Cheapflights.co.uk helps travellers plan an affordable Olympic experience - at home or away

Feb. 15, 2012 - PRLog -- With just under 200 days to go until the Paralympics event, the countdown for the London Olympic Games is upon us. For those who missed out on tickets, weren’t too keen on the price tag or simply want to escape the crowds, Cheapflights.co.uk, the online leader in travel deals publishing, has plenty of tips and tricks on how to have an Olympic experience for less.

“London is finally ready and already buzzing with anticipation for the approaching games. Whether you struck out getting tickets or fear the cost and crowds, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the spirit of the games - from afar or for free,” says Nadine Hallak, Travel Expert for Cheapflights.co.uk.

So whether your preference is to escape the crowds, get in for free or follow the torch, Cheapflights has the insider guide on how to get exactly what you’re looking for.

No ticket? No problem – Check out FREE events: While most events are ticketed, it’s still possible get in on the action for free. As with everything Olympic related it’s advisable to arrive well in advance for the best seats. Here’s a sampling of some of the free events:

•   Men’s and Women’s individual road cycling time trials: taking place on 1 August, the starting point is Richmond’s Hampton Court Palace
•   Men’s Marathon: taking place in central London on 5 August
•   Women’s Marathon: taking place in central London on 12 August
•   Women’s Triathlon: taking place on 4 August (crossing through Hyde Park and Birdcage Walk, Buckingham Palace)
•   Men’s Triathlon: taking place on 7 August
Leave the UK, but still live the games: Visit one or more of your favorite Olympic host cities. From Athens to Montreal and Sydney, the summer Olympics have been held in every corner of the world. Any Olympics lover can find a moment in sports history to revisit - from Beijing, with its eye-catching Water Cube, home to Michael Phelps’ awe-inspiring eight gold medal run, to Berlin, where Jesse Owen dominated as a sprinter in 1936.

Escape the crowds: Skip London altogether. Try events taking place outside of London to avoid the crowds and save the pennies. Some venues, such as those for mountain biking, kayaking, rowing and canoeing are a mere 20-50km away. For those venturing further afield, Wales, Scotland and spots along UK coastline will also be hosting Olympic events. Football tournaments (in Manchester, Coventry, Glasgow, Newcastle and Cardiff) and sailing events (in Weymouth Bay and Portland Harbor) will make for a good staycation or quick weekend break.

Follow the torch: Though the torch relay is staying within the UK, as opposed to taking the usual international route, the destinations lucky enough to receive it are still very much worth a visit. The tradition kicks off against a spectacular backdrop in Land’s End on 19 May. By the start of June, the flame will burn through Belfast and Northern Ireland, then to Edinburgh and Scotland by mid-month. The torch will reach the Olympic Stadium on the 70th day - 27 July.

Join the crowds: Immerse yourself in the buzz at the London live sites. From the big three locations in the capital – Hyde Park, Trafalgar Square and Victoria Park – to the 20-plus other locations across the UK, there will be big-screen viewings of medal ceremonies and competitions, free concerts and contests – all designed to include locals and visitors alike in the Olympic experience as it unfolds.

For the full guide of insider tips and tricks on getting in on the Olympics, visit http://news.cheapflights.co.uk/how-to-have-an-olympic-exp...  

To search and compare deals to past host cities or any other destination, visit http://www.cheapflights.co.uk/flights/