There are tourists who travel all over the globe to visit famous sights and there are those who travel to get a taste of what the country has to offer in the food department. If you are one of those travelers who hunt for great tasting food and excellent restaurants, then you should definitely read on. Food is now included in the London travel advice.

London is not just proud of its stellar sights, but also takes pride in its delicious food. In June, tourists get a chance to participate and witness the Taste of London Festival. Of course this is only possible if the weather permits. You can taste a variety of food that come in mini size dishes. When speaking of restaurants, the popular and best ones are booked as early as weeks in advance as seen in the London travel advice. Although rare, you may just be lucky and find restaurants with cancellations at the last minute.

If ever you get hungry before or after a theatre show, make sure you get to the China Town in Soho and also in the Leicester Square area. Meals that come in a package with theatre shows are not as good and appealing as those mentioned. There are many places to venture if you do end up finding food after the theatre. Authentic Chinese food can be found at the New World Restaurant which is also located in China town.

For great tasting Thai food, tourists mention in the London travel advice that Thai Silk, behind the Waterloo Station is the place to be. For Japanese type of food such as sushi, the Piccadilly area is where to go. A restaurant known as Yoshi makes the dining experience more fun with its different types of color coded plates. Never worry because the waiters are very friendly and will even ask if it is your first time to eat there. These waiters actually explain to the customers how everything works.

For those who want to eat in a simple way, then you can eat London’s street food. Yes, you heard it right; London does have its own kind of street food. The best part is that it can be found as you climb the Westminster station steps. You not only get to enjoy the great tasting and unique street food, but you can also see Ben’s Tower rising in front of you. Magical sights such as the London Eye, Thames, and Westminster Abbey can also be spotted. Tourists get to enjoy the best crepes the town has to offer and the experience is fun since they are made in front of you.

The London travel advice keeps traveler’s informed and is now even better with food and restaurant topics. Tourists always want what is best whether it deals with which places to visit or the type of food to eat. It is always a pleasure to enjoy the best of both worlds and in London; this is what traveler’s experience. Breath taking sites throughout the city are already worth the trip and the great variety of food is an extra treat.

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The hustle and bustle of the city makes you want to get away. Or that life has become too plain. And yet the family craves travel and adventure. And where to? When the budget’s all tight with the current economic crisis? Brace yourself. Run right away to the nearest PC, connect to the Internet, because planning your cheap-yet-chic family travel London are just a few clicks away.

The great city of London beholds a plethora of momentous sights, magnificent architecture, and inexpensive unique finds. Flight, hostels, food, free attractions, bargain fashion items, theater shows - all these your family could enjoy even on a budget.

Flights

Just type “How to Find Cheap Flights to London” or “cheap London flight tickets” in your search engine. You could choose from all sorts of trips-on-a-budget flight proposals – standby flights, buying tickets during low-season (logically, non-Holiday flights are cheaper; also, mid-July to mid-September is London’s high tourist season). Some airlines even offer cheaper family travel London rates when you order tickets online or ask for 4+ pax deals.

Accommodation

If you’re into adventure, try backpacker style and check in a hostel. London hostels are cheaper than “starred” hotels, but of almost the same service quality. Various London hostels offer cheaper rates when you book online; bed-&-breakfast deals. Some hostels allow access to kitchen, making you feel you’ve never left you own home.

Fare and Transportation

London Transport has this cost-effective travel card called Oyster. It’s for buses, trams, Tube (London’s underground railway system, kind of like the Subway), Docklands Light Railway rolled into one electronic smart card. This card allows children to ride free in all family travel London public transportation. This card could also be ordered online

Food and Shopping

There are around 90 street markets surrounding the city. The famous Camden Stables Market, Portobello Road, or just any Farmer’s Market could suffice all your food cravings and gourmet treats. There are also nearby eats-for-less restaurants. You’d also find crafts, souvenirs, vintage clothes, children’s toys, bags, shoes- almost anything for bargain in these family travel London markets.

Attractions

The kids could go gallivanting and go crazy in huge playgrounds and parks. Neighbors Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park offer enormous spaces fit for your very own picnic. Bring your own Frisbee, Twister, what-not games and toys, and play unlimited hours in free breeze. There are also free-admission museums – Science Museum, National History Museum, Museum of Childhood, among other child-friendly art & culture sites.

Entertainment and Music

Dance and sing along with the free music concerts and recitals in the National Theatre, Covent Garden, and National Portrait Gallery. Just check out the times of these free delights (usually, lunchtime is the best time to catch these concerts). If you’re itching to learn new moves, Salsa Bar and Restaurant offers free dance lessons.

Film/TV

You could also watch free film-noir classics, video art, comedy shows at the Theatre Royal Stratford East, Comedy Café© and The Lower Ground Bar. You could also be a part of a live audience for TV show recordings. Just visit the BBC website and check out recording schedules.

