Top 10 Tours in London: Unique Picks

The first time I went to London, I booked a few memorable tours.

The most intriguing was in the dark tourism category: A macabre walking tour of the City of London with plague sites and Jack the Ripper factoids tossed in.

The most interesting part of the tour came when the guide pointed out a newly discovered ‘plague pit’ in which hundreds of bodies were unceremoniously laid to rest during the last wave of the Black Death.

What made that so interesting? It was March 2020, and a little thing called COVID-19 was starting to shut down airports in Spain and Italy.

To top it off, I was staying in an adult hostel with around forty other bunkmates in my room. Not the best for avoiding a pandemic.

It was a moment in which London’s deep history became immediately tangible for me—one that left a soft (and spooky) spot in my heart for the city.

In honor of the city and its strangely well-timed tour, I’m uncovering some of the most unique tours in London for visitors.

Don’t worry—I won’t mention Jack the Ripper or any other dark tours. Instead, I’m focusing on the zanier tours available in London today. First up: A fantastic option for those traveling with young kids.

Looking for a place to stay in London, too? Check out the best rentals and hotels from Airbnb, Booking, and VRBO.

Top 10 Tours in London

Peppa Pig Bus Tour

In case you don’t know, afternoon tea is a big deal in England—and London has taken that to the next level with its ample afternoon tea bus tours.

This adventure takes you onto a Peppa Pig-themed double-decker Routemaster bus where adults can enjoy a tour of Piccadilly Circus, Big Ben, and other landmarks while kids snack on British classics and sip on unlimited hot drinks.

Book here

Taylor Swift Bus Tour

London’s afternoon tea bus tours come in all shapes and sizes. I’m not personally a Swiftie, but I know they’re out there. If you’re heading to London with a Taylor Swift fan in tow, then this is the tea bus for you.

Guests get to know the city while jamming to Swift’s best hits. If afternoon tea isn’t your thing, don’t worry—this tour also offers prosecco.

Book here

Changing of the Guard Tour

Most Americans know that the changing of the guard is a big deal. Some might even know that it involves those tall, fuzzy hats.

But this tour lets you dig into the depth of this tradition with a local guide. In a small group, you get to experience the changing of the guard while hearing about what it means, why it happens, and its significance for the UK. Culture nerds, unite!

Book here

Tower of London Early Access Tour with Beefeater

I know I said I’d avoid dark tourism—and here I am suggesting the Tower of London, a landmark of evil. But the Tower of London is also home to the crown jewels, which is a sought-after visit for many.

On top of that, you get a personal Beefeater to show you around. I was excited for a gin tasting, but it turns out that Beefeaters is a title for the official guardians of the Tower of London. Fun fact: They’ve been offering tours since the Victorian Age.

Book here

Historic Pubs of Central London Walking Tour

Pubs aren’t just pubs in the capital of England. London’s watering holes are living remnants of the city’s longstanding cultural past.

Whether or not you want to throw a few back, this tour will take you into the heart of London where you get to hear about some of its less-covered historical hotspots: Its oldest pubs.

Book here

Afternoon Tea Cruise on the River Thames

I promise—this is the last afternoon tea tour. And it might also be the best. This tea tour takes you onto a boat so that you can cruise the Thames and point out some of London’s coolest landmarks.

You’ll also have the chance to snack on refined bites, from dainty little sandwiches to fluffy cakes.

Book here

East End Street Art Tour and Spray-Painting Session

Street art gives you a glimpse of a city’s creative leanings and even its political stance. With this tour, you get to see some of London’s brightest and most impactful pieces of street art in the East End district.

You even get to spray paint your own mini-masterpiece at a specialized studio after the fact.

Book here

Borough Market Foodie Walking Tour with Tastings

What’s better than a standard food tour? One that takes you into an ancient and meandering world of historic food stalls.

In this case, you get a sneak peek into life at the Borough Market. While your guide breaks down the history of the place and how it functions today, you get to nibble on some of the city’s best eats.

