While there are many places within London that are ideal for peoplewatching (any train or Tube station, for example), I think I’ve found one of the most relaxing and fascinating spots to watch the tourists mingle with locals. Go to the Starbucks Coffee across the street from the British Museum entrance. Find a spot at the window counter, or outside at a table, and watch the comings and goings. You’ll see tourists from every nation, hurried locals with their carrier bags and briefcases, and every type of motor vehicle pass right in front of you as you sip your Earl Grey or triple-shot espresso. I’ve done this during each trip I’ve made recently to London, and I guarantee you a wonderful peoplewatching experience.

Starbucks Coffee
51 Great Russell Street
London WC1B 3BA

According to Reuters, disclosure this week in the U.K. of the alleged plot to smuggle bombs on aircraft disguised as beverages immediately brought extreme new security measures and chaos at airports on both sides of the Atlantic. People flying between the U.S. and the U.K. must be prepared for an extensive search and screening process. You must arrive three hours prior to your flights.

On August 13, British Airways cancelled one-third of its flights from London’s Heathrow airport in an escalating argument with airport authorities about how to handle tougher security.

Here’s what you need to know if you’re travelling to London in the immediate future. According to the U.S. State Department website:

“There are approximately 106 flights per day between the United Kingdom and the United States. Although numerous arrests have been made in the U.K. to disrupt and neutralize this threat, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is taking a number of heightened protective measures to ensure the continued safety and security of our international and domestic air travel.”

As you have undoubtedly heard, absolutely no liquids or gels of any kind will be permitted in carry-on luggage, but they may be placed in checked baggage. This includes beverages, shampoo, suntan lotion, lotions, tooth paste, hair gel, and other items of similar consistency. The only exceptions:
1) baby formula and breast milk, but only when a baby or small child is traveling;
2) prescription medicine with a name that matches the passenger’s ticket; and
3) insulin and essential other non-prescription medicines.

Some measures will not be visible to the public. In light of the elevated threat level, the Federal Air Marshals Service (FAMS) will provide expanded mission coverage for flights from the United Kingdom to the United States. These measures will be constantly evaluated and updated when circumstances warrant. DHS and its components have coordinated closely with the air carrier industry, airports, and state and local stakeholders to implement these significant, but necessary, security measures. The traveling public can assist these agencies in carrying out their important security duties by:
• Packing lightly, without clutter to facilitate easier screening.
• Check with your air carrier well before your flight departs for information on when you should arrive at the airport.
• Cooperating with TSA personnel at all checkpoints and gates because TSA Security Officers will be checking carry-on baggage at the gate.
• Being attentive and vigilant to any suspicious activity.

Websites for both United Airlines and American Airlines’ specify what you can and cannot carry on the planes between the U.S. and the U.K. From the U.S. to the U.K., no liquids or gels are allowed in carry-on bags and approved electronic devices are allowed. From the U.K. to the U.S., carry-on bags must be checked and electronic devices must be checked (including iPods, cell phones, and laptop computers). Both airlines are waiving excess baggage charges through mid-August – up to two excess pieces. Check for confirmation before leaving for the airport.

When returning to the United States, you must obey the following new regulations for carry-on items. You must put your items in one clear plastic bag, and nothing may be kept in your pockets. The allowable items are:

• pocket size wallets and pocket size purses plus contents (money, credit cards, identity cards, etc. but not handbags or purses)
• travel documents essential for the journey (passports and travel tickets)
• prescription medicines and medical items sufficient and essential for the flight (a diabetic kit for example), except in liquid form unless verified as authentic.
• eye glasses and sunglasses, without cases
• contact lens cases (saline solution is NOT allowed)
• if traveling with an infant: baby food, milk (the contents of each bottle must be tasted by the accompanying passenger) and sanitary items sufficient and essential for the flight (wipes, creams, disposal bags)
• female sanitary items sufficient and essential for the flight, if unboxed
• tissues (unboxed) and/or handkerchiefs
• keys (but no electrical key fobs)
• non-liquid/gel items purchased at duty-free

Vacationers should note that the London Underground is undergoing over $10 million in upgrades, which means closures that may delay or reroute your journeys. There will also be closures as the subway system begins extensive expansion and preparations for the 2012 Olympic Games. The Tube’s official website, www.thetube.com, can provide you with the latest news, although here are some highlights to note when planning your trip:

The Waterloo & City Line will be completely closed until Fall 2006. Regent’s Park Station on the Bakerloo Line will be closed until at least July 2007, and Lancaster Gate Station on the Central Line will be closed until at least November 2006. Baker Street and Queensway are nearby alternative stations that can be used. (Queensway recently opened after nearly a year’s refurbishment.) Additionally, there will be fifteen different weekend stoppages on the Central Line in 2006, various weekend shutdowns on the Northern Line in 2006, and six different weekend stoppages on the Circle, District and Waterloo & City Lines in late 2006/early 2007.

When traveling to the U.K. on vacation, you’ll need to prepare yourself in advance to convert your electric and electronic items in order to be able to use them. While the U.S. uses 110-volt electricity, the majority of countries around the world use a 220-volt system. Many items now have dual voltage so, for instance, taking your iPod with you and charging it up while in London won’t be as much of a concern. Switch it to 220 volts while overseas; switch it back when you return to the U.S. If your appliances do not have dual voltage – like a hair dryer, for instance – then you’ll need to use a converter.

Also, plugs in Britain are shaped differently, so you’ll need to purchase plug adapters and pack them prior to leaving. Technically, adapters don’t have anything to do with the electricity – they just help make the plug fit securely into the wall socket. A photo is shown below of the different prongs used in the U.K.

As far as converters go, these are for use with electric appliances such as hair dryers and irons. They can be used for short periods of time. You’ll need something more heavy duty, a transformer, for extended use with computers and battery chargers. There are even products available that can be used as both converter and transformer.

Plug adapters, converters and transformers can easily be found and purchased online, although most travel, luggage and major office supply stores carry these products here in the States. You’ll be hard-pressed to find these appliances while in London, so be sure to handle these matters before leaving.

Since many vacationers now carry laptop computers with them, either to keep up on work or to stay in contact with those back home, you’ll want to know these details in order to stay up and running. Most AC adapters and chargers for laptops are dual voltage, so a plug adapter is all you’ll need. To protect yourself, you may want to purchase a travel surge protector as well if you’re going to be working for extended periods of time.

If you’ll be staying in a major chain hotel while in London, inquire before you arrive as to what is available. While plug adapters are a necessity, you may even find that some hotels provide you with 110-volt outlets for your use while there. In general, “know before you go” and avoid frustration while dealing with your electric appliances. Click below to visit Amazon.com and purchase what you’ll need: