Itinerary Help - London, East France for Christmas
Dec 28th, 2020, 08:16 PM
#21
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I personally wouldn't bother with Disneyland - I imagine you want to see places which you can't experience somewhere else. If you'd like something kid focused then try Cite des Sciences, which has lots of interactive displays (but I suppose that's pretty international too). Paris has more museums than pretty much any other city I've visited, there are bound to be some which interest the kids, and there's heaps to see and do in Paris. I'd probably also skip Versailles unless it's of special interest, just because you don't have much time in Paris. If you visit the Eiffel Tower, then I recommend walking up as it's much more interesting than taking the lift.
I'd have a list of places you'd like to visit in London and then just wing it when you get there.
I recommend not doing everything together - split up and get together later in the day.
What happened to your Swiss trip? Is that still happening or decided against it?
I'd have a list of places you'd like to visit in London and then just wing it when you get there.
I recommend not doing everything together - split up and get together later in the day.
What happened to your Swiss trip? Is that still happening or decided against it?
Do the museums in Paris have English audios? I didn't notice Cite des Sciences, so I will definitely check that out - thank you!
In all honesty, I might just stand at the base of Eiffel Tower and let my family members do what they like there because I am very afraid of heights!
Would having a picnic nearby the tower in Dec sound crazy?
Dec 28th, 2020, 08:20 PM
#22
It was my impression on my most recent visits that Oxford was getting more day trippers than Cambridge.
I don't really have a preference - perhaps a slight one for Cambridge since I grew up nearby. Oxford's Ashmolean Museum outshines Cambridge's Fitzwilliam, IMO, but if you are only going for a day you don't really have time for the museum. On the other hand, Cambridge's Botanical Gardens are bigger and better than Oxford's, but hardly relevant in December. If you go to Cambridge in December, do try to go to Evensong in King's College chapel.
I don't really have a preference - perhaps a slight one for Cambridge since I grew up nearby. Oxford's Ashmolean Museum outshines Cambridge's Fitzwilliam, IMO, but if you are only going for a day you don't really have time for the museum. On the other hand, Cambridge's Botanical Gardens are bigger and better than Oxford's, but hardly relevant in December. If you go to Cambridge in December, do try to go to Evensong in King's College chapel.
Dec 28th, 2020, 08:23 PM
#23
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I might swap in Kew gardens and take out Hyde park but only because the green houses are warm and often with lovely decorations. https://www.kew.org/
"town's" abve, sorry using a phone badly, "towns"
The nice thing about London museums (nearly all) are free and with a special show which costs more. So you can go more than once. I'd recommend 4 hours for the V&A the first time which is just about exhausting. Then if you get more time during the trip you can popp back.
Hamleys, if the kids are with you you might want to pop by for a bit. https://www.hamleys.com/
Day 13 looks light.
Stadium, how many are you looking at visiting?
"town's" abve, sorry using a phone badly, "towns"
The nice thing about London museums (nearly all) are free and with a special show which costs more. So you can go more than once. I'd recommend 4 hours for the V&A the first time which is just about exhausting. Then if you get more time during the trip you can popp back.
Hamleys, if the kids are with you you might want to pop by for a bit. https://www.hamleys.com/
Day 13 looks light.
Stadium, how many are you looking at visiting?
Day 13 - only one stadium (Wembley or Emirates - haven't decided), and I will combine Day 12 & 13 together, so I have one more day in Paris.
There is a Hamley store in my country, and I know I shouldn't compare with the one in London, but I really thought of visiting Harrod's as I have yet to step into one. Since I also want to head to Fortnum & Mason at Piccadilly, I don't know if I could ever fit it Harrod's.
Dec 28th, 2020, 10:40 PM
#24
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It was my impression on my most recent visits that Oxford was getting more day trippers than Cambridge.
I don't really have a preference - perhaps a slight one for Cambridge since I grew up nearby. Oxford's Ashmolean Museum outshines Cambridge's Fitzwilliam, IMO, but if you are only going for a day you don't really have time for the museum. On the other hand, Cambridge's Botanical Gardens are bigger and better than Oxford's, but hardly relevant in December. If you go to Cambridge in December, do try to go to Evensong in King's College chapel.
