Sham K
I’m going to take a different twist at the Bond Experience. As David said, it’s about living like Bond, and enjoying the things in life that are taken for granted.
A few years ago, I had a chance to go to London on an all-expense paid business trip for a week. I decided to bring my wife and young daughter with me, as it would be great to share the experience and show them a city I’ve visited since I was a child.
The Ritz
Firstly, I started out by flying by Virgin Atlantic, the current airline of the Bond franchise. Now, rather than flying business and having the rest of the family fly in coach (that really wouldn’t have gone too well!), we all flew in Economy Plus and had a fabulous time. Virgin made us feel like royalty and treated our daughter like a princess.
Secondly, rather than staying at a hotel close to the client office, I convinced our business travel office to put us at the Ritz London. They had a special at the time that was less expensive than the corporate sponsored hotel, so work didn’t have a problem with paying less for a much better hotel! As soon as we checked-in, I felt we were on cloud 9. The staff were on their toes at all time and again treated my daughter like a little princess.
We were able to explore many apsects of Bond’s London, including taking a trip to Floris and even stopping by Savile Row to see some of the suit makers make their masterpieces.
We even dropped by the Aston Martin showroom and were able to sit in the DBS and other vehicles being displayed. I also did some shopping at Turnbull and Asser…okay umm…the shopping was actually a tie that was marked down considerably!
We finished off our amazing stay by having afternoon tea at the Ritz.
The experience was amazing and well worth our time. I was able to mix business with pleasure and even stay under business budget! The best part? I was able to share my experience with thoese I love the most.
Awesome, you hit a lot of great spots. I hope the family got to check out their favorite shops too! 🙂
I used to live in London, but you never really take advantage of the full London experience when you’re trying to pay rent etc, so now, it’ much more of a treat to go back and hit some of those spots for fun.
Glad Virgin Atlantic took care of you too, less and less airlines these days can.
Hi TJ. Yeah, my wife did the whole Harrods and Harvey Nichols tour! But we ended up shopping at Primark (we LOVE that store) and she went tea-happy at Fortnum and Mason. Also went to Hamley’s to buy some toys for my daughter and did all the museums!
Although people say London is really expensive, if you plan ahead of time, you can really do it on the cheap. Obviously having work pay for your flight, meals and hotel helps, but know some people who have used airbnb for accommodations, ate at chip shops and donor kebabs for dinner, did all the free museums and shopped at places like Primark or Next.
I think at this time, the airfare is what really kills you. I’m looking to send my father over to visit his sister, but it’s nothing less than $900!
And yup, Virgin definitely made our trip worthwhile! Very patient and go out of their way for children. Nope, don’t work for them, but a huge fan of Mr. Branson!
Awesome,
you can’t go wrong with Primark and Next. There’s a Frugal Bond to be had at Next for sure!
I’ve done the Fortnum and Mason tea, which is great. Selfridges is another one, which is currently dramatized in the show Mr. Selfridge with Jeremy Piven. It’s good.
Hi, great experience to be had in London. Covent garden one of my favourite places.
I was wondering which uk stores stocked frugal bond . So next stores ?! Any more?
House of Fraser would be a good one.
Marks and Spencer too.
Thanks TJ
I’d say Primark is stocked. Bought a three-piece “Goldfinger-esque” grey suit for 39 UK pounds! They have shirts for 5 pounds that I still wear (probably worn over 40 times each). I agree, Next is a close second, but a little more expensive. Burton is also pretty good for the Frugal Bond look. If you really want to go frugal, then stop over at Tesco’s…the UK version of Target. You can’t beat their sandwiches!