A Lazy Travellers Guide to Holiday Planning

If the idea of crafting an intricate itinerary makes you break out in a cold sweat, then this is the guide for you.

Last updated: July 30, 2026
The Lazy Travellers Guide to Holiday Planning

We get it – planning a holiday can be stressful. But whether you're a laid-back traveller or simply short on time, our tips will help you plan a fantastic getaway without the hassle. Let’s make your next holiday a piece of cake! (Or a scone, if you fancy!)

London attractions

1. Pick a destination with plenty of options

The key to lazy travel is choosing a destination with a wide variety of activities that don't require too much pre-planning. Big cities like London, Paris or Rome are perfect because they offer an abundance of experiences all in one place.

You won’t need to worry about long transfers, renting cars or spending ages researching. Everything you need is right on the doorstep.

London accomodation

2. Book accommodation in the heart of the action

Why waste time commuting when you can stay right in the city centre? Choose accommodation that’s within walking distance of major attractions, restaurants and transport hubs. Not only will this save you time, but it’ll also keep the logistics of your holiday to a minimum.

In London, neighbourhoods like Covent Garden or Southbank are excellent choices for being close to everything, plus there are hundreds of hotels available, for ease, we recommend using an app like Booking.com to filter by budget! 

Package holidays

3. Use pre-packaged travel deals

If you’d rather skip the research altogether, consider buying a pre-packaged travel deal. These often include your flights, hotels and transfers – all bundled together, simple! Companies like easyJet, Jet2Holidays or British Airways offer such packages for various destinations, taking all the guesswork and awkward scheduling out of holiday planning.

Travel apps

4. Download travel apps that streamline everything

There’s an app for almost everything these days, so make use of them! From booking taxis to translating languages, travel apps are your new best friend when it comes to planning. Apps like Pack Point, Citymapper, and XE Currency will handle all the logistics while you kick back and enjoy your trip.

The London Pass, London trip planner

5. Explore effortlessly with The London Pass®

The London Pass is the ultimate tool for the laid-back traveler, granting hassle-free access to over 90 top attractions, including the Tower of London, The Shard, and Westminster Abbey – all without the need to buy tickets at each stop. Skip the queues and make the most of your time with included perks like a Hop-on Hop-off bus tour, letting you sightsee at your own relaxed pace.

Now the London Pass Trip planner tool will take even more stress out of planning your sightseeing. Just input your travel dates, interests, and must-see spots, and the AI will generate a personalised itinerary to make the most of your time in the city.

Whether you’re looking to hit the iconic sights or uncover hidden gems, The London Pass makes it easy to enjoy a perfectly planned London holiday without lifting a finger.

packing suitcase

6. Keep your luggage light

Who needs the stress of hauling heavy suitcases around? Opt for carry-on luggage only, which saves you time at both the airport and your hotel. Pack versatile clothes, leave bulky gadgets behind, and remember – you can always do a quick laundry stop if needed. Plus, you’ll be able to move around more freely, making any spontaneous plans so much easier.

phone getting a notification of updates

7. Set up mobile alerts for key travel info

Ditch the stress of repeatedly checking details by setting up mobile alerts for important travel information. Use apps like TripIt, Google Travel or the alerts in Apple Calendar to store your bookings, then turn on notifications for flight updates, gate changes, and hotel check-in times (in whichever apps you have made bookings with).

You’ll get real-time reminders and updates directly to your phone, so you always know where to go next, and can relax knowing you're not going to miss something.

Borough market, London

8. Opt for easy dining choices

Skip the over-researched restaurant plans and go with simple, convenient dining options. In big cities like London, you’re never far from a good meal. Check out local street food markets, casual eateries or places with set menus to take the stress out of decision-making.

Borough Market, Spitalfields Market or Seven Dials Market for instance, all offer loads of delicious choices in one spot – perfect for when you can't get everyone to agree on one option.

Cute London covered markets

9. Don’t over-schedule your days

Packing your itinerary with back-to-back activities can leave you feeling drained and missing out on the true essence of travel. Instead, aim to plan just one or two key activities per day, leaving plenty of time for relaxation or spontaneous exploring.

