Southbank view of London Parliament and Big Ben

Celebrate Thanksgiving in London – Memories, Turkey Dinner and Christmas Lights

My family is planning for Thanksgiving and asked me “when do you leave and/or when does your flight land?” as I have spent many years away for Thanksgiving (great award flight availability) as an add on to my birthday trips.  I’ve landed in Perth (Australia) on Thanksgiving, celebrated with friends […]

Lobby Bar Jury's Inn Waterfront Brighton

Review: Brighton Waterfront Hotel Double Room – Jurys Inn Waterfront

We didn’t originally plan to visit Brighton but a cruise ship itinerary change gave us two days to sort out before we went to London and we chose to spend those days in Brighton. Located slightly over an hour from London by train it was a nice getaway to transition […]

Qantas Lounge Heathrow Coffee Bar

Review – Qantas Lounge Heathrow Terminal 3 – Eat, Drink, Relax in Style

I was honest when I was checking into the Qantas Lounge Heathrow in Terminal 3, I was curious about the Qantas OneWorld lounge and I was in search of dessert (did they even have authentic Tim Tams?) and Australian wine. The girl laughed and the guy didn’t even crack a […]

Hitchin Lavender flowers of england

Instagram Picture Perfect – The Hitchin Lavender Fields of England

A funny thing happens when your train leaves London, you get to see open green spaces and the countryside.  After years of navigating the historic streets of London and walking along the Thames multiple times, I’ve rarely had a chance to leave the city other than my first visit eons […]

Champagne selection American Airlines First Class Lounge Heathrow

Review – American Airlines First Class Lounge at Heathrow Terminal 3 (AA LHR T3)

I was happily greeted into the American Airlines lounge lobby by not one but four women at the front desk.  We bonded over chocolate as I was lamenting my “SSSS” status (extra security search) for the flight home from London to Philadelphia, which would be my first one on American […]

Native Bankside London Lodging Sofa Bed

Review of Native Bankside – Hidden Gem Luxury Hotel Apartment in London

The extended stay market of serviced apartments in London is one hidden part of the lodging options in the city. Offering studio flats with a kitchen or even larger options like a two bedroom, two bath option, extended stay options are plentiful but as a leisure traveler you’ve probably never […]

Trio of posh cocktails at the basement bar O ver Italian Restaurant in London

Review – Over Italian Restaurant Southwark near Borough Market London

It was a Friday night in London, we were hungry and had no reservations when we saw the corner restaurant, O’ver Italian restaurant. ‘O ver means truth in the Neapolitan dialect according to their website.  It was packed inside and out so I was prepared for a long wait or […]

Heated Pool London Hotel Hilton Bankside

Review London Hilton Bankside with Twin Beds in London and a Pool

It was Friday morning and I was swimming in a London hotel pool without a care in the world.  The world outside was calling…it was London after all…but I wanted more time to luxuriate in the warm water of the basement pool. The pool was an added bonus as the […]

Visiting Kensington Palace Royal Family Tree

Royal Attraction in London – Visiting Kensington Palace

It’s crazy how many times I’ve visited London and still have not checked all the boxes in “things to see”.  With the Diana, Her Fashion Story exhibit, I thought it was about time to venture over to Kensington Palace for a tour.  As I exited the Kensington tube station, I […]