The Thai Prime Minister's recent faux pas on "Wearing Bikinis" (with reference to the murder of British tourists in Thailand) was all over the world press. He stated that tourist in Bikinis specially the good looking ones are making themselves vulnerable to attack; and that tourists should keep in mind the sensitivities of the locals while dressing up. The debate that followed - was he suggesting that women with less than model bodies can wear sexy swimwear and those with bodies to show off should restrain themselves? I think the whole point was missed:
First; that he is an army man and not a politically correct trained politician; and possibly his way of expressing himself is in line with how he would address and correct his troops. His intent was right only the way he said it was wrong. Second; two tourists were murdered and they were not the first; and I am sure that attire had not much to do with it.
There has been a steady rise in the "bloody" crime rate (against westerners) in Thailand with the increase of tourists attracted by its fame for "sex drugs and rock and roll" as much as it beauty and beaches.
A few months back; a minister in Goa demanded a ban on bikinis citing that it goes against the Indian culture. Goa too is facing a very similar situation to Thailand where several tourists (mostly westerners) have been raped and killed. Most of them have been connected to the various drug mafia factions that have now taken control of much of the tourist belt as is happening in Thailand or Bali or any tourist destination in the world. The ask by the minister became a point of ridicule on social media when Indians (not foreigners) posted images of the erotic temple statues in Kahujrao and pictures from the "kama sutra" with tag lines stating - Is this not Indian Culture?
I think this whole "culture" sensitivity is a farce. Foreigners visit a place to have fun. Not that they cannot do it in their own countries; but the might of their stronger currency and the overall warmth of the Asian nations in temperature and people is certainly an alluring magnet. While most of Asian upbringing is based on dignity - modesty - chastity; secretly the openness of the west is every Asian's desire. I am sure that those very men who shout about the corruption caused by western influences would be the very ones caught in the liberal red light zones in Europe. Locals may hate the behaviour of tourists but in many places the "dollars" they bring run local houses to prosperity. Take away the tourism and kill the local economy.
There is really no culturally correct tourism. Every tourist is not expected to understand the local sensitivity and there is need for locals to educate themselves about tourist sensitivities. In Bali, unknowing tourists (both men and women) visit temples in shorts and they are asked to wrap a sarong. Yes someone makes money in renting sarongs but no one seems to get offended. If local politics are so concerned about the culture; then let them go after the biggest enemy of any culture - drugs. I find it hard to believe that drug mafias can set up shop without the blessing of the local protectors (politicians and police). A taxi driver in Goa once warned me not to enter a street at night saying that it was what local call "gang street". I looked on my left and saw the local police station right at that junction.
Well to put it in biblical perspective - it took one apple to turn paradise into hell; and in today's time its the several bad apples within our own societies that have turned our tourist paradises into hell. In a world where there are Countries that lash people for expressing happiness - let's not kill those who are just seeking out some fun.
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Monday, September 1, 2014
Seat Fight
A few days back, I read about a mid air fight between two passengers where the flight had to be force landed post a diversion. Reason; the passenger in front wanted to recline the seat and the passenger at the rear was being inconvenienced. Both were fare paying customers and right in their own way - the front person had the right to recline as much as the seat allowed and the person at the rear did not want crushed knees. (There are gadgets called "knee defenders" available that prevent the front seat from reclining to their capacity and apparently after this incident they are now banned on aircrafts). The culprit then has to be the airline for installing seats with such a low pitch (the distance between 2 seats) and allowing it to recline. The airline being a low cost one justifies that it has to maximize the number of seats on board to justify the low fare. But I have seen even full service carriers adopting the same pitch in economy as many low cost carriers to pack in a few more business class seats up front. I have travelled on one budget carrier where the seats do not (thankfully) recline in any row based on the low pitch in all its standardized aircrafts.
