Cheap Solo Travel Deals-London: I have had many trips to London to visit a college friend. However, my first trip to Great Britain was after my school days when I joined a Smithsonian Art History Tour. Our “mission” was to view and study “Perpendicular Gothic Cathedrals, Abbeys and Churches”.  Beyond those scholarly tours through London, Oxford, the West Country and Wales, I saw the major sights from the British Museum to the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. Here are some “hidden” gems, I found along the way not to be missed:

• High tea at Claridge’s: This is a trip into days gone by as it was a frequent spot to get a sighting of the “Queen Mum”.
• The Cafe Royal: While it has a long storied history, it was more recently renovated from 2008-202 and is part of an elegant 5-star Regent Street hotel. Famous patrons have included Oscar Wilde, Winston Churchill, Muhammad Ali and David Bowie. 
• Makeover? I visited the Vidal Sassoon’s student salon. For only one pound sterling, a trainee would style your hair. I am note sure if they still offer this deal so reach out to them ahead of time.
• Shopping deals? Try out designer consignment stores for some real bargains.
• Historic reenactment: A little known but wonderful treat: “The Changing of the Keys” at the Tower of London. You must request a free ticket at the Office of  the Clerk (pronounced “Clark”). Then early evening when I arrived, I found a small crowd of about 10 others assembled. Then the Yeoman Warders, popularly known as “Beefeaters”, arrived in medieval costumes carrying lanterns. They then reenacted the ancient ceremony which is its own lesser-known “changing of  the guard”.  An added dividend was the opportunity to learn more about the “Tower”. While it is well-known in history for famous prisoners who were captive there and then executed, it was also a royal palace. That must have made for a strange juxtaposition.

Cheap Solo Travel Deals-London: 5 Updated Tips:

London doesn’t have to be beyond reach.

Here are a few of our updated hacks on how to save in London:

1. Get a 50% discount by taking your trip off-season.
2. Don’t pay a king’s ransom for meals. When I arrive at a new city abroad, I dash to the mini-mart or better yet, the local supermarket. It is much cheaper to get bottles of water, snacks and even lunch or dinner from the deli!
3. Make lunch your big meal of the day. Take advantage of pre-fix dinner specials.
4. Be sure to take advantage of discounts. For all travelers, AAA/other auto clubs, professional or company discounts and student discounts can be a real savings. If you are a Baby Boomer, always check to see what deals work for you. (Tip: Eligible ages vary widely so be sure to ask if you can get the discount.)
5. For special events, like the theater, find out if there are online or offline last minute or reduced rate ticket offices. (If you are at a large hotel, can they get you a discount?)

For solo travelers tired of paying “2-for-the-price of-1”, European lodging provides relief. Many, if not most, offer a reduced rate for “one adult one room” versus “Two adults one room”. Unlike the standard “rack rate” elsewhere, single travelers can receive discounts of 40%. Even the 5-star Stockholm Grand Hotel has solo-priced deals.

Located just 3.1 mi from O2 Academy Brixton, Balham Bright Room features accommodations in London with access to a shared lounge, a terrace, as well as a shared kitchen. With garden views, this accommodations offers a patio.

The homestay also includes a well-equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, a microwave and a fridge, as well as a hairdryer.

The All England Lawn Tennis Club Center Court is 3.7 mi from the homestay, while Stamford Bridge – Chelsea FC is 4.3 mi from the property. The nearest airport is London City Airport, 9.9 mi from Balham Bright Room.

Top Attractions Nearby: