London is one of the most decorated and fashionable cities in the world. Over 20 million tourists visited London in 2019. There are london clubs, world-class museums and a wide range of history-related sites. London is also famous for its food and wild nightlife making it one of the most favourite tourist attractions all around the globe.
It is also the economic hub of the world which gives an energetic vibe to the city. But unfortunately, it is also a very expensive city to live or stay in. There are ways to cut down on your expenses and still enjoy a luxurious stay in London. Here is what you need to know.
Less expensive flights to London
London has six airports and all six of them have different personalities. By personality, I mean you are welcomed differently at each airport. Some of them are nice and some of them are not.
Heathrow airport is the most popular airport in London. It is also the largest airport in the United Kingdom with one of the busiest schedules in the world. It can get you wherever you want but most budget airlines do not offer their services at this airport.
On the other hand, Gatwick airport in London is less crowded and more budget-friendly. It has a wide range of airlines offering their services at this airport thus making it cheaper as compared to the Heathrow airport. You can also get special discount flights from and to London at Gatwick airport. Five-star world-class airlines like Cathay Pacific offer discount in and out flights at both Heathrow and Gatwick airports.
While budget travellers will need to be careful here, it is still possible to fly into London on a budget and have a fantastic experience.
Backpack for London
Always keep a comfortable and easy to handle travel backpack whether you travel by bus, uber or train after landing. With a backpack, it is easy to navigate your way through the crowd. But what should be in your backpack?
Travelling in the United Kingdom is all about being prepared for anything. The weather in the United Kingdom is famously unreliable, and forecasts are usually incorrect. So you may expect cold, overcast days even in the summer, whilst winter can bring startling brightness and even a little warmth!
1. Clothing
As London is one of the most fashionable cities in the world, you will find people fairly dressed all around. You need to pack your nicer outfits but do not overshoot it. Be simple and comfortable. You don’t have to be too trendy in London. Be casual and well dressed. Keep your socks, undergarments and anything you need.
Keep your schedule in your mind and pack things relatively. If you have clubbing, fine dining or opera shows, you must pack smarter clothes.
No matter what you wear, be bold, confident and own your outfit.
2. Makeup and toiletries
You must bring your makeup and toiletries with you because they might be expensive in London. Keep your essentials with you like a toothbrush, deodorant, lotions, toothpaste, sunscreen, makeup items and other products you might need.
You might not get the same brands in London so it is better to bring your favorite brand products from home. Remember to bring your medicines as well.
Other than that, you don’t want to look awful in your selfies when visiting London so it is advised to keep your sunblock (summer) and chapstick (winter) as well.
3. Photo and Videography Gear
If it is not on social media, it never happened. London is a very photogenic city with lots of sites to take pictures with. And if you’re a vlogger on YouTube, you definitely do not want to forget your gear.
Apart from that, always keep extra batteries and memory cards just in case. Remember to keep your electronic items as well, they might be a bit expensive in London.
Pro Tip: Must keep reusable water bottles with you because tap water across the United Kingdom is safe to use. You don’t need to spend money on buying water bottles.
Where to stay in London
London has something for everyone. It has a wide range of hotels diverse in tastes and budgets. It does not matter whether you want to stay in a luxury five-star hotel or a cheap budget-friendly hotel, London has it all.
You should expect spending from $80 to $350 per night with an average hotel costing $150 per night stay. If you choose a hotel designated for tourists, it will cost you a bit more than that. For an entire home, the cost per night would be $275 to $580.
You can control your budget by staying in low-cost hotels, cooking your own food and visiting attractions that are free or low in cost. London always has something fascinating going on no matter what time of the day or year it is. Some suggestions of hotels are;
- The Savoy
- Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London
- St Giles London – A St Giles Hotel
- The Tower Hotel
- Strand Palace Hotel
- Smart Hyde Park View Hostel
Tips
- If you want to stay in a cheap hotel in London, you should go during the off-season. In London, you can get a better deal in February and January.
- The cost of a hotel room varies based on a number of circumstances, but you’ll almost certainly find the finest hotel discounts in London if you visit on a Saturday. Tuesday, on the other hand, is typically the most expensive day.
- To receive the best price on your London accommodation, book at least 90 days ahead of time.
London – the capital of the United Kingdom is a multicultural place with people from all around the globe. It is an exciting and living city with amazing ancient sites and a colorful cultural landscape. London has it all from shopping, wild nightlife, friendly people, infinite attractions and luxury.
You can rent a bicycle and explore the city on your own or you can hire an expert guide. Thames cruise and double-decker bus tours will give you a completely different perspective of the city. London has something for everyone.
Pack your backpacks, make a bucket list and fly into London.