Book here

O2 Arena Rooftop Climbing Experience

Not many people think about scaling modern buildings when they think of London. But if you’re interested in a high-octane tour, this should be your first stop.

Not only do you get to get up-close and personal with London’s famous O2 venue, but you also get a bit of a workout and some great city views.

Book here

Royal Guided Tour of Windsor Castle

My last suggestion will take you slightly outside the city bounds. After an hour-long bus ride, guests get the royal treatment with a tour of Windsor Castle.

Guests get to see the location of royal weddings, along with plenty of heritage exhibits. For fans of the royal family, there’s no better way to explore the historical and contemporary legacy of the Windsor family.

Book here

How to Visit Pando, The World’s Largest & Oldest Tree

Americans are spoiled by nature.

Our ecosystems are old, if not ancient. Want the proof? Eight out of ten of the world’s oldest trees are located in the US.

Some of our cypresses, bristlecones, junipers, and sequoias date back to the 5^th century BCE. The oldest—a bristlecone named Methuselah that’s native to California—first germinated in 2,832 BCE.

For context, Egyptians had just invented papyrus at the time Methuselah was growing its first bristles.

There was no Machu Picchu. No Great Pyramid of Giza. No Great Wall of China.

Like other trees aged thousands of years, Methuselah is a prominent reminder of nature’s great power.

But what if I told you that the US is home to another tree that’s at least three times older than Methuselah? Welcome to Pando, a quaking aspen tree native to Utah.

Conservative estimates say that Pando might be 9,000 years old. Other estimates round all the way up to 14,000 years.

Either way, it’s kind of a big deal, even if most Americans have never heard of Pando. Here’s your crash course on Pando, along with how to visit this great tree at Fishlake National Forest in Utah.

What is Pando?

As mentioned above, Pando is a quaking aspen—an iconic and lovely species found throughout Utah.

But Pando isn’t a single tree, which is why it isn’t listed alongside giants like Methuselah when ranked for age. Pando is a clonal male organism—which is a fun way to say that this tree continues to duplicate itself with new growth called ramets.

This single Aspen tree has cloned itself for thousands of years. It now covers an area of around 108 acres in Utah’s Fishlake National Forest.

Using an extensive network of underground roots, Pando shares nutrients to spur energy production and store vital resources. This root system has helped protect Pando against countless threats over the years.

That means that not only is the US home to the world’s oldest tree, but it’s also home to the largest—at least in terms of weight and land mass. Pando has cloned itself around 47,000 times and weighs around 6,000 tonnes.

Pando, courtesy of National Forest Foundation

Pando the clonal giant

So, why isn’t Pando celebrated for its age and size?

As outlined above, you won’t see Pando mentioned on lists of the oldest or largest trees because it’s considered a clone—not a single tree.

I think that’s a little silly considering Pando’s original seed would have germinated long before the start of human history, even by conservative estimates.

If you want to fully nerd out on Pando topics, explore the Friends of Pando website. If you want to learn even more about the world of clonal trees, explore Australia’s clonal giants—some scientists believe they’re older than Pando.

How to visit Pando

Over the last ten years, dozens of organizations have sought to protect, showcase, and demystify Pando to the general American public.

It’s easier than ever to visit and learn about Pando. The National Forest Foundation has a pretty great guide, for example, along with the Forest Service.

There are dozens of ways to explore and enjoy Fishlake, from ATVing to hiking to camping. You can easily download the map of the grounds from the Forest Service (linked above) to start exploring the park—and experiencing the magic of Pando.

Given its proximity to other hotspots like the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Park, you can bundle a visit to Pando in with other outdoors trips.

Where should you stay to explore Pando?

The closest big city to Fishlake National Forest is Salt Lake City, Utah and Provo. However, if you’re going to be exploring the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, or Zion National Park, you can bundle in a visit to Fishlake pretty easily.

