| Visiting London on a budget may seem impossible | | | | the London area. You aren't required to participate |
| but it can be done if you choose traveling options | | | | in any religious activities and nearly all convents |
| off the beaten path. High tourist season is typically | | | | and monasteries will rent to ye of little faith, no |
| early April through late September. If you can opt | | | | faith or a different faith. |
| to vacation there from early October through late | | | | As for fun and sightseeing, avoid the rental car |
| March, you are likely to find less expensive airline | | | | and driving around town; strap on some comfy |
| tickets to and from London. | | | | shoes or rent a bike instead. No need to search |
| Once you're in the Square Mile, you'll have | | | | for a tiny parking spot or learning to drive on the |
| unlimited options for having fun, sleeping cheap | | | | opposite side of the street and you can stop to |
| and eating well without spending a wallet full of | | | | smell the roses whenever you like. Start each day |
| Euros. Typically, the second most expensive | | | | in a different direction and go wherever the wind |
| aspect of traveling abroad is the hotel stay, | | | | takes you. |
| second only to the airfare to get there. Depending | | | | Public transportation is an adventure on its own |
| on the time of year you travel and your comfort | | | | and can take you all over the city and even into |
| level, your options are wide open. | | | | the countryside. Take the London Underground rail |
| Consider a home exchange. There are many | | | | system or a double decker bus for a few pounds. |
| home exchange facilitators, you can run a web | | | | London is also working on an above ground rail |
| search to find one you like. Members will pay an | | | | system to help facilitate transportation.me great |
| annual fee, usually $50 to $100. Most house swaps | | | | eating deals include take out (called "takeaway") |
| are offered in 1 week increments with a minimum | | | | meals. The Value Added Tax (VAT) can be 10% |
| of 2 weeks and you don't necessarily swap your | | | | or more on dine in meals. VAT isn't charged on |
| house with the same family whose house you will | | | | takeaway. The added bonus is you get to choose |
| stay in. You might stay in a London flat while the | | | | the view or find a great place to eat and people |
| family of Londoners stays in a home in Thailand | | | | watch. |
| while the Thai family stays in your home. Other | | | | Eat un American. Try picking up a late afternoon |
| than the annual fee and possibly a small swap fee, | | | | lunch at an ethnic or vegetarian restaurant. You'll |
| typically under $100, this is a free stay. Of course, | | | | not only find some great deals but you'll enjoy a |
| you have to be comfortable with a group of | | | | wonderful new dining experience. |
| strangers in your home while you're away. | | | | Follow or ask the locals. Employees at petrol |
| Summer holidays in London, while airfare will be at | | | | stations (gas stations), grocery stores and your |
| its peak, can still be cost efficient if you don't | | | | hotel front desk will likely know some out of the |
| mind staying in a university dormitory. Many | | | | way dining establishments that offer great food |
| universities throughout Europe, including in London, | | | | for the budget minded. |
| rent out their empty rooms for about $100 per | | | | Understand that budgeted travelers should be |
| night during summer and other school breaks. You | | | | flexible and consider their trip an adventure. You |
| won't find perks like room service or even a | | | | might find a hotel, with reliable quality, to be worth |
| private bath, but the price is right if you just need | | | | the extra money. Dining at a pub might be great |
| a place to lay your head. | | | | for the locals but you may not have the tolerance |
| Religious or not, you can rent a basic, clean room | | | | for fish and chips. Get out there and have fun. |
| at one of the many convents and monasteries in | | | | |