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

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

Tags: London vacation, London travel, London airports, London air travel, U.K. travel, U.K. vacations

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.

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:

Tags: London vacation, London travel, U.K. electricity, U.K. voltage conversion

1. Museums, museums, museums! In 2001, the British government provided the necessary subsidies and tax law changes to allow the doors of many of London’s top museums to be propped open for the general public without any admission fees. You could plan an entire holiday around these locations alone, which include: the British Museum, the Victoria and Albert, the Natural History and Science Museums, the Imperial War Museum, both the Tate and Tate Modern, the National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery, Covent Garden’s Theatre Museum, the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich. Prior to this incredible scheme, it would have been prohibitively expensive to take an entire family for a day-out at a museum. Now you can enjoy all of these and still have money for lunch.

2. The Changing of the Guard. The grand tradition at Buckingham Palace is a must-see for those visiting London for the first time. The music, the horses, the pageantry — it’s all there. Check with your hotel concierge or online for dates and times.

3. Street Markets. Besides Portobello Road on Saturday mornings (which is terrific for peoplewatching as well as browsing), there are over fifty other locations in the capital city to wander through, including Borough Market, Petticoat Lane Market, Camden Market, and Greenwich Market. Most are at weekends.

4. Visit the park. There are dozens of parks in which to stretch out and relax, provided it’s a sunny day! The largest, of course, are Hyde Park, St. James’s Park, Green Park and Regents Park. It’s amazing that there is still so much greenspace in the middle of one of the world’s largest cities, and it may be more grass and trees than your children see back home in the States. Take advantage of it.

5. BBC TV and Radio shows. If you have enough advanced time, visit www.bbc.co.uk/whatson/tickets/ and get tickets to see a recording of either a BBC television or radio program. There are several locations in and around London where these tapings occur, and while you may find yourself arriving early and standing in line for awhile, these free events are very entertaining and provide a backstage look at something you would rarely even see back home.

6. London bridges. A stroll along the Thames, both north of the river and along the South Bank walkway, is a relaxing way to spend a day and can often provide you with some of the best photographic opportunities you’ll have during your trip. (Think Big Ben, the London Eye, the Tower of London, and the river itself!) Crossing back and forth on the Westminster Bridge, the London Bridge, the new Millennium Bridge, and the Tower Bridge, it’s one of the best self-guided walking tours you can take.

7. Bookstores in Charing Cross Road. Between Foyle’s and Borders and Blackwell, you have enough books and magazines to keep you browsing for an entire day — and Foyle’s has an especially wonderful children’s section as well. A cup of coffee halfway through the day and you’ll have enough energy to explore some of the other smaller independent shops nearby.

8. A Day at a Department Store. While most of us prefer shopping over browsing, there are so many amazing things for sale at Harrods in Knightsbridge or Selfridges in Oxford Street that you could spend a day looking, trying on clothes, and enjoying a cup of tea that you won’t feel badly if you leave at the end of the day empty-handed. It’s also a terrific way to spend some indoor time during one of London’s frequent rainy days.

9. Lunchtime Concerts at St. Martin’s. St. Martin-in-the-Fields, located in Trafalgar Square, hosts small live music concerts (most always classical) on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays at 1PM. While donations are suggested, these are free to the public.

10. Old Bailey Courtroom Galleries. If you’re interested in seeing the British legal system at work, there are free public galleries at the Old Bailey (technically the Central Criminal Court) near St. Paul’s. Children under 14 won’t be admitted, and no recording equipment is allowed — leave it behind because there are no storage facilities.

Tags: London vacation, London travel, Free Things To Do In London, London For Free, London sightseeing

The views are spectacular, and on a clear day visitors are able to see as far away as Windsor Castle – 25 miles away. A complete rotation or “flight” takes thirty minutes, with your pod rotating at about a half-mile an hour. The wheel moves slowly in order to keep passengers moving on and off without having to stop (although wheelchairs and people needing special assistance can enjoy the Eye too – the Wheel will stop just for them in order to make their entrance and exit safely).

At this time, tickets cost £13 for adults and £6.50 for children, with special discounts for senior citizens and the disabled. To save ten percent, you can make advance bookings through the Internet at www.londoneye.com. The lines are long, even with advanced tickets, but there is a way to save some time if you have money to spare. You can get the real VIP treatment if you purchase a £25 “Fast Track” ticket. You’ll be personally escorted from the ticket office to the front of the line, given a photo book as a souvenir of your visit, and step right onto a capsule to the envy of all those queued up ahead of you. Also, there are champagne flights available and even private capsule bookings for very special occasions. There cannot be a more luxurious way to see the city.

Tags: London vacation, London tourism, London sightseeing, London Eye, London Ferris Wheel, London Landmarks

The production’s home will be the Palace Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue. Previews, originally scheduled starting October 2, will now begin Saturday, September 30. The red-carpeted Opening Nights will take place on October 16 and 17, and performances are currently scheduled through May 26, 2007 (so it’s not too early to book now!). For online sales, visit www.seetickets.com/spamalot.

The musical is based on the 1974 cult classic film “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” and the book was written by original Python member Eric Idle (who also helped compose the new score with John Du Prez). Tim Curry will reprise his Broadway role when the show opens before turning the “crown” over to Broadway’s current King Arthur, award-winning British actor Simon Russell Beale, in early 2007. Curry, best known for his work in the film version of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” is return to London’s West End after a twenty-year absence from its stages.

