Over the years we have roughed it in camping grounds, did the car rental thing on unknown roads and the tour bus gig where you sit back and everything is catered for. However, we never took the time to select a single destination and then settle in to explore it to the max. Until London hit the destination dartboard and the decision was made. Two weeks in one city!
Soon we found ourselves in the daily routine of grabbing a breakfast, wait for peak times on the Tube to subside, and catch the Underground to a point of choice. We explored by aimlessly walking all over and return to base before peak traffic starts again. By the second week, the camera was forgotten at ‘home’. We really got into the ebb and flow of the city’s rhythm.
It became a game to find the best fish and chips in town. Or just to sit back (or stand outside a pub) with a pint and watch the world goes on its merry way. We discovered an incredibly tourist-friendly city. Maps everywhere, ticket booths every block or two and above all, jovial locals. We saw Wicked on West End, took a trip to Stonehenge and Bath, shopped at Spittle Fields, Petty Coat Lane and Jubilee Markets.
We got lost in China Town and Soho, marveled at the National Museum and Trafalgar and even treated our daughter to a One Direction concert at Wembley Stadium. We saw the Crown Jewels and the bizarre cruelty of the Middle Ages at the Tower of London. We walked the London Bridge twice and explored the gardens around Kensington Palace and the White Hall more than once. Even the Thames River cruise was not skipped.
We were fortunate to get a private apartment right at Charing Cross station through Air B&B. Small, but well equipped, the location made up for everything. This experience started several bookings through Air B&B, but with mixed results – for another blog.
Family Budget Travel Tips
Tip 1: Spend the few extra dollars to upgrade to ‘comfort economy’ or something similar on the airline of your choice for the long flight. The family will love you and feel more rested at arrival. Skip that luxury on connecting legs.
Tip 2: Buy weekly passes for the Underground. It does save money if you stick to the off-peak hours.
Tip 3: Location, location, location. You do not want to spend endless time commuting to and from the city.
Tip 4: Get some wine and cheese, take a blanket and head out to any number of parks around the City (Summer off course).
Surprise destination: Supreme Court across the road from Westminster Abbey. They have a nice cafeteria as well.