London Apartments: Top 5 Travel Tips During Downturn!

Credit crunch, downturn, depression....it really is all doom and gloom everywhere you look. Seriously, you are probably considering staying at home under the bed covers every day. This is understandable in the short term, but unfortunately, it is a depressing way to live and live you must! But, there is good news amongst all this bad news. Prices have dropped in London and all companies are bending over backwards for your business. We have compiled a few tips for travellers seeking to visit London economically and have a great time.

Shop 'til you drop

Take advantage of the drop in sterling and visit London to buy your Christmas presents. At time of press the pound was 1.55 against the dollar, so if you are a traveller from the US, there is rich pickings, especially luxury goods like handbags and designer clothes. Even the sterling is dropping against the euro, so European and Middle East travellers are spoilt for choice when it comes to finding bargains. The sales have started already and it is only October.

Hotels Accommodation

Hotels are slashing prices by at least 20% so it is worth shopping around. I find Expedia.com a great directory to find all the latest hotel promotions. Also don't be afraid to call the hotel directly and negotiate, during a downturn everything is negotiable. Many hotels offer promotions such as stay for 3 nights and pay for 2, or free breakfast with weekend stays.

London Serviced Apartments

Serviced London apartments are a really cost effective choice of accommodation, even when compared to hotel promotional rates. For example, if a 4 star hotel rate is £140 per night for a double room which works out to be £70 per person. Whilst a one bedroom apartment at the rate of £150 per night and can accommodate up to 3 people, so that is only £50 per person. You will also enjoy more space with a separate bedroom, lounge and kitchen.

For families, it is even more of a good value choice. For example, an average two bedroom apartment is £220 per night so that is £44 per person for 5 people staying.

Apart from just price, serviced apartments are better value, ensure that your group can enjoy more living space and save money by cooking your own meals.

Transport

The price of oil has dropped now to a more realistic level, so the price of flights has reflected this. When in London, it is best to open an oyster card and top up for daily travel this is much cheaper than paying by cash, in fact it is half price. Visit www.oystercard.com

Or you can purchase one day or family travel cards. Another way to save cost is using a taxi sharing service. This service is available at a taxi rank in Paddington station.

Eating out on a budget

One of the best ways to find deals in restaurants and bars in London is to search on www.toptable.co.uk. At the moment, there are 2 for 1 promotions, or hefty discounts to entice diners.

So, as you can see it is not all bad news at all. There are so many bargains this autumn/winter, travelling to London is much cheaper than ever.