Tourism in London is exciting. You have historical architecture, cruise on the River Thames, multicultural cuisine, hop-on/hop-off tours, museums, festivals, and shopping districts all in a single destination. The capital, London, has everything that you can expect from one of the major tourist destinations in the world.
Among these opportunities also come the price hikes during the tourist season, which can make this destination an expensive one. This is especially true in the case of students who are restricted by the budget but seek a rewarding tourism experience. But that is not a problem anymore, as with the right planning and local assistance, you can easily enjoy your ideal tour of London without breaking the bank. Let’s have a look at some of the best practices students need to incorporate to save time and money for their upcoming tour of London.
Choosing The Right Transport To Get Around
Travel planning is a crucial part of any trip, and there is no compromise in the budget, safety and comfort for everyone. Since most student tours are in a group, you will have to pay much closer attention to the safety and timely arrival of everyone to add better convenience to everyone’s journey. Fortunately, London’s transport system is highly affordable because of the students’ Oyster Card, which automatically caps daily travel based on the chosen mode of transport, like buses and tubes.
However, if you are planning a full-day trip with a multiple-attraction itinerary and luggage, public transport might not be the best option to go for. Instead of going for car rentals because of their support for long-distance trips, students can also go for minibus hire with a driver, which is more flexible and offers exclusive travel plans. This way, you can not only accommodate your luggage but also provide a comfortable and secure access to different attractions in London.
Book Your Accommodation Ahead Of Time
Just like transport planning, you must also sort out the accommodation for your group in London. Students’ group travel plans are always restricted by the budget. Meanwhile, during the peak season, the accommodations easily exceed the limited budget, eventually becoming a deal breaker for most travel plans.
To avoid this, all you need to do is research different options that are affordable and suit the preferences of the group. Next, simply book your accommodation ahead of a week ahead to get a better price and avoid the last-minute hassle.
Choose Free Attractions In London
It is easy to think that tourism activity in London might drain your wallet. But not all of it is true, since exploring the city of London requires careful planning and a restricted budget, so you do not overspend. Mindful spending habits are only possible by investing a considerable time in the itinerary and choosing free over paid attractions in the city.
Even better is that all of the free attractions are much better compared to the expensive tourist traps. These attractions include Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, Borough Market and a variety of activities, such as the changing of guards at Buckingham Palace can add an exciting layer of experience to your plans. This will not only save you money but also provide a local experience with your group.
Eat The Local Cuisine & Street Food
Along with the transport and accommodation, you must also save money on what you plan to eat during your tourism activity. There is really no need to overspend on exclusive restaurants and touristy spots. The best way to save money is by packing your meals for the tour day, and going for a picnic in the outdoors of London.
You can also go for supermarket meals or street food, which are generally cheap but excellent value meals that include, sandwich, a drink, and snacks at just £3-5 per person. There is excellent street food at Camden Market, Brick Lane and Greenwich that also offers a multi-cultural cuisine, allowing you to enjoy both affordable and diverse meals.
Use Student Card Wisely
Travelling students are highly encouraged to always carry their student card and ask for the discount during the tour of London. It is because many restaurants, museums and shops offer special discounts to students to encourage tourism among student groups. You just have to research and mix different destinations or attractions to visit for the travel day, and you can save a considerable amount in your budget.
Plan A Visit During Off-Season
The best way to save money for a cost-effective tour of London is by visiting during the off-season. This is generally from January to April. But what makes this off-season highly reliable for students is the fewer crowds of tourists and cheaper prices.
Just make sure to check out all the events and festivals happening nearby, so you can make the most out of your local experience in London. Simply head over to the websites of each destination and check out any events or activities that will match your travel day.
Final Words
London is indeed an exciting destination, but it also demands careful planning to avoid overspending on the expensive activities and destinations. While you may not be able to fully explore the city, careful planning and tracking expenses can go a long way to enjoying London’s greatest attractions together as a student.
