Our viewer, Anjali has just returned from an extensive tour of the UK and Scotland. She has painstakingly put
together some interesting, tried and tested travel tips for our viewers. Read on for more..
On a recent visit to the UK, I travelled extensively, and travelled alone. Travelling as a lone woman traveller, is pretty different in itself. I thought I'd share some of my tips with other women who might find them useful.
- Using the public transport is the easiest way to get around London. As far as I go, Tubes are my favourite!
- The cheapest way to pay for tube travel, is through the Oyster card. With this card you can also use the buses, DLR and trams in London.
- Bus journeys are half the price using a card than with cash.
- You can buy an Oyster card upon arrival and keep topping it up, as and when you need to.
- They are available at all Tube stations or at Oyster Ticket stops / newsagents.
- You will need to pay a refundable 3 deposit.
- Oyster card single fares are always cheaper than paying cash.
- Otherwise, remember Tube tickets are sold really cheap for travel after 10.00 am. You can jump onto tubes, buses and DLR with this ticket. It's a real saving!
- Arm yourself with a Tube map, and believe me, travel becomes really simple.
- Remember mini cabs or regular taxis are far cheaper than London cabs.
- Keep handy some taxi company numbers which operate in the city you are visiting. Most of them are listed on the internet.
- Hoping to see some London theatre? Don't buy tickets from Tube stations! They usually try to sell you the most expensive ones. Call the theatre directly, book online or go pick them up at the theatre, prior to the show.
- Most theatres have Matinees and these are sometimes cheaper than evening performances. Check the local papers.
- On a visit to Cambridge I discovered some wonderful pubs. Most of them welcome women travelling on their own, and most of the staff is helpful and friendly. These pubs are truly safe for single women and the food is good too!
- Whenever I travel I always enjoy chatting with the locals and getting their recommendations on shopping, food, drink etc. You can also get some women friendly advice for free!
- Open top buses are a great way to see Edinburgh. Might sound like a typically touristy thing to do, but believe me it's the best way to learn about Edinburgh's history as well as get to know the city.
- Edinburgh is a really small city so once you get your bearings on the bus tour you can then start walking around, to see more of it.
- It's a hop on-hop off so if you see something you like you can jump off, have a look then back on the bus all included in the cost of your ticket.
- Pick your ticket and board the bus, from the Waverley bridge, near the main railway station. The ticket is valid for 24 hours and costs about 30GBP.
- Always ask for directions to the "Rest rooms" and not "toilets"
- Carry a small change purse. In the UK you will end up with lots of pennies! They become easier to use, if you keep them in one place.
- Avoid stepping out alone after dark or going alone to lonely places. If you like sightseeing, make sure you take a tour. These may be a little more expensive than doing it on your own, but believe me, it's a lot safer!
- It's important to travel light. Remember, you will need to lug your own suitcases around.
- Pack in a well-fitting pair of trainers! I visited the Lake District and spent all my time walking!
- Train travel can be booked on the Internet, even before you enter the UK. It is often cheaper to book it online. Direct trains are often more expensive. If you are changing trains, keep about ten minutes gap, to trek across the platform.
- Taking a train or surface transport is always a better option than flying. You get to see more of the countryside.
I enjoyed breezing through Britain! I guess there are lots of women today, who choose to travel on their own. I hope my tips help some of them...
- Anjali Bewoor
If you have tried and tested travel tips and advice for other women travellers, how about sending it right in? We will be happy to post them right here!
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