is worth it.

On a trip in January 2016, the exchange rate was approximately $1.49=£1. This time I compared different items.

Duty Free Price for Gucci Handbags:

This comparison is very interesting. The Dionysus GG Supreme Shoulder Bag featured below is sold for £1020 ($1488) at London’s Heathrow Terminal 3. That’s the one with the red suede in front. On the Gucci website it’s listed for 1500 Euro (£1119, $1633) The Dionysus Blooms Print Shoulder Bag bag behind it is £1230 ($1794). Online it’s listed as 1800 Euro (£1343, $1960). So, if you’re flying through Heathrow Terminal 3 and fall in love with a Gucci handbag, it’s certainly worth it in comparison to shopping online in the UK.

I could not find a Gucci store in the Atlanta airport international terminal. However, I did find the same Gucci handbags at The Mall at Millenia in Orlando, Florida. The small bag below is £1429 ($2100) and the big bag is £1542 ($2250). It looks like the clear winner here is London’s Heathrow Airport. However, the prices for Gucci’s handbags are still astonishing, especially if you’re on a budget. If you’re really trying to find a Gucci handbag within a tight budget, your best bet will be taking a look at these Mau-fashion Gucci fake copies. These are still very realistic and maintain great quality.

Duty Free Price for Chanel Handbags:

When shopping at Chanel at Heathrow Terminal 3, I noticed the prices of these handbags from their Cruise Colletion. The fuschia Chanel handbag is £1415 ($2064. The bigger blue patent leather Chanel bag is £1850 ($2699), and the smaller blue bag is £2104 ($3069). The shoes are £650 ($948). Neither the handbags nor shoes were featured on the Chanel website. Leather handbags like this and at that price should certainly be maintained. Using a leather conditioner and cleaner when cleaning your leather purse or handbag will prevent staining and improve the flexibility of the material.

The Duty Free Price for Chanel No 5 Eau de Parfum:

London’s Heathrow- 50ml is £54.50 ($79), a 100ml bottle is £76.80 ($112)
Selfridges in London– 50 ml is £68 ($99), a 100ml bottle is £96 ($140)
Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson- EDP 50ml is £65 ($95), a 100ml is £85 ($125)
Sephora in the US– 1.7 ounces £68 ($100), 3.4 ounces £90 ($132)

If you love Chanel perfume and are flying through Heathrow airport, it looks like this is where you get the best deal. However, for US readers who have international travel plans elsewhere, and love Chanel perfume, don’t wait until your trip to get the perfume.

Instead, visit Sephora online and consider getting the Chanel travel spray. This means you put it in your checked luggage and not have to be bothered with it the day you fly.

Duty Free Price for Ted Baker Handbags:

Not every Terminal at Heathrow has a Ted Baker. Luckily, Terminal 3 does, but it’s super tiny. However, they did have a few handbags on display. The black tote below is the Shelcon bag and is on the Ted Baker website for £29 ($42) at the time of this blog post. As the tag shows below, it’s £24 ($35) at Heathrow Airport.

It’s really difficult to compare these handbags to American prices because Ted Baker is a British brand. They do sell it at some US department stores, but the selection is extremely limited.

You can take your chances at Heathrow because the prices are better. But, there’s a slim chance the exact handbag you seek may be there the day you travel. For Ted Baker, I absolutely suggest buying a handbag on their website if there’s one you are dying to have. Save the duty free shopping for one that catches your attention the day of your international flight.

The Duty Free Price for Michael Kors:

Now we are going to examine my favourite brand, Michael Kors. People in London always compliment anything I have that’s Michael Kors. For this reason (and because I’ve always LOVED it), I stock up on MK everything whenever I return to my home country, America. These are the items I picked up over the summer, which you can read more about in the Expat Shopping List.

What can I tell you about shopping duty free for Michael Kors? According to a store representative in the Atlanta airport international terminal, they not only sell the bags tax free, but they beat any local competitors by at least 10%.

This makes shopping for a duty free Michael Kors handbag in US airports totally worth it.

However, if you don’t have any international trips planned or just can’t wait for the handbag that’s caught your attention, American readers should visit the Michael Kors selection at Macy’s.com. This is where I buy nearly all of my MK gear. The deals and selection beat anything I’ve seen anywhere. With sales and coupons at Macy’s I got the Fulton Harness Rainboots for £60 ($90) and the Red Asymmetrical-Zip Belted Coat for £87 ($125). You’ve probably seen both a million times on my Snapchat! (SunnyinLondon2).

