Help Me Gift Myself
September 3, 2015 9:48 AM Subscribe
I escaped a long-term abusive marriage homeless with a lot of hermit like attributes. It's been about three years of clawing and crawling out of that hole, and while I'm not completely out, I do have an apartment, job, friends, and enough money to feed me and my kid three squares a day.
That deserves a celebration and I'm determined that I'm going to spend a long weekend with my best friend in London in December as a combo birthday/holiday gift to myself. I want to see Hyde Park done up for the holidays, do a Jack the Ripper tour, eat in a pub, and visit a museum
So how do I do that? Explain this like you're talking to someone who has NEVER left the country, barely been out of Jersey before. Someone who is still slightly scared of strangers and needs to research and mentally script things ahead of time to feel prepared. Because that's me.
How much do you think I should save up if we'll be splitting the hotel room? What do I have to do between now and then to be allowed to leave the country? What should I do to avoid a crowd pointing and laughing at the dumb American? What super cheap or free things are just as much fun as the not cheap stuff? Which airline should we avoid?
Any advice/information would be so appreciated. I want this to happen so badly.
So how do I do that? Explain this like you're talking to someone who has NEVER left the country, barely been out of Jersey before. Someone who is still slightly scared of strangers and needs to research and mentally script things ahead of time to feel prepared. Because that's me.
How much do you think I should save up if we'll be splitting the hotel room? What do I have to do between now and then to be allowed to leave the country? What should I do to avoid a crowd pointing and laughing at the dumb American? What super cheap or free things are just as much fun as the not cheap stuff? Which airline should we avoid?
Any advice/information would be so appreciated. I want this to happen so badly.
Best answer: Step One - Do you have a passport? If not, get one
Get A Passport
posted by Julnyes at 10:06 AM on September 3, 2015
Get A Passport
posted by Julnyes at 10:06 AM on September 3, 2015
Best answer: 1. Take a look at this recent question. Lots of great info in there.
2. How much do you think I should save up if we'll be splitting the hotel room?
There are hotels all over London. But figure £100 a night for a comfortable hotel.
3. What do I have to do between now and then to be allowed to leave the country?
All you need is a valid US passport. Preferably have 6 months at least before it expires.
That's all. Nothing else to stop you from booking and hopping on a plane tomorrow!
4. What should I do to avoid a crowd pointing and laughing at the dumb American?
Central London is one of the most tourist friendly places around. In many places there will be more tourists than locals. It would be very difficult for you to stand out. Americans everywhere.
5. What super cheap or free things are just as much fun as the not cheap stuff?
For starters, all major museums are free. The many parks are free. Slowly sipping a pint at a corner pub and watching the world go by is cheap.
Also, Timeout's Cheap and Free London
posted by vacapinta at 10:07 AM on September 3, 2015 [2 favorites]
2. How much do you think I should save up if we'll be splitting the hotel room?
There are hotels all over London. But figure £100 a night for a comfortable hotel.
3. What do I have to do between now and then to be allowed to leave the country?
All you need is a valid US passport. Preferably have 6 months at least before it expires.
That's all. Nothing else to stop you from booking and hopping on a plane tomorrow!
4. What should I do to avoid a crowd pointing and laughing at the dumb American?
Central London is one of the most tourist friendly places around. In many places there will be more tourists than locals. It would be very difficult for you to stand out. Americans everywhere.
5. What super cheap or free things are just as much fun as the not cheap stuff?
For starters, all major museums are free. The many parks are free. Slowly sipping a pint at a corner pub and watching the world go by is cheap.
Also, Timeout's Cheap and Free London
posted by vacapinta at 10:07 AM on September 3, 2015 [2 favorites]
Best answer: What should I do to avoid a crowd pointing and laughing at the dumb American?
Get CityMapper on your smartphone - it makes getting around insanely easy, and cheaper (easy to spot when it's better to walk)
What super cheap or free things are just as much fun as the not cheap stuff?
Go to our lovely parks and museums - almost all the museums in town are free entry. Don't aim to spend too long in them, soak up a few really awesome things then move on. Highly recommend the Science Museum and Natural History Museum (they're right near each other too!) ALSO don't bother with the London Eye, go to the top of St Paul's Cathedral instead. It still costs money, but not as much, and is SO MUCH COOLER.
Also, suggest a date for a meetup - London Mefites are awesome and you pretty much just have to say beer and we're there. We'll even help you choose a nice pub near where you are :)
posted by greenish at 10:14 AM on September 3, 2015 [2 favorites]
Get CityMapper on your smartphone - it makes getting around insanely easy, and cheaper (easy to spot when it's better to walk)
What super cheap or free things are just as much fun as the not cheap stuff?
Go to our lovely parks and museums - almost all the museums in town are free entry. Don't aim to spend too long in them, soak up a few really awesome things then move on. Highly recommend the Science Museum and Natural History Museum (they're right near each other too!) ALSO don't bother with the London Eye, go to the top of St Paul's Cathedral instead. It still costs money, but not as much, and is SO MUCH COOLER.
Also, suggest a date for a meetup - London Mefites are awesome and you pretty much just have to say beer and we're there. We'll even help you choose a nice pub near where you are :)
posted by greenish at 10:14 AM on September 3, 2015 [2 favorites]
Response by poster: This is so exciting! I'm not sure about a meet up. I get too anxious when strangers focus a lot much on me.
posted by 80 Cats in a Dog Suit at 10:21 AM on September 3, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by 80 Cats in a Dog Suit at 10:21 AM on September 3, 2015 [2 favorites]
Best answer: How much do you think I should save up if we'll be splitting the hotel room?