Fishlake National Forest is also accessible from Las Vegas. The drive from Salt Lake City takes around three and a half hours. A drive from Las Vegas, by contrast, takes around four and a half hours.

Book a stay in Salt Lake City
Book a stay around the Grand Canyon or look through my top picks
Book a stay around Bryce Canyon or look through my top picks

Best Cooking Classes in Milan, Italy

The best meal I ate in Milan was one that I made.

I’d chalk it up to my skills in the kitchen, but that’s far from the truth.

I wasn’t just whipping up a meal thanks to an online recipe or the wise words of Nona—I had two top-tier chefs helping me (and five others) prepare a meal as part of a cooking class.

In an adorable kitchen in the center of the city, my family and a small group of strangers whipped up truffle gnocchi, a tomato-based pasta sauce, and tiramisu. In only four hours, we had wined and dined ourselves into a stupor.

For the rest of our trip, me and family kept referencing the meal. It was the best we had by a long shot.

My experience in Milan isn’t unique to the city. I’ve had the pleasure of joining cooking classes in Poland, India, and Taiwan over the years. Every time, without fail, I ate well… despite my sub-par cooking skills.

So, if you want to spoil yourself with some Italian specialties, why not cook a few dishes with your own two hands? In honor of my Michelin-caliber meal from my Milan cooking class, I’m heading straight back to the capital of Lombardy.

Here are the best cooking classes in Milan, starting with my top-notch experience.

Best cooking classes in Milan

Gnocchi, Pasta, Tiramisu, and Wine Class

You can have it all with this class: A great setting, delicious wine, and two elite Italian chefs to guide you through the basics.

As you make gnocchi, pasta sauce, and tiramisu, you’re treated to a cultural exploration that covers Italian ingredients and culinary culture. (Plus, a few hand gestures!)

But the magic is the chefs. One of my tour leaders had spent time cooking at a Michelin-star restaurant, while the other was drawing on years of high-profile experience.

Thanks to their guidance, everyone had a great time while also learning a few handy tricks. Plus, the company emails you the recipes covered in class so that you can take what you learned home with you.

Start cooking

The Secretes to Learn Fresh Pasta and Tiramisu

Meet 2023’s Viator Experience Award—a great badge for any official tour to nab.

Once again, the magic falls back to a highly qualified chef who hosts the cooking class—and, once again, this tour’s guide is Michelin-trained.

That ensures you get a few insider tips for preparing fresh pasta and putting together a delicious tiramisu. (Thanks to my class, I know that tiramisu isn’t cooked or baked—just chilled.)

According to reviews, the hosts are also gracious and charming—which goes a long way in creating an exciting and meaningful atmosphere for everyone in the cooking class.

Start cooking

Mamma Mia – Make Your Own Italian Pizza

There’s a lot that goes into crafting a perfect pizza. If you want to get into the nitty-gritty of a great pie, start here. The hosts take you into a pizza-making studio where guests learn the ins and outs of classic Italian pizzas.

That means diving into topics like the perfect dough and how to make focaccia, along with tips on cooking the perfect sauce and curating the right combination of toppings.

Apparently, the hosts also know quite a bit about the history and identity of Neapolitan pies, aka the birthplace of pizza.

Start cooking

Milan Cooking Class: Authentic Pizza & Gelato Making

If learning how to bake a great pizza isn’t enough, bundle some gelato lessons in there. What I love about this tour is how demanding both of those dishes sound.

Making a pizza from scratch? And gelato? In a single class…?

According to reviewers, the hosts did an excellent job of breaking down the complex topics into memorable bits. Not only were guests surprised with how well their pizzas and gelatos turned out, but it looks like a lot of them are going to apply what they’ve learned to bread-making in the future.

That tells me that there’s a lot of knowledge being passed down in this class.

Start cooking

Authentic Italian Cooking Class in a Typical House in Milan

I love home cooking—nothing beats it. Guests have the chance to make either pasta or gnocchi, along with tiramisu.

