It has plenty of critics (with the weather often receiving the brunt of things), but few would disagree that the tourist outlook in the UK is one of the best in the world.
From history to entertainment, this is a country that has it all. The only problem? Time.
Seeing the UK in its full glory is something that’s nigh on impossible unless you have unlimited stretches of annual leave at your disposal. This is prompting the focus of today’s article, as we mull through some of the best tips so you can make the most of a very short trip to, or through, if you’re a local, the country.
It’s time to question London
That’s right; it’s time to ask serious questions about London. Not because it’s going downhill; on the contrary – it’s one of the world’s finest cities.
However, if you are focussing on the capital, it pays to make this your only focus. Don’t try and go there halfway; make sure you serve up an adequate time to see it in its full glory.
If you don’t, consider exploring some of the untapped gems of the rest of the country. For example, Blackpool is one of the most traditional hotspots of the north, with its famous Pleasure Beach grabbing plenty of attention over history. Areas such as this are just a fraction of the size of London – and you can complete them in their entirety, rather than just scratching the surface.
Understand the lay of the land
This is a big one and one that often goes amiss. The United Kingdom is not one country; it’s four. That’s right, four.
The main four countries that make up the UK are England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. All four have their own customs, traditions and laws – so it pays to do your research before you travel.
This is doubly important if you’re only planning a short stay. For example, if you’re touching down in London but only have time for a long weekend break, it doesn’t make sense to try and explore Scotland as well – that’s a trip in its own right.
The key is to focus on one area and one area only. That way, you can make the most of your time, rather than wasting it on traveling between different countries with little time to actually explore.
Don’t try and do too much
This is a mistake that a lot of first-time visitors to the UK make. They try and pack too much in, and as a result, they end up seeing very little.
The key is to be selective with your itinerary. Don’t try and see everything; pick out the key sights and focus on those. That way, you can take your time and actually enjoy the experience rather than just tick things off a list.
Travel outside of peak times
This is a big one and one that can save you a lot of time (and money). If you’re planning a trip to the UK, avoid traveling during peak times.
This includes the summer months, as well as key public holidays such as Christmas and Easter. Not only will prices be higher at these times, but crowds will be too.
If you can, aim to travel outside of these periods. For example, late spring and early autumn are often considered the best times to visit the UK.
By Amey MyersAmey, an intrepid traveler and avid blogger, roams the world, absorbing diverse cultures, flavors, and experiences. Her writing captures the essence of her adventures, inspiring others to explore. Amey's infectious passion for travel and storytelling epitomizes a life filled with exploration and adventure.
