travel – LONDON

So you need to pack? Here are a few handy tips to make sure your trip is a success

Do you find yourself thinking for days on end about things you will need on the trip and telling yourself "I must remember to pack that"? Have you arrived and discovered "oops I should have packed that"? There is a simple solution and it works, especially if it's keeping you up at night before the trip - write it down. Yes, make a list, add to it whenever you have an idea that I must pack this, and take it with you. When you get there and think I should have, add it to that list and keep it in one of those pockets in your favourite bag or case so next time, you won't forget. When you are doing that last-minute dash instead of running around in circles you can check your list and feel far more at ease and only have to deal with the excitement or nerves of the trip itself. A pen and paper or even a note taken on your phone can help in all sorts of ways. Making notes, or even doodling on the trip itself when you are waiting is a great time to put some thoughts in order or make pl…

Home affairs insists an unabridged birth certificate is not needed for parents travelling with children, but apparently nobody told customs officials

The department of home affairs has reiterated that the requirement for an unabridged birth certificate for children travelling with their parents no longer applies, but the parents must still carry it anyway – in case customs officials ask to see it at ports of entry. This follows a huge outcry among travellers who claimed they were stopped at ports of entry by customs staff who demanded the unabridged certificate for their children, despite the announcement by the department it was no longer a requirement. The department of tourism recently said tourism supports about 1.5 million jobs directly and indirectly in SA. StatsSA figures for 2016 show the sector directly contributed 2.9% – or R125.1 billion – to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). When the initial requirements were first issued, Tourism Minister Derek Hanekom took issue with the home affairs decision, saying the move would kill tourism in SA and impede economic growth. Home affairs was forced to back off. …

SA plans to ease visa admin for holders of valid US, UK or Canadian visas

When it comes to making it easier for key markets to visit South Africa as well as concluding key travel business deals, the "proof is in the doing", says Minister of Tourism Derek Hanekom. Speaking to Traveller24 over the weekend after Indaba 2018 took place in Durban, Hanekom says he remains positive about tourism's potential. “Indaba was really excellent, having spent four days there and meeting with eight African ministers and one deputy, it was packed with a good turnout.” In total 22 African countries were exhibited, with a total of 1 120 exhibitors representing “thousands of African products, along with 135 small businesses or hidden gems – who were incredibly enthusiastic to be on the same floor as the bigger businesses, says Hanekom. There were also an estimated 1 740 buyers at the event. “Between my many meetings, I covered most of the hidden gems and those in attendance were excited about being there, the networking opportunities as well as the marketing exposure…

Weekly Travel Information for London

London Overground:- Minor delays between Surrey Quays and New Cross due to a shortage of trains caused by recent weather conditions. GOOD SERVICE on the rest of the route. GOOD SERVICE all other London Overground routes. Piccadilly Line:- SEVERE DELAYS between Acton Town and Uxbridge due to a signal failure on the eastbound at Sudbury Town, your tickets will be accepted on the local buses. TfL Rail:- SEVERE DELAYS between Ilford and Shenfield eastbound and MINOR DELAYS Shenfield to Liverpool Street westbound due to an earlier faulty train, your tickets will be accepted on the local buses and the Underground. Free signup to our Expat Match ...just click ex-patriates.com now !! Bakerloo:- Good service Central:- Good service Circle:- Good service District:- Good service Hammersmith & City:- Good service Jubilee:- Good service Metropolitan:- Good service Northern:- Good service Victor…

National Gallery of London Guided Tour for children and families with kids friendly guide – We have designed a tour that the kids will love

Visit one of the world's richest painting galleries with your family on a memorable tour led by a specialist guide. She will tailor the tour on your kids engaging them with fun and informative activities, games, photo contexts, visual aids and parents will learn a lot too. Book Now You will visit the highlights of the National Gallery including masterpieces by Botticelli, Dürer, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Titian, Caravaggio, Rubens, Rembrandt, Degas, Cézanne, Monet, Van Gogh and many more. The tour will last approximately 2.5 hour and you can customize it on your wishes and need. Some children are averse to being indoors, staying quiet and being told “don’t touch that”. So, whilst you would love to go to the National Gallery when visiting London you are not sure the kids will enjoy it. Well….think again! We have designed a tour that the kids will love. On this great tour you will have the services of a specialist guide who is a real “wow” with the ki…

Windsor, Bath and Stonehenge Tour from London: including attractions such as the Royal Crescent

