Cheap Tickets And London

Jane Engle writes:

Americans visiting London these days may feel as destitute as the young Oliver Twist. And with $400-a-night hotel bills, $80 cab rides and $8 Tube tickets, they won't need Fagin's band of pickpockets to empty their wallets.

10 DO'S . . .

Here are 10 tips for saving on a London vacation, plus five budget-busting mistakes, all gleaned from a recent trip, travel agents and other experts:

1.Go in winter, spring or fall. In a recent spot-check of flights online, the lowest LAX-London round-trip fare was $1,200, including taxes and fees, for nonstops in summer, compared with less than $700 for travel into March. 2. Book packages or group tours. Packages combine flights, hotels and often airport transfers and other costs into one price; tours typically add guides, meals, ground transportation and more. To book a package or tour, see a travel agent or check websites of travel sellers and major airlines.

As an example of savings, a recent Virgin Vacations package charged $2,670 total per couple for LAX-London round-trip airfare, six nights at the Holiday Inn Kensington Forum, daily breakfast, taxes and fees. 3. Lower your standards. Why book a luxury hotel if all you will do is sleep there? 4. Try a hotel alternative. (Some hotels include breakfast too.) For longer stays, consider renting an apartment to save on food costs or a room at a private home. For families, a home-exchange program can work well. 5. Budget for breakfast. Expect to pay $15 and up for even a modest spread at a London hotel. 6. Hit the markets. On my last London trip, in August, I paid $7.50 total for a tuna salad, big enough for two, and bottled water at Simply Food, a gourmet chain run by venerable Marks & Spencer. Lesson learned.

London's open-air markets also offer fresh, affordable dining options. With cab rides from Heathrow into central London running $80 and up, plus tip, you're almost compelled to find a cheaper way. Options include the Heath- row Express train (adult fare is $29 and up), 15 minutes to Paddington, www.heathrowexpress.com; the Heathrow Connect train ($13.80), 25 minutes to Paddington, www.heathrowconnect.com); and the Tube (4 pounds or $8 cash), 45 minutes or more, Piccadilly Line, www.tfl.gov.uk.

Buy an Oyster card, available at transit stations, to ride buses and the Tube. This card offers substantial discounts off regular fares, which run about $4 on buses and $8 on the Tube in central London. To further reduce costs, look for lodging near Tube stations and bus stops.

9. Haunt museums. London has some of the world's most fascinating museums, and many don't charge admission, except for special exhibitions. These include the British, the Victoria & Albert and the Natural History museums.

Entrance fees at other attractions can be steep; the Tower of London charges $32 per adult. Depending on how many of these sites you visit, you may save with programs such as the London Pass, www.londonpass.com.

10. Get theater discounts. The days of $10 seats in big London theaters are long gone.

DON’T DO THESE THINGS: 2. Booking a rail ticket at the last minute. 3. Taking a pricey city tour. Instead, check out London Walks, www.walks.com. Excess- baggage charges on airlines can cost hundreds of dollars. 5. Leaving tips for drinks at pubs and cafes.