The hustle and bustle of the city makes you want to get away. Or that life has become too plain. And yet the family craves travel and adventure. And where to? When the budget’s all tight with the current economic crisis? Brace yourself. Run right away to the nearest PC, connect to the Internet, because planning your cheap-yet-chic family travel London are just a few clicks away.
The great city of London beholds a plethora of momentous sights, magnificent architecture, and inexpensive unique finds. Flight, hostels, food, free attractions, bargain fashion items, theater shows - all these your family could enjoy even on a budget.
Flights
Just type “How to Find Cheap Flights to London” or “cheap London flight tickets” in your search engine. You could choose from all sorts of trips-on-a-budget flight proposals – standby flights, buying tickets during low-season (logically, non-Holiday flights are cheaper; also, mid-July to mid-September is London’s high tourist season). Some airlines even offer cheaper family travel London rates when you order tickets online or ask for 4+ pax deals.
Accommodation
If you’re into adventure, try backpacker style and check in a hostel. London hostels are cheaper than “starred” hotels, but of almost the same service quality. Various London hostels offer cheaper rates when you book online; bed-&-breakfast deals. Some hostels allow access to kitchen, making you feel you’ve never left you own home.
Fare and Transportation
London Transport has this cost-effective travel card called Oyster. It’s for buses, trams, Tube (London’s underground railway system, kind of like the Subway), Docklands Light Railway rolled into one electronic smart card. This card allows children to ride free in all family travel London public transportation. This card could also be ordered online
Food and Shopping
There are around 90 street markets surrounding the city. The famous Camden Stables Market, Portobello Road, or just any Farmer’s Market could suffice all your food cravings and gourmet treats. There are also nearby eats-for-less restaurants. You’d also find crafts, souvenirs, vintage clothes, children’s toys, bags, shoes- almost anything for bargain in these family travel London markets.
Attractions
The kids could go gallivanting and go crazy in huge playgrounds and parks. Neighbors Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park offer enormous spaces fit for your very own picnic. Bring your own Frisbee, Twister, what-not games and toys, and play unlimited hours in free breeze. There are also free-admission museums – Science Museum, National History Museum, Museum of Childhood, among other child-friendly art & culture sites.
Entertainment and Music
Dance and sing along with the free music concerts and recitals in the National Theatre, Covent Garden, and National Portrait Gallery. Just check out the times of these free delights (usually, lunchtime is the best time to catch these concerts). If you’re itching to learn new moves, Salsa Bar and Restaurant offers free dance lessons.
Film/TV
You could also watch free film-noir classics, video art, comedy shows at the Theatre Royal Stratford East, Comedy Café© and The Lower Ground Bar. You could also be a part of a live audience for TV show recordings. Just visit the BBC website and check out recording schedules.
Now you’ve seen the some great things could really come free, what else are you doing? Pack your bags. Book your tickets. And off you go to family travel London, mates!
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