According to reviews, the cooking lessons and final products are both worth writing home about. But there’s another element at play here: The charm of cooking in a small home with a small group.

If you’re on the hunt for a cultural experience and socializing with other travelers, then start here.

Start cooking

Best Travel Toys: 11 Picks for Family Vacations

What’s one of the most rewarding travel experiences in the world? Nailing a great family vacation that your kids talk about for years to come.

What’s one of the toughest travel experiences in the world? Hitting the road with kids.

The more children, the more challenges.

Even if you’re heading to an all-inclusive resort that offers family entertainment, you’re going to need a few spare solutions to keep them occupied.

In fact, one of the most challenging aspects of traveling with children is keeping them entertained during long flights and road trips.

While some kiddos are happy to hunker down with a coloring book or an iPad, others might not be swayed so easily. They need more dynamic options at their (tiny) fingertips.

While it sounds simple, finding the best travel toys is a high charge for parents to meet. Even figuring out how to pack (especially for families with multiple children) can be a learning experience.

That being said, figuring out the best travel toys to bring on vacation is worth getting right.

Kids who have the right toys at their disposal will feel less anxiety when facing delays, crowded flights, and other stressors. On top of that, having a beloved toy with them can help improve their memory of the trip and even give them the chance to make a few friends—especially in the context of all-inclusive family resorts.

Here’s what you need to know about the best travel toys for kids, including a list of the most popular products on Amazon today.

Characteristics of the best travel toys

The idea of a ‘good toy’ changes for every child. So long as the toy captures their attention and imagination, it’s a good option.

Still, there are a few general considerations that you should have in mind when purchasing travel toys.

Focus on toys that meet some or all of these requirements:

Look for portability in terms of weight and size. The smaller and lighter the toy, the easier it is to pack—for both the long-haul and for day trips.
Avoid odd shapes. These tend to be harder to pack and might even cause security to flag your suitcase.
And avoid tiny pieces. Many toys come with small and modular pieces. While you can’t eliminate these entirely, try to minimize the number of toys with easy-to-lose components.
Choose toys that are easy to clean. You won’t have your standard suite of cleaning supplies with you on the road—and travel can get messy quickly.
Durability matters. Along with being easy to clean, the best travel toys are also highly durable. They should stand up to being dragged around airports, parking lots, and all-inclusive resorts.

Best travel toys on the market

I’ve combed the internet for the best suggestions on travel toys.

These options meet the criteria listed above—but, more importantly, they’re also recommended by parents who have gone on long-haul flights with their children.

If the toys helped their tots survive flights over seven hours, they should work for just about any type of family vacation.

[A quick note on iPads and tablets: Many parents recommend bringing a tablet with headphones. These act like mini-entertainment centers, letting kids access their favorite TV shows, sing-alongs, YouTube channels, and more.

If you have the option to purchase a tablet for your kids, that’s fantastic. However, tablets tend to weigh a lot, aren’t durable, and are costly. In other words, if you can’t swing the tablet, you’ll be fine with the options below. If you can swing a tablet, invest in a great case.]

How to Status Match at Different Airlines

Imagine slowly building up your status as part of an airline’s membership program.

Flight by flight, booking by booking, you’ve incrementally climbed toward elite status with your preferred airline, and you’re now reaping the rewards of that program.

Then, suddenly, your perspective shifts, and you realize you’re more interested in another airline’s rewards program.

This happens more often than the casual traveler thinks. Airlines change their policies, partners, and reward values, which is sometimes enough to send some frequent flyers packing.

Thankfully, airline rewards members might not need to start over from scratch. Instead, they need to know how to status match at different airlines.

While it might sound unlikely, many airlines let their members status match (sometimes called ‘challenge’) at other airlines. That means that flyers can potentially match their status at another airline or start from a lower tier rather than from zero.

Here’s what you need to know about how to status match at different airlines.

Are you eligible for a status match at different airlines?

First thing’s first—are you even eligible to status match?