Not to discourage you, but kind of a lot. London was expensive 10 years ago when I lived there; by all accounts, it has only gotten worse. Having said that, as I'll discuss below, there's a lot of fun stuff you can do for free or cheaply.
What do I have to do between now and then to be allowed to leave the country?
Get a passport. Book your flight and hotel. Arrange for child care and pet care. Hold your mail (you can set this up online through usps.com).
What should I do to avoid a crowd pointing and laughing at the dumb American?
If anything, drop the volume of your voice and your laugh, just a bit. But really nothing; London is an international city in a lot of ways, and is so very filled with people who don't know what they are doing or where they are going that you won't even register.
What super cheap or free things are just as much fun as the not cheap stuff?
SO. MUCH. Basically all of the big art and history museums are free, as are the parks and a lot of the sights. You can spend an overstuffed month there and not spend a single pound on admission to anything, and come home overdosed on cultural experiences. Pubs are great for taking a load off; very welcoming, and you can get a half pint if you're skint. (Personal favorite: The Jerusalem Tavern in Farringdon.) You can walk through the markets at Camden, Spitalfield, and Borough (my favorite -- and check out my old employer, Neal's Yard Dairy, while you're there if you like cheese). Definitely wander through Harrod's while you're there, too. You can go to Greenwich and Stand Bestride The Earth for the cost of a water taxi. Take photos of Westminster at dusk. Take what amounts to a hike in Hampstead Heath. If you're an adventurous meat eater, splurge on the best, weirdest meal you'll ever eat at St. John's.
Have fun!
posted by gauche at 10:21 AM on September 3, 2015 [1 favorite]
Not to discourage you, but kind of a lot. London was expensive 10 years ago when I lived there; by all accounts, it has only gotten worse. Having said that, as I'll discuss below, there's a lot of fun stuff you can do for free or cheaply.
What do I have to do between now and then to be allowed to leave the country?
Get a passport. Book your flight and hotel. Arrange for child care and pet care. Hold your mail (you can set this up online through usps.com).
What should I do to avoid a crowd pointing and laughing at the dumb American?
If anything, drop the volume of your voice and your laugh, just a bit. But really nothing; London is an international city in a lot of ways, and is so very filled with people who don't know what they are doing or where they are going that you won't even register.
What super cheap or free things are just as much fun as the not cheap stuff?
SO. MUCH. Basically all of the big art and history museums are free, as are the parks and a lot of the sights. You can spend an overstuffed month there and not spend a single pound on admission to anything, and come home overdosed on cultural experiences. Pubs are great for taking a load off; very welcoming, and you can get a half pint if you're skint. (Personal favorite: The Jerusalem Tavern in Farringdon.) You can walk through the markets at Camden, Spitalfield, and Borough (my favorite -- and check out my old employer, Neal's Yard Dairy, while you're there if you like cheese). Definitely wander through Harrod's while you're there, too. You can go to Greenwich and Stand Bestride The Earth for the cost of a water taxi. Take photos of Westminster at dusk. Take what amounts to a hike in Hampstead Heath. If you're an adventurous meat eater, splurge on the best, weirdest meal you'll ever eat at St. John's.
Have fun!
posted by gauche at 10:21 AM on September 3, 2015 [1 favorite]
Best answer: As everyone has already mentioned: passport! If you already have one, make sure there aren't any issues if you've had a legal name change in this time.
I might be a little old-fashioned, but I still like getting actual guidebooks. You might want to look into the Let's Go series--they're written by college students, so they're targeted at the 20-year old packpack-and-youth-hostel crowd. I love them, though, because I find them to be the absolute best at pointing out budget options and, more importantly, really good public transporation directions. (I'm a very experienced traveler who still gets really anxious about using public transportation in foreign countries, and I've never gone wrong with Let's Go's help!)
I also used to be really self-conscious about being The American Tourist, but lately I've learned to just let it go and not work so hard to not be noticed. I mean, obviously don't be the jerk who, like, holds up traffic to get a selfie or harrasses the guards at Buckingham Palace, but don't be afraid to ask people for directions or recommendations. You'll be far from the only tourist in London. Congrats on deciding to treat yourself--you deserve it and you'll have a wonderful time!
posted by TwoStride at 10:24 AM on September 3, 2015 [2 favorites]
I might be a little old-fashioned, but I still like getting actual guidebooks. You might want to look into the Let's Go series--they're written by college students, so they're targeted at the 20-year old packpack-and-youth-hostel crowd. I love them, though, because I find them to be the absolute best at pointing out budget options and, more importantly, really good public transporation directions. (I'm a very experienced traveler who still gets really anxious about using public transportation in foreign countries, and I've never gone wrong with Let's Go's help!)
I also used to be really self-conscious about being The American Tourist, but lately I've learned to just let it go and not work so hard to not be noticed. I mean, obviously don't be the jerk who, like, holds up traffic to get a selfie or harrasses the guards at Buckingham Palace, but don't be afraid to ask people for directions or recommendations. You'll be far from the only tourist in London. Congrats on deciding to treat yourself--you deserve it and you'll have a wonderful time!
posted by TwoStride at 10:24 AM on September 3, 2015 [2 favorites]
Controversial new Jack the Ripper museum!
posted by johngoren at 10:29 AM on September 3, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by johngoren at 10:29 AM on September 3, 2015 [1 favorite]
Best answer: This is the London Greatest Hits walk I always recommend when folks arrive as a great and mostly free introduction to so many highlights - you can do it in either direction:
On a Wednesday through Saturday, go down to London Bridge and start at Borough Market sampling and gawking at all the fantastic wares - this is the big food/veg market. You might grab a pint across the street at the George Pub - supposedly Shakespeare and Dickens used to hang out there. Then follow the South Bank of the Thames all the way to Westminster. You'll pass the Globe Theatre, Tate Modern (definitely go in), you can hop across the wobbly bridge to peek at St Paul's, but come back and continue down to enjoy the riverfront pop-up sites until you get to Westminster for all the tourist sights there.
