London Calling…

My first truly international trip

Although I have technically traveled internationally before, I don’t really consider the British Virgin Islands an international experience. It was a day trip from the USVI.

But I’m about to embark on an epic adventure to a city that has been on my bucket list since I was a teenager. I can’t believe I’m going to London! 

Even better, I get to share this experience with my younger daughter. We became pretty serious about day-tripping during the pandemic, satisfying a bit of wanderlust by heading to the mountains to escape the confines of our home, but this will be our biggest journey yet! And while we are in London, my older daughter will be in Copenhagen for a study abroad.

My younger daughter’s theater teacher decided to organize a trip to London. We jumped at the chance for us to join! We are now less than one month away from our dream coming true. 

School trips are amazing. My older daughter got to go to Costa Rica with the Spanish club when she was a junior in high school and had a blast. My husband and I kind of assumed our younger daughter wouldn’t have the same opportunity due to COVID, but we were wrong!

All of the logistics are planned, including travel to and from the city, the itinerary, and lodging. All we have to do is show up with our luggage. It definitely takes a lot of stress off of me!

I think it’s so important to immerse in a different culture through travel. Americans tend to keep themselves in this bubble of superiority, thinking that our culture is the best. Learning that other countries are also wonderful is a good life lesson. 

Now I’ve been trying to build a wardrobe for this trip that won’t scream, “I’m an American,” which is probably one of the most futile tasks ever. I will be with a bunch of high school kids. Of course, I will look like a tourist! 

We’ve been encouraged to pack light, which is a challenging task. I’m a big fan of Doc Martens and want to take these, so I will likely wear these on the plane. These are well-loved and broken in and super comfy for walking. I bought some white sneakers for walking since apparently my bright pink Hokas are not considered fashionable in Europe. I have lots of basic colors, a nicer trench-style rain jacket, a blazer, a couple of pairs of jeans, a dress, and a skirt. I hope it will be enough.

I’m sure that I’m overthinking my clothing choices way too much!

I’m looking forward to seeing what kinds of vegan eats are available, as London is currently ranked the most vegan-friendly city in the world!

I’m not looking forward to spending so much time on a plane. The longest flight I’ve done up until now was across North America. The flight across the pond will be a bit longer.  

I also have to call the airline and inform them that I’m vegan. We do get a meal on our flight. I do hope it’s decent. I’ll also bring snacks just in case.

I’m feeling more excited than anxious for this trip. I suppose part of that is because the travel company has already taken care of every detail. And I’m super excited to live this experience with my younger daughter before she heads off to college in the fall.

I can’t believe I will be an “empty nester” in August. 

___________

Does anyone have any tips for traveling to London? I’d love to hear them!

As always, I hope you all are safe and healthy.