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Seasoned advice for British Travellers

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10 Pro Tips for Traveling to London

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About 37.9 million tourists visited the UK in 2018. In 2017, tourism reached an all-time high with 39.2 million visitors. Before you head out and start traveling to London, though, it helps to have a plan.

Charting your adventure will ensure you make the most of your trip. Otherwise, you might unintentionally miss out on an amazing opportunity.

Keep reading to discover the 10 pro tips you need to consider before traveling to the UK. With these tips, you can plan an epic adventure you’ll remember for years to come. Start charting your course with these 10 London travel tips today!

  1. Chart Your Course

Before traveling to London, try to plan as much as possible. You’ll want to consider where you’re going, when you’re leaving, and who you’re going with.

Take the time to make a list of all the places you want to visit. What type of trip are you planning? Are you hoping to see the sights, or relax?

You can chart your course based on whether or not you want to:

  • Relax at a resort
  • Ride on a road trip
  • Explore cities
  • Venture the countryside
  • Shop in the city
  • See the sides

Who are you traveling with? How do they want to spend the course of the trip?

Decide whether you want to stay in London or travel throughout the UK. If you plan on leaving London, you’ll need to plan a way to get around. You’ll also need to consider different places you’ll explore.

Don’t forget to consider the duration of your trip. How long you plan on visiting London can determine where you’ll go and when.

If you’re planning with a group, confirm everyone’s travel days. Make sure everyone is on the same page.

You might want to consider hosting a meeting. Make a list of what everyone wants to do during the trip. Then, plot your course to maximize your time.

  1. Plan How You’ll Get Around

Don’t forget: London is big! There’s a lot you’ll want to see and do.

To make the most of your London travel plans, consider getting an Oyster Card. An Oyster Card is free (though you have to pay a deposit) and will allow you to travel the tube.

Getting an Oyster Card at the beginning of your trip will help minimize travel-related expenses. You can get an Oyster Card at most tube stations, already preloaded.

Otherwise, take the time to walk between tube stops. Keep your head up and take in the view around you.

When planning your travel to London, consider flying into one of the low-cost airports. For example, you can arrive at London Stansted or London Southend. The downside, however, is that you’ll need to travel from the airport to the city center.

Don’t forget to check out these Tailwins loyalty programs to get rewarded for your flight.

If you’re traveling with a student, as a couple, or with a senior, you might receive a discount rail or tube fare.

You can also rent a bike in London! Instead of relying on the tube, you can cycle around the city and take in the sights. Biking around London is a great way to learn your way around.

  1. Find Free Attractions

Americans spent about $782.4 billion on leisure trips in 2019. Before traveling to London, make a budget for your journey. Consider how much you’ll spend on travel, hotels, entertainment, and food.

If you don’t make a budget beforehand, however, you might not realize you’ve overspent until after your trip.

There are plenty of free attractions you might consider during your trip. For example, many of the museums are free. These museums include the:

  • Tate Modern
  • British Museum
  • Science Museum
  • Natural History Museum
  • National Portrait Gallery

Take in the city’s rich heritage and history by exploring one of these museums.

You can also visit Big Ben for free! Big Ben is the bell located in Queen Elizabeth II Tower.

  1. Schedule a Show

Consider watching a show in the west-end during your visit, too. The TKTS booth in Leicester Square sells unsold tickets for each day at a discount. You can take in the theatre at a discounted price and add a little entertainment to your trip.

  1. Take a Tour

Before traveling to London, consider scheduling a tour. There are plenty of hop-on-hop-off buses that will carry you around the city. If you want to save money, hop onto one of the red London buses and head upstairs.

From there, you can see sighs like the Houses of Parliament, Leicester Square, The London Eye, and Big Ben. Then, hop off and explore on foot!

  1. Try the Cuisine

Don’t forget to get a taste of London while you’re there! Consider trying one of London’s favorites such as fish and chips.

You can also visit the markets in London, including Borough Market, which is full of tasty treats. Don’t forget to visit the dessert stalls while you’re at it!

