Budgeting for London
Jun 22nd, 2004, 08:26 AM
#21
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Madison,
I have a good breakfast at my B&B (included, of course, in the price). In fact, I eat more for breakfast there than I do at home. I skip lunch. Then I go to one of the inexpensive restaurtants or to a grocery store for dinner. So, it is possible to keep costs down and if you saw me you would definitely not think I was anorexic!
When I was in Iceland in March which is even more expensive than London I followed that same method and kept my food costs under $10 a day. There, I just went to the grocery store every night.
I just finished a stretch of 3 trips to Rurope in 5 months (from California). I would rather take several trips than just one where I spend a lot of money.
We have talked before on this board about the many great things to do in London that are not expensive - some of the worlds greatest museusm are free, noontime concerts, lectures - free. I love walking around the neighborhoods of London - free. I met one of my dearest friends in London at a lecture at the National Portrait Gallery.
I will be coming to Europe in Nov. - 4th trip in 12 months. Yes, London can be very expensive, but there are plenty of ways to reduce costs.
I have a good breakfast at my B&B (included, of course, in the price). In fact, I eat more for breakfast there than I do at home. I skip lunch. Then I go to one of the inexpensive restaurtants or to a grocery store for dinner. So, it is possible to keep costs down and if you saw me you would definitely not think I was anorexic!
When I was in Iceland in March which is even more expensive than London I followed that same method and kept my food costs under $10 a day. There, I just went to the grocery store every night.
I just finished a stretch of 3 trips to Rurope in 5 months (from California). I would rather take several trips than just one where I spend a lot of money.
We have talked before on this board about the many great things to do in London that are not expensive - some of the worlds greatest museusm are free, noontime concerts, lectures - free. I love walking around the neighborhoods of London - free. I met one of my dearest friends in London at a lecture at the National Portrait Gallery.
I will be coming to Europe in Nov. - 4th trip in 12 months. Yes, London can be very expensive, but there are plenty of ways to reduce costs.
Jun 22nd, 2004, 08:35 AM
#22
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I was pretty discouraged there for a bit, and was even starting research going directly to waterloo after landing to catch the channel tunnel train to Paris... we'll see..
Thanks everyone for your responses, they really do help.
Thanks everyone for your responses, they really do help.
Jun 22nd, 2004, 08:47 AM
#23
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It is definitely NOT cheaper to take the Gatwick Express for 5 people.
I checked the website for London Transfers and Ray Skinner's price for 3-7 people from Gatwick to London is GBP 69 total plus a discretionary tip. Gatwick Express is either GPB 16 or 19 per person plus the taxi to your hotel so it is definitely worth it to use a car service that will deliver you right to your hotel.
That website is http://www.london-transfers.com/.
I checked the website for London Transfers and Ray Skinner's price for 3-7 people from Gatwick to London is GBP 69 total plus a discretionary tip. Gatwick Express is either GPB 16 or 19 per person plus the taxi to your hotel so it is definitely worth it to use a car service that will deliver you right to your hotel.
That website is http://www.london-transfers.com/.
Jun 22nd, 2004, 08:49 AM
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Two days in London will barely scratch the surface. How many countries are you trying to do in what period of time?
It might be better to consolidate, shorten the trip and have a little more money to spend and really enjoy the places you want to see, without having to count every penny. The GBP is around 1.65 US right now. That's much higher than the Euro.
It might be better to consolidate, shorten the trip and have a little more money to spend and really enjoy the places you want to see, without having to count every penny. The GBP is around 1.65 US right now. That's much higher than the Euro.
Jun 22nd, 2004, 01:47 PM
#31
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We just did a similar end to our trip for our Honeymoon and spent the final 2 nights in London.
We saved a ton of money by using Priceline for the hotel and researching where to get the best hotels and a fair price by using biddingfortravel.com.
By having a decent room rate($157/night Le Meridien Piccadilly) with a good location we were able to get a taste of London before coming home.
London for us was the most expensive city we have ever visited! There are certainly always ways to save money on food and such but we didn't want to skimp.
We had a fabulous meal and some drinks at Jamie Oliver's Fifteen in the Trattoria. This light meal for the two of us consiting of a salad and pasta dish for me, a pasta dish and a side dish for my Wife, and 4 martini's totaled $125. That is pretty expensive for just pasta starters and salad with drinks, but it was my Wife's dream place to go so that made it worth every penny/pence.