posted by oneaday at 10:29 AM on September 3, 2015 [2 favorites]
On a Wednesday through Saturday, go down to London Bridge and start at Borough Market sampling and gawking at all the fantastic wares - this is the big food/veg market. You might grab a pint across the street at the George Pub - supposedly Shakespeare and Dickens used to hang out there. Then follow the South Bank of the Thames all the way to Westminster. You'll pass the Globe Theatre, Tate Modern (definitely go in), you can hop across the wobbly bridge to peek at St Paul's, but come back and continue down to enjoy the riverfront pop-up sites until you get to Westminster for all the tourist sights there.
posted by oneaday at 10:29 AM on September 3, 2015 [2 favorites]
Best answer: I just wanted to add that December is the absolute best time to visit London. London does Christmas better than any city I've seen. Christmas markets, lights all over the city, skate rinks...the whole city is alive and exciting. It is not very cold either. It hasn't even snowed the past couple years.
Go on London walks. They're pretty cheap and always fascinating.
posted by vacapinta at 10:29 AM on September 3, 2015 [5 favorites]
Go on London walks. They're pretty cheap and always fascinating.
posted by vacapinta at 10:29 AM on September 3, 2015 [5 favorites]
Best answer: ALSO: if you're a AAA member, you can get British Pounds from them (or call your bank and see if they'll do a foreign currency exchange for you). I like to travel with some currency on me already so that I'm not stuck in a long line at the airport exchange or screwed by their rates or screwed when my bank card doesn't work at a foreign ATM... so yeah: come with at least enough British pounds on hand to get you through a day.
Also also: Figure out your money plan. I bank with a tiny credit union, so my ATM card doesn't work abroad. My regular credit cards have pretty terrible rates if I use them in an ATM, so I usually end up bringing cash and paying by credit (not debit) card. I try to bring two credit cards just so I have a backup.
If you'll be using your credit cards while abroad, 1)beware foreign transaction fees which your card might tack on; 2)call your company and let them know so that they don't cancel your card. Two trips ago, I was purchasing several train tickets in Europe online, and after the first purchase, Capital One cancelled my card. And then didn't get me the replacement before I left, so that was a hassle.
posted by TwoStride at 10:30 AM on September 3, 2015
Also also: Figure out your money plan. I bank with a tiny credit union, so my ATM card doesn't work abroad. My regular credit cards have pretty terrible rates if I use them in an ATM, so I usually end up bringing cash and paying by credit (not debit) card. I try to bring two credit cards just so I have a backup.
If you'll be using your credit cards while abroad, 1)beware foreign transaction fees which your card might tack on; 2)call your company and let them know so that they don't cancel your card. Two trips ago, I was purchasing several train tickets in Europe online, and after the first purchase, Capital One cancelled my card. And then didn't get me the replacement before I left, so that was a hassle.
posted by TwoStride at 10:30 AM on September 3, 2015
One thing I'd recommend while you're there would be to get a local SIM for your smartphone. You can go to a store like Carphone Warehouse and get a prepaid SIM for ~10GBP. They can probably help you pop it in your phone, and then you'll have access to Google Maps, Uber, Yelp, and many of the various other apps and services that you probably use to navigate your environment back home. For me, having my smartphone working makes foreign places feel a little less cool and remote, but on the other hand, it's super convenient, which sounds like it could be good for you on this trip.
posted by Aizkolari at 10:44 AM on September 3, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by Aizkolari at 10:44 AM on September 3, 2015 [1 favorite]
Agree with all the advice above, particularly about letting your credit and debit card companies know that you'll be out of the country. (You can do this over the phone, within a few days of your trip, but you may also be able to do it online - Chase has Travel Notification Form available in its customer center, and I'm sure other companies have similar provisions.)
If you have to get or renew your passport, review the picture requirements closely. I've heard that they have recently been more strict regarding pictures that don't adhere specifically to the rules. You can generally get passport pictures taken at a FedEx/Kinko's or at some CVSs or other drugstores. Also, if you're traveling with a friend, confirm that s/he has or is getting a valid passport.
Depending on where you are in New Jersey, you can probably fly from either Newark or Philadelphia. If I were you, and it was possible to go to either, I might search for flights from both, to see if one is cheaper/more convenient times. Many flights to the UK are red-eyes (leaving late afternoon/early evening and then arriving early morning there due to the time change). This is great on one hand, because you don't spend a day traveling, but may mean you arrive sleep deprived, especially if you have trouble sleeping on the plane. To increase the possibility of sleeping on the flight, consider getting a window seat, even if you have to pay a bit more to reserve it in advance. Also consider ear plugs, a sleeping mask, a neck pillow, and comfortable clothes to travel in. I've successfully used over the counter melatonin supplements to help my sleeping issues (including helping me feel asleep on a red-eye), but you'd want to try that in advance to see if they work/how you react to them.
If you're arriving potentially sleep deprived, it is great to have mapped out your route to your hotel in advance or be willing to take a taxi there (cost permitting). If you're not experienced or too comfortable with public transit, perhaps you can do a day trip to NY or Philly in the next few months, just to practice navigating public transit. Obviously the London system is different, but I find that there is a comfort that can help figure out a new system. There are lots of fun cheap/free things to do in both of those cities in the fall, and it you'll get a bit of confidence in yourself in advance of the trip.
