Hi Frugalistas! London is not necessarily known as one of the best walking cities in Europe – with its fabulous underground train network and huge crowds, walking is not always seen as the best way to get around London. But when we visited London in the summer of 2019 we discovered one London walk that […]
Cardiff: The atmospheric capital of Wales
Welcome to Cardiff, the atmospheric capital of Wales and an emerging alternative European destination. Local tongue twisters can often confuse you, but its vibrant identity, vibrant cultural life and elegant, warm hospitality win the visitor over. Just over two hours by train from central London, Cardiff offers the comforts and cultural diary of a modern […]
Afternoon tea at Fortnum and Mason: Fortnum and Mason afternoon tea review
Hi Frugalistas! I first reviewed the afternoon tea at Fortnum and Mason in the Diamond Jubilee Tea Room in an early frugal first class travel blog post, not long after the Diamond Jubilee Tea Room opened. It was very special, and so very English. In fact it was so good, I forgot to take photos. […]
Kensington Palace: Diana fashion exhibition and more
Hi Frugalistas! Princess Diana was only a few years older than me. Like many young women I “oohed” and “aahed” over her fairytale wedding to Prince Charles. I enjoyed watching her go from “Shy Di” to the confident, fashion forward woman she became. Like many of you I’m sure, I remember exactly where I […]
Afternoon tea at the Ritz London
Hi Frugalistas! Did you read my recent post about afternoon tea at the Ritz Hotel in Paris? Well, that wasn’t my only afternoon tea indulgence on my recent trip to Europe. As soon as I knew I was going, I knew exactly the one thing I wanted to do in London – afternoon tea at […]
Canary Wharf: a different view of London
Hi Frugalistas! Think of London….eyes shut tight….what is in your mind? Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Harrods? Pomp and ceremony, double decker buses, and who can forget those glorious afternoon teas? When I last travelled to London it was for work that was in the Docklands area of East London, so I needed to look further […]
Beyond the Troubles: an insider’s guide to Belfast
Hi Frugalistas! The latest Insider Guide visits a misunderstood and forgotten part of Ireland – Belfast. Situated in the less touristy Northern Ireland, Belfast is proudly throwing off its troubled past. Resident Els Mahieu is our host. Most people’s knowledge of Belfast is limited to The Troubles and the accompanying violence. How do you describe […]
Afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason
Hi Frugalistas! Regular readers will know I love a splurge meal in key destinations, but will also know that I still like to do it the frugalfirstclasstravel way. So, rather than Michelin stars or the latest hot table, I look for a different sort of first class. In London recently, it just had to be […]