Secluded Vacation

The Oyster smart card has massively improved London’s “tube” system.

An Oyster card lets you make use of the majority of the London transport system (even though some places choose to stay outside the scheme).

It provides a big discount on standard fares and also helps save you time in queueing to buy tickets.

The system automatically saves you money as it works out the cheapest fare at the end of the day (based on the journeys taken).

If you travel more than you expected to initially, it only charges you the lowest fare instead of pricey singles and returns.

So does this scheme have any pitfalls?

It can feel a bit daunting initially as you must purchase an Oyster card. This will cost a small deposit, which you ought to quickly recoup in the money you save.

You also need to “touch the card in and out” for all legs of your journey. But you’ll pick this up fast if you mimic the scores of London commuters you’ll see every weekday.

So unless your trip to London is a mere day-trip, you’re advised to get yourself an Oyster. Based on current information, Oyster cards don’t expire, which allows you to re-use them on future London trips.  Read more...