People often think of traveling to London as romantic, adventurous and expensive. With a record number of tourists visiting London, the city obviously has a lot to offer and if you know what resources to tap into, you can see the home of Big Ben and Buckingham Palace without draining your entire bank account. If you are looking at London for your next travel destination but want to do it on a budget, here are a few things to consider while visiting London.
Accommodations
Looking at hotel rooms in London may make your head explode with dollar signs so looking for an Airbnb is a great discount option. Also take note that the closer you are to the city the more expensive it will be to stay. Consider finding accommodations a little farther from the city lights to save. There are hundred of apartments available if you know where to look.
Transportation
Look into purchasing an Oyster Card. This handy card is a pass into London’s public transportation system. Like most public transportation systems, you can load the Oyster Card with multiple rides where you will be traveling.
Dining Out
No matter where you travel in the world, you can find good grub on the cheap and the city of London is no different. Look out for delis or small markets where you can grab a quick (and inexpensive) bite to eat. Don’t be afraid to ask the locals of any quaint places they would recommend. If you’re in the mood for a more social and indulgent experience, you might want to explore a bottomless brunch in London, where you can enjoy unlimited drinks alongside delicious dishes. Also if you are staying at an Airbnb or a hotel room, make sure your accommodations have a kitchen so you can cook several meals in versus spending your funds on expensive meals out on the town.
Activities
With big cities, there is typically more of everything. More people, more traffic, and luckily if you are a traveler there are more free things to do. London is no exception with a treasure trove of free things that it offers if you know where to look. The Museum of London and the British Museum are free and if you can’t get enough of museums it may be worth the extra money to buy a London Pass, which will grant you access to over 30 attractions and provides public transportation. If you want to look at some beautiful outdoor attractions visit Kensington Gardens or Hyde Park. Also look for free walking tours of the city, usually provided by local students or volunteers who help you navigate through the city.
Funding your trip to London either through dipping into your savings or taking out a loan can be stressful enough. Once you get to London you can have a great travel experience on a budget.
