London may have seemed like THE place to be last year with the 2012 Olympics and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, but this might actually be the best time to go. The infrastructure was improved, yet the crowds aren’t what they were last year.
Indagare, who has become a trusted travel resource for me, just came out with an amazing travel guide for those considering a trip to London. From where to stay, to what to see, where to eat and the best day trips…they have you covered.
They specialize in custom travel plans, so they are like a concierge travel service. Since our family will be heading that way soon, I read their guide from cover to cover. I also ordered their foldout 3-day itinerary, which is smaller than a deck of cards and yet opens up to reveal maps and recommended restaurants, hotels and sight seeing in specific areas.
If you know someone considering a trip that way, I highly recommend checking it out. Just go to “magazine” on the top bar of their website and it will take you to the link!
Happy future travels! Where are you headed this summer?
Thanks for the great sounding resource! Always good to discover a great new travel guide. We are going on many road trips (lacrosse), Atlanta for a wedding, California (50th bday) and maybe if we can arrange for my family to all take one week or 10 days off in August to Italy (fingers crossed)! Enjoy your day….
I love discovering new travel guide companies. We are beach bound this summer (hopefully a lot if we can ever finish) and will be in Martha's Vineyard for a wedding. Can't wait to visit their site! Happy Monday ~
Elizabeth,
Perhaps you might be able to connect with Lauren from Aspiring Kennedy or Julie from Monkey Grass Hill, soon to be moving off to London. Julie has a son about the same age as your sons so that might be fun for your boys. I think there is nothing like seeing life from the eyes of one of the locals.
It's amazing to think years ago I was using a Map on the corner and now there is an "app" or a "guide" for everything which is wonderful.
bon voyage! I'd love some good English tea….
pve
Elizabeth you are a fountain of informatin and thank you for that. I had no idea that outdoor space was on top of the Berkeley Hotel and will have to visit it next time we're in London. I travel for business and shows so much that when I have time off I like being home.
XXX
Debra~
What a great resource! Thank you so much for sharing;)
Bookmarked under my favorites! Thanks E. Cannot wait to hear all about your upcoming fun adventures in London!
xo
Cathy
Looking forward to checking out this site – I'm always on the look out for travel inspiration! You must be so excited for your London adventure! We had a ball when we went three years ago. I think my favorite thing was the Tate Modern… and the V&A. The Tate would actually be fun for your boys to explore, I think. Have fun county down the days! XOXO
Given all the work we've done on our home, we're planning a staycation just to enjoy it! Sound like you'll have a great adventure across the pond.
xxoo
C + C
Thanks for sharing a great resource! I am hoping to tag along on my husband's next business trip to London. As for this summer, we are headed to the shores of Lake Michigan to visit my parents and for the triplets to go to sailing school…then it's off to Cooperstown, NY with my twin boys for a week of baseball games in August!
Hi, Elizabeth – Never heard of Indagare. I wonder if they have features on Sweden and Denmark. Headed there next week. Thanks for sharing 🙂
xo
Loi
What a wonderful resource! I travel a lot, and it is so great to have as much info as possible! Thanks!
Love Indagare! They booked our Rome hotel last August (2 rooms) for our family of 5 – we loved it:
Babuino 181 – great location, chic place to stay within walking distance of so many sights (Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Spanish Steps, restaurants/etc). Also have found great Paris restaurants thru this site.
Just got back from London last night – I read your post while there at favorite hotel, Number Sixteen in South Kensington – a Firmdale Hotel (NYC's Crosby Street Hotel is part of this group) stylishly- fun decor by Kit Kemp, feels like you're visiting a friend's cool townhouse as opposed to a hotel.
Some ideas for you & your boys: The London Eye, Tower of London, Churchil's Cabinet War Rooms (so cool to see WWII headquarters of Churchill underground), Hyde Park (rent a paddle boat/row boat to float around the Serpentine Lake, wander on the path around the lake, See Diana's Memorial Fountain, stop into Serpentine Kitchen & Bar for breakfast/snack/lunch…sits at end of lake with farm to table, yummy food, see a show (Matilda is a hot ticket in town and fun for kids/great musical), hit Portobello Market Friday morning (not as many crowds) or Saturday morning (but get there early – by 8am…it just gets way too crowded after 9am)…so many interesting vintage/antiques: stalls with old sporting equipment, a man with nothing but fabulous old toy soldiers (just bought a few for my boys), old books, etc…fun to look through. Have early lunch on nearby Westbourne Grove (crosses Portobello Rd) where there are chic shops and delicious restaurants: Daylesford Organic (fresh farm market in front/cafe outside and upstairs – amazing food/light, airy atmosphere) or 202 (restaurant in back, behind clothing boutique…yummy food, kids there too – good food! Some buzzy restaurants that would work w/your boys: The Wolsey for bustling, stylish brasserie next to Ritz Hotel/Green Park on Picadilly, The Delauney for same sort of busy/classic brasserie atmosphere – black/white marble flooring, dark wood paneling, beautiful silver/bar – great energy in both, further afield Mark Hix's Tramshed in Shoreditch (just ate here – in old tram station/building with soaring ceilings, tiled walls, chicken & steak – DELICIOUS, fun, lively vibe to the place) La Petite Maison in Mayfair for you and your husband if you have a night out alone for provencale fresh foods, or to Amaya (dramatic atmosphere/great Indian grilled/fusion cuisine near Sloane Street)…just walking along enjoying all the squares & beauty of London – enjoy!!