  1. Head Inside Buckingham Palace

During the summer, consider scheduling a tour of Buckingham Palace.

Make sure to purchase your tickets online before you travel to London. Otherwise, you might find all the tours booked! Touring the palace can give you a better sense of what it’s like to live like royalty.

  1. Carry an Umbrella

While you’re out and about on foot, don’t forget to take an umbrella with you. London’s weather is often unpredictable, so you never know when it might rain.

Otherwise, make sure to wear your favorite pair of comfy shoes as you start walking around the city.

  1. Notice Notting Hill

If you’re visiting London’s East-End, don’t forget to explore Nottingham Hill. Stop by for brunch before exploring the area on foot.

While it’s a great stop for the foodies in your group, Notting Hill is also known for its annual carnival, high-end shops, and Victorian townhouses!

  1. Meet the Locals

Take the time to learn from the locals, too. Londoners are friendly and ready to aid your travels. Ask them about local hot-spots or restaurant suggestions.

You never know where you might end up based on their recommendations!

Plan It Right: 10 Key Tips for Traveling to London

Ready to plan a trip you’ll never forget? Keep these 10 tips for traveling to London in mind. With these tips, you can chart a course for an amazing adventure!

Searching for more seasoned advice for your trip? Explore the Europe section of our blog for more helpful travel guides!

Making The Most Of Your Trip To Niagara Falls Canada

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Right about now you’ve probably had your fill of puttering around the house and spending more time with your family than you’d ever imagined, and you might be yearning for a getaway to someplace where you can see and experience different things and explore new vistas in the great outdoors.

As soon as those options are available again, then, you should consider a vacation across the pond in Canada, with a nice long stop to visit the famous Niagara Falls and the vast recreational and sightseeing area surrounding them. It’s a destination that offers a magnificent setting with plenty of outdoor and indoor activities to engage family members of all ages. Not to mention that for over one hundred years it’s been known as the honeymoon capital of the world.

For starters, there are actually two cities named Niagara Falls, one on each side of the international border between Canada and the United States. The Canadian side is at the southern edge of the province of Ontario, an easy 116 km (72 miles) drive or train ride from the provincial capital of Toronto. There is usually a wide choice of nonstop flights to Toronto from the UK.

Choices of accommodations abound on the Canadian side, from full-service resort hotels to bed & breakfasts, motels, and a variety of affordable campgrounds with amenities. Restaurants range from family-friendly to fine dining establishments showcasing farm-to-table specialties and a wide variety of international cuisines. The famed Canadian friendliness will make you feel welcome wherever you go.

Here are some don’t-miss things to do and see:

See The Three Falls

Niagara Falls is comprised of three magnificent waterfalls that are a wonder of the natural world. For a complete experience, join up with one of the Niagara Falls boat tours that includes an excursion on a Hornblower cruise into the basin of the falls either by day or by night when they’re illuminated. You’ll get wet for certain, but a nifty rain poncho that’s yours to keep is included in the price of admission.

If you haven’t gotten your fill, you can see the falls from another perspective with the Niagara Parks Journey Behind The Falls that takes you down 150 feet in an elevator to a series of tunnels that lead you right to the edge of the wall of water thundering down from the top.

And for the truly adventurous, you can get another perspective yet by taking an exhilarating ride on a zipline right over them. If you’ve got a Go-Pro, this is definitely the time for it.

Bike Along The Countryside

A great way to see the natural beauty of the region is on one of its many cycling trails. Take along a picnic lunch and choose one of the more than 200 trails, catering to riders of every level. Named one of the top ten cycling routes in the world is the Niagara Parkway that runs 58 km (36 miles) along the Canadian side of the Niagara River.

Enjoy A Day On The Water

For a lovely way to spend some time, take a lazy afternoon outing on the Niagara River via canoe or river raft. For a wilder go, you can take a kayak trip on a fast-moving current. If you’ve got the kids along, head over to the huge indoor waterpark with slides and wave pool where everyone will have fun.