They do have Michael Kors watches at both London’s Heathrow and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta airport, if you’re curious.

The Duty Free Price for Chocolate:

Chocolate isn’t something I would purchase when travelling from London to my home town Daytona Beach, Florida because I would be afraid it would melt on the second leg of the journey. However, many people found my previous Heathrow Duty Free blog post because they google ‘duty free chocolate.’

So, I snapped a few comparison shots for you at both airports. In the US, the duty free shops are stocked with chocolate that isn’t too appealing to the British, in my experience. At London’s Heathrow, there is definitely a better selection of quality chocolate. The Godiva boxes are unique to London, so they make nice gifts to people who could be hosting you during your visit.

The box below is £15 ($21) for 180g. Of course, the range of chocolate products you’ll find online at Godiva in the UK is certainly more extensive. It’s one of my favourite places to eat chocolate in London.

The savings on Lindor seems good too.

The Duty Free Price for Fortnum and Mason Tea and Biscuits:

Last Christmas, this is the gift I picked from duty free at London’s Heathrow for my mother.

Fortnum and Mason tea is one of the oldest and most reputable teas in England. It’s not available at the Atlanta airport. Americans who want this tea need to purchase it online, or visit the luxury department store on 181 Piccadilly Street in Central London. I found that the tea and biscuits are exactly the same price online at Fortnum and Mason as they are in London’s Heathrow airport.

Duty Free Price for Macbook and Headphones:

I don’t buy electronic products in the UK because they are so expensive compared to US prices. However, I did make my way through an electronics shop in Terminal 3 to show you what’s available.

If you’re living in the US or travelling there, I find the best deals are at BestBuy. Take a look here at how cheap you can get the Macbook Pro.

Further, if you’re shopping for headphones, this is what I found at Heathrow…

The salesperson at the store said the ones above are the most popular for people to buy at the airport while waiting for an international flight. It looks like the Sony h.ear on headphones run about £20 ($29) cheaper at the airport, rather than on Amazon UK. That seems to be the same with the Ministry of Sound Audio On Headphones and Bose headphones.

However, a GoPro HERO Camera is exactly the same price.

The Duty Free Price for Converters:

Finally, just for last minute fun, I shot a picture of these converters.

With the uncertainty of what can happen with travel plans, especially at airports, I wouldn’t wait to get an electric plug converter until I was at a London airport. But, it’s likely if you forget them for your international trip that you might be able to grab one pre-flight.

Duty Free Price: Final Thoughts

Those are the more popular items that I have found people purhase while duty free shopping. I’d love to hear what’s on your list. Do you look forward to it at the airport? Are your purchases planned or implusive?

If you frequently fly through London’s Heathrow Airport, be sure to read World Duty Free Heathrow- What You Don’t Know before your next trip. It shows offers that are only found in duty free shops. And- there’s a link to a shopping loyalty card for the airport! Also, on the Sunny News YouTube channel, I have a Shopping Guide for London as well as Safety Tips, Visiting Pubs advice, and fun things to do in London.

January 5, 2016 by: Sunny London

How to Get to the Harry Potter Studio Tour London

Is the Harry Potter Studio Tour London on your bucket list?

Before you get too excited, you need to realise it’s not an easy place to visit. Sadly, it’s like Stonehenge because it’s isolated from everything.

Many people know about the Warner Bros Studio Tour where you can see so many treasures from the Harry Potter films. However, they don’t know the quest for getting there is worthy of its own adventure novel… well at least a chapter in one!

I was lucky to go with my British husband the first time I visited Warner Bros, because he drives. However, when I went to see Hogwarts in the Snow, the special Christmas event at the attraction, he wasn’t available to chauffeur.

Warner Bros Studio is 20 miles northwest of Central London. As an American expat living here, I haven’t tried driving on the ‘wrong’ side of the road yet. I imagine most travellers to London aren’t renting or hiring cars for their holidays either.

The Harry Potter Studio Tour review I wrote regularly triggers questions from readers about location. Nearly everyone asks about options for how to get to the Warner Bros studio.

You can visit the Studio’s webpage for directions. However, they aren’t as simple as they appear. As an American expat living in London, I’ve put together a list of what happens with each option.

