A London getaway is always exciting—take it from someone who has lived here for a decade—but first, you must decide the best area to stay in London for you. Do you want to be in the center of the capital, close to the action and the best things to do in London, or a little further out in a more peaceful location? Is it important to be close to public transport options, major train stations such as King's Cross, or iconic cultural landmarks like the Natural History Museum? Or perhaps you'd rather stay in one of the best neighborhoods in London to get under the skin of life like a local? Thankfully, whatever version of London you're interested in experiencing—foodie London, arty London, cultural London, or iconic London—there'll be world-class hotels to book as your base. But we get it—as one of Europe's biggest and busiest cities, it can be overwhelming when you need to decide where exactly to stay. Below we've listed our favourite areas of London for every type of traveler.
Please Don’t Try That Viral Airplane Napping Hack, Experts Warn
29.07.2024 - 23:07 / travelandleisure.com
A travel napping hack viewed by millions on TikTok and Instagram is giving health and safety experts heart palpitations. The airplane hack, which involved lifting your feet from the floor to the seat, strapping them down tight with the seatbelt, and then lowering your head on your knees, is going viral — with many travelers testing the trick aboard an aircraft and posting it online.
One user posted that the hack was “life changing,” but experts warn it is not only likely ineffective, it’s dangerous and potentially bad for your body.
“It’s not suggested to sit this way because if there is rough air, you can jolt you forward or up and down, and can risk injuries,” says Jasmine Khadija, who has been a mainline flight attendant for two years. “If there’s an emergency evacuation, It’s strongly advised to avoid any trip hazards including belts and straps of any kind around the feet area.”
Health experts warn that while it may be comfortable for some, your body is not in a great position for rest, and it can even cause problems.
“This position doesn't allow your body to relax fully and can cause discomfort due to the awkward curvature of your spine and the strain it puts on your neck,” says Dr. Chelsea Perry, lead clinician and owner of Sleep Solutions. She also emphasizes that this position could cause circulation issues. “While it might work for a quick nap, it's not ideal for longer periods.”
“Any slight turbulence may cause your head to bump your knees, possibly causing an injury, and the forward head position can lead to neck cramps and headaches,” agrees Cali Bahrenfuss, CCSH, RPSGT, clinical sleep health educator and owner of Delta Sleep Coaching. “Having your head resting on your knees can also create a pinched or disrupted airway, leading to snoring or difficulty breathing properly while sleeping.”
Both sleep experts agree that resting in a normal seated position, with your legs forward (and even a bit elevated if possible), either slightly reclined or with your head to the side, is the best for the body (and for the likelihood of sleep). They both also encourage moving into different positions (particularly, moving your legs) in order to increase circulation and keep your body happy.
Khadija also notes that this TikTok hack may not even be possible, as flight attendants will often be around and tell you to sit properly. “We’ll ask and advise not to sit that way,” she says.
In other words? Best to leave this one on the apps.
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I took my daughters from London to Dallas. They were blown away by the houses, malls, and even the soda cups.
School was out, and we were in holiday mode. Buzzing with excitement, we headed to Heathrow Airport, our destination, Dallas, where my sister, husband, and three teenage daughters live.
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British Airways' new Bridgerton-style safety video features actors in period dress. One safety expert says it's 'excellent' — but it has drawbacks.
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This Kind of Flight Can Help Conquer Transatlantic Jet Lag, According to Experts
When taking a transatlantic redeye, aka a flight that leaves late in the night in the U.S. and lands in the morning Europe time, you’re presented with some minor and major issues. With flights lasting about 5 to 8 hours, it’s hard to get great sleep on board, meaning you’re bound to be fatigued upon landing. Jet lag is going to hit at some point, even if you did get great sleep. And landing at 6 a.m. or even a bit later generally means that your room might not be ready for you to catch a much needed morning nap — leading to you making like a zombie walking through the streets of your European city of choice, looking for coffee or the will to keep your eyes open.
Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch is now open
In London, it's out with the old and in with the new. The Mondrian Shoreditch, one of TPG's best new hotels of 2021, has officially been reflagged as Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch.