You plan on visiting one of the most exciting cities in the world, and the most visited city anywhere. I would like to pass on some tips to help you fit in with the locals and make the most of your trip.

1. KEEP A LOW PROFILE: You are a guest in London, and if you are loud and act out, you will not make a great impression on the locals. Keep your voice at a normal level, and don't call attention to yourself. I know you will be excited, but making demands and talking loudly about how everything is better where you come from, is never a good idea. Look at this as a learning situation, and soak up as much of the ambiance as you can. You will be back to your old routine soon enough, take the time to learn about the different cultures that make up the London Population. Remember, you can hear much better when you listen quietly. Things will be different than they are at home, take it in stride and if you don't understand something, ask about it politely. The British are known for their genteel manor, and are a people of culture. Use the manners your mother tried to teach you and you should have smooth sailing during your stay.

2. LEARN ABOUT THE PEOPLE OF LONDON: London is a huge melting pot of different cultures, and many Londoner's are from the Caribbean, India, and the Middle East. I find different cultures fascinating and am like a sponge when I come into contact with someone from another country and culture. Don't assume the two men conversing in a foreign language are not British, as they may have been born in Britain but practice a different culture. There are also a large number of different religious backgrounds among Londoner's. London has, and will continue to, see a large influx of tourists and the migration of people from other countries. Many people will continue to make a new home in London. Londoner's may have a reserved attitude, don't let that throw you. They are quite a private lot, and if you offer too much information about yourself when you are first introduced, they may not give you the warmest reception. It can be a bit difficult to get a Londoner to open up or speak to you freely until they know you a bit better. You should take care not to come on to strongly on a first meeting.

3. DRESS LIKE A NATIVE: Most women in London dress in jeans when they are not working or attending a function. If you are from the US you should fit right in. The fashion is pretty much the same there. Men dress casually in jeans as well as women.

4. LEARN THE LANGUAGE: As with anywhere in Europe you may travel, Londoner's use different words for certain items that you may not. Such as "lift" for elevator or "mobile" for cell phone. If you listen you will pick up the lingo in no time and be able to speak the language. You may be referred to as a "septic", don't be offended. Know that is a rhyming cockney slang (septic tank- yank). It really doesn't mean you smell bad, just laugh it off, as it isn't meant as an insult. If you are spoken to and do not understand, do not say pardon or what. Instead reply with "Sorry?" and you will do well. Never fake an English accent, it will seem as if you are making fun of the way they speak, they will be able to tell what you are doing and may be very offended.