Now you’ve seen the some great things could really come free, what else are you doing? Pack your bags. Book your tickets. And off you go to family travel London, mates!

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One of the most important things about traveling is making sure that you get home safe and sound. While some accidents and incidents cannot be avoided, knowing what to do and what precautions to take will help ensure that your holiday plans are not only fun and adventuresome, but safe as well.

Try to travel with at least one other person and stay away from joining into any large crowds. Pickpockets are always a problem, and like to mingle with other people to avoid detection. Keep any valuables close to your body, preferably in a front pocket. It is also a good idea to keep money stashed for emergencies, like in a money belt or some other secure way. Also, don’t carry a lot of money on you anyway. If at all possible, hide it among your personal belongings at your hotel.
Know where the exits are when you are in a club or restaurant. Keeping these in mind could provide a hasty retreat.

Only use black license taxis, otherwise you may be going for the wrong kind of ride. Drugs are illegal, so don’t risk it!
Remember where the U.S. Embassy is and how to get there. It’s better to know and not need it, then the opposite. Europe has a national health plan; hospitals are free, even to foreigners. If you become injured for any reason, do not hesitate to call, and don’t forget that the emergency number is 999, not 911.

The police are your friends, and they are all over. If you are having any kind of problems, don’t hesitate to contact a bobby. They are friendly and are genuinely interested in helping you find a solution.
Always make sure that people know where you are in case of an emergency, and contact them at least once a day so they don’t worry about you. If you don’t call regularly, they will know something may have happened and contact the authorities. Carry a cell phone with you at all times, and make sure that if it has GSM capabilities, that your carrier has activated it.

There are many other helpful tips on line from other sources. Just do the best you can, try to avoid situations where you feel uncomfortable. Trust in your instincts, and try to measure a situation beforehand to avoid problems and make sure you are aware of things like, that the Tube doesn’t run 24/7, so plan your evening excursions accordingly. Being friendly, while okay, have clear boundaries, and stick too them. If anyone tries to convince you to go somewhere with them, generally, it’s a good idea not too.

Always make sure that you read over any documents, package deals, and anything else you may have to sign thoroughly and if needed more than once before signing anything. If you are still not sure, ask many questions. If your answers are not what you wanted, or are evasive, vague, or anything else, get away quickly.

Resources;
http://www.uktourismguide.info/England-Tourism/London/Holiday-Packages.asp
http://www.budgettravel.com/
http://www.visitlondon.com/people/budget/
http://studenttravel.about.com/od/ukstudenttravel/p/beg_guid_london.htm
http://www.anglotopia.net/2008/10/london-help-and-some-london-safety-tips/

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Travel in London is typically a safe thing. The police are competent at what they do, the cameras discourage open crimes, and the people of London are generally a good lot to begin with. Personal safety is, however, a responsibility that all people must maintain. This is especially so for tourists, who may not be familiar enough with the city to prevent themselves from getting into trouble.

Here are some basic safety tips to keep in mind when you travel in London:

Crossing the road

In England, You may find that cars travel on the “wrong” side of the street, and a moment of carelessness may land you in the hospital or worse. Always make it a habit to look both ways before crossing the street in order to make sure you do not run into accidents while crossing the road.

Traveling at night

While crooks are discouraged from mugging you in open daylight or in view of the cameras, they will attempt to mug you in the darker areas of town. Walk with friends, stay in well-lit areas and avoid drawing too much attention with your jewelry, clothing and other belongings. You can travel in London with style, but try to keep things at a minimum if you walk around at night.

Clubbing and drinking

Rape is a serious risk when you go out clubbing and drinking, especially if you are a foreign girl in London. You always have to be vigilant and keep a sharp eye out for your drink. A pill or two can be popped in your drink, knocking you or your friends out for the night.

Credit card safety

Expenses are inevitable when you travel in London, and you may have to whip out your credit card on a few occasions. Never let the card out of your sight, even when you hand it to the waiter, in order to prevent it from being “swiped”.  A stolen identity is no joke, especially when you have your life savings in that bank account.

Crowds and pickpockets

London has a lot of people in it, and you may find yourself constantly being jostled as you walk through the crowds. Grip your wallet or bag tightly when you find yourself pressed in by people, and try to avoid looking as foreign as possible. The less noticeable you are, the less likely a pickpocket will go for you.

Watching your belongings

Aside from the obvious risk of having them stolen, unattended bags are usually suspected to contain bombs. Do not leave your bags and belongings alone if you do not want to come back with a bomb squad poking around your underwear and searching for improvised explosives.

So there you have it, six basic safety tips to keep in mind when you travel in London. Remember them, and you will be able to enjoy your trip around this great old city free from the risk of crime or accidents.

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