Also drinks at a nice bar are quite a shock. So lets see 9 pounds per drink - 2 drinks each plus service 39 pounds. That is $72+ dollars for 2 drinks each! Wow that is steep, but we knew that going in and wanted to see London because it is London.
Of course now the prices in California and San Francisco seem more reasonable than they were, and when we visit smaller towns in Oregon or Washington things seem down right cheap!
We saved a ton of money by using Priceline for the hotel and researching where to get the best hotels and a fair price by using biddingfortravel.com.
By having a decent room rate($157/night Le Meridien Piccadilly) with a good location we were able to get a taste of London before coming home.
London for us was the most expensive city we have ever visited! There are certainly always ways to save money on food and such but we didn't want to skimp.
We had a fabulous meal and some drinks at Jamie Oliver's Fifteen in the Trattoria. This light meal for the two of us consiting of a salad and pasta dish for me, a pasta dish and a side dish for my Wife, and 4 martini's totaled $125. That is pretty expensive for just pasta starters and salad with drinks, but it was my Wife's dream place to go so that made it worth every penny/pence.
Also drinks at a nice bar are quite a shock. So lets see 9 pounds per drink - 2 drinks each plus service 39 pounds. That is $72+ dollars for 2 drinks each! Wow that is steep, but we knew that going in and wanted to see London because it is London.
Of course now the prices in California and San Francisco seem more reasonable than they were, and when we visit smaller towns in Oregon or Washington things seem down right cheap!
Jun 22nd, 2004, 01:52 PM
#32
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I detest Jamie Oliver, his food is overpriced, and overrated - he's not a serious chef. He will never have any Michelin stars, or any other accolades than being a celebrity chef - Gordon was a chef first.
Jun 22nd, 2004, 04:46 PM
#35
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Oh the saga of vacation planning continues.......
I just checked Volareweb to get an idea of how long the flight was from Paris to Venice (which we'll do after we take the channel tunnel from London....
they're now saying that there are no flights available during the time you requested (Dec. 23rd). I also tried a day before and after and it was not good. This is nuts! I just checked the other day. Now how am I going to get 5 people cheaply to Venice?? The only way is to cut out London and save that money, and take an overnight train from Paris to Venice.
I really love researching and planning our trips but sometimes you just want to scream!!
I just checked Volareweb to get an idea of how long the flight was from Paris to Venice (which we'll do after we take the channel tunnel from London....
they're now saying that there are no flights available during the time you requested (Dec. 23rd). I also tried a day before and after and it was not good. This is nuts! I just checked the other day. Now how am I going to get 5 people cheaply to Venice?? The only way is to cut out London and save that money, and take an overnight train from Paris to Venice.
I really love researching and planning our trips but sometimes you just want to scream!!
Jun 23rd, 2004, 03:57 AM
#38
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I'm a little confused about your plans. In your last posts you seem to be saying you're considering flying into London, getting to Paris and then Venice - but possibly with no time spent in either London or Paris. That would be crazy. Why don't you tell us what your whole itinerary is and maybe you'll get more suggestions. I've often tried to post short questions and ended up getting better responses once I detailed more what my plans were.
But London (and Paris) are two of the most wonderful places so I would spend a little time at least in each regardless of your other plans. Unless you can fly directly from Gatwick to somewhere else you want to go, you'll need to get into central London. So yes, find out the cheapest way to do that (I've only flown into Heathrow so I don't know), but don't consider that part of the "expense" of London. You'll need to do that regardless. Even with only two days you can get a great taste of London. I might not spend a lot of time or money to get to London for only two days, but you'll already be there, so definitly stay and see some of it.
I am a confirmed budget traveler (but too old to be comfortable as a backpacker). London is very expensive but you can eat reasonably if you are willing to: a) not have table/waitress service, and b) not do a lot of drinking (alcohol). There are wonderful sandwiches premade that are available at grocery stores, corner convenience type stores and the sandwich chains. Last year they ranged from £3-7 each. You can also get salads and side dishes. Since you'll be there in winter, the eating in the park idea won't be as good, but if it's not freezing you could eat on park benches. You can also take food back to the hotel. There are also some restaurants where you can sit and eat but not have waitress service. Mostly ethnic (Greek, Indian, Chinese, etc). You could fill up there for £5-10 per person per meal. Marks and Spencer was my favorite place for food.