I don't really have a preference - perhaps a slight one for Cambridge since I grew up nearby. Oxford's Ashmolean Museum outshines Cambridge's Fitzwilliam, IMO, but if you are only going for a day you don't really have time for the museum. On the other hand, Cambridge's Botanical Gardens are bigger and better than Oxford's, but hardly relevant in December. If you go to Cambridge in December, do try to go to Evensong in King's College chapel.
And yes, I do not intend to stay overnight at either place.
Dec 28th, 2020, 10:55 PM
#25
Its getting late where I am so just to answer a few of your questions/comments
• "Oh, and what is TR? So sorry." No, sorry on my part - Fodorites do tend to use a lot of 'shorthand'. TR means Trip Report. I linked to my TR from last December in London.
• Deciding between Kew Christmas and Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is really up to you. Kew will be much less crowded because it is all by timed tickets. It is REALLY pretty and festive. I've seen bits of Winter Wonderland but never spent a whole evening there. It seems very crowded and more expensive. But it is festive.
• "My parents and my eldest daughter, who will turn 9 next year, is into art, design and music, so I thought the V&A might be more suitable for them. My I know what did you find interesting in British Museum?" The V&A is a big yes for anyone interested decorative arts. The British Museum is also amazing with sooooo much for the whole family. Mummies, Greek and Roman antiquities, and Asian and the Americas and Saxon and you name it. it is MASSIVE so just spending a couple of hours hitting some of the highlights might be your best bet. Both the V&A and British Museum are free.
• Honestly . . . either Cambridge or Oxford will be great for your day trip. The central areas where the colleges and museums are are really similar - especially to one-time visitors. Both have rivers running through, the architecture/ages of the colleges are almost identical. Both have evensong in college chapels. But they are 80 miles apart and the weather could be entirely different. If it was me -- I'd actually decide on the morning or the night before. There could be a big storm over to the east in Cambridge and its dry in Oxford or vice versa.
• "Oh, and what is TR? So sorry." No, sorry on my part - Fodorites do tend to use a lot of 'shorthand'. TR means Trip Report. I linked to my TR from last December in London.
• Deciding between Kew Christmas and Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is really up to you. Kew will be much less crowded because it is all by timed tickets. It is REALLY pretty and festive. I've seen bits of Winter Wonderland but never spent a whole evening there. It seems very crowded and more expensive. But it is festive.
• "My parents and my eldest daughter, who will turn 9 next year, is into art, design and music, so I thought the V&A might be more suitable for them. My I know what did you find interesting in British Museum?" The V&A is a big yes for anyone interested decorative arts. The British Museum is also amazing with sooooo much for the whole family. Mummies, Greek and Roman antiquities, and Asian and the Americas and Saxon and you name it. it is MASSIVE so just spending a couple of hours hitting some of the highlights might be your best bet. Both the V&A and British Museum are free.
• Honestly . . . either Cambridge or Oxford will be great for your day trip. The central areas where the colleges and museums are are really similar - especially to one-time visitors. Both have rivers running through, the architecture/ages of the colleges are almost identical. Both have evensong in college chapels. But they are 80 miles apart and the weather could be entirely different. If it was me -- I'd actually decide on the morning or the night before. There could be a big storm over to the east in Cambridge and its dry in Oxford or vice versa.
Dec 28th, 2020, 11:38 PM
#26
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The V&A is great, and they often have an interesting exhibition. The jewelery section is amazing. The museum itself is free. Special exhibitions are not free and have to be booked; these are often excellent. The cafe at the V&A is pretty good too.
You can walk through Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park for free, it's only expensive when you go on the rides. i thought it was fun; we were quite early and the weather was good. It gets busy later in the day.
Harrods; go first thing in the morning when it opens. I see you want to go first 2 weeks in December, which is much better than Christmas. After Christmas the stores take down much of their decoration and put sales racks and signs on the floors. Not pretty.
After Harrods take the Piccadilly Line underground and go just 2 stops to Green Park, and continue on Piccadilly from there, past the Ritz. Or take the bus, it's just a few stops. Go towards Piccadilly Circus, and onto Regent Street. Not forgetting to see the Burlington Arcade off Piccadilly.
I'd give Hamleys a miss, but Liberty's is a lovely store.
