Alone or in group?

2. Book packages or group tours. Packages combine flights, hotels and often airport transfers and other costs into one price; tours typically add guides, meals, ground transportation and more. Either option can save you money, because operators get volume discounts and may buy British currency in advance to cover expenses. To book a package or tour, see a travel agent or check websites of travel sellers and major airlines.

As an example of savings, a recent Virgin Vacations package charged $2, 670 total per couple for LAX-London round-trip airfare, six nights at the Holiday Inn Kensington Forum, daily breakfast, taxes and fees. That was $432 less than the lowest total I found online for the flights and hotel on the same March dates. (These prices may no longer be available.)