I'm thinking of going to London in February, alone for a week's stay. I am having trouble finding a cheap enough hotel. Also, am I out my my mind to go alone? I'm pretty independent, but will I get bored with myself? Is it safe? Where can I meet other people traveling alone or hook up with some friendly Londoners??? Thanks for the info!

Kim, <BR>Check the website city.net/countries/united_kingdom/england/london for information on hotels and costs. Contact the British Travel Authority as well; they also have a web site. In only a week's time, London won't allow you to become bored, whether this is your first trip or one of many. There's much to do, much to see. Web sites listed above will give you current information about what's on in theatres, galleries, museums and the like. To meet people, I'd suggest you look for a small hotel away from the tourist "ghettos", i.e., Bloomsbury, Kensington, South Kensington, etc. Once found, spend some time in its neighborhood, dine in neighborhood restaurants and by all means visit the local pubs. I've spent many a fascinating hour or three in out of the way pubs engaging in delightful conversation with the natives.

I went to London alone and I wasn't bored for a minute. You just can't get bored in London. I definitely did not feel unsafe. Good pub advice above!

I went to London on my own for about a week and had a good time and no problems. I also went during non-tourist season (November) so I didn't run into lots of "younger" people to hang out with. I tried to meet other guests in my hotel (at the bar or during breakfast) or strike up conversations with people who worked in the hotel or in restaurants where I ate. It works, although not as well as in other less reserved European countries. There will be enough to keep busy, take one or two day trips too to mix it up. <BR>

<BR>Do take a day trip to Warwick Castle (pronounced Warrick). I've been once on my own and another time on a bus tour from my hotel - it also went to Oxford and to Stratford. It will be worth the money. <BR>Have a good time. Wish I were with you.

<BR>lucky you! you have only yourself to please-no <BR>need to take anyone else's interests into account.Having traveled alone in GB many times I would second the suggestions for bus tours as a <BR>way of meeting people.I love London Walks for that reason- you can find the schedules in most hotel lobby's.Walkers tend to be a chatty group and one of their walks is devoted to a pub crawl-something I would not have done on my own!Have fun-traveling alone is a grand adventure not a disgrace.

Thanks all that have responded to my message so far. Please continue with all the good advice!

Kim, <BR>Well here's one friendly Londoner who'll buy you a beer! <BR>Mail me back if you'd like to know more about where to stay and what to do, I can check out some local guides for you. <BR>Don't worry about being on your own - I've had the best times in the States wandering around New York and Boston alone. I guarantee you'll meet people along the way. <BR>You won't find London any different from any major US city and I'll gladly put you in touch with peolpe here if you really want to see the town. <BR>Do let me know. <BR>Nick Cole <BR>London, England

I will be driving around England next week and will be spending 3 days in London. I don't really want to drive in London. Can I leave my car at Heathrow? Is there parking and is it reasonably priced?