Getting to the Harry Potter Studio Tour London- Hire a Car

This is clearly the most expensive. When I entered the Central London location (Great Russell Street WC1B ) on Uber to inquire about a cab price cab one way to the Warner Bros Studio, I received this result:

Ouch! Can someone get me a broomstick to try flying first? 😉

Google Maps estimated the drive to be 41 minutes, with no traffic. It also indicated there were toll roads.

Getting to the Harry Potter Studio Tour London- Take Trains

The website indicates that public transport links serve the attraction and a shuttle bus from Watford Junction is available. It costs £2 per return journey. These facts are simple, but there’s a huge hole that’s missing that you need to know. The time in between making connections can be significant!

When I had to get there myself, I relied on public transportation and had a disaster which nearly caused me to miss the Hogwarts in the Snow experience.

I used the London Underground app, which I use daily. It estimated the journey to be 81 minutes with three station changes. I live in Zone 4 and had to travel in to Central London and back out to get to Watford Junction.

What I didn’t consider, because I rarely use the Overground line (the orange one), is that these trains don’t run as rapidly as Underground trains. In fact, since an employee at a station gave me the wrong directions to a platform, I missed my train by one minute. The next one didn’t arrive for 20 more minutes.

When I did arrive at Watford Junction, luckily the shuttle to Warner Bros Studio had not left yet and was parked right outside the station. My friend had been waiting for nearly a half an hour in the rain in line to board the shuttle.

Again, the shuttles don’t travel between the station and the attraction that often.

We had tickets for the 9:00am tour but didn’t get to the Harry Potter Studio Tour London until 9:45am. If trains ran fluently, I would’ve arrived at Watford Junction at 8:15am. My journey that day cost me £4 each way (Zone 1-8). It was off-peak as it was a Saturday. On my return, I was able to get a train that went directly to Euston and this saved me 40 minutes. Here’s the 2016 Journey Fare Finder by Zone so you can calculate your trip.

Getting to the Harry Potter Studio Tour London- Ride in a Coach

When I researched this option, I discovered Golden Tours is a preferred partner of the Warner Bros Studio Tour London. This is their pickup schedule and locations, which are near Victoria Station and Baker Street Station in Central London. Including transportation and time at the studio, the experience lasts approximately seven hours.

Roundtrip tickets cost about $100 per person. This is at the exchange rate of £1=$1.49. If you’re in the UK, the price is about £68 for roundtrip transportation and admission to the Harry Potter Studio Tour London.

Getting to the Harry Potter Studio Tour London- Drive Yourself

There is no need whatsoever to rent (hire) a car if you’ll only be in Central London for your holiday. Therefore, it would be silly to do so just for one day for the purpose of visiting the Harry Potter Studio Tour London.

However, if you’re travelling from Warner Bros from outer London, or somewhere else in England, driving yourself would be the best of all options for a no hassle experience.

Getting to the Harry Potter Studio Tour London- Be Creative

Of course, there’s always a horse if you want to go old school.

Or maybe you might even try your luck jumping through Platform 9 3/4 if you’re feeling particularly inspired.

But, I would strongly suggest you look in to one of the above suggested options first, because this is as far as I got…

Getting to the Harry Potter Studio Tour London: Final Thoughts

No matter how you arrive, this attraction in London is absolutely worth the effort if you’re a fan of the Harry Potter books or Harry Potter movies. If you can’t make it to the Studio, there’s also the Brit Movie Tours Harry Potter Bus Tour. Below are videos of 10 Harry Potter Things to Do in London and highlights of what you’ll see at the studio tour. Also, I have published a video on 5 questions to ask yourself to determine if the Harry Potter Studio Tour is Worth it for You.

If you’ve been to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando’s Islands of Adventure, the Dueling Challenge: London vs Orlando is a blog review on how the two attractions compare. And, to see what the studio looks like for the holiday season, you can read my review of 5 Reasons You Must See Hogwarts in the Snow.

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As part of the welcome, you will also receive several other free downloads that will guide you through trip planning, plus a weekly edition of the hottest happenings in London.
A Guide to London for Americans Visiting for the First Time

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January 3, 2016 by: Sunny London

The 5 Worst American Beers

Do you have any idea how many American beers exist now? This question really intrigued my British husband, Mr. Sunny, on our recent trip to Florida. While we were there visiting from London, he was on a mission to try as many American beers as possible.

