Let’s start with how we even got here—literally. I don’t spend nearly as much time traveling as I’d like, thanks to limited PTO, finances, and, well… life. So when I do get the chance to go overseas, I try to make the most of it. What a lot of people don’t realize is that once you’ve booked your major flight out of the U.S., hopping between countries can be surprisingly cheap. You can wake up in Greece today and be in Turkey tomorrow for less than $50. (Meanwhile, I can’t even get from Atlanta to Dallas on Spirit for that price!) That’s why I’m all for knocking out multiple countries in one trip. This time, the itinerary included Portugal, Austria, Germany, and—somewhat unexpectedly—London.
To be completely honest, London has never been at the top of my travel list. In my head, I always pictured it being New York’s second cousin with a British accent: a fast-paced city with familiar sights, familiar language, and (let’s be real) a reputation for underwhelming food. But when it popped up as an affordable stop along the tour, I figured, why not? This trip was all about maximizing time, so while I gave the other countries a solid four days each, London? Ehhh, two.
Would I go back? Probably not. Am I glad I went? Absolutely! London is packed with iconic sights, and if you move fast, you can see a lot in a short amount of time. If you’re looking for a deeper cultural experience, I’d say prioritize other destinations. But since you’re here, let’s make the most of it! Here’s how to run with the royals and see London in record speed.
Buckingham Palace
If you don’t see a royal waving from the balcony, did you even go to Buckingham Palace? Swing by for the iconic Changing of the Guard, where the pomp and circumstance are next level. Whether you’re here for the history or just to see if King Charles steps out for tea, this is London at its most regal.
Westminster Abbey
All I could imagine while standing here was Princess Diana’s unforgettable wedding train cascading near the door as she made her way to the altar. From royal coronations to famous tombs (hello, Queen Elizabeth I and Charles Darwin), this church is iconic. Whether you’re here for the history or just to soak in the sheer grandeur, Westminster Abbey is nothing short of legendary.
The London Eye
Want the best views of London without climbing 1,000 steps? The London Eye is your answer. Hop into one of the glass pods and let the city unfold beneath you—from Big Ben to the Thames River, it’s a panoramic dream. Pro tip: Sunset rides = pure magic.
The Tower Bridge
Forget the nursery rhyme— this is the bridge you came to see! With its Gothic towers and sky-high glass walkway, Tower Bridge is London’s most photogenic river crossing. Watch as the bridge lifts for passing boats (yes, it actually moves!), or take a stroll across for some seriously Instagram-worthy views. Bonus points if you catch it lit up at night—it’s pure magic!
High Tea in London
Pinkies up! You can’t visit London without indulging in high tea, and trust me, it’s more than just sipping from fancy cups. Picture this: a three-tiered stand overflowing with fluffy scones, delicate finger sandwiches, and pastries almost too pretty to eat (almost). Whether you go all-out at The Ritz, soak in the charm of Sketch, or find a cozy tearoom tucked away in the city, high tea is the perfect excuse to slow down and savor the moment—one sip at a time.
And just like that, my 48-hour London sprint came to an end. Did I sleep? No! Did I see the highlights and make memories? Yes! Will I be craving fish and chips anytime soon? Probably not. But London did what it needed to do—it gave me a taste of royal history, stunning views, and a crash course in navigating the city like a pro. *Checks off of travel list*. Now it’s time to chase new adventures—next stop, who knows? Stay on the Runway to find out!
