September 2024 marked the beginning of something big – my very first solo-ish adventure. I had originally booked a birthday trip for February 2025, but let’s be honest… I couldn’t wait that long. The wanderlust was real, and Scotland had been whispering my name for years. So I did what any impatient dreamer would do: I booked a trip.
And not just any trip – I booked with a travel group I’d never used before and honestly, never heard of. Total leap of faith. My mom was not thrilled (hi, Mom!), but I was determined. Scotland was calling, and I was finally answering.
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Booking Boldly
I’m a big fan of off-season travel – fewer crowds, better vibes, and way better airline mile redemption options. I’d been hoarding my American Airlines miles like a dragon guarding treasure, and I finally cashed them in for a Business Class seat. Lay-flat seats? Yes, please. (Just one way though, because balance.)
With flights booked and my travel group confirmed, I was officially on my way. First stop: London.
London in a Day
Our group was meeting at a train station in London at 4pm, but my flight landed just before 7am. That gave me a glorious window to cram in as much of London as possible. Enter: travel apps.
I discovered Stasher, an app that helps you find places to store your luggage for a small fee at hotels, shops, even mom-and-pop cafés. I booked a spot near the train station ahead of time (probably not necessary, but I wasn’t taking chances).
After customs, I chilled in the arrivals lounge – thanks, Business Class perks! Funny story: I didn’t realize the lounge was after baggage claim and customs, so I ended up changing and freshening up in the bathroom by luggage claim. Honestly? A blessing in disguise. The lounge was sweltering, and the bathroom was cooler. Win.
Navigating Like a Local
I used the Rome2Rio app to navigate public transportation, and it was a game-changer. There’s a train station right in Heathrow, and for about $10, I made it to my destination with ease. (Meanwhile, others in my group shared with me that they paid over $200 for an Taxi. Oof.)
With my luggage stashed and the sun shining, I had six hours to explore. First stop: Buckingham Palace.
Royal Surprises & Fictional Queens
Buckingham was stunning – and packed. Turns out I arrived just in time for the Changing of the Guard (or whatever the official name is). Music, marching, the whole royal shebang. It was magical.
Side note: I was mid-read of Kingdom of Ash at the time, and I couldn’t help but picture Aelin ruling her kingdom from behind those gates. I laughed at myself, but hey, fictional queens deserve their moment too.
Wandering with Wonder
After the parade, I wandered through the adjacent park and stumbled upon a house once lived in by Henry VIII. Totally unplanned, totally cool. From there, I made my way to Big Ben (aka Elizabeth Tower), snapping photos of anything that caught my eye. It was chaotic, spontaneous, and perfect.
Eventually, hunger won. I hopped on a bus and ended up at a random brewery near the subway station. No frills, just good food and a much needed break.
Rookie Mistakes & Sweet Moments
I returned to the train station early, only to realize I forgot the very specific charger for my power bank. So yes, I now own a power bank from London. Classic. Pro tip: get one that has relatively universal ports (USB-A & USB-C) like this one.
Exhausted but happy, I grabbed a treat and settled in for some people-watching. My first solo-ish trip had officially begun – and it was already unforgettable.
FAQ: London Layovers & First‑Time Solo‑ish Travel
How long was your London layover? I had about six hours between leaving Heathrow and meeting my group at the train station. It was just enough time to stash my luggage, see a few highlights, and grab a bite before heading north.
What’s the best way to get from Heathrow into central London? I used the train directly from Heathrow – it cost me around $10 and was quick and easy. Apps like Rome2Rio make navigating public transport a breeze. Taxis can run over $200, so the train is definitely the budget‑friendly choice.
What is Stasher, and how does it work? Stasher is a luggage storage app that connects you with hotels, shops, and cafés where you can safely leave your bags for a small fee. It freed me up to explore without dragging a suitcase through Buckingham Palace crowds.
What did you see in London with just a few hours? I managed Buckingham Palace (and caught the Changing of the Guard by chance), wandered through nearby parks, spotted a house once lived in by Henry VIII, and made my way to Big Ben. It was a whirlwind, but totally worth it.
Was it intimidating to start your first solo‑ish trip this way? Yes and no. Traveling alone to meet a group felt bold, but it was also freeing. I could set my own pace, make rookie mistakes (like forgetting my power bank charger), and laugh at myself along the way. That’s the beauty of solo‑ish travel – you’re independent, but not entirely on your own.
Any tips for first‑time solo travelers with a London layover?
Always carry a backup charger… or be prepared to buy one as a souvenir.
Break your time into chunks: one or two big sights, a meal, and some wandering.
Use luggage storage so you’re not weighed down.
Don’t overplan – leave room for surprises (like fictional queens popping into your imagination at Buckingham Palace).
A few more snapshots from the journey. Click to dive in and see them up close.
Solo-ish Journeys 
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