10 Money-Saving Tips for your next trip to London, England.
Part 2 of my four-part series on "Budget Travel" (the full feature "Thrifty Trips" appears in our July issue) focuses on London, which, because of the Olympics and the Queen's Diamond Jubileeis a popular destination this summer for Canadian travellers.
Last week the savvy folks at Visit Britain shared their round-up of budget-travel tips. I've cherry-picked my way through their list and here are five of their tips - followed by another five of my very own.
1.BritRail Transit Benefit: the pass allows for unlimited and flexible rail travel with discounts for families, groups, seniors and youth. Visit britrail.com.
2. Oyster Cards and Visitor Transit Passes Benefit: the Visitor Oyster Card is described as a “pay as you go” pass that promises to "cap your daily costs at the cheapest price available." It's a bonus for families with children under 11 years old who ride for free when accompanied by an adult. The Visitor Oyster Card is valid on the Underground (translation: subway), buses, trams and the Dockland Light Railway. Purchase your passes beforehand at visitbritainshop.ca.
Hop a bus, get on the tube - save big bucks (Courtesy: Visit Britain)
3. Bike Sharing Benefit: Bike shares offer bicycles for short term rental, a wonderful way to get from point A to B, seeing the city close-up and not incurring cab fare. Some bike share outfitters offer the first half hour for free. Rent a bike from Barclays Cycle Hire(nicknamed the Boris Bikes after the London mayor who supported this mode of eco-friendly travel) in London’s zone 1 for £1 (which works out to about CDN $1.60) for the full day.
4. Discount Theater Tickets TKTS London is your best bet for half-price, same-day theatre tickets in London's West End.
Cheap tickets to Wizard of Oz and other shows (Courtesy: Visit Britain)
5. Museums and Galleries are free
I'm mildly surprised when visiting London and I have to fork out cash to get into some of the bigger churches and cathedrals (houses of worship) but world-class galleries and museums - such as the Tate - are free.
Now, my own personal best budget tips for London:
6. Best budget-savvy (healthy) spot for mid-day lunch or snack: For the record, I've not ever received a free meal from the popular chain Pret a Manger. But they're my personal favourite in big cities such as London and Manhattan when I want a healthy meal on the go. For freshly-made sandwiches and salads made with excellent fresh ingredients, you can't go wrong. If you're in the centre of London, grab your meal to go and find a spot in Hyde Park. If you want to plan ahead, check out the chain's handy little Pret a Manger shop locator.
Of course, this should be your go-to stand-by. Rule of thumb: Eat like a local and don't bypass the street-food. See item # 9 below.
7. Afternoon Tea: And speaking of eating like a local, afternoon tea is a British tradition you should try at least once. And, yes, it's going to cost a few pound but the reality is: it's much cheaper than a fancy meal out in the evening and you're paying for the experience as much as the food. Compare 30 pounds for an afternoon tea in a swank hotel to a meal out in Knightsbridge. Visit London has compiled a list of excellent options (and booking ahead is a good idea).
8. Take the tube from Heathrow Airport. Avoid the taxi stand. You'll save gobs of money -- and the Underground (which we call subway and Londers refer to as the Tube) is very efficient. And you pay by zone. There's a transit kiosk right at Heathrow.
9. Street food. The Guardian newspaper recently compiled the top 10 street food stalls. Like Afternoon Tea, it's tradition -- and will save you a few quid. It's not all greasy hot dogs slathered in ketchup that clutter the streets of so many North American cities (though we are improving). Think: Pulled pork sandwiches, scotch eggs, Korean fusion food (kimchi on your burger, anyone?), spicy churros and more.
Suggestion: If you splurge on Afternoon Tea (see item # 3) then balance your budget by grabbing dinner on the street. Your taste buds and bank book will thank you.
