skipping london?

[nickvk]

Im not sure if i have read this here or somewhere else but i know i have heard a few times that it is best to skip london on a backpacking trip through europe. To me this does not make sense because London is atleast 100 dollars or more cheaper to fly into than say Paris. And then according to Raileurope.com it is only 50 dollars for a ticket to Paris from london. And on top of that if you have a eurail pass its 40% off? Can anyone verify any of this information. I have been searching sites and just want to make sure I have my numbers right. Also I would have a free place to stay in london so I am thinking the advice will be to take advantage of this?

[WillTravel]

I'm not sure of the rail price, although I know you can often good deals. Flying can often be cheap too. I don't see any reason to skip London if you have a free place to stay. Yes, it's an expensive place, but just avoid drinking, smoking, and sit-down restaurants if you are on a strict budget. The museums are free for the most part. Groceries are more expensive than the USA or Canada, but cheese and bread are pretty cheap.

[pointofnoreturn]

Personally, London is one of my favourite places in the world. Yes, it is expensive but you will be kicking yourself if you missed it.

London (in this case, Heathrow) has some of the busiest airports in the world and for that part of that reason, it is cheaper to fly there. I think as long as you stay in a good hostel that's within walking distance to cool sights and buying groceries, you'll do fine in the city.

[Jules80]

i love london! and i agree you shouldn't skip it. i have family there but i'd go even if i didn't!

julie

[madamtrashheap]

nickvk said:

Also I would have a free place to stay in london so I am thinking the advice will be to take advantage of this?

Absolutely!!!
London is loud, dirty, fast, expensive, unforgiving...it's also vibrant, happening, inspiring and has something for everyone! If you have the opportunity to spend time in the city without worrying about the cost of accommodation, then go for it. I agree with everyone who has posted here - don't skip it.

Have we convinced you yet?!! ;D

[PinkFlamingo]

I saw the headling and had to reply!
Don't skip London! It is also one of my favorites places. I spent a semester studying there and still didn't see everything I wanted to. London is awesome! ;D

[me]

an alternative to skipping London might be to plan London for the end of your trip. London can be really expensive! almost as bad as Switzerland.

if London is at the end, you've learned the low cost travel skills before you get there. also, doing London at the end rather than at the beginning, will keep you from blowing the whole trip's budget on your first stop.

[Melanie]

I went backpacking across Europe -- London was my first stop (I was flying in from NYC) I am from NYC, so I'm use to expensive, loud, all that. London is very expensive (especially if you are American, the exchange rate kills you), and rough on someone who is watching their money. If you really want to go to London, I agree, have London be the last stop on your trip. London is a beautiful city and has much to offer, even if you don't stay long, it is a nice place to see, walk around. If you do your research you can find inexpensive things to do -- some even free! : )

[PinkFlamingo]

Most of the museums in London are free. So if that's your type of thing that's a great way to save some money.

[pointofnoreturn]

pinkflamingo said:

Most of the museums in London are free. So if that's your type of thing that's a great way to save some money.

Yeah, make sure you hit Tate Gallery. Trust me, you'll get an eye opener when you get there! *winks*