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Tips for cheap vacations in London

Tips for cheap vacations in London

London is one of the most visited European cities for French travellers. However, although the English capital is easily within reach, holidays in this city are still very expensive. Here are some great tips.

How to get there?

Fortunately, there are many low-cost airlines serving the capital of Great Britain. As for me, I have always used this means of transport on each of my holidays in this city. Indeed, the journey time is already quite short since after 45 minutes of flight I am already at Heathrow. In addition, the plane ticket remains very affordable. My tip? I use flight comparators and I always book at the last minute.

But the Eurostar is also an excellent alternative. However, for people on a budget like me, the ticket price is still high. Despite everything, I recommend this mode of rail transport to people traveling with their families, especially if young children are accompanying them. The trip is really comfortable.

Otherwise, if you like adventure, I recommend the bus:change of scenery guaranteed. Only downside, this means of transport is not intended for travelers in a hurry, because you have to wait nearly seven hours before setting foot in London. Don't like public transport? Nothing could be simpler, travel with your personal car. Be careful though, because tolls on the motorways are expensive in this part of Europe, compared to France.

What about hosting?

Tips for cheap vacations in London

In this second paragraph, I will mainly talk about hosting. In fact, almost half of traveler expenses go to hotel costs. And the ideal scenario would be to find free accommodation during the stay by staying with acquaintances for example. I was very lucky, because I have French friends who live in Soho, a very touristic district of the capital.

Throughout my stay, my hosts left a guest room at my disposal. In return, I participated in the expenses and preparations related to the meal, of course. It's a good arrangement that suited me perfectly. Moreover, as the people in question knew London very well, I was entitled each time to complete guided tours of the metropolis.

Otherwise, with couchsurfing, it is also possible to be accommodated by eye with Londoners. You should also know that, regardless of the season, the city is a very popular destination for tourists from all over the world. The consequence:it is very difficult to find available places with couchsurfers. In addition, you have to be active on their site for a long time to benefit from this service. But there is always the bed and breakfast and the so-called "cheap" hotels. A reservation is however strongly recommended especially in high season.