Explore The Trails

If you want to stretch your legs, set out for the Niagara Gorge trails which offer1.1 km (6.8 miles) of glorious views. Hike them on your own or take a guided tour through the pristine, old-growth forest of Niagara Glen. For a real challenge, the Niagara Glen Bouldering Trail is for you.

Do Some Wine Tasting

The Niagara Region is known for its award-winning wines, including the unique ice wine, made from grapes harvested in the winter when temperatures are way below freezing and sugar content is highest. The Niagara Wine Route features dozens of wineries with tasting rooms set amidst acres of beautiful vineyards.

Take In The Nightlife

Nothing stops in Niagara Falls when the sun goes down. There are seven nightclubs as well as casino gaming, comedy clubs, and live entertainment with headline stars. If you’d rather kick back, you can relax in one of the city’s many pubs with a pint of local Moosehead lager and a big bowl of poutine, Canada’s national dish. A good way to end any day, eh?

What to See in Florence: Florence, Italy Travel Guide

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View of Florence skyline from top view in Italy

The unrivaled charm of Florence, Italy attracts more than 15.4 million visitors each year, and this number only continues to grow as the city becomes a more popular travel destination.

Really, it’s no question as to why! People flock from all across the globe to immerse themselves in Florence’s world-renowned art, stunning architecture, and culture unlike anything else.

Are you planning a trip to Florence? It’s easy to get overwhelmed with the wide variety of sights and attractions available, so we’ve created a must-see guide for you!

Here’s what to see in Florence so that you can experience it all and get the most out of your time in this beautiful Renaissance city!

What to See in Florence

Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation or a night out, you’ll be sure to find it in Florence. Keep reading to find out what would be an absolute sin to miss out on!

The Accademia Gallery

Deservedly referred to as the capital of arts, Florence is home to around 30 percent of the world’s most important and influential works of art. If you’re craving a taste of the city’s more creative side, then visiting the Accademia Gallery is a must!

Roam the hallways of this famous art museum and witness the sheer beauty of iconic art pieces like Michelangelo’s David and Madonna of the Sea.

Inside tip: touring Florence with The Roman Guy allows you to skip the line for Michelangelo’s David (among other things)! Not to mention, you’ll be able to explore the whole city with an expert guide if you book a tour.

The Duomo

If you’re looking at photos of Florence, you’ve probably seen the great cathedral glowing against the backdrop of an Italian sunset. That’s the Duomo, or the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, and it’s widely recognized as one of the world’s most stunning religious monuments.

Take an afternoon stroll through the heart of the city and immerse yourself in some of Florence’s grandeur and 14th-century architecture as you tour the huge domes, steps, and hallways. You can’t miss it!

The Boboli Gardens

Wander along the manicured pathways of the Boboli Gardens and unwind with the serenity of green grass, glittering fountains, and stunning sculptures. This historical park once served as the first template for the “Italian Garden” and boasts some of the world’s greatest green architecture.

Guests can explore Italy’s most famous gardens on foot here and really enjoy the warm Florence weather as they stroll through blooming flowers, twisting vines.

Ponte Vecchio

Spend a charming afternoon taking a stroll across one of the oldest bridges in Italy. The Ponte Vecchio overlooks the famous river Arno and is a popular sight-seeing destination for all types of tourists!

When you’re done, you can wander off to the nearby shops and spend a few hours browsing the gifts fit for all budgets.

Nightlife

Once the sun goes down, some of Italy’s best nightlife is found right in Florence!

Depending on your taste, there are many different bars and clubs to choose from if you’re looking for some fun after dark.

Listen to a live DJ at Tenax, sit down at and meet locals at the Friends Pub or bust some moves at Space Electronic Discoteca — either way you’re guaranteed for an incredible night!

Start Exploring

With so much to fill your trip itinerary up, these are what to see in Florence, Italy. Add a few of these to your list and you’ll be in for an unforgettable vacation!

If you found this article helpful, be sure to check out our other articles about all things travel and entertainment!

Must Visit Attractions in San Francisco

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San Francisco is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. It’s a mix of cultures from around the world – during the gold rush in the 1800s, Chinese migrated and stayed here. In recent years, many of the newest and brightest tech companies choose to reside their headquarters here. The city’s also heavily influenced by Mexican and Victorian culture, making San Francisco bits and pieces of everything and anything.