It's much too early to think about restaurants; some may no longer be open a year from now.
But it's nice to help you plan a trip, now that we're all stuck at home!
You can walk through Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park for free, it's only expensive when you go on the rides. i thought it was fun; we were quite early and the weather was good. It gets busy later in the day.
Harrods; go first thing in the morning when it opens. I see you want to go first 2 weeks in December, which is much better than Christmas. After Christmas the stores take down much of their decoration and put sales racks and signs on the floors. Not pretty.
After Harrods take the Piccadilly Line underground and go just 2 stops to Green Park, and continue on Piccadilly from there, past the Ritz. Or take the bus, it's just a few stops. Go towards Piccadilly Circus, and onto Regent Street. Not forgetting to see the Burlington Arcade off Piccadilly.
I'd give Hamleys a miss, but Liberty's is a lovely store.
It's much too early to think about restaurants; some may no longer be open a year from now.
But it's nice to help you plan a trip, now that we're all stuck at home!
Dec 29th, 2020, 01:20 AM
#27
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I would suggest going to Winter Wonderland around 16:00 or 17:00, later it gets uncomfortably busy. I tried to go at 20:00 last year and the line was so long to get in I left (it was a Saturday though..) Going in the afternoon, no wait for entry and easy to get drinks, food and on rides. The tube stations close to Winter Wonderland can be crowded, especially Green Park, may be worth it for a group to book a car service to get you back to your hotel. I would totally avoid transferring lines at Green Park station as much as possible while Winter Wonderland is on, especially at night.
Dec 29th, 2020, 03:28 AM
#28
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Its getting late where I am so just to answer a few of your questions/comments
• "Oh, and what is TR? So sorry." No, sorry on my part - Fodorites do tend to use a lot of 'shorthand'. TR means Trip Report. I linked to my TR from last December in London.
• Deciding between Kew Christmas and Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is really up to you. Kew will be much less crowded because it is all by timed tickets. It is REALLY pretty and festive. I've seen bits of Winter Wonderland but never spent a whole evening there. It seems very crowded and more expensive. But it is festive.
• "My parents and my eldest daughter, who will turn 9 next year, is into art, design and music, so I thought the V&A might be more suitable for them. My I know what did you find interesting in British Museum?" The V&A is a big yes for anyone interested decorative arts. The British Museum is also amazing with sooooo much for the whole family. Mummies, Greek and Roman antiquities, and Asian and the Americas and Saxon and you name it. it is MASSIVE so just spending a couple of hours hitting some of the highlights might be your best bet. Both the V&A and British Museum are free.
• Honestly . . . either Cambridge or Oxford will be great for your day trip. The central areas where the colleges and museums are are really similar - especially to one-time visitors. Both have rivers running through, the architecture/ages of the colleges are almost identical. Both have evensong in college chapels. But they are 80 miles apart and the weather could be entirely different. If it was me -- I'd actually decide on the morning or the night before. There could be a big storm over to the east in Cambridge and its dry in Oxford or vice versa.
• "Oh, and what is TR? So sorry." No, sorry on my part - Fodorites do tend to use a lot of 'shorthand'. TR means Trip Report. I linked to my TR from last December in London.
• Deciding between Kew Christmas and Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is really up to you. Kew will be much less crowded because it is all by timed tickets. It is REALLY pretty and festive. I've seen bits of Winter Wonderland but never spent a whole evening there. It seems very crowded and more expensive. But it is festive.
• "My parents and my eldest daughter, who will turn 9 next year, is into art, design and music, so I thought the V&A might be more suitable for them. My I know what did you find interesting in British Museum?" The V&A is a big yes for anyone interested decorative arts. The British Museum is also amazing with sooooo much for the whole family. Mummies, Greek and Roman antiquities, and Asian and the Americas and Saxon and you name it. it is MASSIVE so just spending a couple of hours hitting some of the highlights might be your best bet. Both the V&A and British Museum are free.
• Honestly . . . either Cambridge or Oxford will be great for your day trip. The central areas where the colleges and museums are are really similar - especially to one-time visitors. Both have rivers running through, the architecture/ages of the colleges are almost identical. Both have evensong in college chapels. But they are 80 miles apart and the weather could be entirely different. If it was me -- I'd actually decide on the morning or the night before. There could be a big storm over to the east in Cambridge and its dry in Oxford or vice versa.
