6 Tips for Saving Money in London

6 Tips for Saving Money in London

Saturday, July 2nd, 2011

Contrary to popular perception, travelling is not an activity that requires a large amount of funds. You don’t have to remortgage the house and flog off your jewelry collection just to travel the world.

Many intrepid travelers have found ways of seeing the riches and wonders of the world on a tight travel budget.

Forbidden London give us 6 tips to save money when travelling to London.

1. Stick with your budget

Budget travelling starts with having a budget, and sticking to it. Have an idea of how much you can spare for your travels and of the total amount of cash, the percentage that you will need for food, accommodation, tours, and entertainment. Knowing your limits will help you to decide on what you can and cannot afford.

2. Go overland

The spin off from saving money is splurging on time. Instead of flying cross country, you can hop on the bus or the train to get you where you want to go. Both of these overland options will be cheaper and have better views than a seat in a distant airplane in the clouds. Furthermore, buses and trains are a great way of meeting the locals and seeing the sights.

3. Walk around

Many tourist bus passes sold in major cities are geared towards those of a less sedentary nature. Budget travelers do not have the luxury of being ferried around on a double decker bus while seeing the sights. Instead, take to the streets with your own two feet. Most of the greatest cities in the world, like London, Paris and New York City are imminently suited to exploration by foot. You never know what you’ll discover!

4. Stay in a hostel

The hostelling industry has come a long way since the days of flea infested beds and cold water showers. These days, many hostels rival two or three star hotels in terms of comfort, value and cleanliness. Dorm rooms are the cheapest option, with some dorms as small as four to a room, to others with eight or even twelve. Some hostels offer same sex accommodation, private double rooms and ensuites. Most have a communal kitchen, library, living area and internet connection. Staying in a hostel during your travels can cut your accommodation expenses in half.

5. Cook your own meals

Having an access to a kitchen can help to save money. You can cook your own meals and prepare packed lunches, which reduce travel costs significantly. Buy fresh food, fruits and drinks from a local grocery store, where the markups and margins are lower than in restaurants. Treat yourself to a feast of local delicacies, bought from a local market, for a fraction of the price.

6. Look out for deals

There are deals and bargains aplenty – you just have to know where to look. Do your research before embarking on your travels. For example, London restaurants offer cheap meals during Restaurant Week, and Parisien bistros advertise good value prix fixe menus during the day. There are often free activities and discounts on entertainment such as from the tkts booth at Times Square, New York City. In Rome, entrance to historical sights is free on the last Sunday of the month.



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1 Comment

  1. Leading Hostels says:

    Great advice for saving money when visiting to London! Thanks, I’ll definitely be staying at one of your recommended London hostels!

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