
How to Visit & Travel the UK on a Budget
The United Kingdom offers immense variety. With a rich history, bustling cities and a diverse culture, there are lots of places you can visit and things you do.
This country is a perfect destination for all kinds of people as there is something for everyone to enjoy for all budgets. You could visit an individual country - Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and England or explore all. Expect modern cities, different landscapes, including peaceful countryside and beautiful beaches.
Planning a trip to the United Kingdom can be overwhelming and also this isn't the cheapest destination to visit. There are though some useful tips you can use to ensure you get the most of your UK trip without breaking the bank.
Start planning an amazing trip in the UK on the cheap with our recommendations below.
1. Research Before Departing
Before you start book your UK trip, it is wise to find out the best ways to get to there, things to do and what you will need to get prepared. You can check online or with your local travel agent who will be able to help you with key things like if you need a passport or visa to enter the UK.
Additionally, make sure you do enough research so you do not miss out on any opportunities to save money through cheaper fares or holiday promotions. For flights be sure to use a comparison site like Skyscanner where you can search and compare all airlines and fares. Also if you are arriving from some countries, you may also be required to have specific vaccinations before entering the UK.
2. Stick to a Daily Budget
How much money you have and would like to spend plays a big role when planning your UK trip. London is one of the cheapest cities to fly into but you will find that accommodation is high for most tourists. If you are travelling on a budget, it is advisable to stay away from big cities and instead look for towns, the countryside attractions.
You may also want to find out other practical information such as where the best currency exchange rates are to be found and where you can exchange money once in the UK. This will ensure you do not run into any hiccups while on vacation and it also ensures you stay as close as you can to your budget. To save money you might also want to consider limiting the amound you eat out and instead make food yourself by shopping at local supermarkets.
3. Pick the Right Time of Year to Visit
There are two significant seasons in the UK namely, summer and winter. When you choose to take your UK trip will affect the cost of your vacation, as well as the kind of activities you will get to enjoy.
Summertime, that is May to mid-September is considered high season and so you will find that most prices for activities and accommodation are the highest during this period. Highlights of visiting the UK during summer can include enjoying the Edinburgh festival, exploring lush English gardens or doing lots of outdoor activities which are available throughout summer. In winter, prices are generally lower and would mainly appeal to people who enjoy indoor activities as you will generally experience bad weather. The benefit is though most things are cheaper outside of summer.
4. Accommodation
To get the best place to stay during your visit, you should consider the destination and type of place you are looking to stay. There are lots of options to choose from including, English bed and breakfasts, inns, hotels, hostels, caravans and more. You can find ways to save money by checking accommodation comparison websites, booking in advance or by booking your accommodation as a group. Summer and Christmas are generally the most expensive times of the year. Prices for places to stay in London are generally higher than the rest of the country.
5. Getting Around
You will need to work out how you want to travel in the UK, you could hire a car or go by bus or train. Train fares in the UK are very high but there is a reliable bus service through the Megabus which connects the whole country and the prices are very cheap especially if you book more than a week in advance. You might also want to search UK tours which generally include accommodation - there are some great deals to be found.
With the simple tips listed above you will be able to experience the best of the UK on the cheap. Great Britain really is an amazing and historic destination and you will be sure to have an amazing time discovering the country for yourself. Have a safe trip!