6 tips for taking a vacation in the UK

If you’re a fan of British customs, the Royal family, or maybe just rolling hills and greener than you’re accustomed to, a trip to the United Kingdom will be a vacation to remember. Here are six great tips to help you prepare.

1. Know Which Countries Make Up the UK

To unaware travelers, the United Kingdom can be confused with just being England for a lot of people. It’s essential to be aware that the UK is made up of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Which means you have many great destination possibilities when traveling to this region, as well as different languages, cultures, and customs to prepare yourself for. Ideally, you could try and take in the best spots of all of these countries if you have the time and budget.

2. Use the Opportunity to Visit Your Favorite Filming Locations

If you’re planning a trip to the UK, then it’s highly likely you may already be a fan of British TV or British-made movies. A trip to the UK, therefore, gives you the perfect excuse to explore some of the sets and filming locations for your favorite shows or films. Whether it’s Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, or the quintessential slice of British TV Downton Abbey, there are many fantastic tours and experiences to be had with professional guides like Silverscreen Tours, so don’t miss this perfect opportunity while you’re already in the country!

3. Plan for the Weather

British weather is notoriously unpredictable, so if you’re traveling from a sunny US state, be prepared for gloomy skies and rain as well as sunshine. It’s better to pack for unpredictable weather - check ahead of time what the expected weather is going to be during your visit. A good raincoat or umbrella is highly encouraged.

4. Prepare for London

If the capital is on the top of your travel list, it’s important to note that the London travel system can be very overwhelming, even for English natives who are traveling from more remote locations. If you’re going to be traveling by train and tube, it’s a good idea to research all you can ahead of time and plan your route to avoid confusion and avoid being stuck in the middle of a horde of busy commuters.

5. Tipping is Optional

Unlike in the US, tipping is not expected. You can leave a tip whenever you wish at whatever amount you like but paying the total amount of a bill in restaurants and bars without leaving a tip is entirely acceptable.

6. Understand Your Payment Options

The UK is abundant with ATMs, so you won’t find yourself at a loss of being able to draw out some cash. Paying via credit or debit card is very common within the UK, and usually available everywhere - save perhaps a few remote locations with limited signal - so make sure you know your card’s PIN ahead of time to be able to make payments.

In Conclusion

A visit to the UK is a great experience, if you plan ahead. Most importantly for this planning should be your clothes and footwear choices, depending on whether you’re traveling to cities or remote country, and what the weather may be like, to ensure maximum comfort during your vacation.