INFORMATION FOR LONDON TRIP


RELEASE FORM - Please sign Travel Release Form and return to Michael Zam by email at michaeldzam@gmail.com or by mail to 98 MacDougal Street #3A, New York, NY 10012

TRAVEL RELEASE FORM


PASSPORT - Do not forget to bring a valid passport. It is required that you have at least six months left before your passport expires in order to be let into the UK. If you do not have a US Passport, you need to check your country’s embassy for the latest rules about entering the UK. From some countries, special visas are required. This is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.

TICKETS - While your program fee includes tickets for 9-10 shows, please be aware that in recent seasons one or two highly sought-after productions set ticket purchase limits and we were not able to attend these shows as a class. Therefore I will be keeping you informed by email of any productions where this policy prevents me from buying group tickets, so you may buy tickets on your own if you wish.

TRAVEL - Please purchase your plane ticket as soon as you receive a confirmation email from Michael Zam. Please send Michael Zam your flight information as soon as you have it to michaeldzam@gmail.com

TAXI FROM AIRPORT - Below are some reliable and inexpensive taxi options:

HEATHROW TAXI

HEATHROW EXPRESS

MINICABIT

IRIDE LONDON

TRAINS FROM AIRPORT -  From Heathrow: Heathrow Express to Paddington Station. From Gatwick Airport there is the Gatwick Express, which goes to Victoria Station. It’s a short tube ride from there.

TUBE FROM AIRPORT - The ride from the tube station in Heathrow Airport to Central London takes about an hour and 15 minutes on the Piccadilly line. On the Elizabeth line the journey takes about 35 minutes. Elizabeth line trains are more modern and have fewer stops, though it costs more. For either, the best way to pay is by tapping any credit card on the turnstile (both entering and exiting).

GYMNASIUMS - There are many gyms and sports facilities near our accommodations that have daily, weekly or monthly memberships. Here are a few:

OASIS SPORTS CENTRE

YMCA GREAT RUSSELL STREET

FITNESS FIRST


MORNING CLASSES - Class will take place at UNC, Winston House, at 3 Bedford Square, a beautiful Georgian townhouse used the rest of the year by the University of North Carolina.

MAP


GETTING AROUND LONDON - It is very easy to find your way around London by tube or bus. For travel within London, you can pay at entry by tapping your credit card or buy an Oyster Travel Card at a booth in a tube station. The card works like a debit card: you put money on it at the time of purchase, which can be done at any tocjet machine at a tube station. Below are some helpful links:

LONDON TUBE & RAIL SYSTEM

LONDON BUS SYSTEM

WATERSTONES BOOKSTORE

 

ATTRACTIONS - London is a city rich with museums, history and shops. Below find just a few of many wonderful attractions to explore:

BACKSTAGE TOUR of NATIONAL THEATER

TATE MODERN

LONDON EYE

NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY

TOWER OF LONDON

BIG BEN

ST. PAUL'S CATHEDRAL

BUCKINGHAM PALACE

WESTMINSTER ABBEY

BRITISH MUSEUM

HYDE PARK

VICTORIA & ALBERT MUSEUM

LONDON ZOO

PICCADILLY CIRCUS

HARRODS


INSURANCE - It is strongly recommended that you check with your health care carrier to see what kind of coverage you will have during our trip. We are unable to provide this to our guests, therefore in the unlikely event of a health issue, it is always best to be clear of your coverage.

BANKS & CREDIT CARDS - It is advisable to call your bank and credit card companies BEFORE leaving and inform them where and when you will be traveling. With increased identity theft security, some banks and credit card companies will not let you use your cards overseas unless you let them know in advance.

Most ATM cards work fine in the UK. Check with your bank in advance about locations, rates, etc.

ELECTRONICS - You will need to bring travel converters and adapters for the UK if you bring any personal electronics. Hairdryers and razors will most likely not work and may be damaged.

THINGS TO BRING - Don’t forget rain gear: umbrella, raincoat, etc., and bring comfortable shoes, as London is one of the great walking cities.