The January blues are somewhat unwelcoming and, with the everlasting wait until payday, any plans deemed “fun” are usually in short supply. While Christmas is always bedlam, post-New Year is almost too tranquil, and this is why it’s advisable to plan a little jaunt for early in the year. You may think that there’s no way your budget will allow it, but London breaks are far kinder to your purse strings in the New Year.
Shop till you drop
Spending January in London is a brilliant time to find some bargains and save money shopping. Many of the sales are extended throughout the month to provide awesome savings on clothing, shoes and electronics. The merchants of the capital are keen to clear out their inventory to pave the way for their spring/summer stock… fill your wardrobe for the year – planning will equate to savings further down the line.
New Year’s Resolution
Research suggests that only 8% of New Year’s Resolutions are stuck to for a longer than a week, and keeping fit often tops the list of changes we wish to make. Surprisingly, a trip to London can help you out here; pedal your way through London and get around cheaply with London’s hire bike scheme. You’re able to collect a bike from any of the docking stations and hire them for as little as £2. Budget-friendly or what!
Cultural exclusion
Owing to it being the low season, tickets to West End shows are far easier to come by during January and February. The tourism lull means many tickets can be found at deep discounts during this time of year. Check out the Get Into London Theatre (GILT) promotion for further savings. From Les Miserables to Mamma Mia, you’re sure to find something that takes your fancy.
Cheaper accommodation
Hotel prices are also far cheaper in the off-season, with savings of greater than 20% available on London accommodations from January through to March. The likes of the Dorsett Hotel, City of London have as much to offer as any attraction found within the capital and can make for the ultimate realm of relaxation after a busy day of sightseeing.
Free attractions
Regardless of the time of year, London has a ton of free amazing attractions. While the capital may be an expensive city, the majority of its highlights cost nothing to see. The Tate Modern, National Portrait Gallery, Covent Garden and St. Paul’s Church won’t cost you a penny. And if you visit at the beginning of the year, you won’t have to fight through any of the usual crowds.
Some brilliant January events to help you beat those New Year blues include Social Dabbers Bingo (one way to certainly help you stretch your budget), Museum of Architecture Gingerbread, Winter Lights at Canary Wharf and several ice rinks at locations such as the Tower of London and the Natural History Museum.
If your family can travel post new year, you’ll hit that ever so sweet spot where prices aren’t sky-high. Admittedly, it’s colder, but nothing a woolly hat and parka can’t solve.