With only two days you'll not have time for much more than walking around and seeing the beautiful sites. And that's all free. And if you have a little time the major museums are free. You won't need to pay admission fees for anything if you don't want. The tube/buses are cheap, fun, effecient - and a London experience in themselves.
Assuming breakfast is included in your hotel, you can have a great time in London for a couple of days for £20-25 per person per day for food, transportation,etc.
But London (and Paris) are two of the most wonderful places so I would spend a little time at least in each regardless of your other plans. Unless you can fly directly from Gatwick to somewhere else you want to go, you'll need to get into central London. So yes, find out the cheapest way to do that (I've only flown into Heathrow so I don't know), but don't consider that part of the "expense" of London. You'll need to do that regardless. Even with only two days you can get a great taste of London. I might not spend a lot of time or money to get to London for only two days, but you'll already be there, so definitly stay and see some of it.
I am a confirmed budget traveler (but too old to be comfortable as a backpacker). London is very expensive but you can eat reasonably if you are willing to: a) not have table/waitress service, and b) not do a lot of drinking (alcohol). There are wonderful sandwiches premade that are available at grocery stores, corner convenience type stores and the sandwich chains. Last year they ranged from £3-7 each. You can also get salads and side dishes. Since you'll be there in winter, the eating in the park idea won't be as good, but if it's not freezing you could eat on park benches. You can also take food back to the hotel. There are also some restaurants where you can sit and eat but not have waitress service. Mostly ethnic (Greek, Indian, Chinese, etc). You could fill up there for £5-10 per person per meal. Marks and Spencer was my favorite place for food.
With only two days you'll not have time for much more than walking around and seeing the beautiful sites. And that's all free. And if you have a little time the major museums are free. You won't need to pay admission fees for anything if you don't want. The tube/buses are cheap, fun, effecient - and a London experience in themselves.
Assuming breakfast is included in your hotel, you can have a great time in London for a couple of days for £20-25 per person per day for food, transportation,etc.
Jun 23rd, 2004, 05:53 AM
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I've posted my itinerary several times in previous posts. Here it is again. First I understand the way we like to travel is not for everyone, and I know that 2 days in London is not nearly enough but we're doing that because my Mom asked us to. My parents have never been to Europe and wanted to see as much as possible. We have our tickets already, so that part cannot be changed.
1. Dec. 17th, fly from Dallas to London arrive the morning of Dec. 18th. Stay in London 2 days. (Dec. 18 & 19)
2. Take the channel tunnel train the morning of Dec.20th to Paris. Stay in Paris 3 nights (Dec. 20, 21, 22)
3. Fly from Paris to Venice. Stay in Venice 4 nights (Dec. 23, 24, 25, 26)
4. Train from Venice to Florence. Stay in Florence 2 nights (Dec. 27, 28)
5. Train from Florence to Rome, making a stop in a hill town for lunch and sightseeing) Rome for 3 nights (Dec.29, 30, 31)
6. Return home on January 1st. We wanted to return on the 2nd but there were no seats available for those using FF miles so we had to return a day early.
7. Since we have our tickets and it would cost my husband, myself and my son $200. each to change tickets plus any fare increase, it's not possible.
8. The problem I have is this...if I can't get a cheap flight from Paris to Venice the we'd have to do an overnight train which would probably force us to skip London all together so that we don't have to cut short days in any other location.
1. Dec. 17th, fly from Dallas to London arrive the morning of Dec. 18th. Stay in London 2 days. (Dec. 18 & 19)
2. Take the channel tunnel train the morning of Dec.20th to Paris. Stay in Paris 3 nights (Dec. 20, 21, 22)
3. Fly from Paris to Venice. Stay in Venice 4 nights (Dec. 23, 24, 25, 26)
4. Train from Venice to Florence. Stay in Florence 2 nights (Dec. 27, 28)
5. Train from Florence to Rome, making a stop in a hill town for lunch and sightseeing) Rome for 3 nights (Dec.29, 30, 31)
6. Return home on January 1st. We wanted to return on the 2nd but there were no seats available for those using FF miles so we had to return a day early.
7. Since we have our tickets and it would cost my husband, myself and my son $200. each to change tickets plus any fare increase, it's not possible.
8. The problem I have is this...if I can't get a cheap flight from Paris to Venice the we'd have to do an overnight train which would probably force us to skip London all together so that we don't have to cut short days in any other location.
