Approximate daily budgeting for London- daily
Oct 29th, 2004, 08:49 PM
#21
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,873
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
true, most of the GBHP properties are outside the city, they do cover more than 600 places after all.
But if they only go to the few major sites I listed -- and no one could say the Tower, Tower Bridge, Hampton Court Palace and Windsor are not of interest to children -- kandKsmom would save over $100 w/ a seven-day pass. If she got a 4-day pass and concentrated HCP, Windsor, the Tower, Tower Br., and St Pauls in those 4 days she would still save over $60.
But if they only go to the few major sites I listed -- and no one could say the Tower, Tower Bridge, Hampton Court Palace and Windsor are not of interest to children -- kandKsmom would save over $100 w/ a seven-day pass. If she got a 4-day pass and concentrated HCP, Windsor, the Tower, Tower Br., and St Pauls in those 4 days she would still save over $60.
Oct 30th, 2004, 02:58 AM
#22
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,869
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
In July, Lady L and I arrived @ LGW on Thursday morning, spent two nights in London and two nights @ Hambleton Hall and returned to LGW Monday morning for our flight to Oporto.
We spent just over $5600. (US) in the UK, but my son's "rehearsal dinner" was smashing!
M
We spent just over $5600. (US) in the UK, but my son's "rehearsal dinner" was smashing!
M
Oct 30th, 2004, 06:21 AM
#24
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,323
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Mike, dear. This thread is about how to spend the least amount of money possible, did you read the question, or did you just want to show off to the rest of us that you "spent just over $5600. (US) in the UK"?
It's irrelevant, and quite frankly anyone calling their wife "Lady L" sounds utterly naff to me. Has this helped the poster who wants to economise? A resounding "no" I'm sure.
Next time you'd like to brag, why not have your own post dedicated to it?
It's irrelevant, and quite frankly anyone calling their wife "Lady L" sounds utterly naff to me. Has this helped the poster who wants to economise? A resounding "no" I'm sure.
Next time you'd like to brag, why not have your own post dedicated to it?
Oct 30th, 2004, 06:31 AM
#25
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
>Why the hell should the pound and the >euro be valued so much more than the >dollar. It totally sucks!
this comment is rediculous.its like complaining that a kilometer is shorter than a mile. if the pound lost half its value on world markets then londoners would charge you twice as much to eat at their resturant so they can make up for their increased cost of production.
one reason why the dollar is lower in value is the great dependance on middle east oil. Maybe if Americans switched from cars with smaller engines like Europeans use less oil would need to be imported.
as an example,libya has one of the 'strongest' rates,$2.2 to their dinar. they produce all the oil they need, sell the rest and buy very little from the rest of the world (due to import restrictions which result in shortages). where is the advantage you see of having a strong currency?
this comment is rediculous.its like complaining that a kilometer is shorter than a mile. if the pound lost half its value on world markets then londoners would charge you twice as much to eat at their resturant so they can make up for their increased cost of production.
one reason why the dollar is lower in value is the great dependance on middle east oil. Maybe if Americans switched from cars with smaller engines like Europeans use less oil would need to be imported.
as an example,libya has one of the 'strongest' rates,$2.2 to their dinar. they produce all the oil they need, sell the rest and buy very little from the rest of the world (due to import restrictions which result in shortages). where is the advantage you see of having a strong currency?
Oct 30th, 2004, 07:27 AM
#27
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,323
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you'd care to read my trip reports, I never ever go into details of how much I've spent per night, I believe I've mentioned once or twice some cost or other.
What use is it saying that they spent 5600USD in four days? Oh so clever. It's pointless information.
What use is it saying that they spent 5600USD in four days? Oh so clever. It's pointless information.
Oct 30th, 2004, 07:40 AM
#28
m_kingdom2, I skip your trip reports because your myopic view of the travelling universe is devoted to endless minutia about hotel interiors and fashion.
Bragging? You continually recommend exclusive clubs which you claim to frequent and then delight in telling the poster they're not important enough to be admitted.
Don't mention cost? You once recommended someone purchase a pair of 1200GBP trainers.
Whatever.
Bragging? You continually recommend exclusive clubs which you claim to frequent and then delight in telling the poster they're not important enough to be admitted.
Don't mention cost? You once recommended someone purchase a pair of 1200GBP trainers.
Whatever.
Oct 30th, 2004, 07:43 AM
#29
KandKsmom, I think 200GBP is a more realistic figure to work with for a daily budget. Consider too reposting your question as your itinerary evolves and I'll bet you get good suggestions for inexpensive places to eat near the sights you're planning to visit. What are the kids interested in doing?
