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.

Omio, the best flight search engine

Omio

Omio is my go-to for comparing flights and rail fares, checking routes, and planning travel to/around the UK.

Get Your Guide logo

GetYourGuide

My preferred place to book tours, day trips and more is GetYourGuide. Search London for inspiration!

Hostelworld logo

Hostelworld

If I’m backpacking or on a budget, Hostelworld is my go-to for finding vibey, central and affordable accommodation where it’s easy to meet fellow travellers.

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

DiscoverCars

For the freedom to explore beyond London, I use DiscoverCars to compare rental options. It’s the best way to find exactly what you’re looking for, within 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 make organising easier.

Omio

This is my new favourite travel search tool! Omio lets you compare flights, trains, and buses all in one place, making it super easy to spot the best routes and prices. I especially love it for UK train travel as it makes hopping between cities or weekend getaways so simple. It’s easy to use, and I find it much more reliable than other sites that show prices or routes that disappear when you click through.

Ekta

I honestly think it’s always worth having travel insurance in London — it takes the stress out of your trip and gives peace of mind if anything goes wrong. I use Ekta because it’s quick to set up, easy to manage online, and covers medical emergencies, lost luggage, and delays. Perfect for city breaks or short trips in the UK, it’s simple, reliable, and means you can focus on enjoying London rather than worrying about mishaps — like lost phones, missed trains, or pickpockets (yes, I’ve learned the hard way!).

Booking.com

London has so many accommodation options, but I always start with Booking.com. It’s my go-to for hotels, apartments, and guesthouses at all price points. I love how easy it is to filter by area, budget, and reviews, and many places offer free cancellation – perfect if your plans change. It’s reliable, simple to use, and makes finding the right base in London stress-free.

Vrbo

If you’re after a more local, homey experience, Vrbo is a great alternative to Airbnb. It’s perfect for longer stays, groups, or anyone who wants a kitchen, extra space, or just a more comfortable, independent vibe. Unlike Airbnb, which can be expensive, Vrbo consistently offers well-reviewed properties and transparent pricing, making it easier to find a stay that feels like a home away from home.

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 of countries around the world. It makes paying your way around London and further afield super simple. Card payment is the norm in London – even small shops and buses accept contactless payment, so it is worth preparing.

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-effective and you get your first day completely free which is a bonus.

Welcome Pickups

For a stress-free arrival in London, Welcome Pickups is my go-to. You can pre-book online and a driver will meet you at arrivals, which means no wrestling with luggage on public transport or hunting down a taxi. Perfect for late-night flights or just a calm start to your trip.

Contactless

Once you’re in the city, getting around is super easy with contactless. Just tap your debit/credit card or phone on the yellow reader at Tube stations, Overground stops, and on buses – fares are capped daily and weekly, so you never overpay. It works seamlessly across all London public transport.

DiscoverCars

If you want the freedom to explore beyond public transport, DiscoverCars lets you compare rental prices from multiple companies in one place. It’s easy, transparent, and perfect for picking up a car at the airport or in the city. Just check if you need an International Driving Permit, and remember – we drive on the left!

GetYourGuide

My personal favourite place to book tours is GetYourGuide. There are so many well-reviewed tours and day trips, from Harry Potter studios to walking tours of Soho 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 option, Viator has everything from food tours to unique local experiences. It’s especially handy for big-ticket trips like Stonehenge, the Cotswolds, or Windsor Castle, and I often use it to compare prices with GetYourGuide.

GoCity

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

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