Our European Summer Adventure took us from London to Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Brussels, and Paris. We experienced so much along the way that we decided to share the journey through several posts, giving each destination and special experience the space it deserves.

The first leg of our vacation started at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey. While waiting to check in, we met the sweetest young couple who were traveling to Portugal to get married. Their family and friends were meeting them there for the ceremony. Portugal is one of our favorite countries, so we were excited for them. We had a lovely conversation, wished them well, and then went our separate ways. You just never know who you will meet during your travels.

We got in line to check in for our flight, and that is where things took a turn. When we booked through American Airlines, our route included a layover at Heathrow Airport and then another flight from London City Airport. I assumed that since London was only a layover, we would not need an Electronic Travel Authorization, also known as an ETA.

The agent explained that because we had to go through customs, collect our luggage, and leave Heathrow Airport, we were officially entering the United Kingdom. That meant we needed an ETA before we could board our flight. An ETA is a digital travel authorization that certain travelers need before traveling to the United Kingdom. Since travel requirements can change, always check what documents you will need before an international trip.

The agent told us we could not board without it and that approval could take up to three working days. Raun and I looked at each other when she said three days.

We stepped out of line and immediately started the application process on our phones. The biggest problem was taking clear photos of our passports without glare. Try doing that in an airport filled with bright lights.

After about 20 minutes, we finally found a darker area where we could take the pictures. Once the photos were accepted, the rest of the process moved quickly. We paid the fee, submitted our applications, and thankfully, both were approved almost instantly.

We returned to the check-in agent, received our boarding passes, and could finally relax. Yes, we needed a few drinks after that.

Our flight to London was smooth. After landing at Heathrow, we went through customs, collected our luggage, and headed to the taxi queue. We needed a large vehicle because we had quite a few bags with us. That is when we met our driver, Patrick O’Neil.

I asked Patrick about London City Airport because neither of us had heard much about it. He explained that it is often used by business travelers flying between London, Rotterdam, and other European cities. When we told him that we had about five hours before our next flight, he offered to give us a short tour of London instead of taking us directly to the airport to sit for hours.

Of course, we said yes.

As we drove through London, Patrick told us about the neighborhoods, landmarks, and buildings we passed. He took us to Buckingham Palace, where we stopped long enough to take a quick photo. We then headed to Big Ben so Raun could take pictures while I recorded a video.

Our timing could not have been better. Just as I started recording, Big Ben began to chime. It was one of those unexpected travel moments that made the beginning of our vacation even more memorable.

Patrick, if you are reading this, thank you for being charming, professional, quick-witted, and so knowledgeable about your city. You turned what could have been a long and tiring London layover into an enjoyable introduction to the city.

Patrick provides airport pickups, drop-offs, and private tours. He made sure we saw a few of London’s famous landmarks and still got us to London City Airport with enough time to enjoy lunch before our flight. Raun and I will definitely reach out to him the next time we travel to London.

Sometimes the unplanned moments become some of the best parts of a trip. What began with a stressful check-in ended with Big Ben chiming, a quick visit to Buckingham Palace, and a new travel connection we will always remember.

After lunch at London City Airport, it was time to board our next flight. The next stop on Our European Summer Adventure was Rotterdam, where three days of music at the North Sea Jazz Festival were waiting for us.