It would be fair to say that the terms “UK” and “on a
budget” regularly go hand-in-hand. After all, up until recently at least,
London was regarded as one of the most expensive cities.
Even though it may have lost that mantle, it’s still not naturally a cheap place to visit. On the plus side, if you arm yourself with some so-called insider knowledge, you can cut costs and still enjoy a fabulous time in the country.
Let’s now take a look at some of the ways you can achieve this.
It doesn’t have to all be about London
This first suggestion might raise a few eyebrows, particularly as we have mentioned London a couple of times already!
However, it doesn’t always have to be about this city. There is plenty
more that the UK has to offer, and if you do place all of your eggs in one
basket, it happens to be the most expensive basket going.
Other areas of the UK are significantly cheaper to visit, and can give you a real insight into local UK life. For example, the hotels around Glasgow are a fraction of the price, yet still, put you inside an exciting city with a whole host of fantastic attractions. Or, if going north doesn’t interest you, the Midlands offers some fantastic retreats – and also allows you to take a dip into the UK countryside.
Use your transport options wisely
Quite often, visitors to the UK use taxis as their primary source of
travel. Well, in the interests of saving money, this needs to stop.
In fact, there are times where the underground metro service is overused as well, and most of the time, the most efficient way is to walk between destinations.
Sure, it might strain your legs, but it will allow you to see more of
the country and save significant sums throughout your trip.
For example, let’s take the most obvious case with museums. Most are
completely free to enter, meaning that you can comfortably spend a day without
spending a dime.
Then, if we turn to private attractions, there are regularly discount
vouchers doing the rounds that can slash your costs in half.
The very worst thing you can do is turn up on the door as in most
cases, a lot of these attractions will offer a discount for just booking on
their website.
Choose your dining days wisely
This is something that is quite commonplace around the world, but if
at all possible, try and make sure you plan to dine out on any day between
Sunday and Thursday.
These are the days in which the locals tend to stay at home, and restaurants often showcase offers which can cut the price of dining. If you leave it until the weekend, these offers evaporate.
Traveling is indeed, a wonderful teacher and the best entertainer. It makes me an improved person and enhances my horizon of thinking. It enables me to handle unforeseen challenges, makes me flexible, adaptive and follows the flow. It makes me a dreamer and gives me the vigor to take the road less traveled.
Traveling is living, loving, learning and changing. It’s my life. I breath when I move. It makes me feel alive and rejuvenated. I truly feel my existence when I am on a journey. Traveling is my only dream and I can do anything to live this dream each second, every day, throughout my life.
“The more you wander, the more you wonder” unknown
By traveling alone, you can celebrate your independence and flexibility. It is your opportunity to decide for your own. There will be no conflicts, nor complications. Make this experience something to remember for a lifetime.”
Some people are afraid to travel, especially first-timers; however, this is an opportunity in life that everybody should try even once in their lifetime. You may feel hesitant and afraid at the start, but with the proper planning and preparation, you will realize that there is no reason not to continue. Below are some survival guides that may help you on your first solo travel.
Feel good about yourself.
Your attitude has a major impact on everything that you do. Before leaving, invite a positive energy. Think that the best will come and happen. Smile at strangers, be positive, build a new friendship, meditate, pray, go around, explore and seize each moment.
Learn to make friends.
This is an opportunity to be independent and make self-reflections; however, you should also learn to connect with other people if you really do not want to be alone during your entire trip. It could be with the locals, your roommate or other travelers. There is nothing wrong being with strangers; however, you should know your limitations and how to protect yourself.
Refrain from over spending.
Since you are alone, you need to stick to your budget. If you run out of money, there is no one that you can get help with.
Stay safe and alert.
Safety and security will always be the most necessary. Know safety precautions, especially if you are a woman. Be safe when taking a cab or bus, when you go to bars or whenever you go to public spots. Refrain from going to dark and unguarded places. Do not give personal information to strangers.
Celebrate life.
By traveling alone, you can celebrate your independence and flexibility. It is your opportunity to decide for your own. There will be no conflicts, nor complications. Make this experience something to remember for a lifetime.
These are some of the views expressed on Solo traveling by fellow bloggers.
Voyaging on your own is without a doubt a radiant ordeal. It offers you amazing chances to meet individuals, comprehend diverse societies, a bit of “personal time”. Nonetheless, to appreciate the delights of voyaging on your own as a woman, you should take measures to secure yourself and your things.
Here are a few tips:
Don’t indiscriminately trust outsiders even though she is a woman.
Try not to acknowledge drinks from outsiders or other inn visitors.
As a solo traveler, it is imperative that you stay in contact with your family, relatives and close companions, so they are in know you are protected.
Leave a copy of your personal details with your close individuals (family). Send them messages all through your travel telling them where you are presently and where you will be.
It is better to have a ‘cell phone power pack’ in case your cell battery runs out in the event of any crisis.
Be that as it may, don’t utilize the phone while strolling or driving, as you ought to depend on and be attentive to your environment.