With a more flexible approach, you can linger in a cozy café, wander through a local market, or stumble upon hidden gems like quiet parks, charming side streets, or impromptu street performances. Giving yourself room for these unplanned moments prevents travel fatigue and opens the door for a more authentic (and relaxing!) experience.

10. Relax and enjoy the ride

Above all, remember that holidays are meant to be fun and relaxing. Don't get bogged down in the details. With the right tools and mindset, planning a trip can be a breeze, leaving you to focus on what matters most – enjoying your holiday!

With this guide, lazy travel planning has never been easier! Whether you're visiting London with The London Pass® or heading somewhere new, these tips will help you have a stress-free, enjoyable holiday.

Alice Padfield
Alice Padfield
Content Manager

Alice is a copywriter in the Content team at Go City®, where she combines her love for travel, literature, food and theatre to craft inspiring content for cultural explorers. From blog articles to TikToks, she creates engaging stories that help travellers uncover hidden gems and must-see spots in every city. Passionate about exploring new destinations, Alice shares her discoveries to help others curate unforgettable itineraries.

Build your unique London itinerary with our trip planner

Who's going?
Adult
1
Child (5-15)
0
How many days?

What do you want to see?

Continue reading

Cambridge Henry VIII
Blog

Amazing Historical Facts About Henry VIII

Way back when, on the 28th June 1491, one of England's most famous monarchs was born. King Henry VIII. Known for his six wives, desperation for a male heir, and desire to separate from the Catholic church, jolly old Henry continues to fascinate us even today. That's why we've put together some of our best historical facts about this rotund royal, so you can think about him all over again. It's exactly what he would want. So, here are our favourite facts about Henry VIII! 1. He was not expected to rule Henry was the second son of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York. His elder brother, Arthur, was heir to the throne until he died from sweating sickness at 15. Yes, that's a thing. And yes, they were sorely lacking antiperspirant back in ye olden times. Then, when Henry was just 17 his father passed away. Once atop the throne, Henry VIII continued living a leisurely life for a monarch - preferring to sleep in. In fact, he only really got up to hunt, hawk, dance, gamble and play cards over his official duties.  2. He was a published author Before separating from the Catholic Church, Henry VIII wrote a 30,000-word response to Martin Luther's protestant Ninety-five Theses, praising the church in Rome. He was the first English king to publish a book and the Pope declared Henry VIII "Defender of the Faith". A declaration he would rescind years later when Henry VIII created the Church of England and separated from the Catholic Church, so he could get divorced. Classic Henry. 3. Paranoia and illness Henry was obsessed with sickness and death, specifically the sweating sickness and the plague. Which is fair enough, because living in a time before medicine, proper hygiene and the discovery of bacteria and viruses would have been terrifying. That, and by the age of 30 he'd already caught smallpox and malaria. Any time there was an outbreak, he would minimize his risk of infection by leaving London and limiting the number of ambassadors he saw. Even when Anne Boleyn caught the sweating sickness in 1528, Henry stayed far away until she got better. A true gentleman. 4. Weight issues Yes, some of the more well-known facts about Henry VIII are due to his enviable size. Despite being a tall, handsome and athletic young king (yes, really), older age was not kind to Henry VIII. When he died in 1547 after ruling for 30 years, he weighed nearly 400 pounds and had a 54-inch waist. This was partly due to some pretty severe jousting accidents and ulcers on his legs stopping him from his previous activities and partly because he loved a feast. 5. A merciless king In his later years, Henry grew more paranoid and ill-tempered. Crowds of prisoners were sent to the Tower of London at his orders. He sent more men and women to their deaths than any other English monarch. It's estimated 57,000 - 72,000 people were executed during his 37-year reign. 6. Multi-talented Not only could Henry speak Latin, French, Ancient Greek and Spanish, but he also played the lute and organ, sang, played tennis and jousted. Who knew that a life of luxury gave people time to do so much cool stuff?  7. Serial womaniser Henry VIII's womanising reputation has lasted throughout history thanks to his six infamous wives and mistresses. In spite of this reputation, we only know of three specific mistresses, one of which was Anne Boleyn's sister Mary. Not cool, King Henry. You should have kept playing tennis instead of playing the field. 8. Wife after wife There's a common belief that Henry married and discarded his six wives in quick succession, but that's not exactly true. He married his brother's widow Catherine of Aragon when he came to the throne at 17, and they remained married for nearly 24 years. That is - until he had their marriage annulled to marry Anne Boleyn. His shortest marriage was to Anne of Cleves, which lasted six months- she is buried in Westminster Abbey. 9. Belgium rule He is the only English monarch to have ruled Belgium. After capturing the significant town of Tournai in 1513, Henry eventually handed the territory to France in 1518. Truly a generous king. 10. Henry VIII's legacy In spite of his obsession with producing a male heir, Henry VIII had four children. Three were from his marriages. The other, who was named Henry Fitzroy (which means son of the king) was from his mistress Elizabeth Blount. His three "official" children went on to be kings and queens, with his youngest, Elizabeth I, becoming an iconic monarch in her own right. And those are our favourite facts about Henry VIII! Know any more tasty tidbits about the Tudor's best rapscallion? Let us know in the comments below. Oh, and while you're here, why not check out more of Britain's most famous figures throughout history? Or some fascinating facts about Henry's old home, Hampton Court Palace? And, if you want to see some of his old haunts up close, be sure to check out the very best London attractions the captial has to offer! Experience everything London has to offer with The London Pass® Planning your London trip? With The London Attraction Pass®, you can explore big-name landmarks, local hotspots and epic tours, all on one pass, all for one price. Not only that, but you'll enjoy savings of up to 50%, compared to buying individual attraction tickets. ✈️ Buy The London Pass® ✈️
Dom Bewley
Pub Crawl London
Blog

