Saving Money in London This Summer
Don't Give Up Your British Vacation - Read Tips on How to Save Some Money
My first two suggestions are always - 1) Book a cruise because you'll pay in US dollars and be sure to book the ship's shore excursions because - again - you're using the US dollar. 2) Take a tour - you'll pay in US dollars, is self contained, includes most meals and anything that is packaged will usually be less expensive than paying for each component separately.
If you plan to extend that cruise or tour by a few "land days" in London or elsewhere in England, or traveling independently, here are some helpful tips.
First, check with your travel agent to see if the "cruise" or "tour" rate for the extra night(s) is less expensive than booking a hotel night(s) independently. (TIP: When you book it through the cruiseline and/or tour vendor, the rate usually includes transportation - from the pier to the hotel, hotel to the airport, etc. - and taxes, so that might be the best value.)
In London, buses are less expensive than taking the Tube - and more scenic too.
Don't forget those FF miles and the reward points that might work for your hotels.
Check out the B & B's - often less than a hotel and some of those breakfasts are full breakfast which means you could just get a snack at lunch time (saving a little bit more.)
Always ask what discounts you can get with your hotel room rate (AAA, senior, etc. ) and - ask again when you check in. Then, be sure to ask what extra amenities they can offer you - when you first inquire, then when you arrive at the hotel.
Location...LOCATION...LOCATION!!! That less expensive hotel room will end up costing you more if you use up the difference in travel expenses and travel time between your hotel and the sites you'll be visiting. However, if you're just staying overnight, staying near an airport might make more sense if you're not going into the city center.
For areas outside of London, check out the Great British Heritage Pass - if you're going to visit certain price sites, it might save you a bit of quid. Visit their website at britishheritagepass.com for more information.
Think local for both shopping and dining out. The full-time residents of any community know the best eateries, shops, etc. And, when shopping, look for souvenir items to be made locally - they should be less expensive and will be genuine.
Looking for the best value on theatre tickets? Check out broadwaybox.com - they often have theatre ticket/dinner package deals which are less expensive than just the tickets alone will run you at the ticket office.
BON VOYAGE!
Published by L. V. Paganini
Virtuoso travel advisor, specializing in custom trips to Europe, cruises, groups (including fundraisers) and luxury travel Freelance writer who has enjoyed being in the marketing and hospitality/travel bu... View profile
- 5 Ways to Save Money on Your Summer Vacation
- Spain: The Ultimate Summer Vacation
- Summer Vacation at Home - Try a Home Vacation This Summer
- Five Natural Wonders in America You Have to See During Summer Vacation
- Best Places for a Summer Picnic in Central London
- Where to Find the Best Cycling Trails in London
- How to Maintain Your Weight While on Vacation
- In London, buses are less expensive than taking the Tube - and more scenic too.
- Always ask what discounts you can get with your hotel room rate
- Looking for the best value on theatre tickets? Check out broadwaybox.com -
4 Comments
Post a CommentHello again, Angie.
Lucky you! to get to go to London so often. And, I've never seen anything outside of London -yet! Wish I could go at least once a year.
I'm sorry but I intentionally keep some of it a bit vague. Travel offers and prices changes constantly so it's best to check everything out every time you plan to go to get the best deal at that moment.
Regarding the dollar vs the British pound & the Euro - looks like our dollar will be in the tank for quite awhile longer so paying with US currentcy is usually (not always!) a good idea.
Lois
Yes, I'm in London and the Midlands frequently. I still stand by my comments. And paying for things in US dollars doesn't automatically mean you'll get a better deal. Based on the international value of the US dollar, prices will rise or fall. I would have liked to have seen more information tailored specifically to London rather than vague "maybe try this" type of one-size-fits-all info. Sorry!
Hi Angie,
Thanks for your comments...and my reply -
On the hotel location, if you're staying overnight (perhaps I should have added and not going into the city,) the airport hotels might be less expensive - worth checking out at least.
I didn't say the B & B were less expensive - I said they might be - again, worth checking out.
Regarding the cruise, I wasn't necessarily thinking of a transatlantic cruise, but a cruise that started/ended in London so you're "already there" and can stay an extra day (or 2 or 3) to see the sights. A cruise (and a tour) is always less expensive if you're paying with US dollars when the dollar is down the the Euro/British pound, etc. is up.
I book tours to London & TA cruises (oops, that's Transatlantic cruises) but haven't personally been there in a long time. Have you been there recently? My ex-boss was there a few months ago (again!) and gave us employees some good travel tips.
Okay article but a few issues. The Tube is not only less expensive for most journeys than the buses but more convenient and quick. London has one of the best Underground systems in the world. B&B's are notoriously expensive in London proper and usually moreso than reasonably clean and comfortable hotels, especially in the theatre district. Although in most cities, staying near an airport might save you money, this is not the case in staying near Heathrow. Also, taking a cruise from the US to London? How would that work? If it exists, it would be the most boring, rough, and expensive cross-Atlantic cruise in the history of the world and would require weeks of vacation time. Take a flight. You can also get those in US dollars. You don't need meals or lodging because you get there in 5-8 hours instead of 5-8 days.