While the city’s not huge, it might be difficult for any first time travelers to navigate their way through the city. Here are some of the attractions that you should visit during your stay.

1. Golden Gate Bridge

Golden Gate Bridge is San Francisco. It isn’t just one of the many landmarks of San Francisco, but the first thing you would think of when talking about San Francisco, or even The United States.

Built during the 1930s, The Golden Gate Bridge is often recognized as one of the modern wonders of modern architecture. The bridge is famously colored with ‘international orange’, which allows the bridge to stand out in heavy fog. The bridge connects The San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean and is still heavy with traffic till this day.

You might want to start your journey at the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center, a location dedicated to providing information and relative merchandise to tourists. The observatory here is great for taking pictures of this picturesque bridge.

You can further explore Golden Gate Bridge in a few different ways. The Golden Gate Bridge has a pedestrian side lane opened for tourists, where you can enjoy the sceneries up there. While tourists can walk across the bridge, it will take roughly 2 hours to walk from one side to the other. Biking would take roughly half the time. For those with limited time, cruises around the Golden Gate Bridge and Oakland Bay Bridge are also available.

2. City Light Bookstore

Name one thing in common for these influential writers: Georges Bataille. Charles Bukowski. Frank O’Hara. Allen Ginsberg. The answer: They have all been published by City Light, a legendary book store and publisher operating in San Francisco.

While the bookstore was first opened by Lawrence Ferlinghetti and Peter D. Martin since 1953, it rose to fame by publishing Allen Ginsberg’s ‘Howl and Other poems’, a collection of poems that depicts a generation hooked with drugs and sex. Allen Ginsberg’s collection was so controversial that it had caused Lawrence Ferlinghetti to be jailed. Fortunately, the judgment was later revoked. Ferlinghetti was released, and City Light has then become a symbol not only for the beat generation but also for freedom of speech.

As the bookstore has been expanded several times, some remains. For instance, a room has always been dedicated to poetry. The bookstore is much bigger than it used to be, but it’s still dedicated to selling leftist critical theories, political theories and literature. They still sell books coming from small and indie publishers.

In the words of Philip Larkin: ‘in times when nothing stood but worsened, or grew strange’, City Light is one of those few good things that did not change.

3. Alcatraz Island

The only time you want to get inside a maximum security federal prison is a visit to Alcatraz Island.

While Alcatraz Island was once a military base (hence, structures of the Officers’ Club remains), Alcatraz Island was most known as a max security prison reserved for the nastiest and troubling criminals. Despite this, no one has successfully escaped—At least, that’s what the government claims.

Since the 1970s, Alcatraz Island has been turned into a tourist destination. Many of the cells remain as they were in the 1960s, while showing inmates personal items such as color paints, checkerboards, dominos, and libraries. Some of the more infamous prison breaks were also documented with exhibitions.

4. Chinatown

San Francisco’s Chinatown is not only the oldest Chinatown in North America but also the biggest Chinatown out of Asia.

Since the 1840s, many Chinese immigrants have immigrated to San Francisco because of the California Gold Rush. They then began to live here, opening businesses reflecting heritages of motherland. Hence, you can find many Chinese restaurants, Dim Sum Places or even Chinese Medicine shops here, with Chinese signs hanging all over the place.

While the restaurants here are well worth a visit, one of those shops where you shouldn’t miss is the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory. As the name suggests, this is a place that made and sold fortune cookies here. If you are interested in how these crackers were made, definitely check this place out.

5. Lombard Street

Lombard Street is known for being the crookedest Street in the United States. It is a block filled with 8 hairpin turns, decorated with expensive flowers and bushes around each turn. The 5 mile speed limit is another testimony to the difficulty of this one-way course.

While many tourists drive here to test their driving skills, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit here even if you are not driving. The cityscape from the high above of the Lombard Street is stunning, making this a perfect place for sightseeing.

Ready to start your journey? Fly with Cathay Pacific now by booking your Flight to San Francisco now.