Airlines state that the passengers have a choice and know fully well what they are contracting when buying a ticket. True. But the airlines have taken this game a bit too far where there is very little difference left between the low cost budget and full service airlines - be it fare or offering. I refuse to fly a limited service budget airline on any route greater than 90 minutes be it international or domestic. Just not worth it anymore to play the "extras" game for a net saving of 20% or less with all the negative caveats and stress of baggage weight, size, food, water, number of washrooms on board, etc. At times these airlines end up costing more than the full service full fare airlines based on the rigid unfriendly attitude of airline staff in permitting a non conforming bag on board or the over priced extras you buy on board. It's now become more or less a norm not to allow a cain bag weighing more than 7 kgs and conform to the 55-40-20 size including wheels and handle. Most hand bags weigh about a kilo - that leaves 6kgs to take on board. So the passenger is forced to buy bag weight or travel with very little personal effects. Lotions, deo, foam, gels and all the other potential bomb making items we call toiletries have to be in less than 100ml packs or they go into check-in bags (cost). Some airlines have learnt the lesson and are easing up but for most customer is on the bottom of their agenda.
I have read articles on how seat manufacturers are seeing these incidents as an opportunity to rehaul design to make seats more passenger friendly with the new lesser pitch being adopted. Airline seats are by and large quite expensive and even if available; most airlines will not readily replace them based on the overhaul costs. Then again, airlines are being called greedy (like in the article pasted below). Could be, but with most airlines losing money this allegation may not entirely be correct. Airlines counter by saying that high fuel cost, impost, charges and taxes by airports and landing authorities are forcing out profits; and as a result the airlines are being pushed to their limits to collect revenues from whatever possible sources - even at the cost of passenger comfort,safety and satisfaction.
An airline used to have the tagline "Fly the friendly skies". That was many years back when flying was fun. Today, I go into a depression at the very thought of taking a flight. Flying is no longer what it used to be and all the constituents that make up air travel are blaming each other for the mess.
While the blame game is on - the seat fights will only keep growing as humans genetically have started becoming taller and fatter while the net area occupied per seat is getting smaller by the day. This form of passive hijack by ordinary passengers will soon be a norm rather than an exception. Surprisingly, no one seems to care.
Airlines state that the passengers have a choice and know fully well what they are contracting when buying a ticket. True. But the airlines have taken this game a bit too far where there is very little difference left between the low cost budget and full service airlines - be it fare or offering. I refuse to fly a limited service budget airline on any route greater than 90 minutes be it international or domestic. Just not worth it anymore to play the "extras" game for a net saving of 20% or less with all the negative caveats and stress of baggage weight, size, food, water, number of washrooms on board, etc. At times these airlines end up costing more than the full service full fare airlines based on the rigid unfriendly attitude of airline staff in permitting a non conforming bag on board or the over priced extras you buy on board. It's now become more or less a norm not to allow a cain bag weighing more than 7 kgs and conform to the 55-40-20 size including wheels and handle. Most hand bags weigh about a kilo - that leaves 6kgs to take on board. So the passenger is forced to buy bag weight or travel with very little personal effects. Lotions, deo, foam, gels and all the other potential bomb making items we call toiletries have to be in less than 100ml packs or they go into check-in bags (cost). Some airlines have learnt the lesson and are easing up but for most customer is on the bottom of their agenda.
I have read articles on how seat manufacturers are seeing these incidents as an opportunity to rehaul design to make seats more passenger friendly with the new lesser pitch being adopted. Airline seats are by and large quite expensive and even if available; most airlines will not readily replace them based on the overhaul costs. Then again, airlines are being called greedy (like in the article pasted below). Could be, but with most airlines losing money this allegation may not entirely be correct. Airlines counter by saying that high fuel cost, impost, charges and taxes by airports and landing authorities are forcing out profits; and as a result the airlines are being pushed to their limits to collect revenues from whatever possible sources - even at the cost of passenger comfort,safety and satisfaction.
An airline used to have the tagline "Fly the friendly skies". That was many years back when flying was fun. Today, I go into a depression at the very thought of taking a flight. Flying is no longer what it used to be and all the constituents that make up air travel are blaming each other for the mess.
While the blame game is on - the seat fights will only keep growing as humans genetically have started becoming taller and fatter while the net area occupied per seat is getting smaller by the day. This form of passive hijack by ordinary passengers will soon be a norm rather than an exception. Surprisingly, no one seems to care.
