Rethinking travel plans!?

Question

I'm planning a rtw (round the world) trip which included london and Paris but with the slumping U.S dollar going to Europe may prove to be a daunting task.

My question- I was wondering, approximately how much would I need to stay in london for a month....if I live like the locals and stay on a budget perhaps that would work. Basically, how much are your monthly expenses. I don't want to pry but I really want to go and googling isn't working.

Answer 1

I agree that a month is a long time to stay in London, although there is plenty to see and do. It's just so expensive.  You could stay in a hostel, it's the least expensive option, however you have no privacy and have to keep your belongings with you at all times.

The next step up would be a B&B, which could run you an average of $450-$600 a week. (YES, a week) There are some just outside of London (maybe less than 20minutes by train--pretty close by) You'd have a room, and at least one meal included.  And there are many hotels with rates that match the amenities-you get what you pay for.

Factor in travel costs for daily travel tickets, you can verify that cost on www.tfl.gov.uk  At a guess, it's about $8-$10 a day , or more for longer trips, even though you can do a lot in central London just on foot.   And of course, food and washing your clothes and entrance fees to some places you will want to see.

If I were planning this trip, I would work my way from at least some point to the north and meander south, stopping here and there for only a few days to get the experience and see the high points. For example, I'll make a start in Liverpool, then to Manchester, on to Birmingham, Cambridge, over to Salisbury and going to Stonehenge, staying in Oxford and walking around all the University buildings, Central London and seeing as much as I could. Down to the southern coast, experience the beach areas, end up at Dover, take the ferry to France and go from there.

This will cost you, plan well.  

Answer 2

I'm English and live in London and I'd agree with Shaznic ... stay for a few days in London maybe (if you want to keep costs down there are cheap hostels) but after that get out and visit other places around the UK

Answer 3

If I were you (and luckily I'm not)......I would just cancel your entire trip and stay home and work like most of us "normal" people do.  This isn't a good time to travel anywhere other than to Maine where the lobsters bite.  

Answer 4

do not go to london for a month - seriously. its way too expensive and there really is no need to! go for a week, depending on what you want to do the costs could soar.

imagine if you don't like it and you're stuck for a month!

there are loads of other great places to visit in Britain and the rest of Europe, don't waste all your time and money on one (very expensive) place.