Destinations

A Journey from a Nervous to an Intrepid Traveller

How to embrace new challenges and step out of your travel comfort zone
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London scares me…well it used to.

Recently I had to make the grand journey down to the capital from little old Knaresborough, North Yorkshire. With a two and half train journey ahead of me, I waited nervously on the platform (checking my train ticket every 30 seconds, yes the train is still at 4.01pm).

As I made my way onto the train I bundled the luggage into the overhead storage. The train made tracks and off I went. Music player activated, the journey began. As I descended further and further south: Doncaster, Grantham and Peterborough, everything began to change. The landscape felt somewhat different, the train became crowded, accents were changing around me and then we had arrived. Before I knew it, I was stepping out onto King’s Cross station.

Instead of a leisurely stroll the public walking speed was set to a brisk pace. People were busy or seemed to look that way. As I made my way to the exit, paper ticket in hand, I stepped out into London…and from my point of view, not having been to London for 12 years, it’s really busy. But to my surprise this was a positive, it felt alive and I was swept up in all the excitement.

However, my positivity soon turned to dread…my next challenge, the underground. Armed with an Oyster card, I made my way down the stairs. My eyes fixated on the world’s most confusing map, trying to find which ‘line’ I needed to jump on.

Never have I been in a place which is both: unbearably hot at times yet spine chillingly windy. After my first-hand experience of feeling like a sardine trapped in a tin, I ascended the stairs towards the light. A brisk stroll (adapting to the London way), I arrived promptly at the hotel.

Over the next day, using the underground and negotiating myself around the bustling capital. I felt a sense of calm and confidence building within me…London isn’t as bad as I made it out to be!

The time had come to an end in London, as I made the long journey back home. I felt a sense of accomplishment and that I shouldn’t worry so much. Embrace new challenges and pushing myself in to these situations.

If you would like to visit London, then consider a stay at a Best Western Hotel - there's many available all over the capital.

More Things To Do In London

If you're looking for more inspiration for a short city break, take a look at our guide of what to do in London where you'll find details of more things to do, great shopping, eating and drinking, culture and nightlife, plus details of all Best Western London hotels.

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