Air Travel Is Becoming Inhumane, And It Won’t Change As Long As Airlines Remain Greedy http://elitedaily.com/news/world/air-travel-is-stressful/734026/
AIRBUS WANTS BICYCLE-STYLE AIRPLANE SEATS, WHICH BEATS THE "STANDING-ROOM" ALTERNATIVE
http://www.bustle.com/articles/31559-airbus-wants-bicycle-style-airplane-seats-which-beats-the-standing-room-alternative
Majority of Americans Are Against Using Knee Defenders on Airline Flights
Friday, June 20, 2014
Budget travel to London
LOL - title - can it be true? My initial plan for the summer of two zero one four was to visit Bali (Indonesia) and throw in a couple of days in Singapore and possibly Vietnam to get a well rounded dose of fun for everyone in my family. Beaches, shopping, amusement parks, natural wonders, history,great food, great hotels; what more can one ask for?
"Why are we doing Asia again?" I was asked by my united family. "It's hot in summer and the places are so boring" I was told. Well, kids can only kid; and my wife behaves like one when holidays are the topic of discussion. "So where do you want to go?". Prompt came the reply "London - just London if nowhere else close by".
London can be a great idea, except; 15 days. To my mind its too long, boring and super expensive. It's hard to fight the family - specially on subjects like holiday. So, no choice but to change the mindset. The English weather strangely appeals to my entire family; and yes, I would truly not mind a holiday in ol blighty. It took away the task of being too nomadic traveling from place to place. It's not just the capital of UK but of the whole world; and while it may sound like spending too many days there, at the end of it, it's just not enough. I did have a budget in mind and informed my kingdom that we would have to cut on style and expenses for a well measured holiday there. "Put us in a no star hotel, and we don't mind economy class either - just make sure we are on a decent airline" is what I heard back.
There was a time when I could fit my whole family in a room. Now, the children are young adults and having them in the same room is impractical unless the room is 30m2+. As it is - one room in Central London is expensive; two; gulp. Of course there are apartments, but then the good ones are not cheap either and the net saving is barely 15%. Visas; the Brit visa is a near Rs 9000 per head for just 6 months. Airfare; the cheaper fares on good airlines are all non refundable. Shopping; the daughter has now become a consultant to mother and between the two of them my wallet would lose weight very fast. Boy, was I in trouble.
Fortune favours the brave, and it did favour me. I got a relatively good price on Virgin and I booked 2 rooms at the Tune hotel (www.tunehotels.com). Split my stay at two of their properties; that is, at Liverpool st. and King's Cross at an average of GBP 120 a night (in total) inclusive of air-conditioning et all. I knew the rooms were small - but then - it's better than what the family was prepared to cut back to. I develop budget hotels but when it comes to my holidays I love luxury. I don't care much where I stay when on work - but holidays- I don't know. Anyway, I did not have a choice - unless I was prepared to loosen my wallet more (like let it tear) - had to stay in good affordable accommodation in Central London; else, stay a bit further away - which too was not acceptable to us all.
So a budget holiday it would have to be. Would it be fun - let's see. Summary of my experiences:
1. Visas: The visa process is run by VFS and the latest change is that forms have to be filled online ( http://vfsglobal.co.uk/india/ ). Which meant; could do it directly without the help of a travel agent. UK is pretty good about somethings like not insisting on producing air tickets, mediclaim etc. With a filing fee of nearly Rs 9000 for a 6 month short visit visa, the applicant better be serious about visiting. When it comes to the visa costs, I say "I love America". Single fee with the visa term decided based on risk. So also Canada. I think UK should follow suit too unless the pricing for longer duration is intentional to keep the numbers low. It should however have a special deal on family visas. Filing the form online was easy but time consuming. The appointment with VFS straight forward. Got there at the designated time and was let in on time too. With the holiday rush and requirement for presence of all applicants for biometrics registration; we got our turn 4 hours later. VFS charges an obscene amount for sending a SMS and/ or courier to intimate you on your application and deliver it by courier. I avoided the extra charges as I asked and was told that the applicant is informed by email on when to pick up the passports.
