Without a doubt, spending time in the United Kingdom can be incredibly enriching. If you are a history nerd, a student of fashion, or beer enthusiast, the UK will delight you. The thing is, just hopping on a plane and arriving in Belfast or London or Edinburgh will leave you overwhelmed and running around like a chicken with its head cut off.
There is so much to see and do on the British Isles, and trying to enjoy your trip while flying by the seat of your pants will be frustrating, tedious, and more than a little costly. Trust me: you need a plan. Below are the foundational tips for maximizing your time in the UK.
Touch down in more than one country. Know your transport!
For those who need a refresher, the United Kingdom is comprised of four countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. These countries all have different cultures, attractions, and destinations worth seeing. Car, train, bus, or air transportation options are all available to you to hop from one country to the other, and costs are generally low (Northern Ireland is across the Irish Sea, so we recommend a flight for that leg of the journey).
The UK has one of the most advanced transportation infrastructures in the world, so go ahead and use it. Use a website like Rome2Rio or Traveline to help you keep track of the cheapest, most efficient routes between your desired destinations.
Don’t forget, Ireland is right next door and is an adventure unto itself. If you are able to include a detour in the emerald isle, take note that flights from Dublin to London are easily found on sites like Expedia. I would recommend downloading Google Maps for your phone if you don’t have it already. Not only is it useful for planning adjustments to long trips, but it is useful for navigating foreign cities as well.
Know where you are going to stay
In many parts of the world, it’s fun to book a hotel for your first night in a new city, and then see where the breeze takes you. You may want more of a B&B or vacation rental, or you may want to glam it up in a 4 star hotel. The spontaneity is exciting!
This is all well and good, but that spontaneity can actually be a hindrance when traveling in the UK. Especially during high tourist months, UK accommodations tend to fill up fast. Plan ahead to know where your head is going to rest each night. Booking.com can help you find a place to sleep at every price point, and go old Airbnb can help you find a room in a nice stranger’s cozy, interesting abode.
Be prepared to cook a few meals a week
A nice meal out in the UK will run about 60 Pounds. Even cheap pub food will cost about 25 Pounds, not including one or two tasty pints. When booking accommodations for your UK trip, try and select Airbnb units or upscale hostels that have access to a decent kitchen. You will not believe the difference it will make on your budget.
Big chain supermarkets in the UK like Tesco are quite reasonable and very well stocked. If, for whatever reason, you are stuck eating out, pubs often run specials at off hours for cheap, and there are also vendors of multicultural street food from around the world that is not only cheap, but delicious and different!
Things to do in the rain…
This should come as no surprise, but the UK is often plagued by rain showers that can last for months. If you are planning to spend a nice long holiday there, make sure you know what fun indoor activities are available to you. Museums.co.uk will be an invaluable resource for you in this regard.
Most major UK cities around the isles have top notch aquariums, historical buildings, and monuments of significance that are worth taking a peek at. If you are traveling with children, London is home the the Warner Bros. Studio where Harry Potter movies were filmed, and tours are available all the time. If you are in Edinburgh during a downpour, catch an independent movie or discover a hole-in-the-wall art gallery!\
Money
Money will not be a terrible hassle for you as you sight see across the countryside, but be aware that certain Pound Sterling notes are recognized and readily accepted in some UK countries, but are difficult to use in others. The good news is, credit and debit cards are accepted virtually everywhere in the UK. It is a breeze to get currency exchanged at the airport, any major bank, or dedicated currency exchange locations.
Conclusion
You could probably spend a whole lifetime exploring the gorgeous hills and hamlets of the UK, but it is possible to see a lot of it in a short amount of time. A little forethought and planning will go a long way towards making your trip an unforgettable experience. Whether you are bringing the whole family along or backpacking solo through each stop, The UK has something for everyone to enjoy…just don’t forget to bring your raincoat. You will need it at some point!
Was this article helpful and informative? If you’ve ever visited the UK, tell us your favorite attraction or location to visit. If you’re planning a trip to the UK, tell us which destination you’re most excited to visit. Leave a comment in the section below.
By Shobhit ChoudharyShobit is a dedicated globe-trotter on a lifelong quest for adventure. He thrives on exploring diverse cultures, savoring new cuisines, and forging lasting connections. Shobit's life is a testament to his unquenchable wanderlust, as he continuously seeks out uncharted territories and unforgettable experiences.