The Best Pub Crawls in London

These are the best London pub crawls and bar crawls London has to offer, whether you’re on a historical hunt or looking for something louder. The pub scene is bustling with excitement and creativity, giving rise to some innovative ideas and pub crawl themes that will make your night unforgettable. Visiting your local pub is a rite of passage for many Brits. And that’s certainly the case for Londoners. But once in a while, when the weather is fine (or not fine), you’re feeling in the mood (or really not in the mood), you’ve got money in your pocket (or barely any money in your pocket) and you’re in good company (or completely alone), you want to go out for a pub crawl. We reckon this is particularly true for day-trippers and other holidaymakers, just in London for a bit. Because why see one pub on your visit to London when you could see 30? So here’s our guide to some of the most popular pub crawls in London and ideas to inspire your adventure. Featured in this guide: Monopoly Pub Crawl The Historical Crawl London Literary Pub Crawl The Shoreditch Pub Crawl And more... Monopoly pub crawl Named after the beloved board game, the goal of the Monopoly Pub Crawl is to make it to 26 different pubs located close to 26 different London tube stations. It’s so popular that it’s garnered its own website and internet following, with a monopoly board detailing every single location from the Lord Nelson on Old Kent Road through to the Spread Eagle on Oxford Street. Remember kids: drinking, unlike Monopoly, is not a game. But both the game and the crawl can take up an entire day. And ruin the next one. Pubs on the crawl include: Ye Grapes in Mayfair, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese on Fleet Street, and 24 other pubs that may or may not have Ye in their name Attractions along the way: Trafalgar Square, Eros Statue, King’s Cross Station, London Transport Museum The Historical pub crawl Hailed by The Telegraph as a crawl taking in ‘London’s most fascinating historical nuggets,' this route starts off in Blackfriars and takes you through to Holborn. It’s a much more manageable trek with just six spots on the list, but each one is steeped in British history from the Grade II listed Blackfriar with its stained glass details, through to the rich timber wood of the Cittie of Yorke, tucked away in a cellar. If you’re on the lookout for more historic watering holes, check out our guide to the Oldest Pubs in London. Pubs on the crawl include: Cittie of Yorke in Holborn, Blackfriar in Blackfriars Attractions along the way: London Transport Museum The Circle Line pub crawl No surprises here: this pub crawl is a relatively straightforward one that follows the Circle Line around the heart of London. It one-ups the Monopoly Pub Crawl, both literally and metaphorically, as you’ll have to hit 27 bars to fully complete the crawl. Starting and ending in Embankment (with a suggested celebratory tipple in Leicester Square, because you’ll probably need a drink after you’ve completed it), it follows the Circle Line – which, funnily enough, doesn’t resemble a circle, but a beer bottle. They suggest you do it in 12 hours, having half pints in each pub. Pubs on the crawl include: The crawl website gives you multiple options for each station, so take your pick. Or choose a pub local to a station to suit your tastes. Attractions along the way: Tower Bridge, King’s Cross Station, Barbican Theatre, Houses of Parliament, Big Ben Wimbledon Eight pub crawl Along with the tennis whites and Wombles, Wimbledon’s also home to a pretty amazing pub crawl route. The crawl was popularised by actor Oliver Reed, who allegedly took Steve McQueen on a night out to his favourite Wimbledon pubs.  