Tipping - Tipping in London's restaurants It is customary to leave 10 to 15% of the bill when eating out. However, restaurants often add on a service charge (usually 12.5%), especially if you're in a large group, so it's worth checking your bill if you don't want to tip twice.

It's not customary to pay a tip (or 'gratuities') for fast food, self-service or takeaway meals. Many contactless or chip and pin payment machines have an option to add on a tip so you do not have to leave it in cash.

Top tip: Although restaurants (and other businesses) should make their policy clear, it's worth checking with your waiter that they will personally receive your tip rather than the company – particularly if you're paying by credit card.

Tipping in bars and pubs People generally do not tip in bars and pubs in London. Bartenders sometimes hand back change on a tipping tray, although it's still up to you to choose to leave a tip. WHen ordering from the bartender, it is common to give back a POUND and say "And one for you."

NOTE: When you do purchase your airline ticket, MAKE SURE you use the EXACT name you have on your passport!

Travel and Medical Insurance is REQUIRED.
It covers almost every medical emergency and evacuation if necessary. The cost is minimal: $39 - pay on your own.
More info to come.

Keep this as SMALL and LIGHT as you can. We will all bring backpacks on the plane (and it absolutely MUST fit in the overhead). This should only be as heavy as you feel you can carry on your back from the train station to the hotel (this will usually be less than a mile).

ONE small to medium size DAYPACK - Collapsible, lightweight. (10-20 litres)
This will be your daily pack. It should fit in the overhead, or under your seat on the plane.
Yes, you will want to carry this with you throughout the day. Why?
You will want to carry several items with you as we will be gone from the hotel/hostel for most of each day.
Jacket; gloves; sweater; tablet/laptop; all chargers/batteries, water bottle(s), snacks, band aids...
ANYTHING YOU THINK YOU MAY NEED during the day. If you buy something, put it in your pack.
As the weather changes, you will add or delete layers to accommodate.
(Some attractions, like the cathedrals, often require you to check any packs)

Ladies, a large purse is not recommended. Small "clutch" purses. If you must carry a purse with a strap, make it as small as possible with a good, sturdy strap worn across your chest (NOT just over the shoulder) - or even carry it inside your daypack or fanny pack.

Check with your cell phone carrier to learn about your phone in Europe. Many have special plans. I have and like T-Mobile. You can buy a generic phone there and use the internet to call home with Zoom or Skype. Texting is the cheapest. There is Wi-Fi in most places that is strong enough...or internet cafes for a small fee.

If you have a (one or two) small/lightweight "foreign plug" (from UK to US - don't need a converter for electricity, just the plug) If you don't have one, it is possible to buy one for 1 Pound or one Euro at Poundland.

Other options: TEMU has an adaptere for $1.50
If you get this, I suggest a 3-way plug
Click here

Amazon has a great ($12) item: Adapter with three elec plugs and two USB ports for charging
Click here

Bring a small amount of U.S. cash Use the bank ATMs to withdraw more cash. (Check with your bank and/or CC company to see what fees they charge) Bring a water bottle (if possible, with a caribiner to hang on a loop). A small first-aid kit, bandaids, antiseptic, Q-tips, gauze.