Things to avoid

It is better for any traveller or holiday maker not to take a bus tour, this is not how you explore any big city, let alone London. There will always be too much to see, even for those who live there, so don’t even begin to try. Instead buy a day ‘Travelcard’ for the tubes and buses which costs around €4,50, and spend the day exploring the city your own way.

Although London is a 24 hour city and usually bustling with people, it still can be a dangerous place at night no matter where you are. This is not intended for you to be afraid just a reminder to use your intelligence in all situations. The date rape drug (i.e., a sleeping pill which is put in a girl’s drink to abuse of her) is used in many of London’s bars and before you know it you can be awake at 6am and not remember a thing, so always keep an eye on your drink when you’re not with trusted people.

Watch out for the ticket offices you will find selling tickets for musicals, theatre shows or other along the streets of London. They have been known to sell less then reasonable seats for extortionate prices. Better to buy your ticket at the door.

On the positive side, it must be said that the most refreshing thing about English culture is probably the fact that being an eccentric is a point of honour and not a sign of mental disorder: unless you’re trying to be part of the ’in’ crowd, or you have to follow a dress code for a party you’re going to, you can put on whatever you like, probably even a Mexican poncho, and no one will notice or care.