The much awaited royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle is just around the corner and for the people in London, locals and tourists alike, things are about to get crazy.
If you’re in the UK right now, especially in London and other places near Berkshire, you probably noticed the crowd getting bigger and the businesses getting busier. While many of the people are excited for the upcoming royal wedding, which will be held at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle, there may be some who are looking to take advantage of the situation and do some not-so-nice things. For a hassle-free next few days, below are some tips on how to survive in the UK during the royal wedding.
Getting around
We’re assuming you’re a tourist and not a local who knows the ins and outs of England. And unless you’re a member of the Spice Girls, we’re assuming you’re not part of the royal wedding guest list. It’s unlikely that you’ll get a glimpse of ceremony. Your best bet is to Prince Harry get hitched is to hang around Castle Hill, Sheet Street, Kings Road, Albert Road, or Long Walk where the carriage procession will pass through.
London may seem overwhelming to the first-timer. Use a map to find your way around the capital and to Berkshire if you’re there mainly for the royal wedding.
Familiarize yourself with the places in London you plan to visit. On normal days, the traffic situation is something the country isn’t too shabby about. Expect heavier traffic situations with people from all over coming to the UK. Take the London Underground to get around easier.
When in London do as the Londoners do
You don’t want people to think that you’re not from around there. Learn how the locals talk, their manners, and how they do things. Preppers have this concept of the Gray Man (or Woman), in which you blend into the crowd so you don’t become a target. As a tourist, this is a good skill to learn. One way to become “invisible” to thieves and robbers is not look like someone who has loads of cash or anything of value. In other words, don’t look like a tourist.
Dress like the locals. Avoid wearing shirts with “I heart London” or other items that scream tourist like a Union Jack scarf. These items are great souvenirs to take back home but not as part of your attire to the royal wedding.
And please don’t even think abou using a fanny pack or neck wallet. Use something more discreet and pleasing to the eyes like an anti-theft wallet.
You can also use a leg wallet under your pants. The important thing is that you keep your valuables, particularly your cash, cards and passport, safe from pickpockets.
In general, Londoners are fashionable people thanks in part to the late Princess Diana, who is still regarded as a fashion icon 20 years after her tragic death. For the royal wedding, going full-on mod or Victorian may be a bit too much. Blend in with the crowd by putting on something between business-like and casual chic.
Royal Wedding Survival Gear
You also need the right gear to ensure you’ll survive London. Of course you need your trusty hidden wallet to be filled with lots of British pounds. You also need your credit cards, insurance cards, passport, and identification cards. Photocopy and scan your passport and other IDs and keep them in your laptop, phone or flash drive.
Make sure to keep money and credit cards in separate places in case one gets lost or stolen. Also, always keep a list of the numbers and email addresses of your emergency contacts on you. You should also include the name and number of the hotel you’re staying.
If you have an existing medical condition, don’t forget your medications. Make a note detailing your condition. Write down the medications you need and instructions on what to do in case you have a medical emergency. Keep a mini first aid kit with you as you go around London. Include wipes, travel tissues, insect repellents, sunscreen, and medicines for diarrhea and allergies.
We’ve basically covered the essentials, which will really come in handy as you try to survive London and the royal wedding. For true preppers, however, you can’t stop there.
It’s always a good idea to have basic survival gear such as a whistle, paracord, water purification tablets, Mylar blankets, and a flashlight. A multitool and a pocket knife are also necessary but you should check the laws on bringing them on board the plane and into London.
Make sure your phone will work in London. You don’t want to miss out on taking photos of the royal carriage as it passes you by. Once you get to your hotel, ask for their number an that of the local police. You can also use your phone t find your way around London. The electrical outlets in the UK may be different from what you have back home. Use a travel adapter with a Type G plug to make sure you’re phone doesn’t run out of juice.
There are tons of things to do and places to visit in London other than Windsor. Develop a good plan to make sure you enjoy every moment you’re there. Find out more about London and how to survive during the royal wedding.
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