So, the 2012 Summer Olympics have been awarded to the city of London. Economically speaking, it’s a huge deal, as most host cities realize. Development of the infrastructure alone will create thousands of jobs. Then there’s the constant supply of needed goods and services which will touch every square inch of the United Kingdom. There’s no doubt that there will be an enormous amount of money to be made, and spent.
On paper, this will be a boon for tourism. I suppose there is data somewhere that speaks to the millions of people who will visit the UK between now and the close of the 2012 Olympics. I would bet that there are people thinking right now, today, about making plans to travel to London for this event.
My advice? Don’t do it.
I’ve been to London three times. For the most part, I like the place, but the negatives far outweigh the positives.
- The cost to stay in London is ENORMOUS. Average UK hotels are priced at US $200 per day. And don’t be mistaken about the word ‘average’. UK hotel rooms are small – very small. If you are travelling with a family, you’ll need two rooms, minimum.
- Food costs are just as high. Plan on spending double what you spend in the US.
- Train travel is expensive. If you decide you want to leave London and head up to visit the countryside, expect to spend a minimum of $100 per ticket.
- The best way to travel in and around London is on the TUBE (subway). Problem is, the TUBE route lines can change unexpectedly, and your favorite, most convenient route could be closed for an entire weekend. Taking another route can add up to 30 minutes to your travel time.
- EVERYONE RIDES THE TUBE, so it’s constantly crowded. And in the summer, the temperatures underground can be excruciating. Not fun.
I could go on and on.
Watch the Olympics on TV instead.
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