Drove four 18 year old girls to Derby yesterday morning. They, along with three other pals were catching the train to Newquay for a week on the lash a week of post A Levels recuperation. They deserve it.
We had originally booked them on a low cost flight from East Midlands but the operator cancelled it and a hasty change to rail was needed. The best route was Lincoln – Kings Cross – Paddington – Newquay. £65 all told in second class. I did suggest they treated themselves to first as it was still cheaper than the costs of the flights but that didn’t get universal approval.
What’s more amid the pre-Olympics hype about London transport congestion the party grew nervous about going anywhere near the capital and opted for the Derby route which was £20 more expensive but perhaps a safer bet. They had a date with a cocktail in Newquay they didn’t want to miss.
With hindsight there have been no transport problems in London, due mainly to the hype that has scared anyone not going to the Olympics away from the place. So the girls could have gone in more comfort for less money!
As a footnote, I have a big jeep. The girls had a lot of luggage. It all fitted, just, into my car. I think the parents might collectively have to review the return travel arrangements as the person lined up to pick them up next Monday night was doing so in an Alpha Romeo!
Also it’s a good job they didn’t fly. The excess baggage charges would have paid for a limo to take them all down in luxury. They even took a laptop with them!
One reply on “The hidden cost of the London Olympics”
There is no doubt that the Olympics has scared lots of foreign tourists away from the UK. Running a B&B I noticed in the early part of the year the usual bookings from Aussies in particular were conspicuous by their absence. Lots of other hospitality businesses are reporting the same which coupled with the double dip recession is bad news. I’ve still managed to keep the bookings coming but I am having to use lots of special offers and they are generally relatively last minute bookings.
I am still enjoying the Olympics and I hope the tourists with their come beck next year.