The London 2012 Olympics is so nearly here and if you're planning on visiting or are looking for a little guide to surviving your trip to London. Look no further.
1. PLEASE STAND ON THE RIGHT
You'll see the signs on all the escalators and it's there for a reason. When using escalators, the GOLDEN RULE is to always stand on the right side of the escalator and walk on the left. It really is a simple rule, but you'll be surprised how often visitors forget this. The reason for this rule is to enable the crowd to continually move. If you end up standing on the left, be prepared to get some angry tutting from commuters, and trust me, you don't want to feel the wrath of commuters during rush hour. You have been warned.
2. PLEASE LET PASSENGERS OFF THE TRAIN FIRST BEFORE BOARDING
I cannot stress this enough. As a frequent underground user, this is one of the most annoying thing people can fail to do (despite being reminded constantly by the train announcers). When using the tube, let all the passengers who are leaving the train off the train first before you board. There are so many times when people barge into the train and don't let people off. This causes delays as people need to struggle to get off the train. I know it may feel like the train will leave without you, but it won't. You will hear a high pitched beeping noise to indicate the doors are closing so it's best to let them close and wait for the next train (which will arrive in the next 2-3 minutes).
3. TAKE CARE OF YOUR BELONGINGS
London is a very busy city, and will be exceptionally so during the Olympics, so please take care of all of your belongings. I've never personally experienced any pickpockets or thieves in London, but it can happen, and it there will be a higher risk of this happening during the Olympics. Make sure your bags are closed and keep in front of you or have your arm over zippers. I would advise to remove from your backs any backpacks and carry them in your hand when in busy areas, such as in tube stations and buses as you may be pushed up against people. Always have belongings where you can see them. Also, I cannot stress this enough. Please do not carry wallets etc. in back pockets. It is easy for them to fall out and in crowded areas, an excuse for some pickpocketing. For info on how people pickpocket and ways to identify when it is happening, check out 'How Stuff Works'.
4. PLAN AHEAD
As I've said, London is very busy and people are constantly rushing about. So please do not stop in the middle of pavements and in front of entrances or exits to buildings and the underground. You can pick up a map from many tourist places and a tfl map from all London Underground stations. Exits are plainly signed in the underground stations, so exit the underground, walk a few paces and THEN get the map out. My advice is to plan ahead in the morning and research where you want to go and how to get there. You can always double check directions and routes on google maps or the TFL (Transport for London) website.
5. DO NOT TRAVEL DURING RUSH HOUR
I cannot stress this enough. London has millions of commuters and they travel during the morning and evening rush hour periods. These times are ridiculously busy, hot and full of irritated workers try to get home after a hard days work. The last thing anyone wants is the travel system to be more crowded than it is. 'Rush hour' is from 7.30am - around 10am and 4.30pm - 7pm. If you're thinking of what to do during these times, you can check out a free museum, relax in the park or grab a coffee or beer.
4. TRY SOMETHING NEW
Don't go to Mc Donald's or Burger King. We have so many fantastic cafes, markets, pubs and restaurants where you can get a great meal. There are cheaper places as well as more expensive places. Don't worry about the food being bad. It's very difficult for a restaurant to survive in central London if their food is bad, so check out the menu and go for it! Also, the great thing about London, is that we have so many different restaurants catering all types of cuisine so you're bound to find something you like. You might be pleasantly surprised and find a new favourite dish.
5. MAKE USE OF FREE LONDON
London doesn't have to be expensive. There are many museums with free entry, such as our beloved Natural History museum, our Science Museum and many more. There are also free art galleries, markets, concerts, libraries (The British Museum is a must see) and parks. If the weather is good, take a map with you and go for a stroll! Don't worry about getting lost, when in central London, if you walk about 10 minutes in either direction, you're bound to find a tube station where you can hop on the tube and go back to familiar territory.
6. TAKE PHOTOS
London is ever-changing. I've lived here my whole life and every time I walk around London, there's always something new that pops up. Make memories, take lots of photos and share them with your friends and family. London is beautiful in the day and stunning at night. There's a photo opportunity at every tune, you just need to take it.
7. ENJOY
London is a top tourist destination, so enjoy it while you're here. Take in the sights, relax in a pub or park, go shopping, visit a museum, and smile. Have fun.
Useful Links
Transport for London (for maps and service updates of tubes, buses and more) http://www.tfl.gov.uk/
Time Out London (for finding great places to eat and places to go in London) http://www.timeout.com/london/
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