Nephew, poor and naive, LOL London on his own? - Follow up !!

Maybe when he first gets there, he should immediately take a train to...York, Bath, Oxford, wherever, so he can acclimate a bit, and maybe find open hostels. Then after a few days, when he feels more on his feet, he can go into London. That is, if he doesn't want to take his dear Auntie Pat along.

Have him check out Coach surfing. Several posters on this board have mentioned it.

First, tell him to relax. He's headed to a country where there is no language barrier, so even if he got lost, it won't be for long. Hostels are the perfect place to meet other solo travelers and he'll find someone who might enjoy some company for dinner or sightseeing if he's uncomfortable doing those things on his own.

YHA London Central on Bolsover Street is newly renovated and has availability on those dates. YHA is typically not recognized for having a party-hard reputation. He's probably going to feel overwhelmed by the size and pace of the city just because he's not accustomed to urban living, but the YHA London Central neighborhood is fine, he's close to a lot of public transportation options, but he can also walk to many sights. St. Christopher's has 7 hostels in London and is also fairly well-regarded. Whatever hostel he chooses, tell him to read the reviews ahead of time at hostelworld.com to see how other travelers rate the safety, cleanliness, location.

University housing for tourists is another option you might want to look into. It's not expensive and generally offers the amenities he'll need for a week long stay - coin-op laundry, access to a kitchen, internet.

He can go on a website like couchsurfing.com (not necessarily to sleep on their couch) and meet up with some locals who enjoy showing off their city. Or go to the London Walks website to see what guided walking tours interest him. The hop-on/hop-off double decker sightseeing buses are also a good way for him to get his bearings and learn a little bit about each neighborhood the bus travels through on his first full day in the city.

The great thing about London is many of the sights are completely free, and if he's a student he'll probably get a discount at the ones that do charge admission.

If he's really freaked out about being on his own for that long, how much would it cost to change his ticket to not go so early?

Thanks all for good idea,, Karen ,, I particularily like your idea about maybe starting somewhere a little smaller for a few days..
He is not used to big cities,, or little cities for that matter, he has never lived anywhere that there was public transit,, so it will all be a learning experience for him,, and I do not want to jump in and "save" him ( he has been a bit coddled as it is,, he is my sisters only child) but I do want to offer some good ideas and suggestions..

Buy him a copy of "Europe Through the Back Door" and make him read it. It might help take away some of his worries if he has knowledge on how to handle things.

Lets Go has by far the most hostel friendly, and youth friendly guide books. No questions asked. They also tend to be quite accurate.

Hosteling in London can be expensive though. I'd heed the advice to head out of town for the first few days, OR see if he can put some on the Credit Card/borrow/etc - it's a big trip, live a litte. :-)

Or alternatively... new girl? :o)

If he is under 35, he can stay at any of the Astor Hostels in the London area - I've stayed at Victoria Hostel in an 8 bed room. It was nice enough. I've also stayed at Earl's Court Hostel in a 10-bed room. Has he checked out www.hostels.com to see if there is ANY availability in London? Just read the reviews - or you can read hostel reviews at www.eurotrip.com.

Good luck!

Nephew is now booked at Astor Hyde Park Hostel, I thought is was pretty reasonable, but then I am used to hotel rates..

Pat, I know you'll keep us updated on the continuing saga of the poor, lonely one.

What y'all don't know is: Pat has booked The Dorchester for herself, but nephew is on his own at the hostel. So much for blood being thicker than wine...I mean...water.

Now, Kent, that would be nice,, but remember , I am staying free at a Parish House of a church,, LOL ,, likely to be alot more spartan then any hostel( and a heck of alot quieter!!)LOL

I will of course be treating my nephew to a nice dinner out,, I am sure by the time I see him( will be near end of his visit) he will be well and truly broke.. LOL

I surely do enjoy the humor on this site. Pat, wish your nephew all the best.

I have a relative by marriage who spent a semester in Spain, I think it was during high school. Her dad said when she first returned, she said she had learned "not to take s**t from anybody." I hope your nephew learns similar lessons.

Nephew is in London,,, having a great time,,, says he has two Swedish girls in his hostel room who have taken him under their wing..LOL

He said Heathrow and the tube weren't too bad,, he asked for help lots and said everyone "smiled at me cause they could tell I was a tourist" .. hes so sweet, they were likely almost laughing at him,, he is so sweet and naive..

He's assured me he never takes his money belt off. and he loves the pub food..

He said he even got a glimpse of Charles and Camilla,, but there were so many people everywhere!

Pat. I hope it's only their wings those Swedish girls have taken your poor unsuspecting nephew under!!!!!!
Good to hear he is coping with the bright lights of London and all that goes with it.