6. Palace of Fine Arts

The Palace of Fine Arts is in the Bay Area. While initially built for the Panama-Pacific International Exposition in 1915, the structure was built with plaster, wood and burlap that weren’t meant to withstand time. It was once torn apart due to safety reasons, but because of popular demand in the 1960s and donations from a philanthropist, the site was officially rebuilt with more formidable materials.

As for now, The Palace of Fine Art no longer expedites or showcases any arts, but the palace has then become one huge piece of art. The mixture of Greek and Roman styles is grandeur and stunning, with a central rotunda built in according to Roman temples. Next to the rotunda and structures is an artificial pond with sea birds chirping, with benches lying around the pond for any weary tourists to rest.

7. Union Square

Located in the heart of the city, the Union square is known for being the best location for shopping.

Many of the big international brands and luxury are in here, including Louis Vuitton, Michael Kors, Boss, Gucci, Tiffany’s, Levi’s or even H&Ms. Upscale shopping malls, such as Macy’s, Neiman Marcus and Westfield can also be found here.

Besides shopping, the area is also home to the American Conservatory Theatre, one of the most reputable theaters of San Francisco.

8. Fisherman’s Wharf

If you are a foodie or looking for souvenirs, Fisherman’s Wharf is one of those places you can’t afford to miss.

Located just next to the San Francisco Bay, the area is known for its restaurants, serving fresh Dungeness crabs and scallops that have just been caught from the sea by local fishermen. The Sourdough bread and clam chowder are also tasty.

Besides the food, Fisherman’s Wharf is also known for hosting a bunch of souvenir shops, selling postcards, candies, chocolates, toys with the Golden Gate Bridge printed on them. If you are seeking new ways to explore the city, you can also join the cruise rides hosted by some of the local companies here.

Right next to the Wharf is Pier39, where you can see sea lions lying around, bathing in the sun. ‘The Aquarium Of the Bay’ and the ‘San Francisco 7D experience’ are also here, which are both entertaining and educational for any family visitors.

Choosing the Right Hotel in London

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If you are planning a trip to the vibrant and exciting city of London, you can look forward to a host of attractions. This is a city that boasts a rich and long history, diverse culture, and some world-famous landmarks and attractions. One thing you can be certain of when you visit this city is that you will benefit from a full itinerary, so you can enjoy plenty of excitement and adventure.

Of course, you need to ensure you find the right accommodations for your stay in London, and this can be tricky. Not only do you have to consider the cost of hotels but also the location, as there are so many distinct areas of London. Fortunately, if you are visiting central London, there are plenty of hotels that offer access to all the main attractions within walking distance, so you may be better to choose a central hotel such as those in Piccadilly Circus or the West End.

What You Should Consider

There are online tools that allow you to do everything from an address lookup to a people search free, so you can use the address lookup facility to try and learn more about the area where you are considering staying. When it comes to choosing the right hotels, there are various factors you have to take into consideration. Some of the main ones include:

The Overall Cost of the Stay

The cost of London hotels can be high, but there are some deals to be had if you do your research. You should make sure you look at the overall cost of your stay rather than the average per night, as this will then enable you to see exactly how much you will pay for your hotel. Also, consider whether anything is included in the price, such as breakfast, free wifi, and other amenities and services. You can then determine whether the cost offers value for money.

The Location of the Hotel

There are many desirable places to stay in London, from the bustling West End and upmarket Mayfair to the political heart of the city in Westminster or the grungy music hub of Camden in North London. In order to choose the best location, work out which attractions and sights you are most interested in seeing, as you can then choose a hotel that offers easy access to them. However, no matter where you choose a hotel, you can reach attractions with ease via the bus and train services as well as on foot.

Facilities and Amenities

You also need to check the facilities and amenities in the hotel to ensure it is suited to your needs. If you plan on doing some work while in the city, check if there are business facilities and free wifi available. Also, look at facilities such as a fitness center, restaurants, bars, and other amenities that you are interested in.

Looking at these factors will make it easier to choose the ideal hotel for your needs when you visit London.