2. Airport to hotel: Repeat visitors familiar with London transport know that it has one of the most expensive - yet finest public transport system in the world. I was travelling with wife and 2 kids and my extended family included 7 pieces of luggage in tow. Train or Tube - not practical. Booked a mini cab. Cost - a bit cheaper than if would have travelled by train - with the convenience of an airport to hotel drop. Estate car that could load all of us comfortably from Heathrow to Liverpool St. - GBP 56 (http://www.airporttaxis-uk.co.uk/London-City/qqto.html) Got a quote - filled a form - paid by card. Got a call back from OTS (to India) to confirm the booking and verify the details. Comforting. By the time I got to London, I had the driver's number and cab details. Was greeted at the airport by a friendly Somalian; owner of a very nice Mercedes Van (much larger than the estate I had booked). I did use OTS again and will certainly recommend it.
3. Travel within the City: Black cabs are great - I love them - but only at night when there is no traffic. Daytime; I love to use the bus rather than the underground. If you are going to make only 3 - 4 trips a day in Zone 1; then use the Oyster card for an adult and Child travelcard (zone 1 to 6) for an under 15. Under 11 - no ticket on bus or underground required if traveling with an Oyster card or day travelcard holder. While traveling on the underground, the Oyster card is billed on basis of stations travelled measured by entry and exit point; the bus has a single fare however much the distance (as long as it's in the same bus). Bus fares are much cheaper than the tube - but the trick is to find a bus that takes you exactly where you want so that you don't have to change it. Assure you not difficult. Would use the day off peak travelcard otherwise.( https://account.tfl.gov.uk/oyster ) London is a fab place to walk despite its willyweather and we did take some seriously long treks inside the City.
4. Travel out of the City: National Express or bus services are more economical than trains for sure. Children travel half price, or at times even lower. With the net, it's very easy to figure out the costs. On the train too; there are discounts if traveling as a family or with one more adult. Cost cutting requires a bit of research.
(Take a break from London and visit any of these day visit or more towns Oxford, Cambridge, Bath, Windsor, Brighton ( http://www.londontourist.org/trips.html ) Or if shopping excites you then nothing like a visit to http://www.bicestervillage.com/ Designer Outlet.
5. Food: None of us in the family are great fans of true blue fast food and we did not visit any such eatery in all of 15 days there. Most eateries will average out between GBP 10 and 15 per head including beer/wine or soft drink. Ask for the Kid menus - most places have one. Wagamama, Yo Sushi, Itsu for Japanese; Maroush for Lebanese; Dishoom for Indian (with a twist); Busabathai for Thai; Cabana for Brazilian; Royal China for Chinese - were easily our favourites. I quite like the coffee and atmosphere at Costa Coffee; but Starbucks "rocks and rules" all over the world. On my daughter's must have list - Lola Cupcakes http://www.lolas-kitchen.co.uk/ . Yes, they were very good. And on mine - a nice salt beef on rye sandwich with a slice of pickle chased with Earl Grey tea at the Selfridges. A trip to London would never be complete without a visit to a Pub and they are quite economical. Honestly; I am not so much into expensive "see-food" and there are several places in London where GBP 100 a head is just the starting off menu. I am sure its great tasting food and an experience; but its something I would not miss except maybe visiting a Gordon Ramsay restaurant (my online teacher for making great food). Eating at the food stalls at the Spitalfields market or Brick Lane is an experience and so easy on the pocket. It's so nice to sit outside early evening for some coffee and crepes; or an English high tea. As I write, I am drooling at the thought of the scones I had with clotted cream and fresh strawberry jam.
