Traveling can be amazing, but if you aren’t ready or prepared for where you’re going, it can also be a nightmare. If youre about to be traveling to London for the first time, there are a few things to know!
London Slang
Although Londoners speak English but in a British accent (pretend British is actually in a British accent because that’s how I said it in my head), they have their own type of slang. But in British. So fun to say!! Here are just a few that I heard:
- Quite fresh – the weather outside is quite fresh at around 60 degrees today
- Queue – Oh no, the queue to enter the London Eye is rather long today
- The lift – Instead of walking up the stairs, we have a lift that will take you up to your floor
- Dressed smartly – When going out to a new dinner in the city, make sure you are dressed smartly
- So swift – This city is so swift
- Brilliant – That building is just so wonderful and brilliant
- Handsome – Don’t you think the Palace is just incredibly handsome?
- Rubbish – There are a few restaurants in London that are complete rubbish, but most are excellent.
Know the Local Currency Before Traveling to London for the First Time
The local currency in London is Pounds. Make sure you either have money before entering the country or exchange it as soon as possible.
Some places do not take credit card and most will not take your American dollars (or wherever else you are travelling from). It is best to come prepared and get more money there if you need it.
Transportation
There are many ways to get around London.
You can take the Tube (London’s subway system), which is probably your cheapest option. You can also buy a bus ticket (daily is the best bang for your buck), it will just take longer since traffic often becomes an issue. T
axis and car services are also available for usually a more expensive price tag. Lastly, the train offers services to surrounding areas and also the airport, which cuts the time to get there by half.
Look Down at the Road for Which Way to Go
People drive on the wrong side of the road. Our minds are so transfixed to look right and left depending on the side of the road we are on.
In London, everything is opposite. As easy as it may sound to just change the way you look, by habit, that is virtually impossible to achieve in a few days. Luckily, the streets of London are marked with which way to look for oncoming traffic. So before crossing the street when traveling to London for the first time, look down!
Escalators
Upon arriving to the London airport (either Heathrow or Gatwick) make sure you keep an eye on your footing. Escalators get tricky! It may just be me, but I happened to fall down the escalator at the Gatwick airport.
I would like to offer a little advice and just recommend making sure your suitcase is fully on a step as soon as you walk on.
Tips Before Traveling to London for the First Time
Before traveling to London for the first time, you’ll want to make sure you have the right currency, know some of the slang, and know how to get around.
London is a big city! So come prepared and you’ll have an amazing time.