While finding time for an extended vacation is always the dream, sometimes you just don’t have a ton of time to spend exploring your travel destination. Whether you only have a couple of days to get away and explore or you’re squeezing in a night or two en route to your ultimate travel destination, some spots are better suited for quick trips than others. So it’s a good idea to choose wisely when trying to figure out if your long layover or weekend getaway is worth it.
London is a destination that becomes a quick trip for many, thanks to its role as a major hub for international travel. It’s easy for many to tack on a day or two on a trip to explore the city, and while you won’t be able to experience everything London has to offer in such a short time frame, there are a few things you can do to maximize your time there.
Here are a few ways you can make the most of your quick trip to London.
Stay in the Heart of the City!
If you only have a day or two to explore, you shouldn’t try to find a quiet Airbnb in the outer suburbs of the city. Instead, find a hotel right in the center of it all. You want to be able to see and experience London the moment you step out for the day, and you don’t want to waste tons of time taking trains or taxis.
Know What You Want to See and Do
A quick trip is not the best time to leave your itinerary open and see what fun you can stumble upon as you explore your destination. Instead, you should come prepared with a list of must-see places. London is filled with iconic buildings and spots, so it shouldn’t be hard to come up with a shortlist of the ones you’re most excited to experience.
Research Transportation Options Before You Arrive
When you’re only spending a day or two at your destination, it’s all about being prepared. There are so many different ways to get around London, so it’s essential to choose the method that’s going to work best for you.
You can book a pass for a hop-on, hop-off bus to get a tour and travel between destinations at the same time. Folks who are savvy public transit users may want to take bus or the Underground. You can rent bikes, take a boat tour across town, hop into a taxi, or use Uber to travel between destinations.
What you don’t want to do?
Arrive with no idea which one you should use!
Book Your Tickets for Attractions Before You Get There
Again, if you’re dealing with a limited amount of time, you don’t want to spend it waiting in queues for the city’s biggest attractions. Many spots sell tickets online, and for a small upcharge, offer an option to let you skip the line – or at least cut your wait time down significantly. Take advantage of this to truly maximize your time while you’re here.
As you can see, a quick trip to London can definitely be worth it – as long as you come prepared! By finding ways to maximize your time and see as much as possible while you’re in town, you’ll make it worth your while and have a great time while you’re at it.