6. Stay: There was a time when lesser than a 3 star hotel was unthinkable. Nowadays, stars really don't matter but reviews on the likes of tripadvisor do. There are plenty of budget options ranging from CitizenM on one (higher) end of the budget spectrum to Premier Inn and easyHotel at the other. Tune, Formule, Ibis and a host of other brands fall somewhere in between. Rooms are small (12 - 16 m2) and service is limited. But there are some expensive many star hotels in london offering maybe 50% more space at 500% higher rates and service that you could frankly forget. What I got at Tune were 2 rooms; 1 with a queen bed and 1 twin. Both rooms adjoining each other (not interconnected). The beds were comfortable, linen and towels quality clean. Space to park large luggage under the beds. We still lived out of bags by making our cabin bags as the wardrobe (Inconvenient) - but then these rooms were not designed for long stay. Bathrooms were small and the shower area really small. But it was clean with Villeroy & Boch fittings. Toiletries were really very good. TV, Aircon, daily towel change, wifi come at a price. I took the pack. It had a tuck shop by the reception that sold hot and cold beverages and small packed eats. Well located with plenty of breakfast and dining options within a 100m radius. It took a day for us all to get used to the rooms and the hotel; after which, neither the size or service were discussed as inconvenience. I still love luxury hotels and would not stay elsewhere at a resort destination; but in a city like London a Tune worked for us just fine. Going a step further in my adventure to be even more budget minded - I would attempt staying at one of the branded designer hostels that have started popping up all over Europe.
7. Attractions: They can cost a small fortune as entry to most tourist traps are pricey. Each person has their own wish list while traveling and while one may believe that I am "Uncle Scrooge" my own opinion is that I am a value seeker. Fortunately, there are lots of things to do in London for free or next to nothing. Spend half a day each at the Hyde Park, Regents Park and Kensington Park (Diana Memorial). Paddle boat in the serpentine (GBP 12 per adult for 30mins) or cycle around the park (GBP 3 per hour) or just laze on the lawns. Several galleries and museums have no admission fee. Then there are markets, concerts, street plays and performances all for free. ( http://www.timeout.com/london/things-to-do/free-london ). Movies are expensive, concerts and plays even more. But the quality of the venues, auditoriums and shows so high that its every penny worth it. The earliest and last birds catch the worm in London when it comes to the best priced (affordable) tickets and there are several licensed ticket vendors around the city from where one can check a pick them up from. For a day of sightseeing; just buy the travelcard and go from place to place atop the London red buses. Beats even the hop-on hop-off bus in terms of price. ( http://www.londonforfree.net/outdoors/bustour/bustour.shtml ). If you are a fan of cricket, go for a game to the Lords or Oval. The tickets are not that pricey. Historic and modern architecture, fancy cars, window shopping, nicely dressed people, watching hundreds of nationalities sharing space with you is just so WOW.
Point is one can do as much or as little in London; and either way you will feel that your holiday and money have evaporated in no time.
My final bill for 15 days (I will keep the shopping aside):
a. Airfare for 4 - GBP 2100 (all adult fare)
b. Hotel - GBP 1800 (2 rooms)
c. Food - GBP 1350
d. Travel -GBP 300 (including trip to-fro airport)
e. Sightseeing, concert, attractions, movies - GBP 500
f. Misc GBP 100 (phone card, adapters and other such things)
g. Weather - Free
Total - GBP 6,150 or 410 a day.
No bad I guess considering that a good 4 star hotel/apartment alone would have set me back by GBP 250 or more.
Some tips for the uninitiated:
- London tap water is safe for drinking and unless you find the taste unappealing; ask for tap water at restaurants and refill your water bottles. Buying bottled water is a waste of money and in any case your tea coffee, lemonade are all made with tap water.
- Many take away eateries run a happy hour just before closing time (hint) which actually happens to be dinner time for most Indians.
- Luxury brands don't announce "sale" and "deals"; but most have it all year round. Ask for marked downs or promotions - else you will never know.
- Don't get VAT invoicing done until you are sure that you have reached an end of your shopping spree. The handling fee per VAT invoice is quite substantial so try and make just one for each outlet.
- There is no difference in price between a regular and visitor Oyster Card. So don't get rushed into buying one overseas. Children between 11 and 15 can travel free on London transport by getting a Junior Oyster ID card. Make sure you do that 3 weeks ahead of visiting. There is a fee of GBP 10 but every penny worth it if your stay exceeds greater than 4 days.