I’ve never fancied the taste of beer. So, during our ten days visiting my home state, I sat back and watched him sample beer after beer and took notes on all his observations.

Through his devout ‘research’, he discovered several American beers that feels are lovely. Unfortunately in this experiment, he identified a handful that made the drink challenge a bit hard to swallow.

Let’s begin with the positive and then move to the ‘only if it’s the last beer available on Earth’ option…

If you’re an avid Sunny in London blog reader, you’ll know Mr. Sunny regularly orders Stella Artois. We really should get some kind of brand ambassador role for this because it’s mentioned in nearly every food, restaurant and drink review we do.

Next, he’ll select San Miguel, if Stella isn’t on the beer menu.

If I’m not around and he’s at a leaving drink or night out with his mates, he’ll get serious and order a Delirium Tremens. He’s a huge fan of Belgian beers. We wrote about where to drink these beers in Brussels.

When he was twenty, Mr. Sunny spent a year living in Los Angeles. He recalls very few beer options at bars during that time. Now, he is simply amazed at how far American beers have come and always takes pictures of the taps to send his mates in London.

On this trip, he rated Yuengling beer as the best. Following that, honourable mentions go to Rolling Rock and Budweiser.

And these are the ones he will fondly refer to as ‘the Worst American Beers’ on the planet.

Worst American Beers: Up River Lager

Brewed by the Mudshark Brewing Company in Arizona, this lager didn’t impress Mr. Sunny. Specifically, he said it left a more than fishy taste in his mouth. Even though we were on holiday in Florida, this still didn’t sit well with this self-proclaimed professional beer drinker.

Worst American Beers: Lagunitas Beer

This IPA is billed as ‘highly drinkable.’ It has a bit of caramel malt barley that ‘provides the richness that mellows out the twang of the hops.’

Mr. Sunny says, ‘the twang makes your tongue curl.’ No good.

Worst American Beers: Humbolt Brown Hemp Ale

We admit that Mr. Sunny tried this beer just to be a bit cheeky. It’s brewed with toasted hemp seeds that add an herb-accented flavour. Although it’s won numerous awards in California, Mr. Sunny says ‘Just Say No’ to this one. Further, he said it didn’t even give him the munchies. Duuuuuuude.

It’s in the center in the picture above.

Worst American Beers: Floridian Hefeweizen

The tagline ‘Suntan for your Soul‘ definitely caught my husband’s attention. He says the best sunscreen for a British bloke is to be seated at an indoor bar.

However, this beer from the Funky Buddha Brewery didn’t go down like the liquid sunshine we had hoped for.

Worst American Beers: Milwaukee’s Best Light

Finally, Mr. Sunny agrees with the entire US drinking population in saying that ‘The Beast’ is by far the champion of the worst American beers.

So, that’s an Englishman’s view of what’s on tap in America.

We want to give a special shout out to the House of Beer in Port Orange, Florida for letting Mr. Sunny sample so many beers for this story. They have a great Winterfest selection of booze for the holidays, if you’re in the area.

Mr. Sunny would like for everyone to know that this is the blog post he enjoyed the most, and he’s available to conduct this type of research anytime, any place. And, he really loves the personalized beer mug that With Luv Design sent him for Christmas. He says it’s a stocking stuffer he hopes to keep full year round!

Do you agree with Mr. Sunny’s worst American beers? Which ones would you add to the list?

December 31, 2015 by: Sunny London

Ode to 1995: A 20 Year Old London Blogger Love Story

Did you notice some sneaky stories from this London blogger in 2015?

2015 was a very special year for me. It marks my twenty year celebration of falling in love in London.

My About Me page tells the story of when I moved to London from Florida for the first time in 1995. It was for work experience with NBC News. At the international bureau, I met a young camerman and was enamored by him and London.

Distance didn’t work in our favor when I returned to the US after the position ended. Our lives went different directions. However, we reconnected many years later and married in 2013.

To recognise this exciting anniversary of meeting my husband and discovering London, I revisited five experiences I had in 1995 and blogged about them during 2015. Looking back at each of these adventures, you can see what has and hasn’t changed in London over the years.

