The UK is a vibrant, diverse country full of sights and experiences, but if you’ve never visited, you might be feeling overwhelmed when planning your trip. In this guide, we’ll be discussing our top five tips for travelling to the UK from abroad.
Pack Appropriately
Before you set off, there are a number of vital things to pack as part of your travel preparation, including:
A Plug Adaptor: The UK uses Type G plug sockets, which will most likely be different to those used in your home country. Make sure to plan ahead and purchase a UK plug adaptor so that you can settle straight into your accommodation.
The Right Currency: British currency is in pounds sterling, and any monies under £5 are in coins. Having a range of notes, but also enough loose change in coins, is the best way to prepare – just in case you need to grab a coffee or newspaper in a hurry.
A Good Book: Whether you’re travelling on the underground or waiting in the airport, having a good book is a great way to pass the time.
Venture Outside of London
London has some spectacular sights, like Buckingham Palace, the Shard and the London Eye, but venturing outside of the capital is the best way to understand more about British culture, while seeing a host of different places and monuments. Travel south, and you’ll reach the stunning White Cliffs of Dover; go north, and you’ll hit the rolling landscapes of the Lake District. You can even reach the ancient ruins of Stonehenge in under two hours from central London!
Make the Most of Public Transport
The United Kingdom has one of the best public transport networks in the world, including the London Underground, which runs near to almost any location in the city. Just remember, if you’re taking the tube, it’s customary to stand on the right-hand side of any escalators, so that commuters or those in a hurry can walk past on the left. Booking a taxi, although not the cheapest option offers the best way to access areas not covered by bus routes.
If you don’t fancy carting your luggage around on the bus or tube, then you can also consider a minicab service to make it easy to get from point A to point B. Simply search for a taxi company near me, and you’ll be able to arrange transfers to airports, social events and sightseeing trips.
Plan for All Weathers
There’s a long-running joke that Brits will always start a conversation with talk of the weather, but this is actually for good reason. Often, in any one day in the UK you can experience a huge range of weather conditions from torrential rain to bright blue skies. Because of this, you should pack for your trip accordingly – take a lightweight waterproof jacket and wear multiple layers so that you can manage your temperature if you get too warm.
Prepare to Drink a Lot of Tea
It’s not a stereotype – the British drink a lot of tea. Whether you’re visiting friends and family, or popping in for lunch at a café, you too can expect to drink lots of tea during your time in the UK! If you want to make the most of it, book an afternoon tea for lunch and experience a quintessentially British occasion.
Travelling to the UK is a wonderful opportunity, and one that you’ll remember for years to come. Follow these top tips, and your trip will run without a hitch!