I guess when I will keep the option opened, either Cambridge or Oxford based on the weather as recommended.
Day 1 - Paris - Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, Sainte-Chapelle.
Day 2 - Paris - Louvre Museum, stroll along Rue de Rivoli, Arc de Triomphe, Champ-Elysees, Avenue Montaigne.
Day 3 - Versailles (I om okay without the gardens, but will the Halls of Mirrors look too dark?) or Mont-saint Michael?
Day 4 - Paris - The Pantheon, Jardin de Luxembourg, Galaries Lafayette.
Day 5 - Paris - Sacre-Coeur, Montmartre, Rue Saint-Honore.
Day 6 - Check-in hotel in Strasbourg. Free & Easy
Day 7 - Colmar and Eguisheim
Day 8 - Riquewihr and Ribeauville
Day 9 - Flight to London and check-in.
Day 10 - V&A Museum & British Museum
Day 11 - Westminster Abbey (1-2 hours), and walk-by Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben), Buckingham Palace, Royal Guard House Parade (try watch changing of horse guards).
Day 12 - Tower Bridge & Tower of London, The Shard, St Paul Cathedral.
Day 13 - Stadium Tour (Wembley or Emirates), Covent Garden & walk-by Trafalgar Square.
Day 14 - Harrods, Piccadilly, Regent Street.
Day 15 - Cambridge or Oxford Day Tour (depending on the weather) and Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park, Royal Albert Hall.
Day 16 - Borough Market and Check-out, happily ever after.
Dec 29th, 2020, 05:15 AM
#29
In Strasbourg I highly recommend the History Museum and the Musee Alsacien. (See also: https://mytimetotravel.wordpress.com...ng-strasbourg/ )
I would not plan the V&A and the British Museum on the same day, you'll probably want a break after several hours. (Although I find it easy to spend an entire day in either.) Also, keep your schedule flexible. If Day 10 is going to have good weather, do the day trip that day, and save the museums for bad weather.
Day 14 looks really light, but I'm not a shopper. Maybe you can spend an entire morning in Harrods..... Actually, you might as well do Harrods the same day as the V&A, they're only half a mile apart.
I would not plan the V&A and the British Museum on the same day, you'll probably want a break after several hours. (Although I find it easy to spend an entire day in either.) Also, keep your schedule flexible. If Day 10 is going to have good weather, do the day trip that day, and save the museums for bad weather.
Day 14 looks really light, but I'm not a shopper. Maybe you can spend an entire morning in Harrods..... Actually, you might as well do Harrods the same day as the V&A, they're only half a mile apart.
Last edited by thursdaysd; Dec 29th, 2020 at 05:51 AM.
Dec 29th, 2020, 05:49 AM
#30
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In Strasbourg I highly recommend the History Museum and the Musee Alsacien. (See also: https://mytimetotravel.wordpress.com...ng-strasbourg/ )
I would not plan the V&A and the British Museum on the same day, you'll probably want a break after several hours. (Although I find it easy to spend an entire day in either.) Also, keep you schedule flexible. If Day 10 is going to have good weather, do the day trip that day, and save the museums for bad weather.
Day 14 looks really light, but I'm not a shopper. Maybe you can spend an entire morning in Harrods..... Actually, you might as well do Harrods the same day as the V&A, they're only half a mile apart.
I would not plan the V&A and the British Museum on the same day, you'll probably want a break after several hours. (Although I find it easy to spend an entire day in either.) Also, keep you schedule flexible. If Day 10 is going to have good weather, do the day trip that day, and save the museums for bad weather.
Day 14 looks really light, but I'm not a shopper. Maybe you can spend an entire morning in Harrods..... Actually, you might as well do Harrods the same day as the V&A, they're only half a mile apart.
About Harrods, would it be a better idea to go after lunch as I also thought of going to Piccadilly area at the same time?