After a 15 minute pint in each, they started the crawl again, though now the common route goes around the board just once. It starts in the Hand in Hand and finishes at the Swan (a replacement for the now-closed Finch’s).  Pubs on the crawl include: The Fox and Grapes, The Fire Stables  Attractions along the way: Wimbledon Tennis Stadium 💰 >> See how you can save up to 50% with a London attraction pass! Shoreditch pub crawl  Shoreditch: home of the hipsters, craft beer hangouts and street art. The neighbourhood has plenty of bars which put a twist on the usual melon man and there's a dedicated Shoreditch Pub Crawl company that'll take you to the quirkiest spots in the area. The kind of places that give Shoreditch its reputation for being...very Shoreditch.  It starts off at Sink Pong Bar, a bar filled with ping pong tables. Better bring your A-Game and gym shorts: this is one for shots and dancing and playing around, rather than quiet pubbing.  Attractions along the way: Brick Lane, Old Spitalfield Market  Because sometimes it’s good to have some culture with your crawl. This special guided crawl lasts 3 hours, involves about a mile of walking. You don’t stop in every pub...so you can still take in all the info. This pub crawl takes you to the favourite boozy haunts of London’s writers and creatives, from Shakespeare to Charles Dickens and Virginia Woolf.  You’ll be accompanied by actors playing some of the deceased literary figures and reading famous extracts from their works. It’s a lot of fun and you might find you have something in common with one of the country’s most popular writers...you both like drinking.  Pubs on the crawl include: Shhh...it’s a secret  Attractions along the way: Pollock's Toy Museum The Sam Smiths pub crawl  Okay, so this is officially more of a challenge than a crawl. It’d be impossible to do all of these on one crawl. So please don’t try. Samuel Smith’s Brewery is located in Yorkshire, but they’ve got a number of very popular (and cheap) pubs across London, mainly in the very centre.  These guys came up with the Sam Smiths Challenge, where they looked to visit every Sam Smiths pub across the capital. But you can make your own route between these charming, welcoming, and affordable pubs using their map of London Sam Smiths pubs, located on their website.  Pubs on the crawl include: every Sam Smiths pub in London  London pub crawl themes and ideas Pub crawl themes can add an extra layer of fun to the experience. Some themes could include a costume theme, like dressing up as characters from British history or a favorite movie, or a foodie pub crawl where each stop includes a small bite to mix perfectly your pint experience.  Looking for more unique pub crawl ideas? Why not create your own crawl based on your interests? Perhaps a crawl that only stops at pubs with live music, or one that explores London's haunted pub scene? Join the Historic Pub Tour of London with The London Pass® Discover London’s legendary pub culture on this guided tour of four historic ale houses in the heart of the city. Follow in the footsteps of great stalwarts of London’s pubs from centuries gone by: Cromwell, Dickens, Conan Doyle, and more! Planning your London trip? With The London Pass®, you can explore big-name landmarks, local hotspots and epic tours, all on one pass, all for one price. Not only that, but you'll enjoy savings of up to 50% on loads of London attractions, compared to buying individual attraction tickets. ✈️ Buy The London Pass® ✈️
Megan Hills

Get your free guidebook!

Plan your perfect trip with our insider guide – top attractions, itineraries and local tips straight to your inbox.