- Discounted concert and theatre tickets can be booked on ticketmaster ( http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/ ) with an option to pick them up at the venue.
- Prepaid SIMs. I have stopped using Matrix as they work out quite expensive. Pick up a "Lebera" SIM. Beats the rest in rates and calls from lebara to lebara numbers are free. http://www.lebara.co.uk/
- Lastly; do not convert. You will have a terrible holiday if you do. Go by the bread index of conversion if you still feel like it. On my bread index - GBP 1 = INR 20
"Why are we doing Asia again?" I was asked by my united family. "It's hot in summer and the places are so boring" I was told. Well, kids can only kid; and my wife behaves like one when holidays are the topic of discussion. "So where do you want to go?". Prompt came the reply "London - just London if nowhere else close by".
London can be a great idea, except; 15 days. To my mind its too long, boring and super expensive. It's hard to fight the family - specially on subjects like holiday. So, no choice but to change the mindset. The English weather strangely appeals to my entire family; and yes, I would truly not mind a holiday in ol blighty. It took away the task of being too nomadic traveling from place to place. It's not just the capital of UK but of the whole world; and while it may sound like spending too many days there, at the end of it, it's just not enough. I did have a budget in mind and informed my kingdom that we would have to cut on style and expenses for a well measured holiday there. "Put us in a no star hotel, and we don't mind economy class either - just make sure we are on a decent airline" is what I heard back.
There was a time when I could fit my whole family in a room. Now, the children are young adults and having them in the same room is impractical unless the room is 30m2+. As it is - one room in Central London is expensive; two; gulp. Of course there are apartments, but then the good ones are not cheap either and the net saving is barely 15%. Visas; the Brit visa is a near Rs 9000 per head for just 6 months. Airfare; the cheaper fares on good airlines are all non refundable. Shopping; the daughter has now become a consultant to mother and between the two of them my wallet would lose weight very fast. Boy, was I in trouble.
Fortune favours the brave, and it did favour me. I got a relatively good price on Virgin and I booked 2 rooms at the Tune hotel (www.tunehotels.com). Split my stay at two of their properties; that is, at Liverpool st. and King's Cross at an average of GBP 120 a night (in total) inclusive of air-conditioning et all. I knew the rooms were small - but then - it's better than what the family was prepared to cut back to. I develop budget hotels but when it comes to my holidays I love luxury. I don't care much where I stay when on work - but holidays- I don't know. Anyway, I did not have a choice - unless I was prepared to loosen my wallet more (like let it tear) - had to stay in good affordable accommodation in Central London; else, stay a bit further away - which too was not acceptable to us all.
So a budget holiday it would have to be. Would it be fun - let's see. Summary of my experiences:
1. Visas: The visa process is run by VFS and the latest change is that forms have to be filled online ( http://vfsglobal.co.uk/india/ ). Which meant; could do it directly without the help of a travel agent. UK is pretty good about somethings like not insisting on producing air tickets, mediclaim etc. With a filing fee of nearly Rs 9000 for a 6 month short visit visa, the applicant better be serious about visiting. When it comes to the visa costs, I say "I love America". Single fee with the visa term decided based on risk. So also Canada. I think UK should follow suit too unless the pricing for longer duration is intentional to keep the numbers low. It should however have a special deal on family visas. Filing the form online was easy but time consuming. The appointment with VFS straight forward. Got there at the designated time and was let in on time too. With the holiday rush and requirement for presence of all applicants for biometrics registration; we got our turn 4 hours later. VFS charges an obscene amount for sending a SMS and/ or courier to intimate you on your application and deliver it by courier. I avoided the extra charges as I asked and was told that the applicant is informed by email on when to pick up the passports.