Back to London - get a guidebook (or two), but if you have a tablet or smartphone, you can also buy electronic copies or see if there are any available from your library, so that you can download those to your phone in advance, in case you don't want to carry a whole guidebook. Seconding, CityMaps2Go as an app you may look into - you can download maps in advance, in case you won't have data while you're out and about. You can "star" points on the map in different colors - I like to star my hotel and some main points in advance, so that I can use that to help navigate.
Decide if you'll want data/cell service, and if so, whether your phone is equipped for that, and how to get it (probably involves calling your phone company in advance). If you don't, turn your phone into airplane mode and leave it there for the trip, so you don't get hit with roaming charges when you return.
While I appreciate - and concur - that you don't want to be the "obnoxious American," I also think that if you're already asking that, you're probably not the problem, and, there is nothing wrong with tourism. I'm in NY, not London, but am generally happy to answer questions/give directions/help tourists. Just try not to walk slowly and block the entire sidewalk, but certainly ask for assistance if you want/need it.
This isn't practical preparation, but I've found that before I go on a trip, it is nice to read a novel set in the city I'm visiting. If you're not a reader, maybe a tv show or a movie set in London. Not so that you can necessarily go to the sites, but just to be thinking about the physical city in advance.
posted by Caz721 at 10:52 AM on September 3, 2015 [1 favorite]
If you have to get or renew your passport, review the picture requirements closely. I've heard that they have recently been more strict regarding pictures that don't adhere specifically to the rules. You can generally get passport pictures taken at a FedEx/Kinko's or at some CVSs or other drugstores. Also, if you're traveling with a friend, confirm that s/he has or is getting a valid passport.
Depending on where you are in New Jersey, you can probably fly from either Newark or Philadelphia. If I were you, and it was possible to go to either, I might search for flights from both, to see if one is cheaper/more convenient times. Many flights to the UK are red-eyes (leaving late afternoon/early evening and then arriving early morning there due to the time change). This is great on one hand, because you don't spend a day traveling, but may mean you arrive sleep deprived, especially if you have trouble sleeping on the plane. To increase the possibility of sleeping on the flight, consider getting a window seat, even if you have to pay a bit more to reserve it in advance. Also consider ear plugs, a sleeping mask, a neck pillow, and comfortable clothes to travel in. I've successfully used over the counter melatonin supplements to help my sleeping issues (including helping me feel asleep on a red-eye), but you'd want to try that in advance to see if they work/how you react to them.
If you're arriving potentially sleep deprived, it is great to have mapped out your route to your hotel in advance or be willing to take a taxi there (cost permitting). If you're not experienced or too comfortable with public transit, perhaps you can do a day trip to NY or Philly in the next few months, just to practice navigating public transit. Obviously the London system is different, but I find that there is a comfort that can help figure out a new system. There are lots of fun cheap/free things to do in both of those cities in the fall, and it you'll get a bit of confidence in yourself in advance of the trip.
Back to London - get a guidebook (or two), but if you have a tablet or smartphone, you can also buy electronic copies or see if there are any available from your library, so that you can download those to your phone in advance, in case you don't want to carry a whole guidebook. Seconding, CityMaps2Go as an app you may look into - you can download maps in advance, in case you won't have data while you're out and about. You can "star" points on the map in different colors - I like to star my hotel and some main points in advance, so that I can use that to help navigate.
Decide if you'll want data/cell service, and if so, whether your phone is equipped for that, and how to get it (probably involves calling your phone company in advance). If you don't, turn your phone into airplane mode and leave it there for the trip, so you don't get hit with roaming charges when you return.
While I appreciate - and concur - that you don't want to be the "obnoxious American," I also think that if you're already asking that, you're probably not the problem, and, there is nothing wrong with tourism. I'm in NY, not London, but am generally happy to answer questions/give directions/help tourists. Just try not to walk slowly and block the entire sidewalk, but certainly ask for assistance if you want/need it.
This isn't practical preparation, but I've found that before I go on a trip, it is nice to read a novel set in the city I'm visiting. If you're not a reader, maybe a tv show or a movie set in London. Not so that you can necessarily go to the sites, but just to be thinking about the physical city in advance.
posted by Caz721 at 10:52 AM on September 3, 2015 [1 favorite]
London Walks are amazing, as vacapinta says. I'd seriously do one a day if I was visiting London and didn't have other things planned. Their Jack the Ripper walk is sometimes run by Donald Rumbelow, who is a former London police officer who is one of the world's top authorities on Jack. Take the walk with him, at night. It's an unparalleled experience.
posted by Rock Steady at 10:52 AM on September 3, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by Rock Steady at 10:52 AM on September 3, 2015 [1 favorite]
Check out Norwegian Air and Iceland Air for good flight deals, especially out of NYC.
Airbnb is not a hotel, but can save you a lot of money. I've always had good experiences staying in them.
Have a great trip! You deserve it. :)
posted by Flamingo at 11:01 AM on September 3, 2015 [1 favorite]
Airbnb is not a hotel, but can save you a lot of money. I've always had good experiences staying in them.
Have a great trip! You deserve it. :)
posted by Flamingo at 11:01 AM on September 3, 2015 [1 favorite]
Follow @airfarewatchdog on twitter. They find some amazing fares.