A London Blogger Reunion Tour: The Tower of London

In 1995 I had some really fabulous adventures with my mother when she visited me in London and I played tour guide for her. The Tower was her favourite attraction. She’s a huge fan of English history and is fascinated with the stories of the country’s Kings and Queens.

This attraction has hardly changed in between the twenty years I visited. It’s not surprising given it’s historic significance.

However, for the 2015 trip to the attraction as a London blogger, I felt I could’ve stayed the entire day learning more about the scandals and triumphs that took place around the Tower.

During both visits the Beefeater leading the walking tour was fun, informative and memorable. Taking time to tour the Tower of London will always be one of London’s best experiences.

A London Blogger Reunion Tour: Tower Bridge

Twenty years ago my mother and I walked over the Tower Bridge. In 2015, as a London blogger I not only went up inside the bridge but also was able to take pictures through the relatively new glass floor that’s been added.

For this reason, I declare it’s the best place to take a selfie in London.

A London Blogger Reunion Tour: Madame Tussauds

Not only did I return to this world-renowned attraction in 2015, but also I tried to take some of the same pictures at Madame Tussauds that my mother and I took in 1995. Take a look at the differences between 1995 and 2015…

This was certainly the attraction that changed the most between my visits. But it stands to reason. There’s quite a line up for the Royal Family, and now Princess Diana is on the other side of the room. 🙁

There are also a few new wax figures at the museum that I hope are rotated out of circulation really soon.

A London Blogger Reunion Tour: Raves

In 1995 raves had really hit a peak. As someone who loves electronic music and dancing, I frequently hit clubs in Central London and loved raves.

A few years ago in London, Morning Gloryville began morning raves to promote healthy lifestyle. They happen once a month on a Wednesday and one weekend a month.

Arriving to ‘a club scene’ at 7:00am is certainly a novel experience. The rave scene is quite different now. You can either read about it or watch it on YouTube here…

A Longon Blogger Reunion Tour: Magical Mystery

Finally, on a cold December Sunday morning in 2015, I headed to the most important stop on my Tour. The street where it all started, Great Russell Street.

This is where I lived in Bloomsbury in 1995. The shop that I visited every morning at 6:45am to pick up a croissant before walking around the corner to NBC News is still there. Eve’s Cafe. However, it looks like it’s receiving some updates inside.

The YMCA is now the Bloomsbury Hotel and a few other shops have left the street entirely. And, of course, the streets sure weren’t lined with Boris Bikes in 1995.

At the end of the street in front of Tottenham Court Station at 11:00am each Sunday, you can still take the Beatles Magical Mystery Tour with walking guide Richard Porter.

My mother and I loved this experience in 1995. Here’s how I ended the two and a half hour walking tour back then.

To show the change in time, I didn’t ask someone to photograph me crossing London’s most famous crosswalk. Instead, I celebrated as a London blogger by snapping a selfie and doing a Periscope broadcast of me crossing Abbey Road.

On the 2015 trip I noticed Richard still shared many of the same pictures he passionately showcased years ago. He even goes to many of the same locations.

However, in the time that has passed, he’s acquired the Beatles Coffee Shop outside St. John’s Wood station. He still clearly remains the Central London authority on the fab four’s legacy.

A London Blogger Reunion Tour: X Marks the Spot

One location proved to be a huge disappointment in 2015. After covering countless afternoon teas in London as a London blogger, I wanted to go to The Ritz.

It’s the one place my mother and I had afternoon tea when she visited in 1995. It was exquisite.

I contacted The Ritz in April to inquire about writing a feature on them as a London blogger. Specifically, I wanted to talk to them about how their afternoon tea has held its prestige through the years and what they’ve kept and changed during this time.

They responded that they were just too busy to discuss any stories about this iconic experience. It was disappointing for me. That email definitely affected my interest in ever going there again.

Since 1995 afternoon tea has become a real phenomenon in London hotels. With all the wonderful choices available in the seasonal themed menus around town, I sure won’t feel limited by skipping The Ritz for afternoon tea when my mother visits again.

A London Blogger Reunion Tour: What’s on Your List

You wouldn’t think a city with such a long history in comparison to the US would have so many changes. From the big to the small, there are many to recognise. Perhaps the most obvious is this landmark below that’s become so iconic in the short time?

