For those who do not already know, I was born and raised in Bournemouth on the south coast of England. I met my American husband in London on a train, and a year later, in 1992, we got married and have lived in Bakersfield, raising our kids ever since. Whenever I fly to Europe, I usually visit England and check in on everyone: a few elderly relatives, my high school friends, and my daughter since she will be working in London for 2 years. I have been lucky to fly back every 2/3 years, stay in different hotels, and visit some of my favorite restaurants and sightseeing spots. 

I decided to try the Delta One Terminal at LAX for this trip. Check-in was stress-free, and with no line at security, I was in the lounge in no time. I was able to have a leisurely breakfast before my flight. The flight was excellent, and the eleven hours went by quickly. I have always loved to have a window seat on the descent into Heathrow Airport. You get the best view of all the London Landmarks—this never gets old. My flight arrived early, and I took a transfer service into the city since I had an added suitcase of my daughter's clothes. Public transport to London is good, but sometimes it is nice to have a driver waiting for you so you can relax and see the sights. My hotel in London had a 10:00 am check-in, so I could unpack, relax, and shower before heading out on the London Underground to Oxford Street. The Underground station was close to the hotel, which made it easy to travel around London. I also recommend that clients stay in hotels central to the places they are interested in so they can either walk or take The Tube to get around, particularly true in London and Paris. Another great travel tip is to get on the country time-zone as soon as possible and get outside in the daylight to reset your internal clock. 

 

One of the highlights of my trips is always afternoon tea. I like to try out different hotels and Afternoon Tea venues. This trip was my Birthday, and my daughter had booked this as a special treat. Claridge's is iconic, and the tearoom is elegant with silver trays and polished service without the stuffiness. A string quartet was playing, and the Art Deco surroundings were stunning. There were so many tea choices. The finger sandwiches were so amazing that we had to have seconds. The next course was the warm scones with jam, clotted cream, and various cakes. There's something about sitting down for tea in the middle of the afternoon that forces you to relax, enjoy good company, and take in your surroundings. 

 

London is a city you can explore on foot, and my hotel was close to many sights, making it easy. I walked to Tower Bridge, along the embankment to see the Tower of London, and then towards St Paul's—easy to spot with its glistening dome. I continued my walk to Covent Garden, which used to be a fruit, vegetable, and flower market but is now a luxury shopping and entertainment area that looks like an Italian Piazza. It may be touristy, but I love looking at stalls with hand-painted pictures of London and other handmade souvenirs. Another place to visit is the London Underground Museum; there are many exhibits to see, including Double-Decker buses and Tube trains. You can see how the Underground Map was designed and visit the souvenir shop. While at Covent Garden, stop to admire the Royal Opera House, home to the Royal Opera and the Royal Ballet. The inside combines old-school glamour and modern glass architecture with a sweeping staircase, velvet seats, and golden balconies. It's a great place to have a sandwich or a slice of cake, and there is also a rooftop bar and restaurant where you can sit and watch the street performers and tourists below. 

 

Another of my London favorites is Borough Market, London's oldest market. It has been in its current location since 1756. It is a must-visit for foodies and anyone wanting to explore food and produce from all over the world. Some of my favorites are the flaky sausage rolls and the wild mushroom risotto, which is cooked in a giant pan before you and then topped with generous amounts of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Try the crème brûlée donuts, strawberries covered in melted chocolate, or both for dessert. I never feel too guilty eating all my favorite treats on these visits since I do so much walking. 

 

Follow along next month for part 2 of my trip to England. If you are planning a trip to England or have questions, please reach out—I am more than happy to give you suggestions on what to see or do.