Splurge on Afternoon Tea, then save on dinner (Courtesy: Visit Britain)
10. Buy your souvenirs and gew gaws at the Portobello Road Market. No, you don't need to shell out 20 pounds for cutesy Tower of London salt and pepper shakers. Pick up some retro bijoux or tchotchkes at this or any other London flea market.
If you are looking for the Saturday Afternoon Book Club, click here.
How do you know if somebody really means it when they say thank you?
It’s rare that yours truly (that’s me, btw) would ever be speechless. And yet, if I'm honest, I can say it's happened to me a few times.
It’s simple, but it means a lot – sometimes. (photo, courtesy: Wikimedia Commons)
When? When I’ve been at my most vulnerable and someone was there for me: my mom coming over in a taxi when I was really sick, my boss at work giving me time off when I needed it, my friends talking to me at all hours when I was going through a dark time. And all I could say was thank you.
Here, my top 5 favourite thank-yous.
Oh, Sally, you’re too cute!
I have seen this clip of Sally Field getting an Oscar for Places in the Heart soooooo many times – this girl is overwhelmed with emotion, and she is speaking straight from the heart. When she yells "You like me! Right now, you really like me!” you know she's someone who is just so grateful for the recognition.
You know a PR company didn't write this for them
This week, I received a press release telling me that Brite Futures (band) was breaking up. Here's one of their songs that I really like.
And here’s what they posted on their Facebook page.
“Our most cherished memories come from being around the people we grew to love...everyone we’d see singing and dancing like crazy at our shows...every sweaty kid who talked to us at the merch booth after the show, everyone from every corner of the globe who we got to know online, and all the extremely talented and generous people who became part of the NPSH/BF team, helping us make some of our wildest dreams a reality...
“So to everyone who’s taken the time to listen to our music, watch our videos, write about us, perform with or work with us, thank-you for letting us be a part of your lives in some small way. It's been such an amazing privilege and a pleasure, it means so much to us.”
From the future Ultra-Lord of the Universe
It's a thank-you letter a kid wrote to someone who spoke to his class. He obviously wants to do something very special for this man, so he tells him that when he becomes the lord of the universe, he will let Mr. Ramon live in his 200-storey castle, where unicorn servants will feed him doughnuts off their horns.
Really? A commercial thank-you?
I know it sounds ridiculous, but this lovely P&G video is a tribute to honour and showcase the amazing moms behind the Olympic athletes at the London 2012 Olympic Games. It made me cry. And they’ve set up a Facebook page so you can post a thank-you to your mom.
I know this one’s for real
This is the email I got from my friend Cheryl this morning. It's a thank-you to me and two other friends for taking her out for her birthday. We’ve been friends for a long time, and one thing about people you know for a long time is that you know when they're being sincere.
“Thank you my friends for a lovely evening. I feel spoiled and special!” It was our pleasure, of course, to treat her. It was a simple acknowledgement of how we made her day.
I used to think thank-you was just a word. But now I realize it’s possibly one of the most powerful things you can say to someone.
Because if you mean it, it comes from a very deep place, the part of us that is truly grateful for other people rocking our own personal worlds in the universe. And when worlds collide, it’s pretty nice to have a safety net, where we can count on others to love and support us in our everyday lives.
Your turn. Anybody you want to send a thank-you to out there?
Will you be packing a bag for your pet for this year’s family vacation? If so, the checklist for your perfect accommodations just added another box: is the hotel pet friendly?
While a hotel’s website may indicate who’s welcome, call and talk to someone directly before booking to know exactly how welcome your pet will be. Here are some questions you may want to ask when deciding if a hotel is right for every member of your family.
Photography: The McClouds
What types of animals are welcomed?
Some places may welcome only dogs, while others may roll out the welcome mat for far more members of the animal kingdom. Hotels may also have restrictions based on the size and age of an animal.
Will we be charged extra for our room?
You may be charged anything from a small fee to help cover cleaning costs to a refundable damage deposit to a nonrefundable deposit. TIP: If your pet is used to being allowed on the furniture at home, pack a sheet to cover the beds and chairs to keep the room a little cleaner – and less furry.
