My trip to London proved to be the perfect destination for my first international adventure, and honestly, I didn’t fully realize how perfect until I traveled to other cities that weren’t. There wasn’t much of a language barrier, the people were genuinely kind, and getting around was surprisingly easy. Add in strong infrastructure, excellent healthcare, and thoughtful accessibility, and London quickly earned its spot as a “Yes, you can do this!” kind of city.
No Language Barrier
One of the biggest mental hurdles when traveling internationally is simply figuring things out—directions, money, signage, transportation, and more. That stress is often multiplied exponentially when there’s a language barrier. London removes that obstacle almost entirely. Yes, you may need to listen a little closer to understand the Queen’s English (or King’s English now, I suppose), but it is English. That alone takes a huge weight off when you’re already navigating a new country for the first time.
The People
What really surprised me about the city across the pond, though, were the people. Londoners get a reputation for being rather reserved, but that was not my experience at all. From cab drivers to shop clerks to strangers on the street, everyone I encountered was warm, friendly, and helpful. For example, after checking into my hotel, my cousin and I stopped at a nearby pub, and a woman was so delighted that I had come to visit her town from the US that she hugged me and welcomed me with a warm, “Bubbly jubbly!” which I learned later meant she was happy I was there. Yes, I did record it. And yes, I still listen to it and giggle.
Seriously, though, that kind of spontaneous friendliness makes a city feel less intimidating and more like a place you can settle into. Maybe it was due to the timing of my trip and the overall feeling in the city…maybe not. I don’t know. However, as a first encounter with a local, it obviously left a positive impression on me, which I relate to the city itself.
Transportation and Infrastructure
Getting around London was another huge win. Between Ubers, the iconic black cabs, and the Tube, transportation is everywhere and easy to navigate. While London isn’t what I’d call a walking city, because things are spread out, you’re never stuck wondering how you’ll get from point A to point B. That is, unless your phone dies and you’re stuck in a random part of the city with no way to get back to your hotel, which you can read more about here. The city’s infrastructure is solid: no rolling blackouts, strong Wi-Fi, safe tap water (even if it’s… not winning any flavor awards), and the ability to tap your debit card or Apple Watch almost everywhere. Oh, and let us not forget that you can flush the toilet paper down the loo (unlike in Havana, but that’s another story for another day). These are small things, but they add up to a feeling of comfort and security when you’re far from home.
Healthcare was another big consideration for me, and if you’ve ever delayed travel because of those “what if” thoughts—what if I get sick, what if I faint, what if I need a hospital—you’re not alone. London’s healthcare system is excellent, and knowing that high-quality care is readily available makes a huge difference. It allowed me to relax and actually enjoy the trip instead of quietly catastrophizing in the background.
And then there’s accessibility, which London does exceptionally well. In fact, it’s one of the most accessible cities in the world. Buses have ramps and lifts, many train stations offer step-free access, hotels have large, sturdy elevators, and black cabs are designed with wheelchair access in mind. In popular areas, sidewalks are smooth and easy to navigate. Of course, in older parts of the city you’ll encounter cobblestones and stairs (this is London, after all), but overall, the city feels thoughtfully designed for people with mobility concerns.
Final Thoughts
London didn’t just give me great photos, good food, and memorable experiences (read more about those experiences here), it gave me confidence. Confidence that international travel doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Confidence that comfort, safety, and adventure can coexist. And confidence that this first trip didn’t have to be my last.
If you’ve been sitting on the idea of international travel but keep talking yourself out of it, London might be the place that changes everything for you too.
Have you been to London, or is it on your bucket list? Let’s chat in the comments!
