Here is an updated information list that includes recently asked questions.
What flight should I book?
Remember to book your flight a day early -you need to leave on April 18 to arrive on April 19. I recommend booking directly through an airline’s website if possible. The prices aren’t significantly different and the results are better in terms of seat selection and connections. I like traveling with British Airways. If you are flying from Victoria, you can connect through Vancouver or Toronto. Seattle will be offered as another option but you might want to avoid flying through the U.S. Take time to review the connection options. I always prefer transferring to London via Vancouver Airport. Brenda Leo (the Tour Assistant) will fly out from Victoria on April 18. I’ve attached a copy of her ticket in case you want to be on the same flight. (Xane and I will fly out a day early to do some pre-tour planning)
Brenda Leo (the Tour Assistant) will fly out from Victoria on April 18. I’ve attached a copy of her ticket in case you want to be on the same flight. (Xane and I will fly out a day early to do some pre-tour planning.
It is best to fly into London via Heathrow for easy access to the underground.
What is the name of the hotel? Where is it located? Is breakfast included?
Radisson Blu Hotel, London Tottenham Court Road, check-in is at 15:00 and check-out is at 12:00.
The hotel address is: 97 Great Russell Street Bloomsbury London
Nearest subway station: Tottenham Court Road
Breakfast is included (and really good coffee!)
Can I book extra nights in the hotel?
Booking extra rooms:
We worked with the London hotel to secure a reduced rate for additional rooms. They have offered five rooms for the dates of April 18 (before the tour) and April 27 and 28 (after the tour). These rooms are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Once those five rooms are booked, you will need to reserve your own rooms online. However, you might be able to get deals through hotels.com or Expedia, etc. If you are booking through a third-party site, book according toyour room type so the hotel will match it with the VISA London Art Tour group. The reduced rate per night that the hotel is offering is 291 GBP for a single and 241 GBP for a double.
To facilitate booking these extra room nights, attendees wishing to reserve one of the additional rooms must provide the group block code VANC260427 when making their request. Additionally, they should include their last name, first name, and specify the required pre and post dates for their stay and send it to events@tottenhamcourtroadhotel.com
This will help us ensure that all bookings are processed efficiently and allocated on a first come, first served basis, Each individual will need to settle the payment via a secured payment link; we will then send a confirmation of the extra room nights.
Room types:
Double Standard (for one person)
Twin Standard (for two people)
I have booked a single room, can I invite someone to share it with me?
If you have booked a double standard room (room with a double bed for one person).. The hotel doesn’t allow two people to stay in the double standard room
When does the VISA Art Tour officially begin?
The tour officially starts on April 20 at 9am. April 19 is the arrival day and we will have a meet and greet in the lounge that evening.
Can I invite a friend who is in London along for the tour during the day?
Usually a couple of people inquire about friend who lives in London or a friend who is staying somewhere else in London and if the can pay a fee and join the tour. It is not possible to add more people to the tour as our maximum is 30 (which gets divided into 15 each for group tours). We cannot accommodate more than that.
What documents do you need prior to going to London?
An up-to-date passport and an ETA (Electronic Transportation Authorization); an ETA is needed to get in the UK.:
It takes about 15 minutes to complete online (you will need your passport and credit card). It costs around $35 CAD
How do I get from the airport to the hotel?
It is easy to take the subway from Heathrow to the hotel. You take the Elizabeth Line to Tottenham Court Rd station and the hotel is one block away. Credit cards or Apple/Google Pay can be used for all public transit in London (buses, the tube, trains)
Link for more info: Travel info from and to airport from London
How can I used my phone when in London?
You can either buy a eSIM card online or get a roaming package for your phone.
Telus International roaming package is $50 for 15 days (there might be better deals but this is what I use).
(The choice depends on your budget and your data needs)
Does the hotel have USB charging stations?
The hotel has USB and USB-C charging stations for your phone so you probably don’t need a Canada to UK travel adapter (see image below) unless you want to recharge multiple devices at the same time. If you think you might need one these they can be purchased at airports. (The travel adapter for the UK and the rest of Europe are not interchangeable)
What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes (ideally two pairs)
(All London Tour participants can get 10% off at Head over Heels shoe store in the Atrium -they have lots of shoes that are both comfortable and attractive).
Rain gear (raincoat with hood and/or umbrella)
Something nice for going out in the evening to performances (people in London dress up to go theatre, dance, etc. -nothing too fancy but not yoga clothes)
ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization)
Passport
Do I need to buy British pounds before travelling to the UK?
You don’t need much cash -most places don’t take cash.
If you want to have cash, you will get the best exchange rate if you get cash from an ATM (of a recognized bank) in the UK.
It is a good idea to bring two types of payment such as a credit card and apple or google pay on your phone (or two cards)
If you are making a payment in the UK and the machine asks if you want to pay in local currency or Canadian dollars, choose “local currency” as the exchange rate is better. If you choose “Canadian dollars” an additional fee will be added in addition to exchange rate.
Is London a safe city?
London is a fairly safe city but you need to be wary of pick pocketing and phone snatching where people come by walking, running or on a bicycle and grab your phone.
Always hold your phone with two hands and be aware of your surroundings.
Don’t keep your phone in your back pocket.
Ideally, wear a cross-body bag or purse that zippers up.
Do not wear a fanny pack as you will immediately be targeted as a tourist as Londoners would rather die than wear one of these. (The same goes for Tilly Hats-wear at your own risk).
How much do you tip in restaurants and pubs?
A service charge is automatically added on to almost all bills so you don’t need to tip. It is usually around 13%.
Most pubs don’t have table service so you have to go up and order
If you are in a group and want individual bills, you need to ask in advance. If there is one bill for a group a common practice is to split the bill evenly among people including the service fee. Otherwise you will need to figure out what you owe and add on service fee.