What rooms are available to pet-toting families?
You don’t want to be saddled with an older room with torn curtains and carpet peeling from the floor, or if you’re a non-smoker, a room that’s usually reserved for smokers. And think about asking for a room on the ground level. Much easier to get in and out for those early morning walks and late evening bathroom breaks.
Let me grab a catnap before seeing the sights (photography: Eugene0126jp).
What's the area around the hotel like?
While a selection of restaurants and a mini putt nearby are lovely, if you’ve brought along your dog, you’ll need somewhere to walk him. Is the hotel in the middle of a busy city street, or is it a little off the beaten path with a park and other green spaces just a few minutes away?
Does the hotel provide any pet amenities?
You can save baggage space if you don’t have to pack food and water bowls. But you may want to bring along some comforts from home. The transition to a new place – even a temporary one – may be easier (not to mention less stressful) on your pet if he has his own toys and blanket.
Can I leave my pet alone in the room?
This is a firm no at some places, even if your pet is crated, due to concerns over barking, scratching and other disruptions to fellow guests (and the worry of what may come of the room). At places where the answer is yes, be sure to leave your pet in his crate (for the safety of cleaners or other hotel staff who may enter). You may even want to hang the Do Not Disturb sign on the door.
Are there extra services available for pets?
At places where your pet must be supervised at all times, a pet-sitting service would allow the family to check out local attractions without one person always staying behind.
Is my pet permitted to roam the grounds?
Taking a dip in the pool is probably a no-no, but what about other common areas?
Do I need to bring my pet’s vet papers?
Some hotels may ask you to bring your pet’s paperwork and proof of shots, as well as his ID (collar, tag, etc.).
It happens to both men and women in various circumstances and scenarios. Whether as teenagers or adults, and as flattering as they may seem, sometimes these advances can make for some terribly awkward situations.
So what happens if the advance comes from someone you see every day -- a coworker, perhaps? Do you go straight to your HR department? Or do you sit the person down and politely tell them that their behaviour is making you uncomfortable? Better yet, what if it happens at work, but with a client who propositions you?
Curiosity has gotten the best of me today, and I'm full of questions about this topic.
So, dear readers… How do you reject an unwanted advance?
"Sir, how many tea bags are you bringing with you on the plane?"
The customs agent's question was accompanied by a smirk. There I was in the security line-up at airport, attracting glares from the line-up of impatient people behind me -- and a devilish grin from the customs guy. There, splayed out for all the world to see, were the contents of my suit-case, which included a generous stash of tea bags, packets of cup of soup, dried fruit and discount energy bars.
"So," asked the wicked customs agent, enjoying my reddening face, "Would you be starting an import business or perhaps you're serving tea and biscuits to the entire plane? That's lovely."
Luckily, he eventually passed me through with no problem -- and I got to keep my stash of tea bags, packets of cup of soup, dried fruit and discount energy bars... Food for the plane ride? Not really, packing all those extra goodies is just one of the ways I save mega bucks when I arrive at my destination.
Food, dining out in particular, is an essential part of travel, whether you're going on a road trip through Newfoundland or hopping a plane for Italy. Exploring the cuisine of a place is how you're likely to experience local customs, get a taste for the region's food (quite literally) and meet the locals. But how do you do it without breaking the bank?
Here are 5 money-saving tips for eating well while travelling - and not breaking your budget:
1. Bring a handful of tea bags, instant cup of soup, instant coffee packets, energy bars and dried snacks.
Travel writer Michele Sponagle put me onto the tea bags and instant cup of soup some time ago and I've never looked back. Picture this: you're in your hotel room (where there's almost always a kettle), and you're a bit peckish late at night and the kitchen is closed. Or you're thirsting for a cup of tea but don't want to get stung with a hefty charge for ordering the expensive room service.
