Flights are booked to London in April! YES FINALLY. A quick search yielded the following tips. More to come as the planning continues!
Flights
- Indirect flights: sometimes a few layovers/ stopovers will make the flight cheaper
- This is NOT always the case
- And a saving of $100, you have to consider if it's worth an extra 12 hours in transit.
- If you are a frequent flyer, use your miles. If not, still join a club for free- I am usually able to get a minimum of $40 in gift cards from each international flight.
- Timing and luck. Sales, last minute deals, early bookings (6 month in advance) can make a huge difference.
- Compare and save
- Sign up for a fee free, exchange service charge free credit card
- Some people buy flights with credit cards that provide free travel insurance, be sure to check inclusions.
- Get a cash currency card and fill up when currency exchange is in your favour
- Really expensive in central London, avoid if possible. And you might find you will enjoy the different neighbourhoods more.
- Some budget chains have discounts if you book in advance, e.g. travelodge, travelinn. Travelodge was A$104-170 for May 2014, book 3 months in advance, prices range A$78- 141
- Hostel accommodation: st-christophers.co.uk double private A$175 in May 2014 but as low as A$70 for last minute bookings (most rooms booked out one month in advance) yha.org.uk double privates A$250/night in May 2014, but last minute rooms A$185
- University accommodation, and it's great to experience the dorms in different countries, but only when students aren't around, so not applicable for my May 2014 stay.
- Rental apartments or airbnb, less variation in price due to when you book. Plenty of options under A$100 a night for a double.
- Long distance: Booking ahead, you can save on coaches, trains and flights. Coaches generally cheaper than trains and flights
- Use the Tube.
- Get an oyster card
- If you bought a London Pass- transport is included. This is really not the cheapest option
- self cater where possible. Apparently marks and spencer have 10 pound deals for 3 courses and wine.
- street food
- food is typically cheaper if don't eat central london
- Free entertainment in summer
- Last minute tickets if you don't mind what to see can save you a few pounds
- 2 for 1 offers when you travel by rail/paper travelcard: nationalrail.co.uk
- Free museum entry
- Be part of a studio audience for free
- Buy a travel pass- like the London Pass
- Free guided walks- don't forget to tip the guide. newlondon-tours.com, discoverwalks.com
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