Oct 30th, 2004, 08:52 AM
#33
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 12,885
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
<b>KandKsmom</b>,
You sound like a teriffic mom, and unless I'm mistaken you are also a teacher. I have never looked into this, but there may be some significant discounts available to teachers when traveling abroad. Ask around and also research the student/teacher travel sites. If nothing else you may be able to secure very inexpensive lodging through one of these organizations. I'm sorry I can't give you anymore info, but I do remember reading about things like that in travel magazines, internet forums, etc.
I hope you don't misunderstand my following offer. I would like to help you to experience London (my second favorite city in the world). I'm willing to offer dinner and theater evening out for you and the kids. You will be able to choose the night and the show. The dinner would be at one of the following places: Baltic, Wodka or Chez Kristof <b>www.balticrestaurant.co.uk</b> followed with theater performance of your choice.
No, this is not some offer to meet up. This will be handled strictly through mail with undated vouchers. You would make your own reservation and purchase tickets when you are there.
I really appreciate a young parent(s) trying to show their children as much as possible of the world. It paysoff in the future. Travel is the best education about respect, understanding and cooperation between nations and cultures.
I also understand how budget constraints sometimes prevent some of this, but your original post sounds very sincere. Your willingness to "do" extra things just so you can do this, shows me a mom/person that really cares.
In return I would like to help. This is NOT a charity and I hope you don't look at it this way, but it's a simple case of extending a little helping hand to a very deserving person.
Think about it and if you decide to contact me, please do so at:
<i>andrzej0614 at gmail . com</i>
Regardless, I hope you have a wonderful trip, and I hope your kids realize what a great mom they have. I also hope they enjoy London!
You sound like a teriffic mom, and unless I'm mistaken you are also a teacher. I have never looked into this, but there may be some significant discounts available to teachers when traveling abroad. Ask around and also research the student/teacher travel sites. If nothing else you may be able to secure very inexpensive lodging through one of these organizations. I'm sorry I can't give you anymore info, but I do remember reading about things like that in travel magazines, internet forums, etc.
I hope you don't misunderstand my following offer. I would like to help you to experience London (my second favorite city in the world). I'm willing to offer dinner and theater evening out for you and the kids. You will be able to choose the night and the show. The dinner would be at one of the following places: Baltic, Wodka or Chez Kristof <b>www.balticrestaurant.co.uk</b> followed with theater performance of your choice.
No, this is not some offer to meet up. This will be handled strictly through mail with undated vouchers. You would make your own reservation and purchase tickets when you are there.
I really appreciate a young parent(s) trying to show their children as much as possible of the world. It paysoff in the future. Travel is the best education about respect, understanding and cooperation between nations and cultures.
I also understand how budget constraints sometimes prevent some of this, but your original post sounds very sincere. Your willingness to "do" extra things just so you can do this, shows me a mom/person that really cares.
In return I would like to help. This is NOT a charity and I hope you don't look at it this way, but it's a simple case of extending a little helping hand to a very deserving person.
Think about it and if you decide to contact me, please do so at:
<i>andrzej0614 at gmail . com</i>
Regardless, I hope you have a wonderful trip, and I hope your kids realize what a great mom they have. I also hope they enjoy London!
Oct 30th, 2004, 01:37 PM
#36
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I am sitting here reading through all of your replies and I am incredibly touched to have you take your time to send your kind thoughts and great advice. AAFrequentFlyer- I am speechless. Yes, I am an elementary school teacher and I am doing my best to give my kids the chance to experience as much as they can in the world while they are still young enough for me to share in their experiences and happiness.
Without going into alot of detail, they both are special kids and we have gone through some rather challenging times in the past with their health. Each is extremely interested in many artistic areas. My son, the 14 year old, is hellbent on either becoming an actor, architect or artist while my daughter loves all forms of visual arts and music. My son is the one who has really spearheaded this particular trip. His first paycheck from his first job was immediately put aside last summer in order to buy his theatre tickets for NEXT summer. How can I not try to pull this off? Of course, I am not having to have my arm twisted too bad to go, either I get back so much more than I give out, believe me.
I will look into all of the suggestions you have offered about airfare, the passes, etc. I hope to post my itinerary in the near future to see what all of you think. obxgirl, do you mean 200GBP (400 dollars a day) or 200 USD? 400 dollars a day seems pretty high to me. Thanks again all of you. I can't tell you how much I appreciate your help. You are the best!