Solution: simply keep a few of these dried goods on hand and you're all set. You'll have what you need but, more importantly, you can save a few bucks and splurge on that fine restaurant the following night. Why pay $8 for a two-cup pot of coffee (as I had to do recently) when you can have a hot cuppa for pennies.
Another money-saving tip is to stack a few nibblies in your carry-on so you're not shelling out big bucks for in-flight snacks. (Have you purchased one of those over-priced, tasteless sandwiches or wraps on an airplane recently? I recently forked out $13 for a snack that would have cost me $4 at home.) Silly me, I had packed my discount-store energy powers in my checked luggage! Next time I'll know better.
Also, if you're waiting around an airport between flights don't expect $20 to go far when you've got the munchies. Just pack a few things at home and you'll be glad you did. Or hit a super market before you head to the airport.
2. Sign up for a cooking lesson.
Doug cooking up a storm in culinary class
Enrolling in a half-day or full-day cooking lesson is an event itself. You get to spend time with locals, perhaps shop in a local market, learn a few culinary skills, maybe even go market shopping with the chef, and you get to enjoy a full meal (in many cases up to 5 courses) for a fraction of the price you'd pay in a proper restaurant. I once paid $35 for a Moroccan cooking lesson which included a four-course dinner including tagine and wine, and it was the focus of my entire day. I even left with a doggy-bag.
Most recently, I was in Belgium where I participated in a morning cooking class at Mmmmh! Culinary Centre in Brussels. It was a hands-on experience and heaps of fun.
3. Local festivals, community dinners and church-hall suppers.
Lobster dinner in the local community hall (Photo: WikiCommons)
I've noshed my way through a mountain of scallops at a community dinner in Digby, Nova Scotia with beverage for a meagre $8. And I'm talking really delicious, fresh scallops right out of the ocean.
That meal would have easily cost me about $45 in a fine restaurant at home. On another trip I lucked out in British Columbia at a community salmon dinner. I paid $10, enjoyed a salmon steak the size of my plate, and supported a good cause at the same time. Just contact the local tourist office for details on food and cultural festivals when you're planning your trip. And be sure to check the local newspaper listings.
4. Breakfast in a local diner
Get down with friendly Calgarians at Diner Deluxe
Veteran food and travel writer Joanne Sasvari is a huge fan of NOT eating breakfast in your big-chain hotel or boutique inn. Not only does it get expensive, but for a quarter of the price, you can eat in a local diner, talk to the locals, get a feel for the city or region and not pay $28 for scrambled eggs and toast. For instance, if you're in Calgary, get up and head to Diner Deluxe, a fun retro breakfast experience. You'll think you've been transported back to the 1950s.
5. Do lunch:
Prices on lunch menus in fine restaurants are usually a lot lower than the dinner menu -- for the same dish! If you're hankering for the famous four-cheese risotto at the popular Italian eatery in Montreal, why not pay less and just have your special meal in the middle of the day. Then for dinner, you treat it as a modest lunch by grabbing a healthy take-away sandwich or some fruit and snacks to enjoy on a park bench, down by the waterfront or in your hotel room.
A budget-savvy tip for foodies: swing by a local food and produce market for in-season food and locally-produced cheeses at amazingly good prices. Pick up a freshly-baked baguette and you're good to go. Chances are you'll be getting organically grown produce as well.
Do you have any great budget travel tips that work for you?
Whatever you call her, she is the first person you run to.
Whether you skin your knees, read your first word, need a tummy rub, pass your Driver's Ed test, experience your first heartbreak or need help picking out your wedding dress, she is the one you want to share your news with. She will encourage you, praise you, console you and love you through it all.
Photo credit: Nancy Menezes
You know that your mom will be there, no matter what...
