We are planning a trip to London in June. Is the current "Rick Steves London" book, released in 2024, still current enough? (The next version should come out right as well leave -- so not much use for planning!)
We haven't been since 1997, so obviously anything will be helpful, and I do know about the updates on the web site; mostly I am curious about how much "drift" there will have been since the book's release.
Thanks!
2024 will be reasonably accurate; just like any guidebook, you will need to verify hours and prices on websites and check recent reviews.
You can check for updates to the guidebook here:
https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/england/guidebook-updates
There are some updates for London.
For planning purposes, yes. I mean, is it deal breaker if admission went up 1 or 2 GBP? Generally, verify any plans by checking their website, but most of the sights are still there, maybe restaurants are shifted around, but you should be fine.
It's fine for historic sites and landmarks that do not move. Buckingham Palace will not change between the date of publication and today.
Just be warned that some things, particularly related to culture and life, are frustratingly inaccurate and it can pay dividends to do further research.
For example, it blows my mind that this is still the current advice on travel money. It suggests getting cash from an airport atm on arrival (terrible idea), implies that cash is useful at all when almost all of Europe is cash free now, and says things like "multicurrency accounts are only useful for frequent travellers", which is just bizarre, they are perfect for either one trip or several.
No guidebook should be taken 100% at face value. Even when first printed, they are nearly a year old.
It's best to use a guidebook for general reference and then check onlline at the site/hotel/restaurants own website for updates.
I am using the guidebook for my trip in May. There are definitely changes, so check websites for dates, prices, and any special exhibits. However, in general, I found it really good for general planning, the walks are excellent. Timeout London is a good resource for current openings, restaurants, etc.
Just returned from London using the last England book, and things worked out brilliantly. The only things are that prices may have changed and hours. And maybe some recommended restaurants or guides aren’t quite the same. So, you should always confirm with the hotels, sites, restaurants, and guides you’re booking. But for the basic travel planning, the 2024 guide should be a good place to start.
I would second Olivia's comment a out money. When I was in London in September 2025 almost ever place I visited/shopped at was cashless. I did take a small amount of cash that I used to tip taxi drivers and to top up my Oyster card.
And to add to that, you don't actually need an Oyster card (you can tap your contactless credit or debit card instead), and if you really want to tip a taxi driver, the card reader gives tou an option for that.
I agree with Olivia re Rick's view on multi currency accounts being only useful for frequent travelers. They don't cost any more (at least mine doesn't), so why not? It's also useful if you have family overseas and want to send money.
Evenings in June are blessings to be tasted in a park from a picnic.
Watch children play and lovers of all ages walk while dusks falls.
Savor moments by pausing to inhale your surroundings.
Create memories of a wonderful journey.
I agree with Rick’s statement where he says, ” But if your European travels are limited to the occasional vacation, multicurrency accounts are likely overkill; it's easier to stick with a fee-free credit card.”
Multi-currency accounts are not offered by most U.S. banks so many Americans would need to switch to one of the larger multi-national banks to open one. This would absolutely be overkill for a 2 week vacation.
