Getting out of London for a weekend on a budget
By Annie Walton Doyle from inspiringinterns.com
Although Samuel Pepys claimed when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life, he never had to get the tube at rush hour. London nowadays is a pretty tiring place, yet getting away for a weekend can seem like an impossible task – particularly if you’re on a tight budget. Here are some ways to make your money go further and allow you a well-earned break from the capital.
#1 | Last Minute
Last Minute is a great option for when you need a last minute holiday. As the name suggests, it offers last minute breaks both within the UK and further afield. You can input dates and a budget and get a conclusive list of options easily. And if there’s no holiday which strikes your fancy, there are options for spas, theatre tickets or days out – so there’s no excuse not to treat yourself.
#2 | Day Trips
A great way to get away without spending too much money is no budget precisely zero on accommodation. There are loads of places like Brighton, Windsor or Cambridge which are within travelling distance of London. They can be explored in a day, and you get to sleep in your own bed. Bonus? No packing.
#3 | Secret LDN
Secret LDN offers a ton of fun options for ways to escape the London vibe without the expense of having to physically leave the city. They have loads of ideas of things to do within London (which will make you feel like you’re out of London!) like stately homes and wildlife reserves in the seeming wildernesses of Zones 5+. And if even a long tube journey isn’t feasible, you can find a cool event which will give you mental (if not physical) distance from the hustle and bustle.
#4 | Groupon
Voucher giant Groupon has an exclusive section for weekend breaks for under £99 – leaving you with more budget to play with when it comes to dining, drinks or entertainment. Plus, you can also use Groupon to find discounts on other holidays, hotels or transport, to make your money go as far as humanly possible.
#5 | Bargain Flights
A weekend in Europe can sound extravagant, but flights can be found at a really low cost, and hostel staying is truly bargainous. Plus, some holiday destinations such as Eastern Europe have such a low cost of living that you can live the high life while you’re there.
#6 | Book Far In Advance
Generally speaking, the best way to get a good deal on a holiday is either to book right at the very last minute, or extremely far in advance. If dropping everything impulsively doesn’t appeal, try booking something at least three months in the future to get a really good deal. The prospect of something to look forward too can be almost as enjoyable as the break itself!
#7 | Go For Off Weekends
Don’t try to holiday cheaply on a bank holiday weekend, during school holidays or in the middle of tourist season. The best way to get a bargain on your holiday is to pick a less popular weekend. Not only will you save money, but there will be far less crowds, which is a total win.
Annie Walton Doyle writes for Inspiring Interns, which specialises in finding candidates their perfect internship. To browse our graduate jobs, visit our website.