Mother is the bank where we deposit all our hurts and worries. – Unknown
Mother is the one we count on for the things that matter most of all. – Katherine Butler Hathaway
Who ran to help me when I fell, or kissed the place to make it well? ... My mother. – Ann Taylor
The best medicine in the world is a mother's kiss. – Anonymous
God could not be everywhere and therefore He made mothers. – Jewish proverb
A mother loves her children even when they least deserve to be loved. – Kate Samperi
All I am I owe to my mother. – George Washington
The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world. – W.R. Wallace
These are a few mom quotes that I absolutely love. I hope you do too.
To the moms out there, enjoy your special day. Embrace those children and praise their artwork. Put your feet up, sit back and watch your handiwork. They love you with everything they've got. There ain't nothing sweeter than that.
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Every day, I get up and start the day. Some days, I feel good and I am ready to go, others, it takes all the energy in every cell of my body to do it. Why? It depends on where I’m at in my life.
Wouldn’t it be fabulous if it were just this easy?
And then I started to think, hey, maybe it is! Let’s begin with love.
Love: Set an intention every morning for your day. Don’t have one? How about this: “I'm going to treat everyone I meet today in a loving way – including myself!” See if it makes a difference.
Hope: “I find hope in the darkest of days, and focus in the brightest. I do not judge the universe.” This from the Dalai Lama. Don’t judge, but don’t despair, either.
Faith: Whoever – whatever – you believe in, do it with all your heart. And believe that it will work out: It always does, not always as we want or expect, but whatever it is, you can deal with it. Start with faith in yourself.
Patience: Ralph Waldo Emerson suggests we adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience. And it’s true. As kids we rush to grow up; as we get older, we want to slow things down. Stop wasting energy, we can do neither. Accept it.
Courage: Also sometimes known as boldness, fortitude or bravery. It’s calling upon your inner strength in the face of terror – whether it’s a fear of public speaking or stopping terrorists on a mission, as did passengers on United Flight 93 in 9-11.
Understanding: This always reminds me of The Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi, especially this part: O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand. If we all sought to understand others, the world would be a different place.
Peace: I pray for peace, for inner calm and for world peace.
Passion: What is a life without passion? It can be anything you love that makes you joyful – from food and music to sports and activities, passion makes your life worth living. Don’t worry if you don’t have one yet, I’m still trying to find mine.
Healing: So many of us are broken or wounded from events and experiences that we have suffered in our lives. Do whatever you can to help yourself and others heal their wounds.
Strength: What did Christopher Robin say to Winnie the Pooh? You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. Every one of us!
Beauty: Right now, go to a mirror, look yourself straight in the eye and tell yourself with feeling and conviction how truly beautiful you are, in your own words.
Freedom: The power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint. Something we all take for granted unless we never had it, or it’s taken away.
We know our pets keep us healthy (daily walks with the dog get us off the couch, and snuggling up with your pet can be a great stress-reliever) but did you know your pet has the potential to literally save your life? Earlier this week I attended Purina's annual Animal Hall of Fame ceremony in Toronto, where I listened in on four incredible stories that show how loyal, hard-working and tuned in our pets can be.
Here are their incredible stories:
Nanook, St. Catherines, ON
(CNW Group/Purina Animal Hall of Fame)
Siberian Husky cross, Nanook, was just a puppy when she woke owner Coleen as she neared a heart attack during the middle of the night. While Coleen and husband Gord tried to sleep, Nanook circled the bed, howled, barked and licked their faces. When she awoke, nurse Coleen noticed pain in her arm, and began to feel pressure in her chest, quickly realizing she was having a heart attack. Gord called an ambulance and by 11a.m. that morning, Coleen had been through surgery to place three stents in her heart.
