DETAILS London

GETTING THERE: So far, the major air carriers have not introduced special late-summer or early-fall discounts to London. Major airlines, including United, Virgin Atlantic and British Airways, are offering an off-season Dulles-London fare, for nonstop travel between Nov. 1 and late December, of $497, with restrictions. Late summer/early fall fares are about $100 higher, with restrictions. Major tour operators have not come out with special packages since the bombings. However, 1-800-FlyEurope (800-359-3876, www.1800flyeurope.com ), a discount agency, is worth checking for deals on packages and airfare.

WHERE TO STAY: Hotels are reporting a drop in occupancy rates since the attacks, making it easier to find deals. Some examples:

· Until Sept. 1, doubles at the Renaissance Chancery Court (252 High Holborn, 800-228-9290, http://www.marriott.com/ ) are going for a weekend rate of $195, three-night minimum. Usual nightly rates start at $255.

· Doubles at the Thistle Hyde Park (90-92 Lancaster Gate, 011-44-870-333-9110, http://www.thistlehotels.com/ ) are running $135 a night, down from $195.

· Doubles at the Hilton London Kensington (179-199 Holland Park Ave., 800-445-8667, http://www.hilton.com/ ) start at $142 a night, a good break off the usual $255 a night.

· Budget travelers will be hard-put to beat the rates -- starting at $35 a night -- at the no-frills EasyHotel (14 Lexham Gardens, http://www.easyhotel.com/ ). A sister property to low-cost airline easyJet, the hotel features small rooms painted bright orange. Although some don't have windows, all have private baths. The further in advance the reservation, the cheaper the price; rooms booked on short notice could be as high as $142 double.

GETTING AROUND: An $8.30 day pass, available in Tube stations, offers unlimited travel on public transport throughout central London. The London Pass ( http://www.londonpass.com/ ), which offers access to city attractions, includes an option for Tube and bus transport; prices vary. In this period of high alert, security and information officers are circulating throughout the Underground stations, providing assistance. Lines and stations closed after the July 7 attacks are gradually reopening. Check out the official transit Web site at http://www.tfl.gov.uk/ for updates.

LONDON ON FOOT: If you want to stay above ground, the West End makes a good base. The area includes the theater district, major museums, shopping at Oxford Street and enough attractions to keep you busy for a week.

A number of reputable companies offer walking tours, including London Walks ( http://www.walks.com/ ), with pub crawls, Jack the Ripper walks and dozens of other themed strolls at $9.75 per person. For two wheels, the London Bicycle Tour Company (1A Gabriels Wharf, 56 Upper Ground, 011-44-20-7928-6838, http://www.londonbicycle.com/ ) has group bike tours on weekend afternoons. The rate is $30 for the three-hour tour. It also rents bikes for $5.30 hourly or $28.40 daily.

INFORMATION: Visit London , http://www.visitlondon.com/ . Visit Britain , 800- 462-2748, http://www.visitbritain.com/

-- Gary Lee