That answer depends on the airline and your status. Generally speaking, you will only be eligible to be matched or placed onto a lower-tier status when switching.

Other times, airlines might not advertise that they offer status matching… but you should still keep digging. For example, members who email support might still be able to match at other airlines.

In other words, rather than advertise their status-matching policy full-time, some airlines only do so when prompted.

Lastly, and most importantly, status matches aren’t on the table indefinitely.

Aside from United and Delta Airlines, most American airlines let you seek out a status match only once. Oh, and airlines have the right to deny your status match without explanation. Now onto the good stuff.

Are there different types of status matches?

There are two ways that you can receive a status match: direct matches or status challenges.

A direct match transfers your status in its entirety to a new airline for a trial period.

Most direct matches last only a few months, letting you sample the new airline before deciding to opt in. Remember, to opt-in, you’ll need to be earning with that airline. This is considered the best match because it’s a ‘full’ one.

You might also be offered a status challenge.

This is like a direct match, but on a shorter timeline that lasts only a few months. In that time period, you need to meet certain requirements—hence the name ‘challenge’—in order to keep your status at the new airline.

Here’s how to status match at different airlines

Step 1: Gather your materials

If you ask a new airline for a status match, they’re likely to ask for proof of how you obtained your status as your current airline.

The more documentation and proof you can offer them, the faster you’ll have your answer about whether you’re eligible for a status match.

It’s also recommended that you have a few bookings with an airline or a hotel in the coming months so that you can prove that you’re an active member.

Step 2: Seek out full matches first, then challenges

As outlined above, full status matches are a lot better than challenges because they let you fully move over—no long lists of requirements are needed.

The easiest way to seek out full matches is to go directly to an airline’s status match page.

By contrast, pages listing challenges are usually easier to find. Simply Google the airline and status match challenges. Or you can use platforms like Status Matcher to seek the latest deals.

Remember—if you can’t find an offer for a full status match or a challenge, then reach out to your target airline directly.

Explain the situation behind the switch, then ask them for a status match. Be sure to include any paperwork that highlights how often you give your business to airlines, hotels, and other relevant types of hospitality.

Step 3: Read the fine print

Before you start initiating a status match, make sure you understand the terms and conditions. These are usually more complex challenges.

For example, you might not be able to use miles from the same credit cards as your previous airline. Some airlines also put a note in the fine print when you join their membership program that certain points or statuses won’t carry over.

Step 4: Apply online

Fill out your status match application and hope for the best. The more research and documentation you do in Step 1, the easier filling out online applications is.

Bryce Canyon Rentals: Top Picks for All Types of Travelers

Move over Zion National Park—it’s Bryce Canyon’s time to shine.

This lesser-traveled landmark is one of the most iconic deserts in the world. Still, it receives fewer visitors than areas like Zion or the Grand Canyon, only hitting one-third of the total number of annual guests.

If you’re on the hunt for a rental that will put you close to Bryce Canyon without stranding you in the middle of nowhere, I’ve got suggestions.

Those looking for hotels or campgrounds have a handful of quality lodging options to choose from—but the best way to experience Bryce Canyon is at a private rental.

Want to explore a world of red rocks from a scenic roost? Here are the best Bryce Canyon rentals on Airbnb.

Best Bryce Canyon rentals

Top rental with access to other parks

If you want to bundle trips to Zion National Park, Lake Powell, and the Grand Staircase Monument, this rental is perfectly placed.

Its central location makes it easy to reach these sites without lengthy car rides. On top of its great location, the grounds also offer hiking trails. Just a few steps from the cottage, guests can start exploring.

The best part about this small-but-chic rental? It’s just as cheap as the budget option (listed below). The only catch is that it only sleeps two guests as a studio, making it ideal for couples.

Explore this rental

Best for large groups

This grand cabin is the perfect choice for large groups as it comfortably sleeps ten guests in its four bedrooms. On top of that, it’s got an open floor plan that makes lounging for ten easy.