Dec 29th, 2020, 08:34 AM
#31
I totally agree with thursdaysd re not trying to do both the V&A and British Museum on the same day. Even IF they were't on different sides of the city that wouldn't be a great idea. Both can be overwhelming. The V&A, Harrods and Hyde Park/WinterWonderland are all very near each other. So you could hit Harrod's first thing in the morning (and be prepared to leave quickly if it is really mobbed), then walk down Brompton Rd to the V&A (it's about a 10 minute walk) From the V&A walk up to Hyde Park - another 10 minute walk. All three places -Harrods/V&A/WinterWonderland- have great places for lunch, afternoon tea, snacks etc so you can make a whole day of it shopping/sightseeing/eating. The only glitch would be if you actually buy a bunch of stuff at Harrods that you'd have to lug around all day.
Depending on what time your flight is and where you are staying , you could possibly fit the British Museum in on your arrival day. If the flight is in the morning and since you won't have jet lag, you could check in to your hotel and do the museum in the afternoon. If by any chance you arrive on a Friday, the museum is open late.
Depending on what time your flight is and where you are staying , you could possibly fit the British Museum in on your arrival day. If the flight is in the morning and since you won't have jet lag, you could check in to your hotel and do the museum in the afternoon. If by any chance you arrive on a Friday, the museum is open late.
Dec 29th, 2020, 01:15 PM
#32
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I would seriously look into taking the train from Strasbourg and London instead of flying. Don't just think about the flight time but the door to door journey time and how much more you would see. For me, trains=adventure and relaxation, planes=stress and guilt.
To walk between Ribeauville and Riquewihr on the back road via Hunawihr is very easy and pleasant. We did it last December as part of a longer walk. I am your parents age and my kids would have managed it without difficulty at your kid's ages. If any of your party have mobility issues, you could split up if keen to do it. The Christmas market at Colmar in the early evening is great but I'm sure there would be ones just as good in Strasbourg. There are navettes (buses) which visit the various Christmas markets on certain days of the week if that's of interest.
When we travelled long distance with our kids for the first time (slightly older than yours and for 5 weeks), we packed a variety of travel sized games but the ones that got the most attention by far were a pack of cards and a ball. They each carried all their own luggage (except toiletries) in a school-sized back pack, which worked very well for all of us and left their hands free to hold on (to us or to rails). I also recommend a notebook and sticky tape so they can stick in tickets, brochures, etc and write/draw about what they've seen.
To walk between Ribeauville and Riquewihr on the back road via Hunawihr is very easy and pleasant. We did it last December as part of a longer walk. I am your parents age and my kids would have managed it without difficulty at your kid's ages. If any of your party have mobility issues, you could split up if keen to do it. The Christmas market at Colmar in the early evening is great but I'm sure there would be ones just as good in Strasbourg. There are navettes (buses) which visit the various Christmas markets on certain days of the week if that's of interest.
When we travelled long distance with our kids for the first time (slightly older than yours and for 5 weeks), we packed a variety of travel sized games but the ones that got the most attention by far were a pack of cards and a ball. They each carried all their own luggage (except toiletries) in a school-sized back pack, which worked very well for all of us and left their hands free to hold on (to us or to rails). I also recommend a notebook and sticky tape so they can stick in tickets, brochures, etc and write/draw about what they've seen.
Dec 30th, 2020, 03:54 PM
#33
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I would seriously look into taking the train from Strasbourg and London instead of flying. Don't just think about the flight time but the door to door journey time and how much more you would see. For me, trains=adventure and relaxation, planes=stress and guilt.
To walk between Ribeauville and Riquewihr on the back road via Hunawihr is very easy and pleasant. We did it last December as part of a longer walk. I am your parents age and my kids would have managed it without difficulty at your kid's ages. If any of your party have mobility issues, you could split up if keen to do it. The Christmas market at Colmar in the early evening is great but I'm sure there would be ones just as good in Strasbourg. There are navettes (buses) which visit the various Christmas markets on certain days of the week if that's of interest.
When we travelled long distance with our kids for the first time (slightly older than yours and for 5 weeks), we packed a variety of travel sized games but the ones that got the most attention by far were a pack of cards and a ball. They each carried all their own luggage (except toiletries) in a school-sized back pack, which worked very well for all of us and left their hands free to hold on (to us or to rails). I also recommend a notebook and sticky tape so they can stick in tickets, brochures, etc and write/draw about what they've seen.
