Want to save a few pence? Take away and head to the nearest park

One thing about casual lunching in central London that's for sure: it'll cost you more to eat in than takeaway. At places like Hot in central London, the charge can be as much as 40 pence an item -- change that can add up quick.

One way to save those pence: order takeaway head to the nearest park or square. London has plenty of them, and they're everywhere. Of course, this trick won't work so well on the rainy days for which London is so well known. But during a sunny spell, there may be no midday escape than a picnic in the park.

Where to get free sushi in London

Believe it or not there is such a thing as a free meal in London. You just have to land in the right place at the right time.


I was in Russell Square enjoying a cool English evening with a friend when a free meal came my way. A woman carrying a Yo! Sushi bag asked if we wanted sushi -- we expected she'd offer us leftovers (why we had no idea), but instead she pulled out roll after roll of fresh sushi.

Her flatmates were sick of the stuff and she didn't want it to go to waste, she said.

With Yo! Sushi stores all over London you too may have similar luck!

Day clubbing in London

In London, clubbing isn't just for nights. Here's how the city parties on a Sunday afternoon:



If you go:
Where: The Church (across from the Clapham Junction tube)
When: Sunday afternoons, noon to 3:30 p.m.
How much: 7 GBP to get in, 3.50 GBP per drink or 3 for 10 GBP
What to wear: Halloween costumes are popular but anything goes
What to expect: American music, drunken Aussies and Kiwis, a comedian and a strip show
More info: http://www.thechurch.co.uk/

Saving money when you land in London

Getting from London's major airports to the heart of the city doesn't have to be expensive -- just don't hop into one of those iconic black cabs.

A cab ride from Gatwick to central London costs about 95 GBP. Heathrow is a little more reasonable at about 55 GBP, but hit the rails from either airport and you'll save yourself some cash.

Travel to/from Gatwick

The cheapest route to London from Gatwick is via the First Capital Connect or First Great Western rail lines. The trains will take you from the airport to the Victoria or London Bridge train stations for less than 10 GBP each way. Expect the ride to take between 30 and 45 minutes.

Southern Railway offers service from Gatwick to London's Victoria station for just over 11 GBP during off-peak hours and 12.50 GBP at other times of the day. Gatwick Express is a convenient, but slightly more expensive option at just under 18 GBP. Discount fairs of just under 16 GBP are available online. If your flight comes in after 9:35 a.m., you can snag a round trip ticket for 20 GBP.

Travel to/from Heathrow

The cheapest way to central London from Heathrow is the Piccadilly Line of the Underground. The "tube" will get you into town for about 5 GBP, but lugging your bags up and down the stairs may make you wish you weren't so thrifty.

For a decidedly more comfortable ride into town hop on either the Heathrow Express or Heathrow Connect. The Heathrow Express runs every 15 minutes and gets you into central London's Paddington station in 15 minutes. Of course, you'll pay for the convenience - 18 GBP at the airport or 16.50 GBP if you buy in advance online. Wait until you're on the train, and it'll cost you 23 GBP.

The Heathrow Connect runs a little less frequently and takes about a half hour, but a tickets are just 8.50 GBP each way.

Which brings me to..... Where in the world is Meena??



London!

Reykjavik: A Going Out Guide

In most cities, the party is about over by 2 a.m. But for many in this near-Arctic European capital, it’s just getting started. Welcome to the land of the midnight sun. Here in Iceland, revelers rarely hit the streets before 11 p.m. and don’t head home until after 5 a.m.

But there’s an art to barhopping in Reykjavik. This is how it’s done:

When to go: Friday and Saturday nights are reserved for partying in Iceland. Go out on any other night, and you’ll be sorely disappointed by the quiet bars and even quieter streets.

How to get there: If you’re at a downtown hotel or hostel you’re a short walk away from all the nightlife you could ever hope for. Otherwise, Reykjavik’s extensive bus system is your most economical option to get to the party for just a few bucks. But the busses stop running at 11 p.m., so you’ll need to budget $25-$30 for a cab home or find a friendly designated driver.

What to wear: There’s no formal dress code, but you’ll see most women wearing skintight dresses, short skirts or dressy jeans. And no matter how icy it is outside, don’t forget the stilettos. For men, a nice pair of jeans, stylish shoes or boots and a button-down shirt is the norm.

How to get your drink on: Like most everything else, booze is pricey across this tiny island nation. Two glasses of wine at a downtown bar can easily cost you $25. Expect to spend between $7 and $9 for a beer, and a minimum of $5 for a shot. If you’re coming from abroad, pick up a bottle or two at the airport duty free shop on your way in. Then, do as the locals do, and make a few drinks before you head out to the bars.

Where to eat afterward: There are lots of places in downtown to satisfy your early morning cravings. Try Pizza Pronto, Bankastræti 14, and Vallarstræti 4, for a quick slice, or Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur at the corner of Posthusstraeti and Tryggvagatafor for one of Iceland’s legendary hot dogs.