Travel with Christin

The time had finally come to embark on our journey to London. We were up and dressed waiting for our Uber driver to take us to JFK. Our flight would be leaving at 8:15 a.m. and flight time would be seven hours. So, our arrival time in London due to time change would be 8:15 p.m.

We arrive at the airport and quickly get our check bags all checked in. We all have TSA pre-check so getting through security only took about 15 minutes. We all get something to drink while we wait and of course had to take some pictures along the way.

We get all boarded and take off on time which is amazing. We would be served a meal and a snack on the plane. Surprisingly the flight didn’t seem that long as I somehow managed to take a short nap. I think we all did and the only complaint I had was the plane was cold. I always take a sweatshirt and blanket, but Lexi stole it and the blanket you get on the plane just isn’t the same.

Once we arrive in London, we made our way to clear customs. Being later in the evening it was super quick. Then off to find our luggage. We have learned to use air tags. Its peace of mind knowing that your luggage made it on the plane. After claiming all of our luggage we make our way from Terminal 5 to catch the Elizabeth Line train. Now in London from JFK you have two options when it comes to trains. The Heathrow Express or the Elizabeth Line. The Elizabeth Line is much cheaper and taking the Heathrow Express honestly only saves you about 15 minutes. To save time I pre-ordered Oyster Visitor Cards with pounds loaded onto them so once we were there, we could just tap the card and go. And if the card starts to run low you can top it off at any tube station. So, we ride to Liverpool Street change trains to the Northern Line to Angel and exit the station. From there we only have about a 10-minute walk to our hotel.

Now about our hotel. I had originally booked an apartment in London through VRBO. I had one booked for about six months and two months before we were set to leave, I received a message that the booking was going to be cancelled as they were having to do repairs on the apartment. So, I look then and rebook, which is now 2 months before we are set to leave. On the morning before our flight was to leave, I sent a text about check-in for that evening. I just so happened to check my email right after we boarded the plane to check my email. I received an email stating that the owner cancelled my booking. So, before take-off I scrambled on Expedia to find a hotel to stay at. Little did I know that the weekend in London consisted of not only Wimbledon but both Billy Joel and Elton John were doing concerts. So…… hotels were kind of expensive. Luckily for us we have travel insurance. VRBO refunded us our payment and the extra amount I had to pay for a hotel as it was more expensive got reimbursed through our insurance while we were on our cruise. We quickly learn how beneficial travel insurance is on this trip.

I ended up booking Double Tree by Hilton Angel. It is within walking distance to the tube station, has many places and shops nearby and we would learn it is only one stop from St. Pancreas station where we will be catching the train to go to Dover to board the ship. The hotel was very nice and plan to stay there again next year when we go back to London. Also, it has AC. Most hotels do but to note that a lot of places don’t.

By the time we arrive at hotel we get checked in, shower and order some food as it now 10:30 in London. Luckily London has Uber Eats so you have many options to choose from if you don’t want to venture out. We were tired from travelling all day, so it was the best option for us. We all managed to fall asleep before midnight which was great with the five-hour time change.

Next up is our three full days of London.