Useful Tips on Low Cost Travel to London
When I think back to the last time I was in London, which is one of those cities where I never tire of returning, I am already starting to plan my next trip.
I have lost count of how many times I have already been there, but that is not the important thing: what is important is all that I have yet to see, visit and taste.
Fortunately, London can be a very low-cost travel destination, if you plan carefully and if you know a couple of tricks.
Tips for a low-cost trip to London
When considering the aspects of a low-cost trip, the time factor also counts: in my opinion, it is useless to save 10 euros if this means wasting 5 hours of your trip that could be used in a better way. So I would say that the fundamental parameter is the savings/time-effectiveness ratio.
Having said that, here are my tips for a low-cost trip to London, some are based on the results of personal experience but not all.
Find a Cheap Flight to London
It seems obvious, but low-cost airlines are an almost obligatory choice, but I recommend that you still take a look at the offers of companies such as British Airways because they can reserve interesting surprises, especially from smaller airports.
What is perhaps less obvious to say is that by choosing the departure times carefully you can gain or lose an entire day in London. You can also choose the flight time in order to save a night in a hotel or hostel.
Choose a Cheap Hotel or Hostel
According to my theory of the savings/time-effectiveness ratio, the best option is a hostel in the King's Cross area. An area not too far from the most central areas that can be reached on foot if desired, and served day and night by public transport, metro, and buses that stop at the nearby train station.
There are several, all are comfortable and with good ratings, but my favourite is the Generator Hostel: modern, colourful, welcoming, clean, and full of services. It also has private rooms and is in all respects comparable to a high-standard hotel.
Sleeping at the Airport
I do it, especially on my return from Stansted when maybe I have a flight from London to Italy very early in the morning. The evening before I arrive at the airport with the last bus, I settle down to spend 3-4 hours in the ticket office area, and then as soon as the check-in area opens, I pass there, where it is warmer and there are more seats.
Sleeping at the airport is not the best in comfort, especially in low-cost airports, but the level of "shock-to-the system" is practically identical - if not less - to the alternative of paying to sleep a few hours in a hotel, then getting up at 4 in the morning, taking the bus and get to the airport hoping not to arrive late.
Save on Transport
The Tube, the London Underground, is very efficient and reaches virtually every area of the city. It is also well integrated with city buses and trains, creating a complex public transport system.
To use the metro and all other public transport, I recommend that you buy the Oyster Card at the price of 5 pounds (which will be returned to you if you bring the card back when you no longer need it), a rechargeable card that allows you to travel on public transport at discounted prices.
Managing your finance after retirement and spending your pension doesn't mean you are forbidden to travel at times and we hope this guide was useful!
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