If you are planning a trip to London, you may be overwhelmed trying to sort out what you want to do on your trip. It’s a new country, new city and there are all sorts of options. So which ones should you put at the top of your list? Here’s a quick top three list of the things you want to make sure NOT to miss:

London Eye – How would you like to see all of London in one stop? You can do that by visiting the London Eye. This magnificent observation tower turns like a wheel and once you are at the top you can see all of London in one 30-minute revolution. Just sit still and enjoy the view! This is the most amazing way to see London.

National Gallery – In the national gallery is an amazing collection of artwork like no other that spans the almost 700 years. This is one of the most amazing collections in the world including pieces you can see nowhere else from artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Van Gogh, Rembrandt and Botticelli.

Tower of London – There is no doubt you have heard of the Tower of London. The tower has almost a 1000 year history of being a main focal point for London serving a number of roles from a fortress to a prison to a palace and even a home for some of the world’s most amazing jewels. The Tower has an amazing historical background which you can read about at Historical Palaces.

If you finish the top three and still have a little time left, there are a few more places you may want to try including the British and Tate Modern Museums, the National History Museum, the Science Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, Madame Tussards Wax Museum and the National Maritime Museum.

We can truly recommend that you purchase a London Pass which gives you access to over 55 of London’s tourist attractions. We found it invaluable.

Traveling anytime can be a chore, but if you have kids who are traveling with you, this can be even more of a nightmare.  Add in the stresses of an airport and the patience that is needed when flying, which most children don’t have, and things can get even worse.

So, as you are confronted by a trip that involves flying with the whole family, how do you get through it with the kids?

Here are some tips:

Choose Easy Times – One of the first things you should try to do is make the time you are dealing with hassles at the airport as short as possible. If you can, book your flights in less busy hours, like weekdays when fewer people are trying to travel.

Discuss the Trip – Make sure your child knows what is coming and what to expect from traveling. Many parents don’t discuss travel with their children and the children are surprised when they get to the airport. The stress of not knowing what is happening added to the normal stresses of travel can make them harder to deal with.

Keep them Occupied – Most kids have things that will keep them entertained for hours. Bring these things along with your child. For many kids this can be electronic video games or portable DVD players with a few of their favorite movies. Other options are coloring books or even card games the whole family can play while you are waiting for that next flight.

Give Yourself Time – The more people in your party, the more time it takes the check in. Add to this that kids always need to stop for a potty break or something and you should give yourself extra time to get through the airport processes.

Ear Pressure – Flying can be painful for a child as the pressure changes in their ears. Give your child gum or a drink as the airplane takes off and the pressure changes. Ask them to keep chewing and swallowing anytime they feel pressure to make the pain go away.

Window Seat – If you can, get your child a window seat so they can look out and be interested in the flight. This will help keep them occupied.

As our hotel (Citigate Central) is not too far from Central Station, we decided to catch the train to Circular Quay. The return ticket cost $4.40, as we were only going to Circular Quay and back, so it wasn’t practical to buy the multi- trip ticket.

Walking around Circular Quay gives you a spectacular view of both the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. Both are well known icons in Sydney.

Unfortunately since Paula had a bit of a cold and wasn’t feeling too well, we didn’t spend too much time around the Harbour. We walked up to the Opera House from the train station, took some photos and then walked back and got on the train back to our hotel.

We didn’t mind so much since we have been to Sydney numerous times and Paula spent most of her growing up years living in Sydney so it wasn’t like we hadn’t seen it all before.

The Opera House was designed by Denmark’s Jørn Utzon who won the contract to build his unique design when he won a design competition run by the NSW Government. It was officially opened in 1973 and the Opera House was World Heritage Listed in June 2007.

The Opera House is world renowned for it exquisite acoustics and as a venue for the performing arts.

The Sydney Harbour Bridge was opened in May 1932 by the then Premier Jack Lang. It was promptly nicknamed ‘The Coathanger’ because of its unique shape.

While you are visiting Sydney why not do the bridge walk where you get to walk to the top of the bridge and take in the views of Sydney and the beautiful harbour. This activity is recommended for the fit.

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is the largest steel arch bridge in the world. It is not the longest as that distinction belongs to the New River Gorge in the USA.

Nestled to the side of the Sydney Harbour Bridge is Luna Park, which is a historical theme park at Milson’s Point. It was opened in 1935 and since the closure of the Fantasy Glades, Sega World and Wonderland it is the only theme park in Sydney.

Entrance is free, so bring the family for a stroll around this historic park and let the kids ride on the age old delights of the mad mouse, the dodgems, the ferris wheel, the Tumble Bug and take a ride on the Pirate Ship which does a 360 degree turn. There is plenty to keep the kids amused.

After checking into the hotel and dropping off the cases we head off to Darling Harbour to the Leather Bags and Accessories Show that we have come to attend at the Sydney Convention Centre.

Darling Harbour is one of those places that is pleasant to walk through, with its many water features, the Carousel, Imax theatre, and assorted other entertainment and shops – lots of shops. 

 A leisurely stroll along the meandering pathways is a very nice way to spend a couple of hours and there are lots of restaurants at which to enjoy a pleasant meal.

Kids of all ages love to splash around in the many water features.

CHINESE GARDEN OF FRIENDSHIP:
These beautiful gardens provide an oasis of serenity in a bustling city. And if you are looking for somewhere to spend an hour or two of blissful peace then the Chinese Garden of Friendship fulfills this desire.

The garden was designed in China and presented to Sydney by its sister city Guangdong as part of the Australian Bicentenial. It is the largest Chinese garden outside Asia so make sure you don’t miss the opportunity to take a break from the hustle and bustle of your Sydney visit.

COCKLE BAY WHARF:
This has become the place to eat with eateries that cater for the budget conscious through to the lavish.  Take an enjoyable  break at one of the outdoor eateries.

IMAX THEATRE:
A must for anyone who hasn’t experienced the thrill of a movie shown on an 8 story screen that gives you the feeling of being right in the action. One of my favourites is the movie about the dinosaurs however, there are many others such as the film about Space and climbing Mt Everst that are equally as enthralling.

SYDNEY AQUARIUM:
Here you can experience the thrill of seeing over 5000 varieties of Australian fish  swimming in their natural habitat, while  “walking” through the underwater tunnels in one of the largest aquariums in the world.

SYDNEY CONVENTION CENTRE:
Here is where all the latest and greatest exhibitions and conventions are held. We were here to check out the Fashion, Leather bag and accessories exhibitions and previously we have attended jewellery conventions as part of our online jewellery business.

AUSTRALIAN MARITIME MUSEUM:
Here is where you can see historical records and artifacts from Australians Maritime History.