To walk between Ribeauville and Riquewihr on the back road via Hunawihr is very easy and pleasant. We did it last December as part of a longer walk. I am your parents age and my kids would have managed it without difficulty at your kid's ages. If any of your party have mobility issues, you could split up if keen to do it. The Christmas market at Colmar in the early evening is great but I'm sure there would be ones just as good in Strasbourg. There are navettes (buses) which visit the various Christmas markets on certain days of the week if that's of interest.
When we travelled long distance with our kids for the first time (slightly older than yours and for 5 weeks), we packed a variety of travel sized games but the ones that got the most attention by far were a pack of cards and a ball. They each carried all their own luggage (except toiletries) in a school-sized back pack, which worked very well for all of us and left their hands free to hold on (to us or to rails). I also recommend a notebook and sticky tape so they can stick in tickets, brochures, etc and write/draw about what they've seen.
I appreciate your suggestion on having kids backpacks and what to include in them. I will definitely do that!
With three generations, do you have suggestions on what type of bags to carry our cash, passport, small water bottles, and a neck scarf?
I have read comments in this forum that an adult backpack screams tourist, but a waist pouch will be insufficient.
Dec 30th, 2020, 03:59 PM
#34
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I totally agree with thursdaysd re not trying to do both the V&A and British Museum on the same day. Even IF they were't on different sides of the city that wouldn't be a great idea. Both can be overwhelming. The V&A, Harrods and Hyde Park/WinterWonderland are all very near each other. So you could hit Harrod's first thing in the morning (and be prepared to leave quickly if it is really mobbed), then walk down Brompton Rd to the V&A (it's about a 10 minute walk) From the V&A walk up to Hyde Park - another 10 minute walk. All three places -Harrods/V&A/WinterWonderland- have great places for lunch, afternoon tea, snacks etc so you can make a whole day of it shopping/sightseeing/eating. The only glitch would be if you actually buy a bunch of stuff at Harrods that you'd have to lug around all day.
Depending on what time your flight is and where you are staying , you could possibly fit the British Museum in on your arrival day. If the flight is in the morning and since you won't have jet lag, you could check in to your hotel and do the museum in the afternoon. If by any chance you arrive on a Friday, the museum is open late.
Depending on what time your flight is and where you are staying , you could possibly fit the British Museum in on your arrival day. If the flight is in the morning and since you won't have jet lag, you could check in to your hotel and do the museum in the afternoon. If by any chance you arrive on a Friday, the museum is open late.
Thank you very much again for your suggestion to have Harrods/V&A/Winter Wonderland on the same day.
Do you have any recommendations on the type of bags that the adults should carry - ideally our passports, cash, small water bottle, and a neck scarf? I have read some stories here in this forum about bags being slashed, and how people can open the backpack from behind. I don't think a waist pouch is sufficient albeit more security for cash, but what is your take on a backpack vs. a crossbody bag? I will be holding on my two kids, with my parents following as well.
Dec 30th, 2020, 04:02 PM
#35
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In Strasbourg I highly recommend the History Museum and the Musee Alsacien. (See also: https://mytimetotravel.wordpress.com...ng-strasbourg/ )
I would not plan the V&A and the British Museum on the same day, you'll probably want a break after several hours. (Although I find it easy to spend an entire day in either.) Also, keep your schedule flexible. If Day 10 is going to have good weather, do the day trip that day, and save the museums for bad weather.
Day 14 looks really light, but I'm not a shopper. Maybe you can spend an entire morning in Harrods..... Actually, you might as well do Harrods the same day as the V&A, they're only half a mile apart.
I would not plan the V&A and the British Museum on the same day, you'll probably want a break after several hours. (Although I find it easy to spend an entire day in either.) Also, keep your schedule flexible. If Day 10 is going to have good weather, do the day trip that day, and save the museums for bad weather.
Day 14 looks really light, but I'm not a shopper. Maybe you can spend an entire morning in Harrods..... Actually, you might as well do Harrods the same day as the V&A, they're only half a mile apart.
Haven't been to Harrods myself and having a daughter who is crazy over ornaments and pretty little things, I believe I might spend few good hours in Harrods. Thank you again for reminding me to keep the plan flexible! Appreciate it so much!
