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Getting to London
Traveling from Tampa to London: The Joy of a Direct Flight
Why Choose a Direct Flight?
Flying directly from Tampa to London was such a game-changer. It made the whole trip feel smooth and easy, sparing me the hassle of layovers and letting me jump straight into vacation mode. Taking a direct flight saves time and reduces the stress of navigating connecting airports. It also minimizes the risk of lost baggage and allows for better rest during a long flight. Sure, Gatwick Airport is a little farther from central London than Heathrow, but honestly, skipping the layover made the extra commute totally worth it. If you can swing it, go for a direct flight—trust me, you won’t regret it!
Comfort in the Clouds
It was also my first time flying with British Airways and he flight itself was surprisingly comfortable for standard class. The flight attendants were polite and attentive. You receive a blanket, pillow and earbuds in each seat. The food was good, and they do offer vegan/vegetarian options. For an 8.5-hour flight, I receive a snack, a full course dinner, and light breakfast. All drinks include wine, beer and mixed drinks. The in-flight entertainment was a great selection of current movies, podcasts, radio and TV. It was a nice smooth flight, and I even managed to catch some sleep. Here’s a little tip: Paying in advance for your seat selection is a game-changer. While BA lets you choose your seat 24 hours before departure, waiting that long could mean missing out on the spot you really want. Trust me, it’s worth booking your seat ahead of time so you can relax knowing exactly where you’ll be sitting without any last-minute surprises.
Landing in London
Arriving at Gatwick airport was a smooth process. It's a smaller airport compared to Heathrow, which made navigating it incredibly easy and quick. Passport control was efficient, and my luggage arrived promptly at the carousel. After clearing customs, I had already reserved a private car transfer with Gatwick Cars, LTD, which I found through the airport website. I walked right up to the kiosk, gave my name and my driver was already waiting. My ride was a sleek, new Mercedes-Benz, and my driver was incredibly pleasant. He shared fun facts about the London towns we passed through, making the 1.5-hour ride comfortable. The cost was surprisingly affordable, adding to the overall ease of getting from the airport to London. Commute Tip: If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way into London, taking the train is a fantastic option. Personally, I wasn’t completely comfortable with the idea since I’m not used to trains living in Florida (LOL), but if you’re confident with public transit, it’s a great way to bypass heavy traffic and get into the city quickly depending on your arrival time.
Where I stayed
Great stay in London's East End
During my trip, I stayed in Shoreditch area, a charming area not too far from the city center of London. I chose this location because it was close to a dear friend who was graduating from university. Shoreditch turned out to be an excellent choice in a super cute area with lots of conveniences nearby, making it a comfortable and enjoyable base during my stay.
I stayed at the Hampton by Hilton London Old Street, a brand-new hotel in the area. The neighborhood felt very safe, and I was completely comfortable walking around day or night. In fact, I spent several evenings exploring the lively streets, which were busy but not overcrowded. Nearby, there were grocery stores like Aldi, cozy local pubs, a variety of restaurants to choose from, and even bars at the different hotels nearby, all adding to the area’s charm.
The staff at the Hampton by Hilton London Old Street were incredibly friendly and accommodating, making my stay even more pleasant. My room was spacious, spotlessly clean, and beautifully designed—everything felt fresh and new. After a couple of days, I became familiar with taking the train, and the Old Street Station was just a five-minute walk from the hotel, making it super convenient to get around the city and to the city center of London.
One of the great pubs I visited was The Eagle. It had fantastic food, delicious drinks, and amazing service. The atmosphere was lively with music and people, making it the perfect pub to dine like a local. Overall, this was a great area to stay in, and I would stay again!
