Quick recap: My first trip to London was back in February 2019 for a Deloitte case competition, where teams competed to solve supply chain business challenges. It was an exciting and intense experience. It was during my broke, student days so London’s high costs meant I couldn’t explore much of the city.
Circa February 2019
Fast-forward five years, and the tables have turned. Thanks to Efficio, I returned to London, ready to explore the city. Whoever said revenge isn’t sweet clearly hasn’t been here twice.
Training with Efficio
This time, my trip was to attend Efficio’s offsite training – an immersive three-day experience designed to practice leadership and professional skills. The event also offered an incredible opportunity to network with colleagues from Efficio’s global offices including Lisbon, London, and New York.
Key takeaways from the training:
- Leadership and soft skills are a continuous journey – They require consistency, reflection, and intentionality to truly grow
- Diversity fuels creativity – Embracing differences unlocks creative thinking, a skill ranked #2 on the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2023
- Networking is essential – While it may seem daunting at first, the effort to build your professional and personal network is always worth it
Training day
A Chilly December in London
Travelling to London in December came with its challenges – the European winter was dark and freezing, but I still made the most of it.
After the training at The Lensbury Hotel, I headed to central London with a few colleagues. Soho became our base for a mix of exploration and relaxation. A short stroll to Chinatown led to a delightful dinner at Oita – great food, great company, and good vibes.
Our night continued with a scenic walk past Oxford Street, illuminated by stunning Christmas lights. The festive season brought an enchanting charm to London.
Christmas lights on Oxford street
A Night to Remember
The next evening was spent reconnecting with my TAG team. We attended Avora’s immersive cocktail tasting in Shoreditch. It was an eccentric mix of entertainment, creativity, and colorful cocktails – a must-try experience if you want to try something different in London.
Evening hangout with my TAG team
Later, we wandered Shoreditch’s lively streets, stopping by Old Street Records and The Blues Kitchen for live performances. The energy, crowd, and music made for an incredible end to the night.
Sightseeing Adventures
My last full day in London was all about sightseeing. With my travel buddy Abdelrahman, we packed the day with art and history stops, starting with The British Museum. Seeing the Rosetta Stone up close was awe-inspiring—imagining its journey through centuries of history and its role in unlocking ancient languages was a true highlight. The museum’s other treasures added layers to the experience, keeping our curious minds entertained.
Sightseeing in London
Next up, the National Gallery. Immersing ourselves in the stories behind paintings was pure joy. A quick photo op at Big Ben and Buckingham Palace followed, though the grim weather made the latter less impressive. Note to self: London’s landmarks shine better in sunny weather!
Pro tip: Plan your activities based on your interests, curiosity, and the weather for a richer London experience.
Trip Budget Breakdown
I didn’t keep an accurate track of my out-of-pocket expenses during the trip. However, over the three days I spent ~GBP 100 daily (~SAR 470) on food and transport.
What’s Next?
I’d love to visit London again, ideally during spring or summer, to enjoy cultural landmarks like The Tate Modern, Buckingham Palace, as well as catch an Afrobeats event.
As we kick off 2025, I hope this inspires you to jot down your own travel resolutions. Think about the places you’ve always dreamed of visiting, set specific goals, and maybe even share them with friends or family to stay accountable! Pick exciting destinations, plan ahead, and budget wisely to create an enjoyable travel experience.
Cheers to 2025 and the adventures ahead. Godspeed!
Follow Global Ville on social media for more travel inspiration
