Heathrow Terminal 5

Posted by Carolyn

on August 6, 2008

Ahh, the travel bug has bitten again…hard. After a year and a half of exclusively traveling within the states, my recent trip to Europe has been an amazing distraction. I spent most of my return trip planning my next international excursions. (A trip to China this fall was already in the works, but I am most excited about possibly traveling to India and some Middle Eastern countries early next year).

The process of traveling itself comes with tons of hassles, but also a set of unique pastimes. For example, with the right companion, I could sit for hours in front of airport runways watching planes land and take off. I also immensely enjoy looking at where each plane is flying and imagine a future trip there. And lastly, I love (duh) hitting up as many duty free shops as I can.

Before my recent trip to London, I read up on Heathrow’s newest Terminal 5 – the recently completed hub of British Airways. This one terminal is actually the largest single span building in the UK. In addition to being huge, it is sleek and chic, bright and clean, and houses the best shopping you could find at any European airport. After 3 hours here, I am convinced that Terminal 5 is destination in itself.

The Bulgari store is situtated next to Smython, Coach and Tiffanys. Prada, Gucci, and Dior each have individual boutiques with full ranges of products. You can indulge your English side by shopping at Paul Smith, Ted Baker and Thomas Pink. If you’re on the list, you have a range of lounges to choose from and if you’re not- you can still enjoy fine dining at Gordan Ramsey.

My personal highlight of my stint at Terminal 5 was scoring the sunglasses I’ve been coveting for £145 (duty free of course) at the Bulgari store. The same pair on Fifth Ave retails for about $500. It’s no wonder I am such a big fan!!

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