Five Weeks to London: Counting Down to a Culinary Travel Adventure

By Dirk Ebener - October 31, 2025

“As the film “Tracks” reminds us, every journey is less about what we take and more about what we leave behind.” (written by Marion Nelson, based on Robyn Davidson’s memoir)

There’s a particular kind of excitement that settles in when the countdown begins — not months away, but just five short weeks before a long-awaited journey. London has been calling me for months now, and the sight of its black taxis gliding past red telephone booths fills my imagination more than ever.

Those small icons — so unmistakably British — symbolize everything I love about the city: tradition wrapped in modern motion. I can already picture myself stepping out of one of those classic taxis after that long overnight flight, the crisp December air brushing my face as I breathe in the scent of roasted chestnuts and rain-damp cobblestones.

Somewhere in the distance, a red bus hums down Bayswater Road, and I know — the countdown is real. It’s the final stretch — five weeks left — and the anticipation is as electric as the city lights that will soon flicker around me.

Each trip has its rhythm, and this one is starting to hum with purpose. My “Eating London for £60 a Day” adventure is taking shape with every passing day. The flights are booked, the hotel near Kensington Gardens confirmed, and now comes the part I secretly love the most — the preparation.

I spend quiet evenings scrolling through maps of Borough Market, Camden, and Covent Garden, tracing routes between street food stalls and hidden cafés. My notes are filled with names like Dishoom, Flat Iron, and The Churchill Arms — places I’ve dreamt of tasting, smelling, and experiencing. It’s not just about eating in London; it’s about living in London, one bite and moment at a time.

I can almost hear the hum of the Underground, feel the weight of my Oyster card in my hand, and imagine the steam rising from a takeaway cup of tea as I stroll along the Thames on a brisk winter morning. In my mind, I’m already there — camera in one hand, journal in the other, ready to capture every flavor and feeling.

These final five weeks aren’t just about waiting; they’re about getting ready to fully experience what’s ahead. Preparation is part of the journey itself, and it heightens the joy of arrival. Enjoy reading "Five Weeks to London: Counting Down to a Culinary Travel Adventure."

The Magic in the Waiting

Travel has always been my reminder that anticipation is its own kind of magic. There’s beauty in the countdown — in those late nights reading about local food markets, in testing out new camera settings, and in wondering which unplanned corner of London will become my favorite.

I’ve learned that travel doesn’t begin when the plane lands; it starts now, in the small steps and quiet moments of preparation. This is where excitement turns into intention, and curiosity becomes connection.

Practical Tips for the Five-Week Countdown

With five weeks to go, it’s the perfect time to lay the groundwork for a smoother, richer trip — one that lets you spend more time exploring and less time troubleshooting.

1. Finalize Logistics Early.

Double-check your flight times, seat selection, pre-order meal, transportation, and accommodation details. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after travel. Create a printed and digital copy of all confirmations — flight, hotel, transportation, and tours — so they’re easily accessible offline. It might help with a speedier transition through immigration in London.

2. Organize Your Budget.

The amount of £60 a day may sound modest, but with London’s incredible mix of food stalls, bakeries, and neighborhood pubs, it should be more than enough. Download a currency conversion app and set a daily budget tracker on your phone. Knowing where your pounds are going means you’ll enjoy every purchase guilt-free — whether it’s a curry at Brick Lane or a full English breakfast in Notting Hill.

3. Plan for Practical Comforts.

December in London can bring cold rain, so pack a waterproof jacket and pants, comfortable shoes, and a small umbrella. Break in your boots now — not during your first day walking from the Tower Bridge to Borough Market.

4. Get Your Tech Ready.

Make sure your phone is unlocked for international use, call your phone service provider to learn more about their international packages, update your map apps, and carry a portable charger. I also like to preload key places on Google Maps — restaurants, museums, or Tube stations — so I can navigate even without Wi-Fi.

5. Embrace the Research.

Watch travel vlogs or read blogs by locals who share restaurant reviews and off-the-beaten-path experiences. I’ve discovered that the best food often hides behind modest doors or inside small markets where regulars gather.

Moments Between Now and Departure

This week, I sat at my kitchen table with a cup of Earl Grey — a small gesture to get in the London spirit — and spread out my itinerary. I imagined walking through Portobello Road Market on a Saturday morning, surrounded by antiques, vintage jackets, and the scent of sizzling food from nearby stalls.

I could almost feel the first drizzle of rain, see the warm glow of pub windows, and hear the chatter of Londoners huddled over Sunday roasts. It’s not just a trip anymore; it’s a vision taking form, one list and one plan at a time. And somehow, the process itself brings as much joy as the journey will.

Stepping Into the Story

In travel, the last few weeks before departure are a mix of restless excitement and gentle introspection. They remind you to slow down and be intentional — to ask not just what you’ll see, but how you want to feel. For me, London is more than a destination; it’s a rekindling of curiosity, a celebration of discovery, and a way to remind myself why I fell in love with the road in the first place.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: preparation isn’t about control, it’s about readiness — the kind that allows you to step into the unknown with an open heart and a curious mind. So, as I count down these final five weeks, I’m not just checking boxes.

I’m savoring the build-up, dreaming of flavors, and getting ready to explore and live London for twelve unforgettable days — taking it all in, one bite, one step, and one story at a time.

Dirk Ebener is the founder and creator behind the Food Blogger Journey website, drawing on over 40 years of international travel across more than 60 countries. His global adventures have deepened his understanding of regional cuisines, local customs, and the powerful connection between food and culture. From bustling street markets in Asia to quiet vineyard dinners in Europe, Dirk captures authentic culinary experiences through immersive storytelling. Through Food Blogger Journey, he invites readers to explore the world one dish and step at a time.

© 2025 Food Blogger Journey. All rights reserved. The experiences, opinions, and photos this blog shares are based on personal travel and culinary exploration. Reproduction or distribution of content without written permission is prohibited.

Follow the journey on Instagram @FoodBloggerJourneys.

Interesting Hashtags

#FoodBloggerJourneys #EatingLondonFor60 #LondonFoodAdventure #TravelCountdown #LondonInDecember #FoodAndTravelStories #CulinaryJourney #ExploreLikeALocal #WanderWithTaste #TravelDreams