I got great deals to Belgium and Japan last year through them.
posted by homodachi at 11:34 AM on September 3, 2015
I got great deals to Belgium and Japan last year through them.
posted by homodachi at 11:34 AM on September 3, 2015
The minute you hit London get to an Underground site and buy an Oyster Card. These are for the tube and buses. Can't remember how much but once you have one in hand you can go anywhere. They are also renewable so you can top it off while you're there or save it for if you go back. Check with your bank and see what kinds of transaction fees are associated with your ATM card or Credit Card. I also ordered Pounds from my local bank before I went. It takes a couple weeks. I also second Borough Market and Camden. I loved the Ghost Walk Tour. Friends did the Jack the Ripper Walk and loved it. I personally loved the Imperial War Museum and the Churchill War Rooms.
posted by PJMoore at 11:36 AM on September 3, 2015
posted by PJMoore at 11:36 AM on September 3, 2015
You might find some of the answers to my recent London Travel question helpful.
I don't have time right now, but I'll check in later to add any other useful info I have from my recent London trip.
posted by litera scripta manet at 11:36 AM on September 3, 2015
I don't have time right now, but I'll check in later to add any other useful info I have from my recent London trip.
posted by litera scripta manet at 11:36 AM on September 3, 2015
Bring a rain jacket or poncho... And buy a little umbrella and either pack it or buy one right away when you get there. When it rains you can never find one to buy that isn't a trillion dollars!
And big congrats! This sounds very good for your soul!
posted by pairofshades at 11:42 AM on September 3, 2015
And big congrats! This sounds very good for your soul!
posted by pairofshades at 11:42 AM on September 3, 2015
Lots of good stuff already covered here. I much prefer the British carriers to the American ones when I fly transatlantic. Better service and free booze. Virgin Atlantic is my favourite, BA is also fine. I will never fly United again.
posted by corvine at 11:53 AM on September 3, 2015
posted by corvine at 11:53 AM on September 3, 2015
As Caz721 said, get a guidebook. You can start with Frommer's, which has the full guidebook for free online here. It's not just a list of hotels and museums, but includes answers to all the questions you've asked, plus some you might not have thought to ask. Start by reading through the "Planning a Trip" section, which includes sections on Getting There, Health and Safety, Money, etc. And make sure you purchase a guide to carry with you when you're there, whether electronic or paper.
posted by Mr.Know-it-some at 12:02 PM on September 3, 2015
posted by Mr.Know-it-some at 12:02 PM on September 3, 2015
Pounds: Your ATM card works there if it uses a 4 digit PIN and your bank isn't Podunk bank, and this is likely the best exchange rate you are going to get. By law, there is no local ATM fees at the airports or train stations, so unless you are changing lots of money (and why?) then this is the simplest and easiest way to get pound sterling.
Credit Cards: There, they use a vastly better auth system called "Chip & PIN." In London, however, you will not have a problem with a magstripe card *except* at unattended locations. One of these, however, will be the Underground. Don't count on being able to use a credit card to refill your oyster card (give me a moment to explain that.)
You might have a chip in your credit card, and even have a PIN for it. However, it is still almost certainly not Chip & PIN, because 'MERICA! Instead, we use Chip and Signature. You might actually have true honest to Ghu Chip & PIN, if you do, then you'll be able to use it everywhere -- you'll insert the card, put in the PIN, and boom.
Oyster Card: The transit system is better than anything we have here with the exception of NYC maybe. Nope, it's better than NYC. And the best way to use it is the Oyster Card. You fill it with money, you tap in when you board, and you tap out when you leave. TAPPING OUT WHEN YOU LEAVE IS REALLY IMPORTANT because London uses a zone based fare system and if you forget to tap out on a train, you get charged max fare. The nice thing is that there is an all day pass and if you use the system enough in a day to hit the cost of an all day pass, it automatically stops charging you at that point -- basically, it auto-coverts your individual fares to an all day pass. You can use paper tickets, but they are twice the price of an oyster fare. When you get to the airport, go to the Tube station there and get your Oyster Card and through £20 on it. Grab a subway map too.
Subways: Are called tubes and have cool names.
Museums: The big ones are free, though there's a donation bin at the front, and special exhibits often have an extra charge. The British Museum is rightfully legendary. The V&A Museum of Design is the most random collection of stuff ever. London Science Museum is very good, Natural History is one of the best in the World.
Historical Sites: Westmister Abbey is crowded with people and memorials, but still very neat. The Tower is even more crowded -- get there first thing, if you want to see the Crown Jewels, go in, go right to the jewels first, and you'll walk right in, then wander the place. The beefeater walking tour is kind of fun. A comprehensive list would take weeks. London is old in a way the US cannot understand.
Costs: London is pricey. Be aware of that, but this is a splurge. Boxed Sandwiches, which are a horrorshow here in the US, are actually quite tasty there, so going into an Eat! or a Pret a Manger and grabbing a couple of those is a perfectly fine lunch. Pub grub ranges from crap to amazing, thanks to the gastropub movement, but figuring out which is which can be hard. Thankfully, you have the Internet, and I'll bet, an entire group of London Mefites who will be willing to argue.
IRL: It can be fun to post a meetup request on IRL and meet a bunch of London Mefites, who will then have a friendly argument about the best pub. You might have to try all of their suggestions. Whatever shall you do?
Guide: The *current* Rick Steves Guide to London was really useful to me before I knew the city. I have used one in years, but if they're anything as good as they were, they're worth *every* single penny, in terms of finding lodging, to food, to sightseeing -- seriously, best $15 you will spend on this trip. And he is absolutely right that the most useless thing is an outdated guide. He keeps the data updated in his books, don't use the old ones. Given the amount you're going to spend already, drop the $15, get the current info, and use it -- it'll make your trip that much better.
Thanksgiving: An absolutely great time to go to London. Americans don't. Flights are cheap and empty. Four day weekend. NO AMERICANS! Just putting that out there.
posted by eriko at 12:06 PM on September 3, 2015 [1 favorite]
Credit Cards: There, they use a vastly better auth system called "Chip & PIN." In London, however, you will not have a problem with a magstripe card *except* at unattended locations. One of these, however, will be the Underground. Don't count on being able to use a credit card to refill your oyster card (give me a moment to explain that.)
