Tips and Tricks that might help a first-time visitor:

Oyster Card - Don't be afraid to ride the Underground (the Tube). It is the easiest way to get around and it's fairly cheap. You'll want to take it from the airport to wherever you're staying. Don't take a taxi--it's too expensive! Trust me, it's easy. You'll follow the signs to the Underground and buy an Oyster Card. This is a refillable card that you scan in and out when you ride the tube. It takes out what you need, and when it stops working, refill it! There's no need to buy it in advance. You'll get it at the airport and they have people around to help you if you're stuck. I suggest starting with $20 on the card and load up again if needed. Once you have your card, you'll hop on the Piccadilly line.

Accommodation - There's no perfect place to stay in London, but I like to stay near Victoria Station and Westminster. Many day trips leave from Victoria (Brighton, Kew Gardens), and it's a great spot to jump on several different Tube lines. I've stayed at the Double Tree - London Victoria several times and have always enjoyed it.

I've also stayed in AirBnBs in Earls Court (because that's near where I studied abroad) and Tower Hill. Both areas were great. Remember, you can take a tube anywhere, so you can't go wrong!

Money - Their currency is the pound. Thanks to Covid, almost everywhere you go will be cashless, so you likely won't need to take out any cash. If you do, I was always told to use the Bank ATMS (they're everywhere) because their fee is much less. Remember, if you're taking out your max, do the conversion first. Tom and I panicked years ago trying to take out $300 without realizing 300 pounds is more than $300. We're dumb. :) Anyway, there's no need to get money at the airport or stress about it until you actually need it (if you need it at all). The only people who typically require it are street vendors and as of Dec. 2021, almost everyone we saw took a card.

Food and Reservations - IF you've done some research and you have a restaurant you MUST try, make reservations. Most places have long waits if you don't have a reservation.