Destination: U.K

Money & Costs

If you're a global traveller, whatever your budget, you'll know that Britain is expensive compared to many other countries. But don't let that put you off. If funds are tight you'll still have a great trip with some forward planning, a bit of shopping around and a modicum of common sense. There's a lot of stuff that's cheap or good value, and a lot that's completely free. The following will give you some guidelines; for more details see the Directory and Transport chapters. Backpackers in London need £ 40 a day for survival. Dorm beds cost around £ 15, basic sustenance £ 10 per day, and transport around town £ 5 unless you hoof it. If your purse-strings aren't so short, budget London hotels charge about £ 50 to £ 75 per person. Past that price-range are more choices: around £ 100 gets you something pretty decent. On top of food and bed, extras might include a pint in a pub (£ 2.75), entrance to a club (£ 5 to £ 10, up to £ 20 at weekends), and admission to museums and galleries (£ 15 a day, though many don't charge).£

Out of London, shoestringers need around £ 30 per day to cover hostels and food. Mid-rangers will be fine on £ 50 to £ 75, based on around £ 20 to £ 30 for a B&B; £ 10 to £ 15 for lunch, snacks and drinks; £ 10 to £ 20 for evening meals. Admission fees are the same for everyone - work on £ 10 per day.

Travel costs depend on your transport. Train travel costs about £ 25 per 100 miles. Long-distance buses about half that. The pricing structure for public transport can be quite complicated. Drivers should allow £ 10 per 100 miles for fuel, plus extra for parking (and hire charges).

HOW MUCH?

B&B £ 20 per person
CD £ 12
The Times (newspaper) 60p
Restaurant meal £ 15 per person
Coffee £ 2 in Starbucks, 50p in a basic café
Litre of petrol 80p
Litre of bottled water 20p to £ 1
Pint of beer £ 2 to £ 2.75
Souvenir T-shirt £ 10
Takeaway fish and chips £ 4