London- one of the most beautiful cities in the world, famous for its outstanding historical landmarks, but also for being one of the most expensive destinations in the world. Some people tend to think that you can have fun in London only with a lot of cash on hand, we are here to prove that London is full of affordable places to visit and experience the culture. If you are looking for a student travel guide to make your trip to London budget-friendly, but still see all of the best hangouts, then this is the right place to do so.
Basic of how to travel on a budget is solid planning. If possible, plan your trip timely. See the best deals for plane tickets, usually going on the weekend is going to be more expensive than going to the middle of the week. Do not forget to do your research on the hotels. See the best offers, check out hostels and Airbnb. Planning and getting better value deals on your plane tickets and hotel can save you a ton of money, so definitely don’t slack on that one.
Once in London, the easiest and the most obvious way to budget travel is walking around. Regardless of London being a big city, it’s center is walkable. You will be able to see a lot and save some coin. If you are interested in getting to know the history of London, but taking a tour bus is over your budget, consider going on a free guided city tour. Tour is guided by a local, at the end of the tour it is common to tip the guide.
You are in London, it is only natural to want to go to the world-famous attractions. They tend to be on the expensive side, but again, planning is the key here. Book your visit in advance, a lot of attractions offer a cheaper price when booking online.
London gives you a great selection of free museums to visit, look them up before your arrival. If museums are your thing and free selection is not enough, consider investing in a London Pass. It includes a free pass to several attractions in London, a sightseeing bus tour as well as public transportation pass. It is perfect if you are traveling for school research and need a lot of information about London and what it has to offer to be able to write a top article about it. When visiting stores or cafes check if they have any discounts for London Pass owners.
If you know that you won’t take the full advantage of a London Pass, but still need to move around the city Oyster Card is your best bet. You can load your public transportation tickets on it, making it half the price of buying a single ticket.
A large amount of your budget will go towards eating. When traveling usually we can’t cook at home in our kitchen and save money this way. Eating out can be pricey, especially in London. Luckily street food is widely spread in London. Food stalls are everywhere you go and you are going to find something to eat at a reasonable price. If the weather allows visiting a flea market and find some local goods. Eating does not have to be expensive nor affordable option does not have to taste bad, look around and you will find some gems in there!
Finally, the best tips for college students- as a student always have your student card with you and never be afraid to ask for a student discount. Some places are not going to have a sign for that so always ask.
When visiting London follow these tips to make your visit go as smoothly as possible. Do your research and plan your activities. Spending a little bit more time planning is going to make a huge difference. You should consider which options suit you best. London is fun, classy and filled with history, you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy all of its beauty. Traveling for a cheaper cost is possible and you can do it yourself. Make the most out of your stay with these simple steps and enjoy!
Authors bio:
Jeff Blaylock is an experienced freelance writer. He loves traveling around the world and lately, he made it a priority to start budgeting better. He takes a great interest in finding cost-friendly ways, while still enjoying every aspect of his travel.