Monty, Camrose, AB
(CNW Group/Purina Animal Hall of Fame)
Last March, in the middle of the night, orange tabby Monty acted unusually. Owner Patricia Peters woke up to her cat biting her fingers, and when she got up to put Monty on the floor she suddenly felt very dizzy. Newly-diagnosed with diabetes, Patricia slowly made her way into the kitchen to check her blood sugar, with Monty leading the way down the hall. When the pair got to the kitchen, Monty leaped to the counter and sat beside her blood testing kit. Seeing her blood sugar at a dangerously low level, Patricia took sugar tablets, then waited 15 minutes to re-test her blood. Monty sat with Patricia as she waited and when she re-tested her blood, it was back to normal. Patricia and her doctor credit Monty with saving her from slipping into a diabetic coma as she slept.
Bree, Blissfield, NB
(CNW Group/Purina Animal Hall of Fame)
Sleep never seemed to come easy to two-year-old dachshund, Bree. Owner Michele said she remembers waking up often to Bree's little snout in her face, or to Bree licking her face in the middle of the night. Last September, Michele woke to Bree sitting on her chest who also frantically forced her snout in to Michele's mouth. At that moment, Michele realized she was having a very hard time breathing and felt like she was drowning. Her husband called an ambulance, and when it arrived Michele was put on oxygen, and discovered her blood pressure was dangerously high. At the hospital, Michele learned she had severe sleep apnea, and that every night, little Bree had been waking her up to help her resume breathing again.
Service Dog of the Year: Titan, Oakville, ON
(CNW Group/Purina Animal Hall of Fame)
One stormy night last year, a woman called 9-1-1 and told the operator she had just gone to a wooded area, purposefully overdosed on medication with the intention to end her life. While the operator spoke to her on the phone, and tracked her general location, Constable Tara McLorn and Police Service Dog Titan raced to the woods in attempt to reach the woman before it was too late. Through high winds and torrential rainfall, Titan worked quickly to find the woman's clothes at the side of a river bank. With a stronger scent to track, Titan led Constable McLorn and her team to the woman, and they were able to help her from the water, just as the effects of the drugs began to take their course. The woman was rushed to the hospital and was saved from the overdose and treated for hypothermia. Tara credits Titan's fast action and direction with saving the woman's life that night.
Each of these animals are now recognized as one of Canada's most heroic pets, have their photo and story added to the Walk of Fame, located at Pawsway in Toronto.
In 1968 Purina began recognizing the life-saving heroics of Canadian pets, and this year added dogs Nanook, Bree and Titan, along with orange cat Monty. So far, 128 dogs, 26 cats and one horse have been inducted into the Purina Animal Hall of Fame.
Tell us: What does your pet do to make you feel better? My dog Bink is so enthusiastic about getting outside and moving around, it's contagious. I certainly spend less time on the couch and more time outdoors since bringing him home.
Money is and always will be a delicate subject – in any relationship. But there are some things you just need to ask about before you pledge to a commitment of marriage or living together.
It's best to get everything out in the open so you can start fresh with no secrets.
Money secrets can cause feelings of insecurity and resentment.
Timing and environment
Schedule some quiet time with your loved one.
Make sure you're not fighting and that you're stress free. And kid free.
Be honest; please
No matter what choices you've made in the past – be honest – because this affects your partner's future too. I know I would respect someone more if they were honest about their money situation right off the bat rather than finding out about it later.
Questions to consider
Do you have any outstanding debts, such as school loans, credit card debt, car payments or a line of credit?
Have you acted as a cosigner for anyone else? Have you helped a family member purchase a home or a car?
How often do you take risks? Do you play the lotto? Bet on horse-racing? Play Pro-Line?
In general, what do you feel the importance of money is?
What are your goals for the future?
Whatever decisions you make, at least you will be armed with the truth.
I hope the answers to these questions match your values and goals... for better or worse.
Let Pam Mazzuca Prebeg, Canadian Living's fitness expert, guide you through a great tricep workout. Complete her routine of five arm exercises three to four times a week for best results.
We've married our sumptuous butter chicken recipe with the ease of the slow cooker to create the ultimate Slow Cooker Butter Chicken. Food director Annabelle Waugh walks you through the steps in this video for a restaurant-worthy dinner every time.
