gidlaurie

Hi Fodor Forumites,
I know that much of the European travel world is mostly concerned with air travel right now. I wish everyone affected much strength and patience and good luck!
In August, my brother and family will be visiting London. I live in Israel with my family. We would like to meet them somewhere but London itself seems quite expensive for our budget. Does anyone have any clever ideas of where we can meet that is an easy trip from London, and a major hub that we can fly to from Tel Aviv?? And one that is a somewhat reasonable cost for a few days vacation for a family of 6. I miss my brother and want to see them and London is so much closer to us than the States... THANKS!

jent103

Well, first of all, London can definitely be done inexpensively once you get there (I've done it several times). So if that's where you want to go, figure out your budget and we can help with the details. If you and your brother's family are okay with another destination, though, there are plenty to choose from. You can get to all kinds of places from London; I think the bigger issue is where you can get to easily from Tel Aviv, and I hope others can help there as I cannot. Rome was the first place I thought of (seems more or less halfway) but I'm sure there are other options.

hetismij

Several low cost airlines fly into Ben Gurion, so I would have a look at those and discuss with your brother where he would like to go if you decide not to join in him in London. Look at where low cost airlines fly to from London too, and of the destinations reachable from both see what takes your fancy.
Remember though that August is peak holiday time throughout Europe so hotels could be more expensive (unless you choose somewhere like Brussels where good deals can be had in August), and many will already be booked.

gidlaurie

Thank you - I'll play more with the idea of us going to London if you say we could find reasonable lodgings, and I'll also look at Brussels. I'd love more guidance about lodgings in London for a family of 6 on a budget! Thanks! Welcome more ideas, too!

janisj

"<i>I'd love more guidance about lodgings in London for a family of 6 on a budget!</i>"

We can -- IF you tell us what that budget is. W/o a number it is really hard to give useful advice.

WillTravel

One of the cheaper options you will find is London School of Economics student housing, which has the most availability, but probably corresponding demand, in August. See

http://www.lsevacations.co.uk/

So, if there is availability, you could get two triple rooms for a total of 69x2 = 138 pounds per night, which includes breakfast. That`s at Roseberry Hall, which is one of the cheaper options listed. It`s institutional (I`ve stayed there) but perfectly acceptable if you want to save money. Book quickly if you want this option.

You also have access to a kitchen, so you can save yet more money.

jent103

As janisj mentioned, a specific budget would really help us give you better suggestions. But until then and if LSE won't work, you can try looking on londontown.com. They have discounted rates and you can see exactly what hotel you're getting.