You might have a chip in your credit card, and even have a PIN for it. However, it is still almost certainly not Chip & PIN, because 'MERICA! Instead, we use Chip and Signature. You might actually have true honest to Ghu Chip & PIN, if you do, then you'll be able to use it everywhere -- you'll insert the card, put in the PIN, and boom.
Oyster Card: The transit system is better than anything we have here with the exception of NYC maybe. Nope, it's better than NYC. And the best way to use it is the Oyster Card. You fill it with money, you tap in when you board, and you tap out when you leave. TAPPING OUT WHEN YOU LEAVE IS REALLY IMPORTANT because London uses a zone based fare system and if you forget to tap out on a train, you get charged max fare. The nice thing is that there is an all day pass and if you use the system enough in a day to hit the cost of an all day pass, it automatically stops charging you at that point -- basically, it auto-coverts your individual fares to an all day pass. You can use paper tickets, but they are twice the price of an oyster fare. When you get to the airport, go to the Tube station there and get your Oyster Card and through £20 on it. Grab a subway map too.
Subways: Are called tubes and have cool names.
Museums: The big ones are free, though there's a donation bin at the front, and special exhibits often have an extra charge. The British Museum is rightfully legendary. The V&A Museum of Design is the most random collection of stuff ever. London Science Museum is very good, Natural History is one of the best in the World.
Historical Sites: Westmister Abbey is crowded with people and memorials, but still very neat. The Tower is even more crowded -- get there first thing, if you want to see the Crown Jewels, go in, go right to the jewels first, and you'll walk right in, then wander the place. The beefeater walking tour is kind of fun. A comprehensive list would take weeks. London is old in a way the US cannot understand.
Costs: London is pricey. Be aware of that, but this is a splurge. Boxed Sandwiches, which are a horrorshow here in the US, are actually quite tasty there, so going into an Eat! or a Pret a Manger and grabbing a couple of those is a perfectly fine lunch. Pub grub ranges from crap to amazing, thanks to the gastropub movement, but figuring out which is which can be hard. Thankfully, you have the Internet, and I'll bet, an entire group of London Mefites who will be willing to argue.
IRL: It can be fun to post a meetup request on IRL and meet a bunch of London Mefites, who will then have a friendly argument about the best pub. You might have to try all of their suggestions. Whatever shall you do?
Guide: The *current* Rick Steves Guide to London was really useful to me before I knew the city. I have used one in years, but if they're anything as good as they were, they're worth *every* single penny, in terms of finding lodging, to food, to sightseeing -- seriously, best $15 you will spend on this trip. And he is absolutely right that the most useless thing is an outdated guide. He keeps the data updated in his books, don't use the old ones. Given the amount you're going to spend already, drop the $15, get the current info, and use it -- it'll make your trip that much better.
Thanksgiving: An absolutely great time to go to London. Americans don't. Flights are cheap and empty. Four day weekend. NO AMERICANS! Just putting that out there.
posted by eriko at 12:06 PM on September 3, 2015 [1 favorite]
How much do you think I should save up if we'll be splitting the hotel room?
London is a pricey town, but also one of my favoritestestestest places in the world. A few tips from an East Coast American who loves the city:
- Oyster cards are the London version of the NYC Metro Card -- they're how you pay for mass transit in all its forms. As others have said, you can buy them at Tube stations. However, they can be really busy and overwhelming, especially for Americans, especially if the machine has trouble reading our #*7)$(#*&$)#&(* stupid American cards. If you're likely to be stressed by that, consider buying your Visitor Oyster Card in advance and having it delivered to you at home in the US.
- Since you're traveling with a friend, figure out a contingency plan if you get separated -- do you go back to the hotel? Do you go back to the last ticket booth? This goes 2398472093874203987x if one of you will not have a cell phone. (My husband and I are pretty seasoned travelers, and this happened to us on our last trip to London when he turned the corner in an Underground station, and I didn't see him do it. It took less than a blink of an eye.)
- Most American credit cards will charge you a 3% rate for swiping your card in pounds. This isn't a big deal if you're ready for it. There are credit cards that don't charge it, but I'm not sure I'd bother for a long weekend if you aren't going to be traveling overseas regularly.
- Get ready to walk a lot more than you're used to, especially if you're living in the more suburban bits of Jersey. London has great public transit, but it's like New York. The last time I was in London, we did 6-8 miles a day.
- I'd save closer to the $100 (about 65 GBP range) per day range on top of lodging to give breathing room. While the Museums are free, St. Paul's is (amazing and ) 18.50 pounds, or more than 28 USD at current rates. Expect to pay 10 to 15 pounds for a straight-forward, not-even-necessarily-waitered-service lunch in touristy parts of London. Throw in transit, dinner, a walking tour or a snack or a (cheap) souvenir, and it adds up.
- Figuring out what to do for smartphone access can be complicated. You should NOT expect to just turn on your cell phone and have it work (or at least have it work and not come home to a frightening bill). So between now and then, I'd suggest going into the carrier store for your phone company, talking to them about your options, then coming back to AskMefi so we can help you figure out the cheapest, best way that works for you.
posted by joyceanmachine at 12:28 PM on September 3, 2015
London is a pricey town, but also one of my favoritestestestest places in the world. A few tips from an East Coast American who loves the city:
- Oyster cards are the London version of the NYC Metro Card -- they're how you pay for mass transit in all its forms. As others have said, you can buy them at Tube stations. However, they can be really busy and overwhelming, especially for Americans, especially if the machine has trouble reading our #*7)$(#*&$)#&(* stupid American cards. If you're likely to be stressed by that, consider buying your Visitor Oyster Card in advance and having it delivered to you at home in the US.