2. Airport to hotel: Repeat visitors familiar with London transport know that it has one of the most expensive - yet finest public transport system in the world. I was travelling with wife and 2 kids and my extended family included 7 pieces of luggage in tow. Train or Tube - not practical. Booked a mini cab. Cost - a bit cheaper than if would have travelled by train - with the convenience of an airport to hotel drop. Estate car that could load all of us comfortably from Heathrow to Liverpool St. - GBP 56 (http://www.airporttaxis-uk.co.uk/London-City/qqto.html) Got a quote - filled a form - paid by card. Got a call back from OTS (to India) to confirm the booking and verify the details. Comforting. By the time I got to London, I had the driver's number and cab details. Was greeted at the airport by a friendly Somalian; owner of a very nice Mercedes Van (much larger than the estate I had booked). I did use OTS again and will certainly recommend it.
3. Travel within the City: Black cabs are great - I love them - but only at night when there is no traffic. Daytime; I love to use the bus rather than the underground. If you are going to make only 3 - 4 trips a day in Zone 1; then use the Oyster card for an adult and Child travelcard (zone 1 to 6) for an under 15. Under 11 - no ticket on bus or underground required if traveling with an Oyster card or day travelcard holder. While traveling on the underground, the Oyster card is billed on basis of stations travelled measured by entry and exit point; the bus has a single fare however much the distance (as long as it's in the same bus). Bus fares are much cheaper than the tube - but the trick is to find a bus that takes you exactly where you want so that you don't have to change it. Assure you not difficult. Would use the day off peak travelcard otherwise.( https://account.tfl.gov.uk/oyster ) London is a fab place to walk despite its willyweather and we did take some seriously long treks inside the City.
4. Travel out of the City: National Express or bus services are more economical than trains for sure. Children travel half price, or at times even lower. With the net, it's very easy to figure out the costs. On the train too; there are discounts if traveling as a family or with one more adult. Cost cutting requires a bit of research.
(Take a break from London and visit any of these day visit or more towns Oxford, Cambridge, Bath, Windsor, Brighton ( http://www.londontourist.org/trips.html ) Or if shopping excites you then nothing like a visit to http://www.bicestervillage.com/ Designer Outlet.
5. Food: None of us in the family are great fans of true blue fast food and we did not visit any such eatery in all of 15 days there. Most eateries will average out between GBP 10 and 15 per head including beer/wine or soft drink. Ask for the Kid menus - most places have one. Wagamama, Yo Sushi, Itsu for Japanese; Maroush for Lebanese; Dishoom for Indian (with a twist); Busabathai for Thai; Cabana for Brazilian; Royal China for Chinese - were easily our favourites. I quite like the coffee and atmosphere at Costa Coffee; but Starbucks "rocks and rules" all over the world. On my daughter's must have list - Lola Cupcakes http://www.lolas-kitchen.co.uk/ . Yes, they were very good. And on mine - a nice salt beef on rye sandwich with a slice of pickle chased with Earl Grey tea at the Selfridges. A trip to London would never be complete without a visit to a Pub and they are quite economical. Honestly; I am not so much into expensive "see-food" and there are several places in London where GBP 100 a head is just the starting off menu. I am sure its great tasting food and an experience; but its something I would not miss except maybe visiting a Gordon Ramsay restaurant (my online teacher for making great food). Eating at the food stalls at the Spitalfields market or Brick Lane is an experience and so easy on the pocket. It's so nice to sit outside early evening for some coffee and crepes; or an English high tea. As I write, I am drooling at the thought of the scones I had with clotted cream and fresh strawberry jam.
6. Stay: There was a time when lesser than a 3 star hotel was unthinkable. Nowadays, stars really don't matter but reviews on the likes of tripadvisor do. There are plenty of budget options ranging from CitizenM on one (higher) end of the budget spectrum to Premier Inn and easyHotel at the other. Tune, Formule, Ibis and a host of other brands fall somewhere in between. Rooms are small (12 - 16 m2) and service is limited. But there are some expensive many star hotels in london offering maybe 50% more space at 500% higher rates and service that you could frankly forget. What I got at Tune were 2 rooms; 1 with a queen bed and 1 twin. Both rooms adjoining each other (not interconnected). The beds were comfortable, linen and towels quality clean. Space to park large luggage under the beds. We still lived out of bags by making our cabin bags as the wardrobe (Inconvenient) - but then these rooms were not designed for long stay. Bathrooms were small and the shower area really small. But it was clean with Villeroy & Boch fittings. Toiletries were really very good. TV, Aircon, daily towel change, wifi come at a price. I took the pack. It had a tuck shop by the reception that sold hot and cold beverages and small packed eats. Well located with plenty of breakfast and dining options within a 100m radius. It took a day for us all to get used to the rooms and the hotel; after which, neither the size or service were discussed as inconvenience. I still love luxury hotels and would not stay elsewhere at a resort destination; but in a city like London a Tune worked for us just fine. Going a step further in my adventure to be even more budget minded - I would attempt staying at one of the branded designer hostels that have started popping up all over Europe.