Dec 30th, 2020, 04:09 PM
#36
Passport, all but one day's cash, and possibly all but one credit card, belongs in a money belt. Worn under your clothes and not accessed in public. See: https://lewisnclark.com/stashes-money-belts/
I carry a day bag (small backpack) bought at REI that has outer pockets that hold a water bottle on one side and a collapsible umbrella (doubles as a sunshade) on the other. Carry it in front on the tube or other crowded places. Surely you don't need to hold onto the ten year old?
Harrods is super-expensive, super-touristy and NOT the place to take your daughter shopping. Try one of these: https://www.timeout.com/london/most-...ping-in-london Or for a more comprehensive listing start here: https://www.timeout.com/london/shopping
I carry a day bag (small backpack) bought at REI that has outer pockets that hold a water bottle on one side and a collapsible umbrella (doubles as a sunshade) on the other. Carry it in front on the tube or other crowded places. Surely you don't need to hold onto the ten year old?
Harrods is super-expensive, super-touristy and NOT the place to take your daughter shopping. Try one of these: https://www.timeout.com/london/most-...ping-in-london Or for a more comprehensive listing start here: https://www.timeout.com/london/shopping
Last edited by thursdaysd; Dec 30th, 2020 at 04:16 PM.
Dec 30th, 2020, 04:48 PM
#37
"I have read some stories here in this forum about bags being slashed, and how people can open the backpack from behind"
Seldom if EVER a problem in London.
Being a woman -- when wandering around London (unless I have something really posh on the calendar) just carry a medium sized, light weight shoulder bag that converts to cross body. I find a cross body bag is most convenient when wandering around museums and especially on the tube. It is PLENTY big enough for anything I need to carry on a typical day. I personally never ever use a back pack - I'm just not a 'backpack person' - and wouldn't in London in any case. In fact they do not allow backpacks inside Harrods. A sporty belt bag/fanny pack screams tourist, but there are fashionable leather and designer models that can be quite 'chic'. Your results/needs may vary, but I do not lug a water bottle . . . especially in the winter when warm drinks are more what I'd want. With a coffee/tea/juice in the morning, lunch, afternoon tea and periodic short breaks I find I get all the liquids I need. All museums and most major sites in London have cafes for a quick refreshment or a full meal.
Most men I've traveled with carry a light weight 'man bag' (I hate that term
) A back pack can be more trouble than its worth IME - especially on public transport where I've been conked in the face more than once by someone unaware of how far a pack sticks out behind them.
If you do use a pack make sure it is a small day pack that can easily be worn over you shoulder or in front.
Thrisdaysd's explanation for using a money belt is spot on.
I just don't like to be burdened with a lot of needlesscrap stuff 
But I haven't traveled with children in a long time, especially a 5 yo and that has different requirements. My typical London days (I try to visit the city about twice a year) consist of museums, galleries, a little shopping, lunch, afternoon tea, sometimes a walking tour and/or special exhibition, many tube/bus/taxi trips and LOTS of walking, dinner (sometimes posh), theatre or concert in the evening, cocktails. So not child centric 
Seldom if EVER a problem in London.
Being a woman -- when wandering around London (unless I have something really posh on the calendar) just carry a medium sized, light weight shoulder bag that converts to cross body. I find a cross body bag is most convenient when wandering around museums and especially on the tube. It is PLENTY big enough for anything I need to carry on a typical day. I personally never ever use a back pack - I'm just not a 'backpack person' - and wouldn't in London in any case. In fact they do not allow backpacks inside Harrods. A sporty belt bag/fanny pack screams tourist, but there are fashionable leather and designer models that can be quite 'chic'. Your results/needs may vary, but I do not lug a water bottle . . . especially in the winter when warm drinks are more what I'd want. With a coffee/tea/juice in the morning, lunch, afternoon tea and periodic short breaks I find I get all the liquids I need. All museums and most major sites in London have cafes for a quick refreshment or a full meal.
Most men I've traveled with carry a light weight 'man bag' (I hate that term
) A back pack can be more trouble than its worth IME - especially on public transport where I've been conked in the face more than once by someone unaware of how far a pack sticks out behind them.If you do use a pack make sure it is a small day pack that can easily be worn over you shoulder or in front.
Thrisdaysd's explanation for using a money belt is spot on.
