When I came to the UK in September 2020, summer had already faded into the new shades of autumn by mid-October-November. Then, the bustling city got busy with Christmas preparations.
The sound of carols filled the air, the trees were adorned with baubles and tinsel, and everywhere I went, I could sense the sweet, enchanting smell of hot chocolate, mulled wine, and roasted chestnuts, which made my heart sigh. The warm beverages became cosy hugs as the frosting winter turned long days into lengthy nights.
The markets were filled with gifts and treats, and I didn’t care about the extra pounds I gained these days. The ice rinks were open at various places, and the bell chime became louder in the nearby churches. The sound of laughter and cheers gave me positive vibes, and during the holiday season, I began embracing the magic of this particular time.
My point of sharing the whole experience is that winter season is special in the UK and the memories you make in this season lasts forever, filling your heart with a sublime warmth.
5 Money Saving Tips for Winter Holidays in the UK
Christmas lights on Oxford Street are considered one of the most spectacular holiday displays in the world. People come from all over the world to experience the joy these lights bring to all who pass by them.
Along with pretty London, cities like Edinburgh, Manchester, Cardiff, and Liverpool in the UK also dazzle with a thousand varieties of lights and decors.
The crux is travelling to the UK during December can be pretty expensive, especially in some of the prominent locations; however, my suggestions may help you enjoy your trip without breaking the bank:
Book Accommodation and Transportation in Advance
Start booking your hotels and flights at least six months in advance to get discounts or good deals.
I suggest choosing Trip.com and Booking.com as these sites offer bookings at the best rates. Through the Trip.com app, you can save up to £10 per person on every flight you book for your UK trip. If you are staying in London, I would suggest booking a hotel in Central London, which will save your time and commuting costs.
Tips
1. While booking your room, look for dates on which the hotel offers a low price (mainly weekdays) and select them if they suit your itinerary.
2. Look for free cancellation options when you reserve the rooms.
Here are some of the luxurious and affordable hotels worth mentioning, among which you can choose:
Leonardo Royal London Tower Bridge: If you want a top-notch experience, look no further than this hotel. Its luxurious rooms, amenities, and impeccable service make an unforgettable stay. The hotel’s location is accessible to shopping, dining, attractions, and entertainment activities. I highly recommend this hotel for a stay in the heart of London. Click on the link to book Leonardo Royal London Tower Bridge.
Ibis Budget London Bromley Centre: This budget-friendly hotel provides an affordable stay without compromising on your comfort. During my stay, the staff was friendly and welcoming, and they provided excellent recommendations for local activities and restaurants. The public transportation options near the hotel also made it easy to explore the city without spending much on daily commuter costs. Book Ibis Budget London hotel here.
Royal National Hotel: I recently had the pleasure of staying at this hotel and was thoroughly impressed with its services. The location was perfect, with easy access to public transportation and restaurants and shops nearby. The room was spacious and clean, with all the necessary amenities. Moreover, the hotel staff was amicable and accommodating, and the breakfast buffet was delicious—Book Royal National Hotel with just one click.
Central Park Hotel: This is another budget-friendly option in the city centre. It is convenient for solo travellers who want to spend less on staying and commuting within the city. However, I don’t recommend it for summer because they don’t provide AC or a fan for a comfortable stay. Click here to book Central Park Hotel.
Park Grand Paddington Court: This 4-star hotel is 2.7 miles from Buckingham Palace in Westminster. It offers terrific amenities like a fitness room, AC, complimentary Wi-Fi, laundry and ironing service, and more. The nearby tube stations are Paddington and Lancaster Gate. Book Park Grand Paddington if it goes well with your travel budget.
Alternatively, you can check the best hotel deals on Booking.com. To get the best discounts during Christmas and New Year, book before 29th November. Additionally, keep checking this website to explore more deals.
Note: Booking.com is offering 15% or more discount on bookings made from 5 Dec 23 until 1 April 24 for stay dates between 1 Jan – 1 April 2024.
Travelling around the UK by train and bus can be cheaper, especially if you book in advance. The Trainline is one of the most trustworthy platforms for booking train journeys anywhere in the UK and Europe. Keeping an eye on flight deals is also a great idea to broaden your options.
Tips
1. You can use Trainline’s free price prediction tool to determine when ticket prices will likely increase or sell out based on specific routes, times, and dates and plan your journey accordingly.
2. Sometimes, the single ticket can be cheaper than the round trip tickets, so make sure that you check the cost both ways.
Use Public Transportation in the City
Whether you are in London or in other cities of the UK, use the tubes and buses for commuting, as they are convenient and cheaper modes of transport. Every city has a different travel card, which isn’t worth buying if you are travelling to multiple cities, so using a contactless card is the best option.
Look for Free Activities
Most cities usually host free Christmas markets and events. These events are the best way to watch Christmas displays, explore food and seasonal drinks, and buy cute gifts for your loved ones.
Tip: You must attend the Christmas lights and markets in London and Edinburgh when you are in the UK.
In the UK, many cities also have free museums and other attractions, where you don’t need to buy a ticket or pay for the ticket. Add them in your list while planning the itinerary.
If you are coming to London for the first time, go through my ten tips for your first London trip.
Save on Food
Eating out can be expensive every time, so consider cooking your meals if you are living in an apartment or a hotel room with kitchen. If that is not possible, then look for affordable outlets, such as Subway, Mac D or street food markets. You can also visit grocery stores like M&S Food, Sainsbury, Tesco Express, and Co-op for buying ready to eat options.
Use a Credit Card with Zero Foreign Transaction Fee
When travelling abroad, apply for a credit card that doesn’t charge a foreign transaction fee. The fee adds up to the cost making your travel more expensive.
I am sure these tips will be helpful in your future travel. If you know any additional ones, please share them in the comments section.
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