7. Attractions: They can cost a small fortune as entry to most tourist traps are pricey. Each person has their own wish list while traveling and while one may believe that I am "Uncle Scrooge" my own opinion is that I am a value seeker. Fortunately, there are lots of things to do in London for free or next to nothing. Spend half a day each at the Hyde Park, Regents Park and Kensington Park (Diana Memorial). Paddle boat in the serpentine (GBP 12 per adult for 30mins) or cycle around the park (GBP 3 per hour) or just laze on the lawns. Several galleries and museums have no admission fee. Then there are markets, concerts, street plays and performances all for free. ( http://www.timeout.com/london/things-to-do/free-london ). Movies are expensive, concerts and plays even more. But the quality of the venues, auditoriums and shows so high that its every penny worth it. The earliest and last birds catch the worm in London when it comes to the best priced (affordable) tickets and there are several licensed ticket vendors around the city from where one can check a pick them up from. For a day of sightseeing; just buy the travelcard and go from place to place atop the London red buses. Beats even the hop-on hop-off bus in terms of price. ( http://www.londonforfree.net/outdoors/bustour/bustour.shtml ). If you are a fan of cricket, go for a game to the Lords or Oval. The tickets are not that pricey. Historic and modern architecture, fancy cars, window shopping, nicely dressed people, watching hundreds of nationalities sharing space with you is just so WOW.
Point is one can do as much or as little in London; and either way you will feel that your holiday and money have evaporated in no time.
My final bill for 15 days (I will keep the shopping aside):
a. Airfare for 4 - GBP 2100 (all adult fare)
b. Hotel - GBP 1800 (2 rooms)
c. Food - GBP 1350
d. Travel -GBP 300 (including trip to-fro airport)
e. Sightseeing, concert, attractions, movies - GBP 500
f. Misc GBP 100 (phone card, adapters and other such things)
g. Weather - Free
Total - GBP 6,150 or 410 a day.
No bad I guess considering that a good 4 star hotel/apartment alone would have set me back by GBP 250 or more.
Some tips for the uninitiated:
- London tap water is safe for drinking and unless you find the taste unappealing; ask for tap water at restaurants and refill your water bottles. Buying bottled water is a waste of money and in any case your tea coffee, lemonade are all made with tap water.
- Many take away eateries run a happy hour just before closing time (hint) which actually happens to be dinner time for most Indians.
- Luxury brands don't announce "sale" and "deals"; but most have it all year round. Ask for marked downs or promotions - else you will never know.
- Don't get VAT invoicing done until you are sure that you have reached an end of your shopping spree. The handling fee per VAT invoice is quite substantial so try and make just one for each outlet.
- There is no difference in price between a regular and visitor Oyster Card. So don't get rushed into buying one overseas. Children between 11 and 15 can travel free on London transport by getting a Junior Oyster ID card. Make sure you do that 3 weeks ahead of visiting. There is a fee of GBP 10 but every penny worth it if your stay exceeds greater than 4 days.
- Discounted concert and theatre tickets can be booked on ticketmaster ( http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/ ) with an option to pick them up at the venue.
- Prepaid SIMs. I have stopped using Matrix as they work out quite expensive. Pick up a "Lebera" SIM. Beats the rest in rates and calls from lebara to lebara numbers are free. http://www.lebara.co.uk/
- Lastly; do not convert. You will have a terrible holiday if you do. Go by the bread index of conversion if you still feel like it. On my bread index - GBP 1 = INR 20
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