And of course, there’s the yearly changes to Christmas displays in shop windows for the holidays. Here’s a picture I took during the January sales of 1995…

A London Blogger looks at five attractions from 1995-2015

Liberty Christmas Window Display 1995

And the Selfridges windows of Christmas 2015…

Sunny friends, have you ever lived in a city several times or visited over a period of years and noticed changes? What attractions or events were special to you and made your ‘return bucket list’?

What’s your love story?

Finally, as an Ode to 1995 in honour of my 20-year old love story with my husband, I’m sharing a picture of the one trip outside of London that we took together that year. It’s the only picture we have together from the year we met. Digital cameras sure have changed that the amount of pictures we have now in 2015!

Can you guess where we took this picture? This country is on our 2016 bucket list!

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Places to Take a Selfie in London: #1 Big Ben

Places to Take a Selfie in London: #2 Buckingham Palace

Places to Take a Selfie in London: #3 St Paul’s Cathedral

Places to Take a Selfie in London: #4 Madame Tussaud’s

Places to Take a Selfie in London: #5 Shrek’s Adventures

Places to Take a Selfie in London: #6 Platform 9 3/4

Places to Take a Selfie in London: #7 London Eye

Places to Take a Selfie in London: #8 The Shard

Places to Take a Selfie in London: #9 Regent Street

Places to Take a Selfie in London: #10 Tower of London Bridge Exhibition

Places to Take a Selfie in London: #11 Piccadilly Circus

Places to Take a Selfie in London: Final Thoughts

Covent Garden, London- History

Covent Garden, London- Hotels

Covent Garden, London- Pubs

Covent Garden, London- Restaurants Reviewed

Covent Garden, London- Restaurants Others Recommend

Covent Garden, London- Shopping

Covent Garden, London- Street Performers

Covent Garden, London- Things to Do

Covent Garden, London- Final Thoughts

Want a Food Freebie in London?

Household Goods to Ship: Art

Household Goods to Ship: Christmas Decorations

Household Goods to Ship: Special Products

Household Goods to Ship: Final Thoughts

My Timeline:

The Best International Shipping Company Experience: Pre-packing

What I Did:

Tips for You:

Best International Shipping Company Experience: Professional Packing

What I Did:

Tips for You:

Best International Shipping Company Experience: UPakWeShip

What I Did:

Tips for You:

Best International Shipping Company Experience: The Delivery

What I Did:

Tips for You:

The Best International Shipping Company Experience: Discount

Virgin Atlantic Heathrow London: Seat Selection

Virgin Atlantic Heathrow London: Boarding Process

Virgin Atlantic Heathrow London: Overhead Cabin Space and Seat

Virgin Atlantic from Heathrow London: Other Economy Positives

Virgin Atlantic Heathrow: Upgrade to Premium

Virgin Atlantic Heathrow: Economy vs Premium

Duty Free Price for Gucci Handbags:

Duty Free Price for Chanel Handbags:

The Duty Free Price for Chanel No 5 Eau de Parfum:

Duty Free Price for Ted Baker Handbags:

The Duty Free Price for Michael Kors:

The Duty Free Price for Chocolate:

The Duty Free Price for Fortnum and Mason Tea and Biscuits:

Duty Free Price for Macbook and Headphones:

The Duty Free Price for Converters:

Duty Free Price: Final Thoughts

Getting to the Harry Potter Studio Tour London- Hire a Car

Getting to the Harry Potter Studio Tour London- Take Trains

Getting to the Harry Potter Studio Tour London- Ride in a Coach

Getting to the Harry Potter Studio Tour London- Drive Yourself

Getting to the Harry Potter Studio Tour London- Be Creative

Getting to the Harry Potter Studio Tour London: Final Thoughts

Want a Food Freebie in London?

Worst American Beers: Up River Lager

Worst American Beers: Lagunitas Beer

Worst American Beers: Humbolt Brown Hemp Ale

Worst American Beers: Floridian Hefeweizen

Worst American Beers: Milwaukee’s Best Light

A London Blogger Reunion Tour: The Tower of London

A London Blogger Reunion Tour: Tower Bridge

A London Blogger Reunion Tour: Madame Tussauds

A London Blogger Reunion Tour: Raves

A Longon Blogger Reunion Tour: Magical Mystery

A London Blogger Reunion Tour: X Marks the Spot

A London Blogger Reunion Tour: What’s on Your List

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