I just don't like to be burdened with a lot of needless
But I haven't traveled with children in a long time, especially a 5 yo and that has different requirements. My typical London days (I try to visit the city about twice a year) consist of museums, galleries, a little shopping, lunch, afternoon tea, sometimes a walking tour and/or special exhibition, many tube/bus/taxi trips and LOTS of walking, dinner (sometimes posh), theatre or concert in the evening, cocktails. So not child centric
Dec 30th, 2020, 07:54 PM
#38
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Nowadays I most commonly travel by myself or with a friend. I prefer to take a cross body bag with a sturdy strap. I also pack a foldup lightweight backpack (which I can pack in my larger bag when not needed) which I can use when I want to have somewhere to stash a rain jacket, jumper, drink bottle, guidebook or shopping. Unless I'm hiking or somewhere where I feel very safe, I don't put anything valuable in my backpack. If I'm in a place where I feel at risk of pickpockets, I will stash valuables in some sort of money belt (there are lots of kinds available) under my clothes. I wouldn't be caught dead with a bum bag around my hips. Most of us on holidays scream tourist but less because of what we're wearing or carrying and more because we're gawking and looking lost. Every second person in my home town is carrying a backpack and the vast majority of them are locals.
In your case, I suggest a very small daypack for the kids to carry their own stuff during the day, a lightweight backpack for the blokes and a cross body bag for the ladies. Plus whatever secure under clothes bags/belts/wallets you want. Everywhere you're going is likely to be at least as safe as where you live so I wouldn't get too anxious about this. It's just that the hassle of losing something while on holidays is a bigger deal.
I also pack a fold-up-really-tiny shopping bag for when I buy stuff at the market or whatever. It floats around the bottom of my cross body bag until needed. I sometimes skip the foldup backpack and use my shopping bag but I do a fair amount of walking and prefer the comfort of a backpack for that.
For your luggage proper, I suggest a very small rolling suitcase and a daypack or tote for each adult; and a school size backpack for the kids. Whatever you do, don't take large or heavy suitcases - pain! It is definitely worth taking less rather than more.
In your case, I suggest a very small daypack for the kids to carry their own stuff during the day, a lightweight backpack for the blokes and a cross body bag for the ladies. Plus whatever secure under clothes bags/belts/wallets you want. Everywhere you're going is likely to be at least as safe as where you live so I wouldn't get too anxious about this. It's just that the hassle of losing something while on holidays is a bigger deal.
I also pack a fold-up-really-tiny shopping bag for when I buy stuff at the market or whatever. It floats around the bottom of my cross body bag until needed. I sometimes skip the foldup backpack and use my shopping bag but I do a fair amount of walking and prefer the comfort of a backpack for that.
For your luggage proper, I suggest a very small rolling suitcase and a daypack or tote for each adult; and a school size backpack for the kids. Whatever you do, don't take large or heavy suitcases - pain! It is definitely worth taking less rather than more.
Dec 30th, 2020, 10:14 PM
#39
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I do exactly what Dreamon does; small cross-body bag, possibly a light backpack for a longer walk. And a light foldable bag for any shopping. I've never worn a moneybelt.
I wouldn't shop for children at Harrods. The area around Covent Garden / Seven Dials is fun. For an interesting shopping area but a bit out of the way in your itinerary check out Coal Drops Yard, near King's Cross.
Not on your itinerary (yet), but the Science Museum has a great kids play area, and also a good shop. It's just opposite the V&A. Since entry is free, you can pop in just for the play area and shop.
I wouldn't shop for children at Harrods. The area around Covent Garden / Seven Dials is fun. For an interesting shopping area but a bit out of the way in your itinerary check out Coal Drops Yard, near King's Cross.
Not on your itinerary (yet), but the Science Museum has a great kids play area, and also a good shop. It's just opposite the V&A. Since entry is free, you can pop in just for the play area and shop.
Dec 31st, 2020, 05:31 AM
#40
I once had to call out to an American Mom who had left child number three behind still on the Tube as the doors began to close. Luckily a guy near the door stopped it and we got the family back together. The Tube keeps moving, so door delays is a real pain as often the train behind may only be 30 seconds away. So don't let family dawdle on it.