Without going into alot of detail, they both are special kids and we have gone through some rather challenging times in the past with their health. Each is extremely interested in many artistic areas. My son, the 14 year old, is hellbent on either becoming an actor, architect or artist while my daughter loves all forms of visual arts and music. My son is the one who has really spearheaded this particular trip. His first paycheck from his first job was immediately put aside last summer in order to buy his theatre tickets for NEXT summer. How can I not try to pull this off? Of course, I am not having to have my arm twisted too bad to go, either
I get back so much more than I give out, believe me.I will look into all of the suggestions you have offered about airfare, the passes, etc. I hope to post my itinerary in the near future to see what all of you think. obxgirl, do you mean 200GBP (400 dollars a day) or 200 USD? 400 dollars a day seems pretty high to me. Thanks again all of you. I can't tell you how much I appreciate your help. You are the best!
Oct 30th, 2004, 02:08 PM
#37
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,339
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
KandKsmom, I'd be happy to help with suggestions for inexpensive eating options. Have you already selected/ booked a hotel? Knowing the location where you'll be staying will make it easier to recommend some options for you!
Oct 30th, 2004, 06:24 PM
#38
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,271
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We stay in a timeshare when we are in London and to cut costs we go to the grocery store (Marks & Spencer food hall, Tesco, Sainsbury...) and purchase food to prepare breakfasts and a few evening meals at the flat.
We also bring a few things from home so we don't have to buy them there - paper napkins, ziploc bags, plastic wrap, salt/pepper, coffee, microwave popcorn, drink mixes, handi-wipes, etc...
All of the grocery stores in London sell all kinds of "heat and serve" type meals. It's kind of fun to let everyone pick out what they want for dinner.
We also bring a few things from home so we don't have to buy them there - paper napkins, ziploc bags, plastic wrap, salt/pepper, coffee, microwave popcorn, drink mixes, handi-wipes, etc...
All of the grocery stores in London sell all kinds of "heat and serve" type meals. It's kind of fun to let everyone pick out what they want for dinner.
Oct 30th, 2004, 10:23 PM
#40
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,077
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I like the previous suggestion of taking stuff from home for your "picnic" dinners. Anything you can bring, that you will eventually use up, bring along. The costs in London will astound you. I kept some receipts from my last trip (summer 2003), and can share these numbers with you:
bottled water from Boots, 49 p
travel wash, 1 pound, 45 p.
a tuna pasta dish from Europa, 2 pound, 25
egg mayo sandwich, 1.19
tropicana juice bottle, 1.35
box of 16 tampons, 1.49
These prices sound pretty reasonable, until you multiply them by $1.80! I bought three shower gels at Marks and Spencer for 1.75 each, and that came to 5 pounds, 25 or nearly ten dollars. Something to think about when you're buying souvenirs.
If you like to carry water, buy it from the grocery or chemist shops, not the carts. Better yet, buy a big bottle and stash it in your room, filling it up every day.
Oh, I also have a receipt from a Deep Pan pizza place. It was 6 pounds, 48p for a small pizza and a bottled water. That comes to over eleven dollars.
When you're in England, KandKsmom, think in terms of pounds, not dollars, and decide what is out of the budget. If you take out fifty dollars at an ATM, that's not even 30 pounds, and it won't go far. But if you cringe at every expense you make, and don't enjoy what you do spend, you'll never spend anything! London is a terrifically expensive city to visit, but also a terrifically place to be. I hope you and your children enjoy your "holiday". Let us know if you want more help!
bottled water from Boots, 49 p
travel wash, 1 pound, 45 p.
a tuna pasta dish from Europa, 2 pound, 25
egg mayo sandwich, 1.19
tropicana juice bottle, 1.35
box of 16 tampons, 1.49
These prices sound pretty reasonable, until you multiply them by $1.80! I bought three shower gels at Marks and Spencer for 1.75 each, and that came to 5 pounds, 25 or nearly ten dollars. Something to think about when you're buying souvenirs.
If you like to carry water, buy it from the grocery or chemist shops, not the carts. Better yet, buy a big bottle and stash it in your room, filling it up every day.
Oh, I also have a receipt from a Deep Pan pizza place. It was 6 pounds, 48p for a small pizza and a bottled water. That comes to over eleven dollars.
When you're in England, KandKsmom, think in terms of pounds, not dollars, and decide what is out of the budget. If you take out fifty dollars at an ATM, that's not even 30 pounds, and it won't go far. But if you cringe at every expense you make, and don't enjoy what you do spend, you'll never spend anything! London is a terrifically expensive city to visit, but also a terrifically place to be. I hope you and your children enjoy your "holiday". Let us know if you want more help!
