Top 5 Steps on choosing the right traveling route in London

This was first published as guest post on my friend Katie’s blog a while ago and I found it is useful to be recapped it here for my readers. I’ve written series of posts on my London travel earlier this year but have missed out this important travel tips: How could one traveler decide on which way to get to one destination after another?

When I was abroad in other countries, I liked the feeling when I can get around the city effortlessly by either means of transport without referring to the tourists map. It’s like a local who is so familiar with his own city that any corner of the city can be reached as easy as snapping fingers. For a tourist, this sounds like a tough challenge for me and I’m like a kindergarten student trying to figure out how could I get to school! So let’s see how I could achieve that on my London travel.

First, I studied the London city map. I know even many of the British never studied it at all but still able to do that. They learned by doing it repeatedly for many times. But not for a tourist like me. I’m not going to and able to take trains to Charing Cross and back to my hostel, and walk to, and walk back, repeatedly. I have to learn it in  fast way by first familiarize the city map. By studying my map thoroughly, I can choose my travel path correctly, and efficiently. A lot of my precious traveling time would be wasted if not doing so.

Secondly, I assessed the means of transport from one spot to another, either by underground, bus, black cab or by walking. Look for the best way to either save your traveling cost and time, or for better city view along the way. Time is precious in one’s travel. Don’t spend unnecessary time on travel and spend more time on sightseeing instead!

Thirdly, tried it by myself. At this point, my decision should be 80% correct. The only risk factor is the accessibility, either the station, the frequency of service or the road condition if by walking. Some places seem far apart when reading on map, like Leicester Square and Oxford Circus. But once I tried taking underground train, I regretted. Getting to Oxford Circus from Leicester Square by undergound you need to change to Central Line at Holborn before reaching Oxford Circus. And changing line in London Underground is sometimes painful. I had to go down and up escalators to change line and went up again and walked like a thousand miles before reaching the ground floor exit. It would be a far better idea to just walk there!

Fourthly, try another path when the above was not quite as thought after trying. Try another means of transport which is easier and faster. Money is not a concern here as I have a Daily Travel Card for unlimited trips.

Finally, I found the best route. Sticking to these routes and I traveled about London city easily for the rest of my days in London and acted like I’ve lived there for many years! I like that feeling… 🙂 – Travel Feeder, the ultimate travel photo blog.

About The Author

Cecil Lee

The author is an avid traveler and photography hobbyist who loves to share with others his travel and photo-taking experience in many popular tourist destinations around Europe, Asia and Australasia. Read the exciting stories with many photos captured on his journeys.