London Post Offices can be really helpful to travellers. Often when travelling, you get the urge to send something to family or friends back home. Many visitors enjoy sending postcards depicting some of the interesting and scenic things they have seen while in London.

There are many Post Offices in London, although in recent years authorities have threatened to close quite a few of them due to budgetary concerns. Public outcry has been quite strong against the closure of these offices, however, so there are still many open.

Stamps can be purchased from many locations; shops such as newsagents and supermarkets will usually have them on hand.

First class postage starts at 39p and this is usually the most efficient way to send your mail as it will get to most places in the UK in one business day.

Second class mail is slightly less expensive, but it can take up to three days to get to a UK destination.

Mailing things overseas costs a bit more, as you might expect. Airmail postage starts at 60p and will usually get to the overseas destination in 3 to 5 business days.

If you are mailing a package internationally, you might want to opt for surface mail as it is quite a bit cheaper. However, surface mail can take from 2 to 12 weeks, so plan accordingly.

Going to a Post Office to send your letter or package is advisable when mailing things internationally to make sure that you have the correct amount of postage to get your mail to its destination.

If you are just sending a small letter or postcard, you can also use the red cylindrical letter boxes which are scattered around London to post your mail.

Travellers may want to take advantage of the Post Office's Poste Restante program where you can have your friends and family simply write to you at the address of the post office and they will hold your mail there for you to pick up.

The Post Office can make it easier to stay in touch with your life back home while travelling.

Photo courtesy: ljcybergal

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