LONDON TRAVEL RESOURCES

AT A GLANCE

These are the main resources you will need for your trip to London!

Knowing what to book and who to book with can be overwhelming, so I’ve put together this Essentials London Resources guide to make things as easy as possible for you! These are the companies I trust and use time and again, not just in London but for city breaks across Europe and further afield. After nearly 10 years living in London and visiting over 35 countries, they’ve never let me down.

Booking.com logo

Booking.com

 I use Booking.com for all my accommodation needs. It covers luxury, budget and everything in between.

Trainline logo - one of the best London travel resources.

Trainline

Trainline. is the best platform for cheap rail fare and checking times and routes.

Get Your Guide logo

Get Your Guide

My preferred place to book tours, day trips and more is Get Your Guide. Search London for general ideas!

Hostelworld logo

Hostelworld

If I’m backpacking or on a budget, Hostelworld is my go-to for finding vibey, central and fairly priced accommodation.

DiscoverCars logo - one of the best resources for travelling beyond London

DiscoverCars

For the freedom to explore beyond London, I hire cars using a comparison site called DiscoverCars. It’s the best way to find exactly what you’re looking for, within your set budget.

Airalo logo, one of the best London travel resources.

Airalo

An e-sim makes life easier, especially in a big city like London. I use Airalo when I travel abroad, as it’s easy to install and you get your first day free!

FULL LONDON RESOURCES DIRECTORY TO HELP YOU PLAN YOUR TRIP

Here you’ll find all the travel essentials you need to plan your trip to London with confidence — from booking flights and transport to finding tickets, tours, and accommodation on platforms that work well and will make organising easier.

WayAway

This is my new favourite flight comparison site! WayAway searches tons of airlines and sites, making it easy to spot the cheapest options. With WayAway Plus, you can earn cashback on flights and other travel bookings which is a nice bonus if you’re planning a longer or more expensive trip or if you’re a digital coupon cutter like me! It is easy to use and I find far more accurate than Skyscanner which often shows cheaper prices or routes that than then disappear which you click through!

I honestly think it’s always better to have insurance and travel stress-free, especially if you’re bringing expensive gear like your phone or laptop. London is a safe city, but pickpocketing can happen (as I, unfortunately, know from personal experience!), so it never hurts to be prepared. I prefer simple, straightforward insurance that’s easy to set up and doesn’t involve pages of fine print. Here are two great options I’ve used and would recommend:

Ekta

Ekta is a great budget-friendly option that’s quick to purchase and easy to manage online. Ideal if you’re looking for basic coverage for medical emergencies, lost luggage, and delays. I tend to use this for city breaks as it’s perfect for London or European trips that include the UK.

VisitorsCoverage

VisitorsCoverage is a slightly more flexible platform that lets you compare and choose from a wide range of travel insurance plans. It’s especially handy if you want coverage tailored to specific needs like tech protection, trip cancellation, or adventure activities all in one place.

London has everything when it comes to places to stay — from trendy hostels to boutique hotels and cozy flats. These are my go-to sites for reliable options at a range of price points.

Booking.com

Booking.com is best for a wide selection of hotels, apartments, and guesthouses. I love how easy it is to filter by budget, area, and reviews — plus many places offer free cancellation.

Hostelworld

If you’re on a budget or travelling solo, Hostelworld is the place to find London’s top-rated hostels. It’s also great for meeting other travellers and finding central, affordable stays.

Vrbo

If you want a more local experience or need a bit more space, Vrbo is ideal. It’s great for longer stays, groups, or if you’re after a kitchen or homey vibe and is a great alternative to Airbnb which is unfortunately a bit hit and miss in London and can be pretty expensive.

Wise

Perfect for international travellers and digital nomads, Wise lets you hold multiple currencies, dodge rubbish exchange rates, and pay like a local using Apple or Google Pay. There’s no annual fee (which is what puts me off most other cards), and it’s available to residents of loads countries around the world. It makes paying your way around London and further afield, super simple. Card payments are the norm in London — even small shops and buses are contactless payment so it is worth preparing.

Transport in London is super easy and efficient (most of the time!) once you get the hang of it. Here’s the best ways to get around London and further afield:

Inside London: Contactless

You don’t need to buy a travel card — just tap your contactless debit/credit card or phone on the yellow reader at stations and on buses as this works out more cost effective. Fares are capped daily and weekly, and it works seamlessly across the Tube, Overground and buses.

Outside London: Trainline

If you’re heading out of the city for a day trip, Trainline is the best way to book UK train tickets in advance. You’ll get the cheapest prices by booking early, and it’s easy to compare times and routes. There is also a function called ‘split save’ which books your tickets in sections depending on the most cost-effective options, even if it’s just one train journey.

Airport Transfer: Welcome Pickups

If you want a stress-free arrival into London, Welcome Pickups is a great option. You can pre-book your airport transfer online, and a driver will be waiting for you at arrivals — no navigating public transport with luggage or dealing with unpredictable taxi queues. It’s especially handy if you’re arriving late or just want a smooth start to your trip.

Car Hire: DiscoverCars

DiscoverCars is a handy platform that compares prices from a bunch of rental companies so you can find the best deal in one place. It’s easy to use, transparent with costs, and ideal if you’re picking up a car from an airport or city location. Just make sure to check if you need an International Driving Permit (depending on your licence) and remember, we drive on the left in the UK!

Whether you’re into classic sightseeing or want more off-the-beaten-path experiences, these platforms make booking tours and tickets easy and reliable. There are some great tours in London and personally, I think a tour is a must. Some background information on the city and it’s muddled history adds so much to a trip.

Get Your Guide

My personal favourite place to book tours is Get Your Guide. There are so many well-reviewed tours and day trips, from Harry Potter studios to walking tours of Soho on here from different operators so you can compare and find exactly what you’re after. They have a great cancellation policy too and the site is super user-friendly.

Viator

Another trusted platform, Viator has everything from food tours to unique local experiences. It’s especially good for big-ticket experiences like Stonehenge, the Cotswolds or Windsor Castle and for price comparison with Get Your Guide.

GoCity

If you’re planning to visit several attractions, the GoCity pass can save you a lot. It includes places like the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and even the hop-on-hop-off buses — touristy but honestly so much fun and perfect for first time visitors!

Airalo

Wandering around a city with limited knowledge and no data is not for me! I always get an e-sim so I can navigate using Google Maps, look up restaurants, attractions and so on — it just makes life easier. I find Airalo simple to sign up for, cost affective and I love that you get your first day completely free.

I’ve lived in London for nearly a decade (wow), explored every corner of the city, and spent years helping people make the most of their time here. So if you’re still feeling stuck, overwhelmed or want a luxury experience, consider a bespoke itinerary. My itineraries are tailored to your interests, pace, and budget — just drop me a message and I’d love to help. And if you’re still in planning mode, don’t miss my London packing lists and itinerary guides to get fully sorted! This 7-day itinerary is a great place to start.

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