The Luxury Travel Magazine
The Luxury Travel Magazine
The UK has a wealth to offer when it comes to tourism, from some of the most historic sites in the world, to quaint seaside towns, mountainous highlands, and a distinct and comforting cuisine. It’s not just people from overseas that visit the UK however. While 2023 saw over 38 million overseas visitors to the UK, UK residents are known to frequently travel around the UK too where each region has its own unique subculture to offer those passing by.
Planning a trip can be a lot of work and when it comes to arriving in the UK, you want to be armed with the best information so that you can fit in like a local. While you may not have the charming British accent, you can equip yourself with local knowledge so that you’re thinking like a Brit in no time at all. Below, we’ll go through some of the top tips when traveling around the UK.
While the UK may be small compared to many other countries, it’s not that small. While London is a hotspot for tourists and is home to some of the most famous attractions in the country, there’s much more to the UK than its capital city alone. Why not venture to a northern city like Liverpool or Manchester and witness the cultural differences and quirks of a northerner.
There’s also the far South where the coastline is bursting with quaint British seaside towns that will make you feel like you’ve gone back in time. If that’s not enough already, there’s the picturesque Scottish highlands and the Welsh Mountains, offering a whole wealth of cultural experiences and historic visits.
There’s nothing quite like the British weather. One minute the sun is shining and the birds are chirping, then the next thing you know there’s a downpour and you’re getting caught out without an umbrella. It’s best to wear layers when it comes to clothing as that way you won’t get caught out being too hot or cold in the unpredictable weather.
Be sure to have the right shoes too. While you might like to wear those open shoes that are on trend to walk around London, you’ll soon be regretting it when you’re wading through deep puddles with soaking wet socks.
The good news is there’s plenty of things to do inside too if you get caught in a period of bad weather. From historic manor houses on National Trust sites to classic casio venues that will have you entertained for hours. If you’re feeling tired from all the travel, you can also win real money on some of the top slot sites, without even having to get up from your bed.
If you’re visiting from somewhere like the US, you’re most likely used to using an American Express credit card. However, be aware that most places in the UK do not accept cards like this and will only accept cards with a chip and 4 digit pin.
It is also worth checking if you will be charged a currency conversion or foreign transaction fee while traveling as those little charges can add up quickly. If you’re looking for a credit card that supports free foreign transactions, E banks like Monzo and Starling are great options and offer fee free spending overseas.
Many establishments in the UK do not expect a tip like places in the US and other similar countries do. It is more typical to only tip if you have received good service and would like to reward that waiter or member of staff. A typical tip in the UK is 10-15% of the check.
One of the best ways to get around the UK is by using the extensive network of public transport. When in London, there is little need to use a car as there are so many trains connecting you to the whole of London and practically the whole of the UK too.
Inside of London, you can purchase an Oyster card, or alternatively use your credit card at payment touchpoints. Just remember to tap off at the end of your journey too or you will be charged the maximum fare for the day.
Outside of London, there is an extensive rail network, however rail travel can sometimes be unreliable and also very expensive. It may work out better to hire a car as many of the best places in the UK are also a little off the beaten track. However, if you’re feeling like traveling in luxury, why not take the sleeper train from London to Edinburgh for a first class experience.
Overall, traveling in the UK is an exciting experience as there’s so many different things on offer in each region and country. Whether you’re city hopping from top to bottom, exploring the Scottish wilderness, or exploring historic castles in Wales, the key is to keep an open mind and be aware of local culture before you arrive and you’ll be sure to have an iconic trip.
