The city of London figures on most luxury travel must-visit lists. The city’s history, art, fashion and culture draw tourists from around the world. But if ever there was a time to get your luxury travel plans for London together, 2012 is it!
Pack Your Bags In 2012
No, it has nothing to do with the supposed end of the world. It has everything to do with the unique events and occasions scheduled over the spring and summer months of this year. For starters, Queen Elizabeth’s reign completes 60 years this year. 2012 also marks two thousand years of Charles Dickens. The latter occasion will be marked by a special exhibition entitled “Dickens and London”. Moreover, British Airways and the Radisson Edwardian Hotels are offering big discounts on luxury travel – another reason why you should start packing your bags.
Win A Luxury Travel Package
Need more incentive? VisitLondon has announced a limited edition London Sweepstakes. The prize is an exciting luxury travel deal that includes round-trip airfare for two to London and a four-night stay at the Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill from 1-4 June 2012.
The winning luxury travel package also includes a number of goodies. The winner’s trip will kick off with a one-night safari-style stay at the ZSL London Zoo on 31 May 2012. The deal includes tickets to a performance of “Phantom of the Opera” and the chance to catch the “Picasso and Britain” exhibition at Tate Britain. The couple will also head to EDF Energy London Eye for a champagne session, and also receive a picnic hamper from Fortnum & Mason. Also included are D&D restaurant vouchers and shopping vouchers from Westfield.
All you have to do is register for the sweepstakes at VisitLondon.com by no later than 31 March 2012.
Spring-Summer In London
Starting 16 March, Buckingham Palace will be hosting a special exhibition – “Royal Treasure: A Diamond Jubilee Celebration”. The exhibition will feature royal treasures including manuscripts, jewelry, sculpture and more. Some of the displayed items date back over 500 years. Another royal exhibition is on at the Victoria & Albert Museum until 22 April. This exhibit features portraits by photographer Cecil Beaton of Queen Elizabeth at formal occasions and well as spending quality time with her family. From 17 May, “The Queen: Art and Image” gets underway at The National Portrait Gallery. This exhibition features 60 iconic images of Her Majesty.
Other art events include an exhibition of David Hockney’s works at the Royal Academy of Arts (until 9 April), the “Dickens and London” exhibit at the Museum of London (until 10 June) and the World Shakespeare Festival (from 23 April). The latter will draw artists and performers from around the world and will feature 70 productions of Shakespeare’s work. The event is being billed as one of the biggest festivals ever held in London.
Even Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill has an arty treat in store. The luxury hotel is offering guests the opportunity to spend a night among the finest works of contemporary art at the Saatchi Gallery, which is set to double up as a luxury suite until 30 April.
If art is not your scene, get to London in time for the Carnaby Street Shopping event on 10 May. Over 100 stores, bars and restaurants are expected to participate. You could also go glamping at the ZSL London Zoo between 23-27 May. You will be living in fully-furnished safari tents, and a wildlife expert will take you on a cool torchlight tour of the zoo. If you are still here on 3 June, head to the River Thames to catch the river pageant.
If you cannot make it by June, don’t worry. Book a luxury travel package for early August, so that you reach London in time for the Olympic Games.
