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Even in London . . .

© Diane Goldberg under the original topic name

"When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life: for there is in London all that life can afford." Samuel Johnson was right, however the problem seems to be affording London.

Europe's largest and most multi-cultural city has a wealth of options for the returning traveler or the first time visitor. The clear problem may be in the wealth the city requires. Not to worry, some of London's most impressive sights and experiences can be yours for only a few pence. The British Tourist Authority at http://www.bta.org.uk/ can start you off right with a free London Planning Guide that lists scads of inexpensive Bed and Breakfasts. Alternatively, http://www.budgettravel.com/london.htm, the Budget Travel Guide to London can provide lots of information and links. http://www.eurodata.com/ offers articles on London as well as links to search engines that can help you find budget accommodation.

Budget travelers can stay right in the center of London in the Norfolk and Suffolk Square areas near Paddington Station.

Women budget travelers going solo or people who prefer a bit of peace and quiet may prefer booking a budget Bed and Breakfast in the quiet residential area of North London---quite a few are listed in Willesdon Green. http://www.virtual-london.co.uk/cam.htm will give you an idea of what North London looks like.

Even the most extravagant will want a London Visitor Travel card, available from Britrail http://www.eurail.on.ca/britrai1.htm. The pass available in several day increments gives you access to the tube [subway] and bus system that covers London. Use it on landing at Heathrow for the forty-minute trip into central London and avoid outrageous cab or limousine services fares.

The cost conscious will avoid an afternoon in Harrod's---it is every bit as pricey as a luxury store in a world capital can be. But, if you are shy a sweater or two for the chilly British evenings, the ubiquitous Edinburgh Woolen Mills offer good quality wool for excellent prices, Marks & Spencer an English institution---three out of five pairs of socks worn in the UK were purchased at Marks & Spencer---is a good place to buy whatever you forgot to pack.

Despite the high cost of visiting the Tower of London, which you can preview here: http://www.livesights.com/cgi-bin/VideoP... There is a way to experience a remarkable bit of living history at the Tower for free. At least six weeks before your trip write to The Resident Governor, Tower of London EC3N 4AB and ask for a pass to witness the Ceremony of the Keys. Enclose an International Reply coupon available at your post office and an envelope with your request. At 9:35 PM on the appointed date you will be escorted through the main gate of the Tower to view the ceremonial locking up, unchanged since Tudor times.

The copyright of the article Even in London . . . in Traveling on a Budget is owned by Diane Goldberg under the original topic name. Permission to republish Even in London . . . in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.