London on a Budget

London, England is notorious for high priced property, entertainment and food. Yet, London on a budget is surprisingly within your reach. Experiencing affordable London just takes some careful planning. Here are my top tips for enjoying London on a budget.

Getting to London on a budget

The cost of getting to London is your first big expense. However, there are lots of ways to get affordable travel rates to London. If you are travelling from outside the UK, check with affordable or budget airlines. Make sure they are reputable and safe however! STA travel is a great affordable travel agent which offers discounts for student travel. You need to prove you are a student and get an international student identity card to take advantage of student rates. STA has some good deals on travel from main airports such as New York and Chicago, to London. These deals are not always just for students but for all travellers. You can learn more by visiting the STA website shown at the end of this article. Remember, booking airline tickets well in advance and travelling in an off-peak season can result in significant savings on travel to London.

If you are already in the UK and want to travel to London, some insider knowledge will help you to find cheap travel to London. Public transportation is a great option because it means you won't have the hassle of a car (and finding parking) in London. The numerous train companies in the UK provide clean, usually efficient travel to London. You can save on ticket costs by booking as early as possible. Also, travelling in off-peak times (not during rush hour) is a way to save on travel to London. Alternatively, there are numerous busses which travel to London. This could be an option if your start point is not far from the city. Buses are a popular option because they are affordable. However, be prepared for the being packed close together with other travellers.

Entertainment in London on a budget

Once you get there are many things to do in London which don't cost much money. A walking tour is an excellent way to see the sights and it is free. Get a tourist guide book which includes suggestions for walking tours. Also, art museums are a good option because admission is often by donation.

Food in London on a budget

Visit a gastropub for a meal which has been prepared by a chef but which costs much less than fine dining. Other options for eating in London on a budget include visiting farmer's markets for fresh organic produce and preparing your own meals. A final tip: choose a bed and breakfast or hostel which includes breakfast as part of the accommodation fare. Eating a big brunch or breakfast will mean you will spend less on food when you are sightseeing in London.