Category: Travel

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Five days out

You have come to London but you have run out of things to do, so you’re going to take a trip somewhere.

Here are five suggestions:

Brighton – London by the sea, from Victoria, London Bridge… Take a walk on the pier, explore The Lanes, paddle in the sea, go on the oldest electric railway in the world, play crazy golf, get your clothes off on the nude beach (it’s stones), eat some rock and some ice cream.

St Albans – not Britain’s oldest city, but close. Take the train from St Pancras. Explore the cathedral, look at the historic landmarks, drink beer.

Rye – get the train to Ashford International and then the little trundly train to Rye. It’s a bit of a trek but worth it. Explore the church and more old and wobbly buildings than you can take. Have lunch at The George.

Henley-on-Thames – home of the regatta. Train from Paddington and possibly a change at Twyford. Walk down by the river, have a nice lunch in the sun, watch the boats and see the town square.

Hitchin – to the north, trains from King’s Cross and St Pancras. It’s a bit of a walk to the centre of town, but worth it. An historic town with lots of old buildings, nice pubs, old churches and culture. Voted one of the best places in the UK to live.

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Five nights out

After a busy day sightseeing and shopping, you may fancy some live entertainment, maybe a play. There are many big theatres in the West End, mostly showing musicals. The prices can be eye watering, over £300 per ticket and the programme is extra.

If you want to see one of those and can afford it, go for it. If you are looking for something that won’t break the bank, we have five suggestions. They are a little way out of the centre, represent, we think, good value for money and are fun to visit.

And no, they are not sponsoring us, we don’t get free tickets or payment, these are genuinely five places we like to go to.

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Tipping

Tipping is a genuine worry for many people.

There are countries where tipping has gone mad. Tip everyone for anything. USA, we look at you:

  • Someone points you to a seat in a theatre? $5
  • Someone carries a bag? $5
  • Someone gives you directions? $5
  • Someone makes you a coffee? $3
  • Wait staff in a restaurant? 25% of the total bill upwards
  • Maid cleans your hotel room? $2 per night. Maid doesn’t clean your hotel room? $2 per night
  • Taxi driver? 20% or more
  • Pick up a cake at the local bakery? 25% upwards
  • Self-checkout at a supermarket? 10% upwards

We think it’s out of control and we know other people do too. Everywhere you go, the hand is out. It’s the culture. Don’t pay the hotel maid and you could be fined by the hotel ($250 seems to be the going rate) for “smoking in your room”, even if you have never smoked in your entire life.

There are countries where there is no tipping. If you try, it’s an insult. People expect to be helpful, they take pride in good service, it’s the job, they should not need to be bribed before they do their work. We love you, Japan.

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