Before you launch into weeks (or months) of responsibility-free fun in Europe, you’ll need to get some adult stuff out of the way first. Organise a pet (or plant) sitter, hand all your unfinished work over to your poor colleagues and, most importantly, sort out your payment plan. With an HSBC Everyday Global Account, you can have up to ten currencies (including GBP) preloaded so you can use your Visa Debit Card for all purchases and ATM withdrawals. The best part? You won’t be stung with international transaction fees.

The city has one of the most efficient (and recognisable) public transport systems in the world, namely the Underground (aka the ‘Tube’) and the iconic red doubledecker buses. Or, if you want to take things at a slower pace, hop aboard a river service down the Thames or hire one of the Santander Cycles (affectionately known as Boris Bikes) for a few hours. Good news: all options allow contactless card payments, so you’ll be good to go with your HSBC Visa Debit Card.

Just north of the bustling city centre is the green, slightly wild haven of Hampstead Heath. The 800-acre parkland is popular all year round for walking, cycling, celebrity spotting and kite-flying on Parliament Hill — which also boasts epic city views. In the warmer months, locals flock to the ice-cold swimming ponds for a dip. It’s so popular, in fact, that you’ll probably need to book.

Seeing a musical or play on the West End is a must for all theatre lovers. No matter when you visit, there are shows to choose between — from the world’s longest-running play, Agatha Christie’s murder mystery The Mousetrap, to the new Pulitzer Prize-winning musical A Strange Loop. Hot tip: head to the TKTS London stall in Leicester Square to snag huge discounts on last-minute tickets.