Planning your London Vacation is more important today then it ever was. There was a time when you could just book a flight, jump on a plane and just turn up and walk down one of London's Bed and Breakfast Streets and find a room and start your vacation from there. These days with high exchange rates and London most certainly one of the most expensive cities in the world to visit, if you plan ahead you can save a lot of money and have the trip you want.
With the increase of internet booking services and its convenience it pays to shop around to find the best hotel deals. Even if your trip is at short notice you can find excellent deals even in peak summer season in London. Prices can range dramatically so a little patience and attention to detail will pay dividends in the end. This goes for Luxury Hotels to Bed and Breakfasts and of course it is all down to your personal taste and budget.
The usual London sightseeing must be planned as depending on your length of stay there is so much to see and so little time! I would highly recommend that the first thing you do is take a London Sightseeing bus tour. This will not only allow you to take in the main sights but will also give you a sense of bearing and you may well come across something that you had not thought of and plan to come back and see it. You can also purchase certain passes for major attractions. This is a great money saver as you will find out if you try to pay for certain attractions on a individual basis.
As far as getting around London, you may never find a more convenient city in the world as far as public transport is concerned. Depending on how many days you are in London get a bus and tube train pass. There is also a new discount card called an Oyster card that is very cost effective. Normally by the time you have figured the tube train system out it is time to go home but that's all part of the fun!
London Theatre is normally high on peoples list and booking tickets in advance is the best way forward. There are ways when you get here to get discount tickets like half price ticket kiosk and returns at the box office concerned but this can be a risk depending on what show you are particularly interested in? The main west end shows especially during the summer months and at weekends will be difficult to get tickets so making sure you have your tickets in advance will save you the pain of running around when you can be spending your time doing something more constructive.
The one thing you can't plan for, well on most occasions in a new city is a good night out! And London certainly offers that in abundance. Whether you prefer restaurants, clubs or pubs you will be spoilt for choice. Wherever you are staying always ask for a recommendation from the staff at reception as they will know where to send you locally for a great time. London opens up so many ideas and things to do no matter how long you stay you will not do everything that you want. I am sure that most will have a go but that's what will ultimately bring you back another day.
Gareth Owen is the owner and co-ordinator of the London Vacation Guide. For more information and resources on visiting London go to http://www.londonvacationguide.com
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