Traveling to London in the current times might require you to pay attention to various things. Some of these things include the best time to visit, use of public transportation, best apps used while in London, and other practical information. Besides, there are things that you could do when you fly into London.
London is a city in the United Kingdom and has eight million people. It is among the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Before traveling to London, you need to have specific tips that will be important. These tips include:
Currency
London uses the British Pound, commonly referred to as the Pound. One Pound is equivalent to $1.34. However, the currency may appreciate or depreciate depending on government policy, trade balances, business cycles, and interest rates. It would be best to check the exchange rates before traveling to London or any other country.
Traffic
Cars in the United Kingdom drive on the left side of the road. So, while in London, be sure to check on both sides of the road before crossing. Nonetheless, cycling in the city center can be risky, like crossing the streets. Therefore you need to pay attention to your movement during your stay in the city.
Safety
London is generally a safe city; however, it is advisable to take all the reasonable precautions typical for big cities. For example, you should avoid the less touristy areas, especially during the night. You can find pickpockets here and there, so you must keep your wallet, passport, and other valuable things when walking in crowded areas. Areas that you may discover crowded included significant attractions.
Crowded areas are known to have lots of scams primarily targeted at tourists. Always make sure you always buy your tickets at the official tickets office and not on the streets. This way, you would avoid dangerous occurrences. In case of any emergency, you can dial 999 for help.
Weather
London has unpredictable weather. Generally, the London climate is mild throughout the year, though, and it would be best if you carry a lightweight raincoat when it pours. August is the hottest month of the year, with temperatures going up to thirty-two degrees Celsius, while the average temperature is usually twenty-one degrees Celsius. January is the coldest month where the temperatures may drop to as low as zero degrees Celsius.
Furthermore, checking the weather forecast before going to London would be vital because you can expect rain in London practically in any season. Do not forget to carry an umbrella to cover yourself when it rains. A small umbrella would be ideal to avoid unnecessary luggage.
Best Time to Travel
The best time to travel to London is when many tourists visit the city. That is when you can interact with people from different parts of the world. Such times are between May and September and in December.
The low season is in January and February. Between mid-September and November, the flow of tourists is usually moderate. Another shoulder season is in March and April. If you were planning to fly to London, it would be best to travel during spring (April to June) and fall (September to November).
During fall and spring, the city is warm, and you will avoid the big crowds. Moreover, the accommodation and entertainment rates are relatively low. Traveling during the week may also be a great idea. Most importantly, London is an all-year travel destination, and major attractions are not affected by the low season. You can see all the major attractions regardless of when you choose to travel.
Place to stay
London has many hotels that may suit different budgets. The average rack rate per room is one hundred and fifty pounds per night. It depends on the type and location of the accommodation that you want. Some may cost more or less than the average price.
You could get accommodation below one hundred pounds per night, but it means you would stay far away from the city center. In that case, you would need more time to reach the attractions in the city. You could get any accommodation because London is a big city.