Tramping around in London

It is the latest must-do getaway for the stressed-out executive.

It involves no packing - guests take only the clothes they stand up in - no exchanging of currency and absolutely no expensive washbag.

Leaving their credit cards and mobile phones at home, a group of businessmen and women will pay £150 to live like beggars in the capital for a weekend.

The fad has taken off in America and hits London next month. To get in the spirit, participants are told not to wash or shave for five days beforehand-wear old clothes, good 'but not new' shoes and bring a plastic bag.

The group will split up during the day to forage for food, coming together in the evenings for safety.

The event is being organised by the New York-based Peacemaker Centre International, which follows the teachings of Zen Buddhism.

It says the trip will give participants 'a glimpse into the unknown'.

Its website promises: 'No one knows what will happen. We can't.

It's an exercise to the joy and pain in the universe. Aglimpse of living on the edge of creation.'

However, the reality is not likely to be so poetic. Charity Crisis said most homeless people lived 'isolated, miserable lives' in hostels, squats, emergency B&Bs or sleeping on floors.

' It's doubtful whether those embarking on the "street retreat" will come into contact with any of the 380,000 hidden homeless people living this way,' it added.

Two-thirds of the £150 fee will go to homeless charities.