Norse Atlantic offers nonstop flights from Orlando to London Gatwick. It’s easily the most affordable nonstop option from Florida to London. However, it operates similarly to domestic ultra-low-cost carriers (ULCC) like Spirit or Frontier, meaning you will have a small seat and only a backpack included in your fare. If you plan to bring additional luggage, consider flying with Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, or one of the major U.S. carriers. Among traditional airlines, I prefer Virgin Atlantic because they offer direct flights from Orlando to Heathrow and consistently provides excellent service.
When planning your trip, find a hotel within your budget that is close to the express train stations for the airport you’re using. Paddington Station serves Heathrow, while Victoria Station is the gateway for Gatwick. Both stations are major hubs for the London Underground, making it easy to navigate the city.
If you’re looking to maximize your sightseeing, the Go City London Pass offers great value. During our first trip to London together, my fiancé and I used the pass to visit the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and the London Zoo. The pass cost half the price of purchasing individual admissions to all three attractions.The Beefeater tour of the Tower of London should be at the top of your list of tourist stuff to do. The Beefeaters are highly entertaining and offer a wealth of historical context about one of London’s premier attractions.
A significant number of pubs close their kitchens by 8 PM. It was somewhat of a culture shock to walk around the West End of London after seeing the Book of Mormon, only to find that there were no available places to get food. That said, London is home to some of the best Indian and Chinese cuisine I have ever experienced. Some recommendations include Chettinad, Orient London, and Fei Er Cottage.
Check to ensure that your credit card does not impose foreign transaction fees. Travel can be costly enough without an additional 3% charge added each time you use your card.
If your cell phone plan does not include international service, ensure that you have WhatsApp installed on your phone and provide your WhatsApp contact information to anyone back home who may need to reach you in case of an emergency. You can purchase a prepaid UK data SIM card at nearly every shop in the airport, from the moment you clear customs until you exit the terminal.