Trip to London

The list adapts to you

When you add it, the checklist asks a couple of questions and keeps only the items that fit your situation.

• Traveling with kids? NoYes

What's inside

1. Sort your visa or ETA early

   The UK is outside Schengen. Visa-exempt nationalities now need an ETA (electronic travel authorisation) before boarding; others need a visa that takes weeks. Check the rules for your passport.

2. Buy travel medical insurance

   The NHS doesn't treat tourists for free, and private care is very expensive. Insurance is also required for most visa applications.

3. Save tickets and bookings offline

   Border officers may ask for a return ticket, address and purpose of visit. Screenshots plus paper copies.

4. Sort out payment: transport is card-only

   The Tube and buses take contactless or Oyster only — no cash on board. Tap the same card all day: fares cap automatically at the daily maximum.

5. A little cash in pounds — just in case

   London is nearly cashless, but market stalls (Camden, Portobello) and tiny cafes sometimes want cash. £50–100 covers it.

6. Make copies of your documents

   Photos of passport, visa and insurance in the cloud; paper copies separate from originals.

7. Get a type G adapter

   UK three-pin sockets fit nothing else. One adapter plus a small power strip from home charges everything at once.

8. A hooded jacket over an umbrella

   London rain arrives with wind — cheap umbrellas die in one gust. A waterproof hooded jacket wins.

9. Dress in layers

   One day can serve sun, rain and cold wind. Layers plus comfortable waterproof shoes are the London uniform.

10. Pack a compact first aid kit

    Painkiller, plasters, your regular meds. Boots on every corner covers the basics locally.

11. Set up an eSIM or local SIM

    An eSIM beats roaming charges. Keep access to SMS codes from your bank back home.

12. Install Citymapper and offline maps

    Citymapper handles London best, including the weekend line closures that are a way of life here.

13. Pick your airport transfer in advance

    From Heathrow the Elizabeth line costs about half the Heathrow Express and runs straight into town. From Gatwick, Thameslink undercuts the express too.

14. Plan the free museums

    The British Museum, National Gallery, Tates and the Kensington museums are free (donations welcome). Special exhibitions ticket separately.

15. Hunt cheap theatre tickets

    The TKTS booth on Leicester Square sells same/next-day seats up to 50% off; many shows run lotteries and day seats via TodayTix or their own sites.

16. Remember: traffic on the left — look right

    Your first crossing reflex will be wrong. Trust the LOOK RIGHT painted on the road.

17. Book advance train tickets for day trips

    Advance fares to Oxford, Bath or Edinburgh cost 2–4x less than turn-up-and-go. A Railcard pays for itself in a couple of trips.

18. Know pub etiquette: order at the bar

    No table service in pubs: order and pay at the bar, seat yourself. Tipping isn't expected.

19. Kids' documents Yes

    Each child needs their own passport and visa/ETA. Bring the birth certificate if surnames differ — UK border officers do ask about accompanying adults.

20. Reserve the free kid hits Yes

    The Natural History Museum (dinosaurs!) and Science Museum are free, but on weekends and holidays book the free timed entry online or queue an hour.

21. Kids' first aid kit Yes

    Child-dose fever reducer, thermometer, plasters. Familiar meds from home beat hunting equivalents in Boots.

22. Rain jacket and spare clothes for the kid Yes

    A soaked kid in windy London ends the day. A rain jacket, waterproof shoes and one spare outfit in the backpack save it.

23. Snacks and entertainment for transit Yes

    Offline cartoons and familiar snacks for the flight and queues. The Changing of the Guard and St James's Park squirrels are the free entertainment.