London Roundup: Links and Travel Suggestions

Home! I'm slowly readjusting to life at home, trying to get laundry done and the house reset. Bella is following me everywhere - I think she's afraid I'll leave again. :) 

Before I stop the blog until the next trip, I wanted to provide links to the places I wrote about, as well as some general travel suggestions for your next trip. Hope they're helpful! 

Wednesday: 

• Leicester Square statues: https://leicestersquare.london/whats-on/scenes-in-the-square
• Fortnum and Mason: https://www.fortnumandmason.com/

Thursday: 

• Big Ben tour: https://www.parliament.uk/visiting/visiting-and-tours/big-ben-tour/
• These tours sell out in just hours. If you're planning a visit, make this one of the first tickets you book! 
• Hadestown: https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/show/24465-hadestown-tickets
• I used the London Theatre site for all my theatre bookings. Easy to use. 

Friday: 

• Eating Europe Food Tour: https://www.eatingeurope.com/london/borough-market/
• This tour was one of many this company offers. They're also available in many European cities besides London. Highly recommend! 
• St Dunstan in the East: https://secretldn.com/st-dunstan-ruin-church-garden/
• Good spot to sit for a while. Quiet and peaceful. 

Saturday: 

• Brick Lane: https://travelinsighter.com/top-things-to-do-in-brick-lane-guide-to-the-brick-lane-markets/
• Chrysa Kouremeti Jewelry: Facebook, Etsy, and Instagram 
• Globe Theatre: https://www.shakespearesglobe.com/

Sunday: 

• Brigit's Bakery Bus Tour and Tea: https://b-bakery.com/london/blog/10-years-brigits-bakery-bus-tours
• Not a serious tour of London, but it's a lot of fun! 

Monday: 

• Van Cleef & Arpels: https://www.vancleefarpels.com/us/en/home.html
• Love Luxury: https://loveluxury.co.uk/
• They're also starting a sister site for some of the more loved of the pre-loved market, and some of the lesser known brands. I haven't used them, but if you're interested: https://loveprelove.com/

Tips for Traveling: 

• Don't forget your health insurance card! Depending on where you are it may or may not be of use, but if you need it you need it. 
• Carry a photocopy or a photo of your passport with you and keep your passport in the safe at the hotel. 
• Don't be afraid to be flexible! I skipped a few things I had planned and rearranged a few things as well. Vacation is supposed to be relaxing - make sure your schedule is something you enjoy. 
• If you have the time, wash your sheets and straighten up your house before you leave. You're going to spend time in a hotel where they likely have maid service. Coming home to fresh sheets and clean house is a nice luxury and makes re-entry a little easier. 
• If you have an evening or late afternoon return flight, consider taking the next day off of work. You'll need the chance to do things like wash clothes, grocery shop, and get used to the time change. 
• Lastly - travel your way. There are plenty of sites that will give you ideas, itineraries, everything you could think of. But when it comes down to it, it's your trip. Pick and choose from what interests you and build a trip plan based on your wants, not anyone else's. After all, it's a vacation.....  :)