- Since you're traveling with a friend, figure out a contingency plan if you get separated -- do you go back to the hotel? Do you go back to the last ticket booth? This goes 2398472093874203987x if one of you will not have a cell phone. (My husband and I are pretty seasoned travelers, and this happened to us on our last trip to London when he turned the corner in an Underground station, and I didn't see him do it. It took less than a blink of an eye.)
- Most American credit cards will charge you a 3% rate for swiping your card in pounds. This isn't a big deal if you're ready for it. There are credit cards that don't charge it, but I'm not sure I'd bother for a long weekend if you aren't going to be traveling overseas regularly.
- Get ready to walk a lot more than you're used to, especially if you're living in the more suburban bits of Jersey. London has great public transit, but it's like New York. The last time I was in London, we did 6-8 miles a day.
- I'd save closer to the $100 (about 65 GBP range) per day range on top of lodging to give breathing room. While the Museums are free, St. Paul's is (amazing and ) 18.50 pounds, or more than 28 USD at current rates. Expect to pay 10 to 15 pounds for a straight-forward, not-even-necessarily-waitered-service lunch in touristy parts of London. Throw in transit, dinner, a walking tour or a snack or a (cheap) souvenir, and it adds up.
- Figuring out what to do for smartphone access can be complicated. You should NOT expect to just turn on your cell phone and have it work (or at least have it work and not come home to a frightening bill). So between now and then, I'd suggest going into the carrier store for your phone company, talking to them about your options, then coming back to AskMefi so we can help you figure out the cheapest, best way that works for you.
posted by joyceanmachine at 12:28 PM on September 3, 2015
Oyster cards are the London version of the NYC Metro Card
One tip about the Oyster cards: don't ever board a train without enough money on your Oyster card, or you will be fined 50 GBP. I was enough of a clueless tourist to inspire sympathy and they let me through without paying the fine (I just had to pay the normal ticket price) but they take it very seriously.
posted by capricorn at 1:39 PM on September 3, 2015
One tip about the Oyster cards: don't ever board a train without enough money on your Oyster card, or you will be fined 50 GBP. I was enough of a clueless tourist to inspire sympathy and they let me through without paying the fine (I just had to pay the normal ticket price) but they take it very seriously.
posted by capricorn at 1:39 PM on September 3, 2015
Various ideas, in no particular order:
Get right on that passport if you don't have one yet, because it takes somewhat longer than it used to, and you don't want to have to pay extra for expedited service.
If you decide to stay at a hotel instead of Air BnB, let me introduce you to 3 beautiful words: Full English Breakfast. Stay at a place that has breakfast included, and you can go light on lunch because you'll be full.
eriko is right about the boxed sandwiches. Sooo much better than the American equivalent. Throw in a bottle of water or a cup of tea and you've got a decent lunch for cheap.
We found that museum cafes were pretty cheap and good for lunches or afternoon tea/snack as well.
I thought the London Eye was very cool.
Taxis are expensive. You can get pretty much anywhere you need to go with buses and the tube, and it's much cheaper.
Wear good walking shoes and take an extra pair. If you go the bus/tube route, you'll be walking a lot, and your feet will feel better if you switch your shoes daily.
Since you're planning to go over a weekend, check whether the places you want to visit are open on Sundays.
Have fun! I wish I could go back!
posted by tuesdayschild at 2:03 PM on September 3, 2015
Get right on that passport if you don't have one yet, because it takes somewhat longer than it used to, and you don't want to have to pay extra for expedited service.
If you decide to stay at a hotel instead of Air BnB, let me introduce you to 3 beautiful words: Full English Breakfast. Stay at a place that has breakfast included, and you can go light on lunch because you'll be full.
eriko is right about the boxed sandwiches. Sooo much better than the American equivalent. Throw in a bottle of water or a cup of tea and you've got a decent lunch for cheap.
We found that museum cafes were pretty cheap and good for lunches or afternoon tea/snack as well.
I thought the London Eye was very cool.
Taxis are expensive. You can get pretty much anywhere you need to go with buses and the tube, and it's much cheaper.
Wear good walking shoes and take an extra pair. If you go the bus/tube route, you'll be walking a lot, and your feet will feel better if you switch your shoes daily.
Since you're planning to go over a weekend, check whether the places you want to visit are open on Sundays.
Have fun! I wish I could go back!
posted by tuesdayschild at 2:03 PM on September 3, 2015
When you eat or drink at a pub (which you should definitely do), you order at the bar, they give you your drinks, and then bring your food to your table. Don't go to a table and expect a waitperson to come by and ask what you want.
Also, I believe it's still the case that you don't tip in pubs, though I also know the tipping rules keep changing. I have no idea any more about tips in restaurants.
If you use a credit card in a restaurant, they'll bring the little machine over to your table. You stick your card in the bottom if it has a chip, or slide it if it doesn't. If you have a card without a chip or a chip and signature, having your own pen will be helpful.
Have a great time! London is the best.
posted by still_wears_a_hat at 2:15 PM on September 3, 2015
Also, I believe it's still the case that you don't tip in pubs, though I also know the tipping rules keep changing. I have no idea any more about tips in restaurants.
If you use a credit card in a restaurant, they'll bring the little machine over to your table. You stick your card in the bottom if it has a chip, or slide it if it doesn't. If you have a card without a chip or a chip and signature, having your own pen will be helpful.