Tags: London vacation, London travel, London theater, London theatre, Monty Python, Spamalot

While it may be difficult to fit one more item in your suitcase, it’s always a good idea to pack a small first aid kit and some cold and headache remedies. Blisters are bound to happen with all the walking you’re going to do, and a few bandage strips and some cream will come in handy. While the Brits have plenty of drug stores (with Boots as their largest chain of “chemists”) with usually very helpful pharmacists, their products are just not the same as ours. The last thing you want to do if you get sick while on vacation is try to figure out if Night Nurse or Lemsip is going to work as well as what you’re used to taking back home.

If more serious medical attention while in London, your hotel staff will be able to direct you to an emergency room (called Casualty or A&E for accident and emergency) or ambulances can be reached by dialing 999, not 911. You’ll need to pay for doctor’s services out of pocket. If you want to put your mind at ease before leaving, check with your insurance carrier to see if they will help reimburse some of your expenses for overseas medical consultations. You may also choose to purchase additional traveler’s insurance.

Crime occurs in every major city, and London is no exception. Tourists are often easy targets because they are preoccupied with having a good time far from home and may be oblivious to warning signs around them. Basic safety principles, such as not walking alone after dark (especially in parks or isolated areas), should be observed. Pickpockets and purse-snatchers work the streets and the Underground, so men should keep their wallets in their front or inside jacket pockets and women should keep their bags securely fastened and closed. As night turns to morning and many Londoners spill out of the pubs and clubs, take caution as you may see an increase in disorderly behavior on the streets.

The attacks of 7/7/2005 on the public transport system have renewed worries over terrorism. London proved that it had emergency plans ready to implement that day, and while things can always be improved upon, the local and national authorities are constantly working to strengthen both their anti-terrorism campaign and their preparedness procedures. During a crisis, television news from the BBC and other channels can often be your best and quickest source of information.

If you have a wireless phone with international roaming, it may be a good idea to carry it with you while on vacation. They can also be rented at the airports when you arrive in the U.K. or from certain companies before you leave. Mobile phones are of great help during emergency situations and can help keep your family connected in case you become lost or separated.

Finally, the U.S. Embassy in Grosvenor Square is able to provide assistance in emergencies for American tourists. Keep their phone number in your wallet — 020 7499 9000 – and it’s not a bad idea to register your visit with them online at www.state.gov. Along with passport assistance, the Embassy can help you if you become ill and need advice or if all your money is lost or stolen and you need assistance in obtaining funds.

Tags: London travel, London vacation, London safety, London emergencies

Built in 1894, the Tower Bridge spans the River Thames and as built originally in order to relieve some of the unbearable congestion at the time. More than four dozen design concepts were reviewed before ultimately awarding the contract to Horace Jones. It took eight years to complete. It currently opens its drawbridges nearly a thousand times each year to let large sailing vessels pass undisturbed, and it hosts countless people every day traveling by car and by foot.

In 1982 the Tower Bridge Experience opened to the public. Visitors who purchase tickets to the Experience will see several video presentations about the construction and history of the hydraulic (steam powered) bridge. The high-level walkways that rise 45 meters above the river below are spacious and roomy. There is no rush here – you are welcome to stand above the Thames and take in the views to both the east (towards Canary Wharf and Greenwich) and the west for as long as you like. Coin-operated telescopes are available. Excellent photo opportunities are available of the unusual London City Hall building and the historic Tower of London. The treat mentioned earlier is the fact that small specially-built glassless windows have been installed all along the walkways so that you may take pictures without worrying about flash reflection.

Between July 22 and August 31, 2006, families can enjoy the Victorian Fun and Games exhibit. Visitors can try their luck at a series of activities such as cup-and-ball, hopscotch and marbles – all included for the regular price of admission.

Tickets for the Tower Bridge Experience are presently £5.50, with discounts for seniors and children. Special combination tickets for the Experience and the Monument can be purchased for just £6.50.

Tags: London Vacation, London Travel, London Tourist, Tower Bridge

The conversion rate is currently £1 = $1.86 US. There are plenty of available currency calculators, as well as free software for your handheld devices, that you can find online. Mentally calculating 2-for-1 seems to work fine as an alternative.

While you will find yourself using credit cards for most of your purchases (Visa, MasterCard and American Express are readily accepted virtually everywhere), keep in mind that many retailers are now able to charge more for goods and services if you pay this way. Keep an eye out for signage about this pricing differential. They’re obligated to post this when it occurs.

You’ll need cash for taxis, as well as small purchases and meals. There’s no limit on the amount of US dollars you can bring into the country, but you’ll have to exchange it into pounds for use within London and environs. There are plenty of places to exchange money, but be cautious and read the posted exchange rates and ask about fees. Airports, railroad stations and the Bureaux de Change in the high streets can cost you money – you may want to visit a bank or use an ATM. If you have a Visa debit card, you can use Plus System ATMs. For MasterCard debit cards, use any Cirrus machines. While I’ve never heard of anyone’s debit card having difficulties in the U.K. (i.e. being “eaten” by the machine), it’s always a good idea to have some sort of backup system or reserve, such as travelers’ checks, for emergencies. Also, make sure you jot down a phone number for your bank back home in case you run into difficulties – and be sure to inform them that you’ll be using your debit card overseas. They’ll log the dates in their system.

You’ll also want cash for gratuities. While you’re welcome to tip whatever you think is appropriate, it’s customary to offer 10-15% of the hotel and restaurant bills to the staff and waitpersons who have served you. (Some restaurants add service fees to the bill – always remember to check before “double tipping.”) If someone shows you to your hotel room and takes your bags up, offer at least 75p-£1 per suitcase. Taxi drivers should get 10-15% of the journey’s cost.

Tags: london vacation, london travel