Visit the best sights of the West country and the nearby town of Windsor. Including a guided tour of the city of Windsor and free time, guided tour of the city of Bath and its main attractions such as the Royal Crescent, the Circus and more. Finally, enter the 6000+ years old monument, Stonehenge, a UNESCO Heritage site (includes entrance) which also includes an audio-tour of the site. You will have free time at each place visited. You will travel on an executive, modern coach with the company of a friendly and experienced tour guide. Book now Highlights Perfect introduction for first-time visitors Informative, friendly and professional guide Comprehensive tour of the city Explore the local streets on a walking tour of the city Depart London and start your journey to the first destination, Windsor. After a 1-hour drive to the city, start a 45-minutes walking tour. You will finish the tour right in front of the castle, then you will be able to enjoy 1-hour free time i…

Stonehenge and Bath Day Trip from London with Early Access to Hampton Court Palace: including lunch

This unique tour includes a tour of Hampton Court Palace before it opens to the public. You will also visit the prehistoric ruins of Stonehenge with lunch included on site. The excursion will then visit to the magnificent Georgian city of Bath, with a panoramic drive and guided walking tour providing a great intro to one of the UK's must-see locations. Click here to book now Highlights Comprehensive tour by bus/coach Pickup from a centrally located meeting point All entrance fees included Lunch included Informative, friendly and professional guide The morning begins with a private tour of Hampton Court before it opens to the public. An expert State Apartment Warden will give a unique insight to the waking palace taking the group through the tranquil gardens and into the courtyards and cloisters of the magnificent Tudor palace once the favourite residence of Henry VIII. The tour of Hampton Court Palace will include some courtyards and cloisters not accessible to the …

Beatles Fab 4 London Taxi Tour: Take in top sites of interest such as Abbey Road Studios

Take a trip back to the swinging sixties — when the Fab Four ruled the radio waves — on this 3-hour Beatles taxi tour in London. Travel through London by taxi as a guide plays hit records from the 1960s. Take in top sites of interest such as Abbey Road Studios, the Apple headquarters, and the place where John and Yoko met. Along the way, see where 'Hey Jude' and ‘I Wanna Hold your Hand’ were recorded. This 3-hour driving tour includes pickup and drop-off at your London hotel. Book Now Highlights Family friendly Tour is wheelchair accessible Hotel pickup included Private tour is operated with just your party and a guide/driver Hop into your taxi at 9am at your centrally located London hotel, then spin through the city streets as your guide brings 1960s London to life. During your 3-hour driving tour, visit key sites of interest including Abbey Road Studios and its famous pedestrian crossing, the Apple headquarters, and the house where Paul wrote ‘I Wanna Hold your …

London Afternoon Tea at Grosvenor House: relax in an atmosphere of genteel refinement

Combine old-school English glamor with delicious cakes, sandwiches and tea on this must-do afternoon tea experience in London! Choose between one of two different types of afternoon tea – one with Champagne or one with just tea – both taking place at London’s 5-star Grosvenor House Hotel. BOOK NOW Afternoon tea in London is an institution, owing its origins to Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford – one of Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting. As an elite member of Victorian society, she was accustomed to eating large breakfasts, small lunches and large dinners -- the latter served very late each night. To satisfy her afternoon hunger pangs, she summoned her servants to bring tea and cakes. So delightful was the experience that it became a daily meal and the trend caught on – all over London. Still going strong today, afternoon teas are served all over the capital, with the most prestigious ones taking place in top hotels -- like the 5-star Grosvenor House Hotel where yo…

London Exclusive: Small-Group London Sightseeing Tour: Visit St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London

Get the most out of London on this full-day tour, which hits the best of the English capital — you can't book this Exclusive anywhere else. Visit St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London, watch the Changing of the Guard, and be led through the British Museum. Learn about the history of London and the sights you visit, and end the day with a much better understanding of the English metropolis. BOOK NOW Upgrade to include entrance fees, or enjoy the flexibility of deciding on the day which attractions you'd like to visit. Numbers are limited to 15, ensuring a small-group experience. Highlights - Fully narrated tour - Instant Confirmation - Meet your guide at Temple Underground Station in London, then board a comfortable minivan and head to St Paul’s Cathedral. On arrival, show your pre-booked ticket or pay your entrance fee (depending on the option selected), and then explore the 17th-century cathedral on an independent, audio-guided tour. Take in the skyline…