London Map Anyone?
So how do visitors to the capital find there way
around? Firstly you need a good online london
map with which you can not only search for locations but you
can find routes from one location to another, and also you can view
the underground
tube lines as they are really located (the official london tube
map is not a true location map).
Taxis are an excellent way to avoid the masses
and get straight to your destination, so here are our six top tips
for taxi travel:
1. The Iconic London Black
Cab
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It's a sight as inherently 'London' as the red Routemaster Bus and
Big Ben, but there's more to the black cab than just aesthetic value.
Each Black Cab driver has studied for two years to pass 'The
Knowledge' exam before becoming a registered driver, so you
know you're in good hands. Black Cabs are the only taxis legally
allowed to pick up passengers from the side of the road, so you
can flag one down whenever their yellow 'Taxi' light is lit; or
you could try out our next tip!
2. Flag No More!
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Gone are the days of standing on the pavement, wildly flapping your
arms in the hope of attracting a taxi. Thanks to the wonders of
modern satellite technology all we need to do now is pick up the
phone. London's new 'Zingo' (phone 08700 700 700) system puts you
straight through to whichever of their 800 registered black cab
drivers is nearest to you. Just arrange your pick-up point with
them, and 'hey presto'... door-to-door service
at the click of your fingers! (Phone 08700 700 700)
3. Just For Women
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London is known as one of the safest big cities in the world - however
it's still a good idea to take care. For ladies travelling alone
or after dark to and from your hotel
london, Lady Cabs is a popular and reputable cab service
run exclusively by women for women, so you can be sure you'll be
picked up safely by a qualified lady driver. (Phone 020 7272 3300)
4. Cheaper Airport Transfers
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If you're travelling in a group of four or more and are planning
to take the express train from Heathrow airport, why not save yourself
a few quid? As our taxi driver pointed out to us the other day -
four Heathrow
Express tickets at £13 = £52 plus a taxi fare to your hotel comes
to a total of around £62; but a black cab straight from the airport
to your central London
hotels comes to about £45! Door-to-door service at a snip!
5. Engage In A Bit Of Taxi Banter
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There are few experts more up to speed on all things London than
your black cab driver. Famously knowledgeable,
the London cab driver makes an excellent tour guide / historian
/ social commentator, or even celebrity gossip. 'Taxi banter' can
be first class 'in-flight' entertainment - but a word of warning:
once you get them going, you're in it for the long haul, a London
cabbie can talk your socks off! Before you know it they'll be telling
you all about the last time they stayed in serviced
apartments cardiff. You've been warned.
6. Silver Service
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One taxi company, 'Addison
Lee' has taken the concept of a taxi firm to a new level. When
you call them for a taxi, you can expect nothing but the best treatment.
They quote you a competitive price and estimated time of arrival
over the phone, send a text message to say your car has arrived,
and provide air con, electric doors, satellite navigation and a
suited and booted driver as standard. For expert mini cab service,
these guys really are the business! (Phone 020 738 7888)
And finally some tips on where to stay. For theatre
lovers the strand
palace hotel is an essential destination. Steeped in history
and having been transported through time following numerous refurbishments,
this hotel is comfortable and perfectly located.
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