London Travel Tips

06 Nov 2018

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Here are a couple of things I’ve learned on my recent trip to London (see my post about MozFest2018 for more information and photos)

• Unless you want to invest in a data plan, make sure to download an app that supports offline pedestrian maps. Using Google Maps’ regular offline road maps was an absolute disaster.
• If you happen to miss any basic items on your travels, Poundland (the UK’s equivalent to Dollar Tree), Boots (similar to Rite Aid) and Marks & Spencer (decently priced clothing) should be your primary sources.
• Cab rides in London are fairly expensive. The London public transport system offers an affordable alternative, with most tube rides selling for less than 3 GBP.
  • In some rare instances (I’d advise against taking the tube with a full set of luggage. Especially during peak hours) the luxury of a cab ride may well off-set the price though.
• Oyster Cards are the most efficient and cost effective way of traversing the London Underground.

• For a higher-end shopping experience, the O2 in East Greenwich, and Canary Wharf are both excellent destinations.

• When leaving from London City Airport, make sure to arrive no sooner than 2 hours prior to departure.
  • This particular airport is incredibly small and crowded, and won’t accept baggage drops earlier than 2 hours before a flight.
• Ignore the café near the check-in booths.
  • There is fresher and far more affordable food available at a stand approximately 100 feet after the security checkpoint (right after the electronics stand).