We were so excited to finally kick off the 2026 Girls Go Global trip!

After goodbyes at the airport, we made our way through security without any issues. With a bit of time before boarding, the girls grabbed food and explored the terminal. The flight itself was smooth, and while everyone managed to get some rest, a few had trouble falling asleep.

We landed in London just before 7 a.m. We deplaned and cleared customs easily. After a bit of a wait, thanks to the usual Heathrow airport traffic, we boarded our bus and arrived at the hotel just before 10 a.m. Our hotel is located in Victoria, a busy and upscale neighborhood filled with restaurants and theatres.

There, we met our guide, Angela, a certified Blue Badge guide, one of the highest qualifications for tour guides in London. She spent the day with us, leading us on a comprehensive tour of many of the city’s most iconic sights and neighborhoods.

Our first stop was Buckingham Palace, where we watched the Changing of the Guard. We saw the Scots Guards, who were playing bagpipes, and the Welsh Guards, who played traditional band instruments, march from their barracks into the palace gates. Afterward, we explored the palace gardens and spotted more mounted guards. We then made our way to Horse Guards Parade, a large area where military parades take place to celebrate important occasions, such as the monarch’s birthday. We also arrived just in time to watch the Changing of the King’s Life Guard, where mounted guards in ceremonial attire hand over their duties.

From there, we headed to Trafalgar Square, near the traditional ‘center of London’, home to a monument celebrating Britain’s victory at the Battle of Trafalgar and the prominent National Gallery art museum. By this point, everyone was ready for lunch, so we went to a nearby pizza restaurant to refuel.

After lunch, we continued on to Piccadilly Circus and Chinatown, where the girls had some time to shop and explore. We then walked through Covent Garden, known for its vibrant markets, shops, restaurants, and street performers, before walking down to the riverfront.

At the river, we boarded a vintage double-decker bus from the 1960s for a guided tour of the city. We saw many more of London’s most famous landmarks, including St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge, the modern skyscrapers of the financial district, Parliament Square, Westminster Abbey, and Big Ben. The tour followed London’s history from its origins as a Roman settlement to the huge city it is today.

After the tour, we took the Tube, London’s subway system, back to the hotel. Once they were checked into their rooms, the girls had some time to relax. We headed to dinner at a nearby restaurant serving a mix of British classics and international dishes. During the meal, they also reflected on their experiences by writing in their journals.

We wrapped up the evening back at the hotel, reviewing plans for the next day before heading to bed. Everyone was understandably exhausted after such a full day of travel and exploration. Tomorrow, we’re looking forward to visiting St. Claudine’s School for Girls and seeing The Lion King!

With limited time in London, we were amazed at how much we were able to experience in just one day. We can’t wait to share more from Day Two!