TRAVEL TIPS & WHAT TO EXPECT

BUDGET FRIENDLY ADVICE

We know that an international trip can cost a pretty penny, so we've gathered a few things we've learned that can help.

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We've found that the cost of Premium Economy is rarely worth it, so we usually fly Basic Economy.  You'll still get a personal TV in the seatback in front of you, and on most airlines, you'll still get a free meal, snacks, beer, & wine. 

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Paying for checked bags is a personal preference, but we've gone 12 days (including a wedding) in a carry-on. Of course it's easier with summer clothes! The key is to roll your clothes, which also prevents wrinkles, and stuff things into your shoes. If you can fit all your clothes in a carry-on, but want space for souvenirs, consider packing a compressable duffel bag (extra points if it has a strap to go over a rolling suitcase handle). We use ours as a laundry bag through our trips and then  you can check that full of dirty clothes on the way back. It means only paying for one checked bag one way.

Refundable flights are rarely worth it, and you'll usually only get a travel credit valid for one year. Double check with your airline, but it's common to get the same travel credit less a cancellation fee (often ~$100) if you have to cancel a Basic ticket. 

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For those of you flying into Heathrow,  the Heathrow Express Train Advanced Ticket pricing is significantly cheaper, so plan to purchase them at least 90 days ahead.

WHAT TO PACK

Wedding Attire - Dress is formal, to match the grandeur of the 13th-century venue. After 2 years of pyjamas & sweatpants, you deserve a chance to bring out the glam!

One minor note - The ceremony, cocktail hour, and evening party will be held in the lavish, but grassy courtyard, so Manolos might not be your best idea.

Shoes - If you've spent a little time on our Transportation page, you'll have seen us harp on your shoes. Outside the wedding, you'll be walking miles a day over uneven cobblestones as much as any other surface.  Leave the stilettos at home and focus on comfortable, versatile shoes that can go from day to night.

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Purses & Wallets - We literally live in the neighborhood Dickens based Oliver Twist on, and pickpockets haven't gotten any less brazen. Nothing ruins a trip faster than having to spend hours on a borrowed phone to cancel your credit cards. Don't get too freaked out though. Pickpockets only go after easy targets, so as long as you make it difficult for them and keep your eyes out in train stations, you'll be fine. Torey uses a wallet with a strap that he loops around his belt and keeps it in his front pocket. Claire relies on crossbody purses with clasps or ones with both a zipper and a flap over the zipper.

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Toner - London has notoriously hard water. It's all chalk and limestone, so it's perfectly safe to drink, but is a bit less hydrating than water back home. Ladies, remember your toner! Your complexion will thank you!

MONEY

We'd highly recommend setting up Tap-To-Pay before you leave the States. It's so prevalent that putting your cell phone on top of a bill is a customary indicator for waiters that you're ready to pay. A few local stalls at Bourough and Camden Markets sometimes prefer cash to credit card, but they're still set up to take Tap-to-Pay. The transit system is even set up to automatically calculate the cheapest cost so long as you Tap to Pay when you enter and Tap to Pay when you leave. Directions to set up Tap to Pay are linked in the Transportation Section.
P.S. It does work when your phone is on Airplane Mode.

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At 3-4% of every purchase, Foreign Transaction Fees can add up. Look at your debit & credit cards to see which doesn't have them. If you need one, the basic Capital One Quicksilver has no annual fee and no Foreign Transaction Fees.

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Speaking of fees, you'll get a better exchange rate to take GBP out of an ATM than to order it to have on hand while you're in the States. Look for an ATM with a "Free Cash Machine" sign to avoid paying ATM fees.

STAYING CONNECTED

Electricity in the UK & Europe is 230 volts, whereas the US has only 110 volts. Any electronics that aren't dual voltage WILL fry. Most electronics (laptops, tablets, cell phones) are dual voltage, but hair dryers & straighteners usually aren't. Converters change voltage, adapters just change the shape of the plug. The UK & Ireland uses G plugs; Mainland Europe uses types C & F interchangeably.

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International phone plans can get expensive. (Last we checked, Verizon was $10 per day!) We'll have a free UK sim card in your welcome bag at the hotel. Make sure your phone is 'Unlocked' before you leave the US, and when you arrive, switch out the sim cards and choose which prepay, no-contract plan you want to use while here. We pay $13 for 5GB of data. You won't be able to call/text the US, but email, WhatsApp, and all your other apps will work as usual. It'll even work if you decide to join us in Portugal for the afterparty.

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Free WiFi is also available at most restaurants. Just make sure you've downloaded Google Maps offline for directions when you're not connected. The link can be found on our Transportation page.

WEATHER

Rain - Although London has a rainy reputation, it actually rains less in London than in "Sunny Barcelona." The difference is that the precipitation happens more often with less coming down.​ A light mist is pretty common, but if you don't like the weather, just wait a few minutes. Trust us, it'll change!

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Temperature - July is the warmest month in London with average days reaching highs of 23°C (73.4°F) and lows of 15°C (59°F). Although we're hoping for such pleasant weather, the past few years have seen several heatwaves reaching over 38°C (101°F). Very few places in England have air conditioning, so we'll be crossing our fingers for an average July 2022!

FOOD & DRINK

BYOB - London doesn't have any open container laws, so feel free to BYOB if you're joining us for the Hyde Park picnic (or anything else outdoors, you lush!).

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Wine - You can order a small, medium, or large wine. It doesn't usually save money, but it's especially useful when service is slow.

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Pud - Short for "pudding" (and pronounced the same), this is the English term for literally any dessert.

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Burger - Brits call any sandwich that's not lunch meat a "burger." Want a fried chicken sandwich? Order a "chicken burger."

WEDDING TRADITIONS

Wedding Breakfast - What Brits call the meal portion of a wedding, no matter what time of day.

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Wedding Cake - If you're dying for a piece of decadent chocolate cake at the wedding, we're sorry to say, you'll be disappointed. Fruit cakes are conventional wedding fare in England, and since neither the bride or groom are big fans of fruit cake, we'll be forgoing the tradition for a different dessert.

TIPPING

Just look at your bill. Restaurants often include a 12.5% service charge and will be explicit when they don't. Either way, additional tips are not expected. The UK pays people a living wage, so tipping is entirely at your discretion.

GREAT BRITAIN OR UNITED KINGDOM?

Great Britain is the name for the island that contains England, Wales, & Scotland.
When you add in Northern Ireland from the island to the West, it's called the United Kingdom.

OTHER

Check back often for more!