Have a great time! London is the best.
posted by still_wears_a_hat at 2:15 PM on September 3, 2015
Plan to get lost, because you will. The street names are on the sides of the buildings, but often aren't that much help. Street names change every few blocks, and the intersections tend to be confusing.
Some of the tube stations are close enough to each other that it's faster and easier to walk between them than to take the Underground.
There are area maps in most of the tube stations, but the double-sided ones on the streets, with the circles indicating a 5- 10- or 15-minute walk radius are much more helpful. They're always facing the direction you're walking.
posted by still_wears_a_hat at 2:28 PM on September 3, 2015
Some of the tube stations are close enough to each other that it's faster and easier to walk between them than to take the Underground.
There are area maps in most of the tube stations, but the double-sided ones on the streets, with the circles indicating a 5- 10- or 15-minute walk radius are much more helpful. They're always facing the direction you're walking.
posted by still_wears_a_hat at 2:28 PM on September 3, 2015
You might find a package that's a good deal. Travel companies buy blocks of tickets, and blocks of rooms, then package them up. It would maybe save you some of the anxiety of choosing. Here is an example. I took a trip to Paris this way, it was easy-peasy, good value. When we arrived, our cheap hotel had had plumbing problems and we got upgraded to a better hotel - yay!
What should I do to avoid a crowd pointing and laughing at the dumb American? Be polite, smile, and be patient about queuing (waiting on line). Be respectful in churches. Consider dressing just a little better if you don't want to look quite so American, but shoes you can walk in in are a must.
What super cheap or free things are just as much fun as the not cheap stuff? Walking and gawking. I love learning that museums are still free; what a bargain. British Museum, and don't forget the National Portrait Gallery. free admission means you can pop in to a museum for an hour, and leave refreshed. Beautiful parks. Try to see a play - theatre in London is just as good as you could possible imagine.
You'll be fine. They speak English, London is wonderful and full of stuff you want to walk around and see, there's excellent public transport, and great beer. The holiday lights and good cheer will be a plus. I went to hear the Messiah at St. Martins in the Fields the night before I flew home from a long trip, and it was memorable. I went out for a proper cream tea at I-forget-where, and had clotted cream for the 1st time, on scones, with strawberry jam. Heaven. Go to some thrift shops and high end stores, and a grocery store, because it's fun to see the differences.
Right now, go to your library, get some guide books, in 2 weeks get different ones, make lists. Time Out London. TNT Magazine London The London Magazine Your librarian will help you ifnd other online resources to whet your appetite. Congratulations on surviving your Very Bad Times; it gives me inspiration.
posted by theora55 at 3:22 PM on September 3, 2015
What should I do to avoid a crowd pointing and laughing at the dumb American? Be polite, smile, and be patient about queuing (waiting on line). Be respectful in churches. Consider dressing just a little better if you don't want to look quite so American, but shoes you can walk in in are a must.
What super cheap or free things are just as much fun as the not cheap stuff? Walking and gawking. I love learning that museums are still free; what a bargain. British Museum, and don't forget the National Portrait Gallery. free admission means you can pop in to a museum for an hour, and leave refreshed. Beautiful parks. Try to see a play - theatre in London is just as good as you could possible imagine.
You'll be fine. They speak English, London is wonderful and full of stuff you want to walk around and see, there's excellent public transport, and great beer. The holiday lights and good cheer will be a plus. I went to hear the Messiah at St. Martins in the Fields the night before I flew home from a long trip, and it was memorable. I went out for a proper cream tea at I-forget-where, and had clotted cream for the 1st time, on scones, with strawberry jam. Heaven. Go to some thrift shops and high end stores, and a grocery store, because it's fun to see the differences.
Right now, go to your library, get some guide books, in 2 weeks get different ones, make lists. Time Out London. TNT Magazine London The London Magazine Your librarian will help you ifnd other online resources to whet your appetite. Congratulations on surviving your Very Bad Times; it gives me inspiration.
posted by theora55 at 3:22 PM on September 3, 2015
On choosing guide books:
There are guide books that map out walking routes past major attractions for you with not much in depth information. I use those when I don't have much time and just want a curated set of impressions.
There are in depth guide books that give you at least a psragraph or a page on every church and every pub you'll see, sometimes listed alphabetically.
And there are ones with gorgeous pictures to whet your appetite, like DK.
You should pick the one that most appeals to you, and makes you want to go out and see All The Things, is all I'm saying.
posted by Omnomnom at 8:44 AM on September 4, 2015
There are guide books that map out walking routes past major attractions for you with not much in depth information. I use those when I don't have much time and just want a curated set of impressions.
There are in depth guide books that give you at least a psragraph or a page on every church and every pub you'll see, sometimes listed alphabetically.
And there are ones with gorgeous pictures to whet your appetite, like DK.
You should pick the one that most appeals to you, and makes you want to go out and see All The Things, is all I'm saying.
posted by Omnomnom at 8:44 AM on September 4, 2015
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1. Passport application in (Depending on documentation needed this might be a hassle to pull together, so start now)
2. Flights (start looking at flights today! book within the next 3-4 weeks to get the best deal)
3. Lodging (Airbnb will probably be the cheapest)
4. Research tourist attractions/book as necessary. (internet and local library for advice! also past ask.metafilter questions!)
I personally would budget about 600-800 for the flight, lodging on airbnb at about $150-200 a night for an apartment (you could split this with your friend), and then another $50-75 per day for food, transportation and miscellaneous.
For a 4 day weekend (I picked December 11-14th arbitrarily, leaving from NYC), it would work out to about 1,200-1,600 (including a tiny bit of buffer for a nicer meal out). The closer to the actual holiday the more expensive it would be.
posted by larthegreat at 10:06 AM on September 3, 2015 [2 favorites]