Aside from its spaciousness, I also love the rental’s rustic and charming design. Both let you get the most out of your trip with loved ones while soaking up the rural atmosphere.

Similar to the last rental, guests have immediate access to hiking and biking trails on the grounds, along with a pond for fishing and ATVs for riding. If you’re there during winter, you can even rent a snowmobile from nearby establishments.

Explore this rental

Best for small groups

I adore this small and rural rental. The log cabin looks like it’s out of a picture book thanks to its iconic features, woodburning stove, and surrounding pine trees.

This option is ideal for small groups with its two bedrooms that sleep a total of six. Just keep in mind that one of those bedrooms is a loft with two king-sized beds.

There are also a few amenities that kids will love. The upstairs loft includes a large stuffed bear and a mini playroom, while the patio out back includes a barbecue grill that’s perfect for families who want to hang around outside.

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Closest to Bryce Canyon National Park

Only thirty minutes to the heart of Bryce Canyon National Park, this rental puts you close to the action—while also letting you soak up the remote peace of southern Utah.

If proximity to the park is your focus, then this rental has everything you need, including a washer-dryer after a long day spent hiking.

With three bedrooms that sleep seven guests, you’ve also got room to stretch if you’re traveling in a group. With its open floor plan, this rental makes it relatively comfortable to hang around in the living room.

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Best off-grid option (and best views)

I love an off-grid option—and they’re usually high-quality in the Southwest thanks to all that ample sunlight and solar power.

In other words, if you’re interested in staying at an off-grid rental, the region around Bryce Canyon is a great place to find them.

This new rental comes with 40 acres of private land to explore. It’s also at a high elevation of 5,700 feet, which gives you a near birds-eye view of the surrounding lands.

As a bonus, Kodachrome Park is close by—but the views might actually be better at this rental.

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Best budget option

This rental is located two miles outside Kanab. Despite its very low price point, you’ll have everything you need for a great escape… and then some.

There’s a deep-soaking tub, an outdoor fire pit and grill, a chef’s kitchen, a washer-dryer, a cedar-lined sauna, and a massive deck with great views. (All for a budget price!)

While the interior is pretty standard, the two bedrooms are spacious and great for relaxing. Plus, the back patio offers a great view with more space for lounging. In other words, it’s a hardy setup for all your Bryce Canyon needs.

Explore this rental

Top 10 Tours in London: Unique Picks

Top 10 Tours in London

Peppa Pig Bus Tour

Taylor Swift Bus Tour

Changing of the Guard Tour

Tower of London Early Access Tour with Beefeater

Historic Pubs of Central London Walking Tour

Afternoon Tea Cruise on the River Thames

East End Street Art Tour and Spray-Painting Session

Borough Market Foodie Walking Tour with Tastings

O2 Arena Rooftop Climbing Experience

Royal Guided Tour of Windsor Castle

What is Pando?

Pando the clonal giant

How to visit Pando

Where should you stay to explore Pando?

Best cooking classes in Milan

Gnocchi, Pasta, Tiramisu, and Wine Class

The Secretes to Learn Fresh Pasta and Tiramisu

Mamma Mia – Make Your Own Italian Pizza

Milan Cooking Class: Authentic Pizza & Gelato Making

Authentic Italian Cooking Class in a Typical House in Milan

Characteristics of the best travel toys

Best travel toys on the market

Writing Tablets

Headphones for kids

Puffy sticker books

Lego dots

Eye Found It & iSpy-style puzzles

Magnetic blocks

Magnetic play sets

Fidget toys

Scratch books

Water drawing books

Montessori boards

Are you eligible for a status match at different airlines?

Are there different types of status matches?

Here’s how to status match at different airlines

Step 1: Gather your materials

Step 2: Seek out full matches first, then challenges

Step 3: Read the fine print

Step 4: Apply online

Best Bryce Canyon rentals

Top rental with access to other parks

Best for large groups

Best for small groups

Closest to Bryce Canyon National Park

Best off-grid option (and best views)

Best budget option