Firstly, start tracking your spending with an app like Money Dashboard. This will help you see exactly how much you have and how long it might take to save for your trip.
Invest in a travel savings account and automate your transfers into it each month. Purging the things you don’t need is a great way to jumpstart your savings too!
Stay in a Hostel or Airbnb
Hostels are inexpensive, sociable accommodations that allow travelers to rent a bed in a room that has anywhere from 4-30 beds. Many of these places offer free breakfast or dinner, a common area where travelers can hang out together and meet people, and usually come equipped with a kitchen for travelers to cook their own meals (this can save a lot of money!).
Airbnb is an online marketplace that allows people to rent out their homes or rooms for a fee. It’s a great option for couples or groups of friends who want to experience the local culture but aren’t interested in staying in a hotel. Airbnb prices are also typically cheaper than hotel pricing, although it’s important to note that a lot of Airbnb hosts charge hefty cleaning and service fees that can add up quickly.
Some hostels are designed to be social spaces for travelers and will have events or activities planned throughout the day that you can join – this is especially true of party hostels in cities like London. However, if you’re a solo traveler and don’t enjoy hanging out with other people all the time, this might not be the best accommodation option for you. However, it’s worth checking out the website of the hostel you’re considering to see if they host events for their guests. They may also list other local things to do, too!
Eat in Local Hot Spots
Whether you’re a foodie or simply looking to stretch your travel budget, eating in local hot spots is the best way to get a true taste of England. Ask the locals for their favourite dining spots and you may discover authentic dishes that you’d never have otherwise tried.
In the city of Newcastle, for example, you can eat for under $25/day in a variety of places. Look for a pub that offers 2-for-1 meals, or head to a takeout fish and chips shop for some traditional Geordie fare.
Another great way to save on meals is to eat at the local food markets. Many of the country’s major cities have cool markets that offer a variety of cuisines at reasonable prices. Check out what’s on offer at the Victoria Market to find everything from Italian cuisine at Hai Cenato to pan-Asian fare at Bang Bang Oriental.
In general, restaurants that rely on tourist clientele are more expensive than those that cater to locals. This is especially true of popular attractions and major tourist destinations. Look for restaurants that don’t boast prominent signs and stickers advertising their good ratings, as these are likely to be aimed at tourists rather than locals. Look instead for places that have a more diverse clientele and positive reviews from a broad range of travelers. Looking at the Mountain Goat tours blog can definitely help you on your trip to North England.
Go to Music Venues
The north of England is a hub for music, with venues ranging from grand halls to micro-pubs that could easily be mistaken for a bar-restaurant. Whether you’re a music buff or not, these unique spaces offer a unique experience, and the intimacy of the gig makes for a great way to connect with locals. Especially for solo travelers or those travelling with a music-averse travel buddy, concerts are breeding grounds for forming connections with like-minded travellers that could lead to dinner party invites or directions to off-the-beaten path hangouts.
The country’s small music venues are known for spotting and breaking new artists, but there’s plenty to explore all over the UK. From Manchester’s Band On The Wall to The Magnet in Liverpool, each venue is home to a different culture and has its own story to tell.
There aren’t many places you can see Mahler’s Fifth one night and Liza Minnelli the next, but it’s possible in cities such as Manchester and Bristol. And while the larger venues are great, there’s something magical about catching smaller bands in their home towns. I’ve personally followed bands around smaller venues (four Tom Russell gigs and four Rhiannon Giddens shows) and it can be a fantastic way to see the countryside – as well as experiencing local pubs, tea rooms and cafes along the way.
From a shed in the middle of the North York Moors to a former Victorian ticket office in Whitley Bay, there’s nothing quite like bringing a beer and sitting back to listen to some live music under the stars in a beautiful little place. And best of all, your ticket helps to support the venue and keep it going!
Buy a Visitor Oyster Card
A visitor oyster card is a plastic smartcard that’s pre-loaded with pay as you go credit for use on London’s public transport network. It covers Tube, tram, DLR, bus, London Overground and National Rail services. It also includes Night Tube and discounted Thames Clipper river boat travel.
The card can be purchased online and delivered to your home before you travel, or you can buy one at a station or airport. It’s much cheaper than purchasing individual tickets. Once you’re in London, simply touch your Oyster Card on the yellow ta card reader at a turnstile or bus stop and the green light shows that you have sufficient funds to continue. If the light flashes red, you have insufficient balance and need to purchase more credit.
You can top up your Oyster Card at most Tube stations, bus stations and ticket machines as well as the Elizabeth line or Heathrow Express services between the airports and central London. You can also add a travelcard to your Oyster Card if you’ll be staying for longer than a day.
Children under 11 travel for free on all TfL services, including Tube, DLR, buses and trams as long as they’re with a fare-paying adult. Alternatively, you can get them a Young Visitor discount at a Tube station ticket machine or London visitor centre and they’ll be charged half price fares for up to a fortnight.
Take the Bus
In addition to train tickets and taxis (which can be expensive in cities), bus travel is also a great option for getting around England. In fact, there are nearly 3 billion journeys made by bus each year in England.
There are several different types of buses to choose from, and each offers different amenities and fares. Some operate on a tap in, tap out system, while others require you to buy tickets prior to boarding. A handy app can help you figure out the best route and ticket options for your needs.
Bus services run year-round in the cities and towns of England, although they may stop or have limited service on holidays. In rural areas, there are often only seasonal bus services to local villages and market towns, so it pays to plan accordingly before relying on bus transport alone for a visit.
Long-distance buses, called coaches in the UK, are often the cheapest way to get around, although they can take longer than trains.
Book Early
Traveling can be expensive, especially if you are on a budget. However, it is possible to save money by booking your travel arrangements in advance. By doing this, you can ensure that you are getting the best possible price on your accommodation and transportation. This can help you stretch your travel budget and enjoy your trip even more.
If you are planning on traveling by train, book your tickets at least 12 weeks in advance. Typically, this will give you the best price, but it can still be cheaper if you book closer to your departure date. In addition, you can save a significant amount by buying a railcard (available for those aged 18-25 and some student bank accounts) which will save you a third on most fares.
You can also reduce your transportation costs by travelling by bus rather than train if you have to, though bear in mind that this is not always the most convenient option. If you do plan to use public transport, be sure to book your tickets in advance, and consider buying a multi-day pass which will offer savings on individual trips. It is also worth scouring the internet for discount coupons, particularly for London theatre tickets and day-out attractions such as theme parks. Many regional train companies also have special discounts for families, such as Southeastern Railway’s Kids for a Quid scheme.