7 Mistakes That Could Spoil Your London Holiday

When you travel anywhere overseas, you need extra preparation and good planning. 

If you don’t, several things could spoil your trip. 

Here are 7 mistakes that could spoil your London holiday.

#1 Don’t Insult the Royal Family

It seems obvious, but if you don’t want the locals to look down on you, don’t say anything negative about the Royal Family. 

After all, remember:

• The Queen and others are highly esteemed in London.
• Respect for the crown and royal family is rooted in patriotism. Imagine, what would you think of someone who came to the United States and made fun of Uncle Sam?

#2 Don’t Give a Peace Sign

The traditional sign of showing your index and middle finger may mean “peace” in the United States.

Using this sign in London would not make you popular. However, in London, the sign backward means the same as showing your middle finger does in America.

If you’re ordering two drinks at a London pub, be mindful of how you signal the bartender!

#3 Don’t Forget to Protect Your Luggage

Mistakes you can make before arriving in London include:

• Failing to notice an airport employee putting the wrong tag on your suitcase.
• Not marking your luggage with a colorful tag or pin makes it more likely that another tourist will take your luggage by mistake.

Once you reach London and go around the city carrying too many bags, you could easily lose or misplace them. The best way you can avoid this situation is to check Vertoe’s locations for luggage storage in London. Your luggage will be stored securely, and you will have no worries.

#4 Don’t Cross the Street Incorrectly

Pay attention to the traffic rules in London or you might have an accident. Remember to look both ways before crossing the street because, in London, the traffic flows from right to left.

Even though you will see signs painted on the pavement to either “look left” or “look right,” it’s still safer to look both ways.

#5 Don’t Leave Your Hotel Without Extra Change

You never know when you’ll need to pay for some facilities with coins. 

For one, using public bathrooms in London comes at a fee, often 30 pence, or 47 cents in American money. Even bathrooms in train stations charge a fee.

#6 Taking a Taxi is a Big Mistake

Taking a bicycle is so much cheaper and better because:

• Traffic moves slowly in London anyway.
• The cost is reasonable, about 2 pounds.
• Many beautiful sightseeing opportunities are better seen from a bicycle.
• You can enjoy the London air.

#7 Don’t Spend More Money Than You Need To

There are several ways you could spend more than necessary. 

Don’t spend money on tourist traps, such as expensive tourist boat rides, paying to see art, or visiting a waxwork museum.

You’d ask, why shouldn’t one book a boat ride in London?

Here are some good reasons for you to consider:

• There are boat rides that charge tourists a lot of money, as much as 12 pounds.
• The Thames Clipper lets you see the same sights, for as little as 2.90 pounds.
• You can see some notable sites, including the Tate Modern, The Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge, and the London Eye while taking a stroll on the South Bank.

What about the Art Museums that charge you for visiting?

Again, a waste of money because almost all reputable art galleries are Free including the Royal Gallery, the National Portrait Gallery, and the National Gallery.

Instead of spending on museums, you might also want to see the Tate Modern, with its gorgeous top-floor views.

Now let’s reveal the truth about Wax Museums.

• Such museums are greatly overpriced.
• They take two hours to see and finish a tour.
• In London, celebrities are all around, and you might see some of them anyway. You can easily spot David and Victoria Beckham, James Nesbitt, and Benedict Cumberbatch in Greenwich or Hampstead Heath.

So take our advice. 

Do your best to avoid these 7 mistakes and your London trip will be smooth and memorable.