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Finding the Right Backpack or Suitcase for Your Trip

Having a quality suitcase or backpack when you head out for your adventure will take a big stress off of your mind. Some things to remember when purchasing your luggage are:

1. The type: Backpack or suitcase. If you plan to be traveling to many different locations, and keeping your bags with you at all times, a backpack is the only way to go. Many times, streets aren’t equipped to handle rolling suitcases, and often there aren’t elevators or escalators to help with moving your stuff. By using a backpack, you can strap it on and become much more streamline while traveling from one place to the next. Keep in mind though, that there isn’t the option to roll it if your back starts to get tired. If you are heading straight to the airport, checking your bags, and then getting a taxi or hotel van to take you to your destination, then a regular suitcase should be just fine.

2. The size: Some travelers make it a rule that they will not pack more than they can keep with them at all times. This includes airplane flights. Keep in mind that you must check a bag that is over “carry-on” size. Also, every traveler tends to over pack (us included). To solve this problem…buy a smaller bag! This will limit the amount of stuff you can take with you, and it will help you slim down your packing to the bare necessities.

3. The price: It’s luggage. In our opinion, brand names and bells and whistles only go so far. Make sure you’re not duped into buying a suitcase or backpack just because “it’s the most expensive one, so it must be the best!” There are some brands that are known for quality, but overall, the backpack/suitcase you should get is the one that fits your needs.

4. The fit: When purchasing a backpack, make sure it is comfortable…there’s nothing worse than going on a trip only to find that the backpack you bought rubs in the wrong places, or doesn’t fit your body correctly. Some popular brands may be beloved by some travelers and loathed by others because of the different shape and fit of unique body types. Make sure to try on your bag before you buy it. Many backpack resellers have knowledgeable staff that can help with adjustments. Also make sure to stuff the bag for weight to see how it will fit once it is filled.

5. The store: Whether buying from a retail store or an online store, make sure of the company’s return and warranty policies. Since you can usually find better deals online, we suggest picking out your suitcase or backpack in a retail store where you can check the quality and fit, and then searching online with the brand and part number for a better deal.

Happy Travels!

St. James, Green, and Hyde Parks, London, England

If you’re wondering where Londoners go when they need to unwind…it’s the pub. But when they’re done there, they’ll head over to the three giant parks to enjoy the few days of nice weather per year. Located in the heart of the city near Buckingham Palace, St. James, Green, and Hyde Parks offer a piece of nature to locals looking to relax.

We strolled for hours through these three parks and still didn’t cover every part! I recommend packing a picnic lunch with wine and cheese, settling in, and people watching for the better part of an afternoon. Or, if you’re looking for exercise, there are plenty of jogging paths and open fields for football (soccer!). These multi-functional parks would keep me sane if I lived in London. Make sure to go during the summer to experience the bloom of all of the manicured grounds.

Here’s some additional info about the parks if you’re looking for a history lesson: (All of the following information is quoted from Royalparks.org.uk)

St. James Park:

Three royal palaces skirt St James’s Park. The most ancient palace is Westminster, now known as the Houses of Parliament. St James’s Palace with its Tudor style still holds the title of the Court of St James despite the fact that the Monarch has lived in the third palace, Buckingham Palace since 1837.

Green Park:

The Green Park was first recorded in 1554 as the place where a rebellion took place against the marriage of Mary I to Philip II of Spain. It was also a famous duelling site until 1667 when Charles II bought an extra 40 acres and it became known as upper St James’s Park.

The Park’s primary role is as a peaceful refuge for people living, working or visiting Central London, and is particularly popular for sunbathing and picnics in fine weather. It is also popular as a healthy walking route to work for commuters. The paths are used extensively by joggers and runners.

Hyde Park:

When King Henry VIII and his court were thundering across Hyde Park in 1536 in pursuit of deer and wild boar, it would have been difficult to visualise that years later the noble art of tai chi would be peacefully performed among the trees in the early morning, and the Italianate tenor of Pavarotti would echo across the park, applauded by vast audiences.

For more information visit the parks’ website: Royalparks.org.uk

Contact:
The St James’s Park Office,
The Storeyard, Horse Guards Road,
St James’s Park, London. SW1A 2BJ
T. +44 (0)20 7930 1793
F. +44 (0)20 7839 7639
stjames@royalparks.gsi.gov.uk

London Underground Stations:

St. James Park:
St. James’s Park - District,Circle Line
The Park is also easily accessible from Charing Cross Station - Northern, Bakerloo, BR lines
Westminster - Jubilee, District & Circle Lines
Green Park - Piccadilly, Victoria & Jubilee Lines
Victoria - Victoria, Circle & District, BR lines

Green Park:
Green Park - Jubilee, Victoria & Piccadilly Lines
Hyde Park Corner - Piccadilly Line.

Hyde Park:
Lancaster Gate & Marble Arch (Central Line) or Hyde Park Corner & Knightsbridge (Piccadilly Line)

Carnaby Street, London, England

Carnaby Street. For someone who’s usually a pretty good map reader, finding Carnaby Street seemed to be a little daunting. The tiny little streets and corridors wind together and double back on each other, and you trudge along diligently promising yourself that that was NOT the same kabob shop you’ve passed twice already!

Maybe we took the hard way, but regardless, we finally made it to Carnaby street. I’d been here once before when it was ridiculously cold and rainy (in London!?), so I was happy to see it again when I could actually stroll along and do a bit of window shopping. Believe me, window shopping was all I could afford. Discounting the fact that the dollar is worth about half what the pound is worth, these shops are STILL high end (AKA overpriced), and hiked up accordingly to the popular neighborhood where they are being sold.

It’s probably a good thing that Katie and I gave each other a pep talk about “no buying anything!” because it sure was tempting. Carnaby Street has all the cool stuff you always see other people wearing, but never know where they got it. If you have the money, and the suitcase space, you should splurge on a little something here…just to say you did.

Other than shops, Carnaby Street also offers quaint pubs and restaurants down side streets that become increasingly lively as the night progresses. You could spend the entire evening shopping and eating here, just make sure you bring your credit card.

Carnaby Street, W1F

Underground Station: Oxford Circus

Katie’s Big Ben Story, London, England

I love this story…it’s so typically American.  Thanks for making me chuckle every time I hear it Katie!  Read more about Big Ben in our Big Ben picture blog.

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