London has something for everyone. It has lush green parks, great stores, many many historic sites, fine dining and so much more. London is also very big. It's huge. A little advanced planning will go a long way to making your trip a success.

The first thing to realize is there is no way to see the whole of London in a day, or two or even a week. The length of time you have to visit will determine how you visit things. If you only have a day taking a bus tour will let you see the sites but you will not be able to really appreciate them. If you have a longer time the subway and a good guide book will let you savor the experience.

Getting around London on the subway or underground is the easiest thing in the world. Find out what station you're at and which station is closest to your destination. The best way to do that is with a book called "London A-Z". You can find it at news stand. Once you know where you are and where you're going, figure out the direction. Most underground lines go in two directions from a given station. There are also large signs showing the stops on that line from your station to the final station.

Money in London is not an issue. Most places take the major credit cards and the cash machines take Interact. I usually withdrew enough money for a day or two to avoid using plastic. Prices in London are pretty reasonable. Save money by not eating or buying things near really popular tourist destinations such as the British Museum. Prices are much more expensive.

Expect to get a pretty good work out. You can do a lot of walking. You'll do a lot more if you get lost! Before leaving invest in a good pair of shoes and make sure they're broken in. A small day pack with a bottle of water and a rain jacket will make your day much more enjoyable.

There are so many things to see. Rather than describe each one in detail, here are a few of the places I most enjoyed visiting:

• The British Museum
• The British Library
• The Tower of London
• Hyde Park (Speakers Corner)
• 221B Baker St

In summary, get a good map, get good shoes and be prepared. A little advanced planning and thought will make your trip to London a very enjoyable experience.