The United Kingdom may be one of the easiest places to visit for a solo woman traveler. First of all, traveling to English-speaking countries takes some of the difficulty out of traveling on your own. This and the fact that the UK is very safe make it a great destination for women.
The UK is not considered a romantic getaway (like Paris), so a solo woman won’t feel out of place. And because men in the UK are not known for their machismo, like they are in some European countries, it’s even easier for solo female travelers.
The UK can be very expensive, however. Here are some solo travel tips to make the most of your vacation without burning a hole in your pocket.
1. Take advantage of free entry to public museums throughout England. Try the World Museum in Liverpool or the Imperial War Museum in London for your fill of the country’s long, rich history and its notable artists without spending too much. Also see the amazing 15th – 19th century architecture of the many cathedrals that are free to the public.
2. The castles are truly magnificent and are must visits, but they usually charge entrance fees. To save some money, purchase The London Pass for discounted fees on major attractions in the city like Windsor Castle and St. Paul’s Cathedral. The pass also allows for the convenience of skipping lines so you save time and get to see more.
3. Of course you should visit London. But staying in the city can quickly drain your travel budget. Thus, after seeing the major tourist spots, get out of the capital and see the smaller cities like Bath, Chester, and Durham, which also offer a lot for less.
4. Getting around is easy on your own. You can buy a Travelcard and save on transportation on the Tube in England. The cheapest way to get around the UK is via Megabus. Book your tickets well in advance, at least one month prior, to secure the cheapest fares.
5. For excellent deals on accommodations, book through Sykes Cottages and be sure to check out special offers and fantastic value deals.
6. You need not go hungry even if on a budget in the UK. Purchase packed, ready-to-eat meals at grocery stores. Rather than expensive sit-down meals, try traditional fish and chips or sandwich shops. Or, try the “All Day Breakfasts” offered by less expensive cafes. There are also many cheap Asian food eateries as well as pubs offering meal and drink combos. For fine restaurant meals, get a Taste of the UK card for discounts at selected restaurants.
7. Shop at traditional, local markets for great bargains. In London, Brick Lane is popular for its vintage clothes and unique fashion items, nearby Broadway market is known for souvenirs and gift items, and the Borough market is famous for its food. Outside of the capital, vintage fairs are all the rage and perfect for picking up some mementos of your UK holiday.
8. If you’re feeling a bit homesick when traveling on your own, stay connected by relying on services such as Skype, Facetime or Google Hangout to call family – these will be much cheaper than calling from your mobile phone.
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Going to the UK definitely doesn’t have to break the bank and booking your trip through Sykes Cottages is a great place to start.
Photo credits:
Woman at Westminster: Matthew Kenwrick
Woman at London Grocery: David Woo
