Finding My Way Around London

Finding my way around London was an art that I had to quickly learn, it sure as hell, isn’t fun getting lost for hours and of course it costs an arm and leg to travel in this city. And I almost forget the minor inconvenience of always turning up late.

I must admit I have been lost and dazed in London more times than I can remember. I have done it all, from going on a tube heading in the wrong direction, getting off at the wrong stop, jumping on the wrong connection, as well as jumping on buses that were heading the opposite way from the one that I was meant to be going. I have even been lost in tube stations, but that is so embarrassing and I would rather not talk about it!

It didn’t take me long to realise that I had to start putting a little bit of effort, thought and planning into my travel plans whenever I ventured out and about in London. The one best single piece of advice that I can give to those of you that are new to the hustle and bustle of London and the craziness of it all, is to stay calm and not panic.

One thing I quickly learned was to never jump on a tube without first of all making sure it was going to where I was wanting to go. On a number of occasions I have arrived at a crowed station and rushed to get on the tube before it departs and then to find out 5 minutes later I was going in the wrong direction. It is especially painful when the tube is packed full of people that only bathe once a week and you are late for a valentines date, now that really was painful!

Once you get to grips with all the various London transport travel options, such as the buses, tubes, over ground trains, boat and yes dare I say it, even walking, it is a fairly easy and straightforward city to navigate your way around. I could mention cycling or driving but I haven’t got any experience of those in London and don’t plan on experiencing them in this mad city.

London Travel Planning Tool Kit & Resources

1. I never go anywhere without my London Mini A to Z it is an invaluable piece of kit.

2. I always carry a tube map in my wallet, which you can get for free at the tube station. I know my mini A to Z has one on the back page, but I need a magnifying glass to read it properly.

3. I regularly check the London for Transport web site, when I travel long journeys. It is a fantastic and useful site for all travel options in London.

4. Oyster Card, this is a must for anybody planning on travelling around in London, if you don’t have one get one.

5. If you ever get lost don’t be afraid or embarrassed to ask for help, just look for a friendly face, there are plenty!

6. I always try to make sure I have a bottle of water with me when travelling on the tubes, there is nothing worst than been stuck on a tube that isn’t going anywhere for 30 minutes on a hot day, and believe me it happens when you least expect it.

7. If you have to be someplace at a specific time in London, always leave early because when you are  in a rush in this city, there will inevitable be problems with the tubes or traffic jams.

I was such an amateur and novice at finding my way round London, when I first arrived, but now after only a few months, I’m a seasoned veteran that usually knows how to get to his destination, and even more amazingly on time, without too many problems. So if you follow my  advice,  finding your way around London should be simple.

Related posts:

1. Travelling by Sauna In London
2. 3 Things I Really Hate About Travelling On London Tubes