Heathrow Express + Tube: £25 + £2.80 per person via Paddington
Uber/Taxi: £50-100 total, 45-60 minutes
With luggage: The Elizabeth Line has dedicated luggage spaces and step-free access. The 0.8 mile walk from Liverpool Street to your hotel is doable but consider a taxi (£8-10) or one tube stop if tired. The tube from Liverpool St to Aldgate has escalators/lifts at both stations.
The Ivy Tower Bridge - British with views (12-min walk)
Borough Market area - Various options
September 23 - London Sightseeing & Travel to Birmingham
☕ 8:00 AM - Breakfast
Hotel breakfast or The Breakfast Club Spitalfields (10-min walk)
🧳 9:00 AM - Check Out
Important: Store luggage with concierge - tell them you'll collect at 4:00 PM
🚢 10:45 AM - Thames River Cruise
Your Viator Ticket: Off Peak River Cruise Confirmation: 1669800359 | Reference: 1285989889
Valid from 10:45 AM at any pier. Recommend starting at Tower Pier (8-min walk from hotel) to save tube fare.
Walk through St. James's Park to Buckingham Palace
Trafalgar Square & National Gallery (free entry)
Lunch: Covent Garden area has many options
🏨 4:00 PM - Return to Hotel
Take tube back to Aldgate (£2.80) to collect luggage from concierge
🚕 4:30 PM - Hotel to Euston Station
Uber/Taxi: £15-20 total (recommended with luggage)
Tube: £2.80 per person via King's Cross
🚂 6:00 PM - Train to Birmingham New Street
Avanti West Coast service - 1 hour 20 minutes
Kim will book your train tickets
• Advance tickets: £25-40 per person
• On-day tickets: £80-90 per person
• First Class: Add £20-30 for complimentary service
Journey to Stoneleigh: approximately 20-25 minutes
Cost: £25-35 depending on traffic
Note about Stoneleigh: Birmingham New Street is the most convenient major station. Coventry is slightly closer (15 mins to Stoneleigh) but has fewer direct trains from London. Your Birmingham arrival gives you more train options and is still very convenient.
💳 TRAVEL INSURANCE
Allianz Travel Insurance
Policy Number: EUSP2501140383
Coverage
Trip Cancellation/Interruption: $2,439
Emergency Medical/Dental: $50,000
Emergency Transportation: $250,000
Baggage Coverage: $1,500
Emergency Contacts
US: 1-800-654-1908
International: 1-804-281-5700 (Collect)
📱 MOBILE PHONE & ESSENTIAL APPS
Phone Service Options for Ireland & UK
Option 1: AT&T International Day Pass
Cost: $12/day per line (only charged on days you use it)
What you get: Your regular plan's talk, text, and data
How to activate: Text "TRAVEL" to 4004 or call AT&T before departure
Pros: Keep your number, no setup hassles
Cons: Most expensive option at $120 for 10 days
Option 2: Physical SIM Card (Buy at Airport)
Where: Shops in Dublin Airport arrivals hall or Heathrow
Providers: Three, Vodafone, or O2
Cost: £20-30 for 10-20GB valid 30 days
Setup: Staff will help install and activate
Important: Only works if your iPhone is unlocked (check with AT&T first)
Cons: You'll have a UK/Irish phone number
Option 3: eSIM (Can be tricky with AT&T phones)
Warning: Many AT&T iPhones have compatibility issues with European eSIMs even if "unlocked"
If you want to try: Airalo or Holafly apps
Cost: $15-30 for 5-10GB
Must check: Settings → General → About → Carrier Lock (must say "No SIM restrictions")
Common issue: AT&T's network settings often block foreign eSIMs
Recommendation: Given the AT&T eSIM issues, either use AT&T International Day Pass for convenience (though expensive) or buy a physical SIM at Dublin Airport. The airport shops are used to helping American tourists and will test it before you leave the store.
WiFi Alternative: Both hotels have free WiFi. Most restaurants, cafes, and even the London Underground stations have free WiFi. You can use WhatsApp or FaceTime for calls over WiFi.
Essential Apps to Download Before Travel
Airlines:
United Airlines - Check-in and boarding passes
British Airways - Check-in and seat selection
Navigation:
Google Maps - Download offline maps for Dublin and London before you go