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We, as women, often contemplate before we go on a voyage on our own whether the place is safe to visit before going there. Ladakh is one such safe place for a woman who wants to voyage on her own. Ladakh is a dream destination for someone who loves traveling. It has remarkable geographical features.
Nubra valley (Image source flickr.com)
Delightful Gompas, framed by fluttering prayer flags, friendly locals and the mesmerizing Pangong Tso Lake. Some of the most well-known spots to visit in Ladakh are Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, and Nubra Valley.
Shanti Stupa,Leh,Ladakh
In the event that Ladakh intrigues you, then, here is the way you can chalk out your travel trip-transportation, accommodation, nourishment, and water.
Transportation – You arrive at Delhi. At that point, you have numerous buses that will take you to Manali. Pick a bus that will reach Manali early morning. While in Manali you can freshen up and have a reasonably priced meal. You can buy snacks and water bottle for the onward journey. From Manali, you can take a bus to Leh. There is a stopover at Keylong. At Keylong, you can have Momo for dinner. For commuting in Ladakh, the only option you have is to hire a shared taxi/van. You will get more information about booking at New Bus Stand in Leh. People of Ladakh are hospitable and will be glad to help you out.
Accommodation– Homestays have started in villages in some of the trekking areas, generating income for the villagers and also reducing the strain on the ecosystem caused by camping. Trekkers on trekking routes in Hemis National Park can use homestays as they trek from village to village. Trekkers could meet local people and experience Ladakhi culture and lifestyle. Three meals a day, bedding and safe drinking water are provided.
Local people basically tend to their own particular personal concerns and don’t trouble travelers.Undoubtedly, it is a prevalent visitor destination for women voyaging alone. Given the high altitude, travel light and practice general caution as you would at any other destination.
Do share your comments and feedbacks about traveling solo. 🙂
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UK Train Line Railway Timetable app for the iPad
Trainline will help you save a good amount on your rail tickets by highlighting the cheapest ticket prices for your London journey. They are experts to help you plan your journey by making it simple, quick and efficient. You can keep a check on live train departures, their arrival times and fare details in advance, so you can accordingly plan your journey and vacation in an efficient and effective manner.
It will help you save on rail tickets by highlighting the cheapest prices for your next UK national rail booking. You can benefit from great savings when buying your train tickets in advance. If you are flexible with your time of travel, use the best fare finder to find cheap train tickets that other customers have found.
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Home to tranquil temples, lush gardens, striking shrines and mysterious geishas, a visit to Japan would not be complete without venturing to its cultural and historic center, Kyoto. Providing a striking contrast to the chaotic, neon-lit and modernistic mega-city of Tokyo, Kyoto is a completely different world. The city exudes warmth, classic character and a timeless elegance so palpable it almost feels as if time has stood still.
Therein lies the magic of Kyoto and it is reason enough to add this captivating city to your bucket list RIGHT NOW. If you need a little more convincing, however, here are seven more reasons to add Kyoto to any Japan travel itinerary.
ORANGE-TORII-GATES
1) Gion District
The oldest district in Kyoto, Gion is the epicenter of geisha culture. Here you’ll find a winding maze of alleyways, a myriad of tea houses, incredible shopping, delectable cuisine and night-time entertainment. You’ll more than likely spot a geisha or two as they disappear down the winding streets and trust me, it will all hardly seem real.
2) Bamboo Forest
The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is one of Kyoto’s most striking and well-known sights, and for good reason. Standing amid towering stalks of bamboo is a moment of pure magic, and one not to be missed on a trip to Kyoto.
3) Stay in a traditional ryokan (guesthouse)
While there are plenty of Western-style accommodation options in Kyoto, there’s nothing like embracing traditional Japanese culture and staying in a ryokan. The hospitality you’ll experience will no doubt be the highlight of your visit.
4) Wear a beautiful kimono
You will see kimonos everywhere in Kyoto and a stay in a ryokan comes with a kimono lent to you for the duration of your stay.
KYOTO-GION-GEISHAS
5) Fushimi Inari-Taisha
Sitting at the base of a thickly wooded mountain, the seemingly endless passageway of brilliant orange gates is one of the most recognized sights in all of Japan. In reality, there are thousands of orange gates leading all the way up Mount Inari and this is perhaps one of the most impressive religious sites I’ve visited till date.
6) Tenryuji Temple
Kyoto is home to hundreds of exquisite temples but if you visit just one during your time in Kyoto, make it Tenryuji. It is simply stunning and no photos will ever do it justice. Be sure to see it for yourself!
7) Incredible Shopping
Shijo Street in the heart of central Kyoto is a shopper’s paradise. Here you’ll find everything you can imagine, and then some. Not far from Shijo Street is the famous Nishiki Market – an incredible marketplace of more than one hundred shops and restaurants and another must-visit for those among us who love to shop.
If you have plans to head to Japan, be sure to add Kyoto to your itinerary – you won’t regret it!
