How to Experience London Like a Local and Get There on Points with Jessica Dante (+ Chris' Trip Report)

#94: Founder of Love and London, Jessica Dante, joins Chris to discuss all things London. They cover what to eat, see, do, and where to stay. Jessica also shares her favorite hidden gems, offers alternatives to overhyped tourist sites, and provides tips to experience the city like a true local. Then Chris provides a recap of his recent trip to London and walks through how to use use your points/miles for your next trip.

Jessica Dante (@loveandlondon) founded the digital media company Love and London to share her love of London and make travel dreams a reality for others. Her mission is to provide tourists with unique ways to experience the city.

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Selected Links From The Episode

Love and London: YouTube | Website | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest

Jessica Dante: Website | Instagram

Love and London Resources:

• London 101 Guide
• London Pass guide
• Love and London Hotel and Accommodation Advice
• Video tour of the Shangri- La Hotel in The Shard
• Love and London Shop discount: Use the code "ALLTHEHACKS" for 10% off your purchase of digital travel guides and itineraries in the Love and London shop until 30th September 2024. Only valid at shop.loveandlondon.com

Resources Mentioned:

• Afar: The World’s 10 Best Cities of 2023
• Travel & Leisure: The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2023
• Reviews and Ratings: Love and London |  Booking.com | The Infatuation | Timeout
• All the Hacks Luxury Upgrade Program
• London Recommendations:
  • North London: Hampstead
    • Sites: Hampstead Heath | Kenwood House
  • South London: Brixton
  • East London: Shoreditch
    • Sites: Adrian Boswell: Shoreditch Broccoli Street Art Man | Columbia Road Flower Market | Broadway Market 
    • Dine/Drink: Bao Noodle Shop | Attendant Coffee Roasters | Jolene | Nightjar | Campania & Jones
    • Accommodations: Mama Shelter
  • West London: Notting Hill
  • Central London: Covent Garden | Marylebone | Soho | South Bank | Westminster | Chinatown | Bermondsey
    • Sites: Neal’s Yard | Neal’s Yard Remedies | Seven Dials | Tower of London: The Ceremony of the Keys | London Eye | Sky Garden
    • Dine/Drink: Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels (CVS Wine Bar) | The Barbary | The Barbary Next Door | Seven Dials Food Market | Opium | The Bermondsey Beer Mile | Maltby Street Market | Paradise | Freedom
    • Afternoon Tea: Fortnum & Mason | Ting | One Aldwych 
    • Accommodations: Henrietta Hotel | Shangri-La The Shard | Cheval Collection Residences
• Other Dining Recommendations: Dishoom | Pizza Pilgrims | Franco Manca | Padella
• Theater: Punchdrunk's The Burnt City | Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap
• Navigation: Citymapper | Google Maps
• Transportation: Uber | Free Now | Tube | Bus (Including Night Busses) | Taxis & Minicabs
• Airport transportation from Heathrow: Elizabeth Line | Heathrow Express
• Chris's Recommendations
  • Amazing London Airbnb 
  • Free Now
  • Airbnb's AirCover Guarantee 
  • London Transport Museum
  • Hamley's
  • Natural History Museum
  • Science Tea at The Ampersand
  • Food/Drink: Dishoom | Borough Market | Ave Mario | Bancone | Opium | Mitre Lancaster Gate | Normah's | Seven Dials Food Market
  • Map of Award Hotels in London
  • London Award Hotel Articles: The Points Guy | One Mile at a Time | Upgraded Points
  • All the Hacks Upgrade Program

Full Show Notes

Introduction to Jessica Dante (00:00)

Why is London such a fantastic city? (02:19)

What sets London apart from other major metropolitan cities? (03:19)

Jess's top London experiences (04:52)

Family-friendly London pubs (06:10)

What to know about Londoners (07:20)

London: a city that offers something for everyone (08:16)

Planning your trip to London: the pros and cons of each season (09:32)

The ideal number of days to stay in London (11:30)

London food & drinks (14:10)

Mistakes people make when visiting London (15:38)

Which sites can you rely on for accurate UK reviews and ratings? (18:13)

Safety travel tips (19:17)

London: a lay of the land (20:59)

Jess’ food, drink, sightseeing, and shopping recommendations (23:06)

Highlights of Jess’ London itineraries (31:26)

Jess’ favorite hidden bar (35:11)

Making reservations in London (35:57)

Finding the best deals for London attractions (36:33)

Afternoon tea recommendations (39:02)

Random things to see (42:32)

London area restaurant recommendations (46:57)

London dining: are walk-ins a thing? (51:18)

General Britain etiquette (53:17)

Nightlife in London (56:26)

London: transportation (57:43)

London: air travel (59:40)

London: theater scene (61:19)

Planning your London trip (1:03:58)

Hotel recommendations (1:05:14)

Booking AirBnbs/hotels (1:07:55)

The vibe of traveling to London with children (1:10:52)

Final London recommendation (1:11:44)

Where to find Jess online (1:14:26)

Highlights of Chris’ trip (1:18:54)

Airbnb Issues and AirCover Protection (1:20:29)

Transportation and Getting Around (1:27:15)

Chris' favorite London activities (1:28:24)

Chris' London food & drink recommendations (1:29:17)

Booking flights to London with points (1:31:30)

Using points for hotels in London (1:38:37)

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