UK Travel Tips

The UK is renowned for its history, culture, and natural beauty, so it’s safe to say that travelers are provided with a diverse range of experiences. Whether you want to experience the bustling streets of London or the rugged coastline of Scotland, the UK has something to entertain everyone. That said, the UK travel scene can be intimidating to some travelers. The first step is to find the right accommodation, including those offered by Premier Cru Hotels, that’s situated near everything you’d like to experience. After this, you should keep to the following steps to ensure a smooth and unforgettable journey.

Weather Preparedness

Unpredictable weather is synonymous with the UK, so you need to be prepared for every eventuality. Even during the summertime, showers are common, so it’s a good idea to pack a thin waterproof jacket. Clothes that you can layer are the way forward, as you can take layers off if it gets too warm but pile them on if it’s too cold.

Public Transportation

The UK has a great public transport network, and it’s not too difficult to navigate. For instance, London has the Underground, as well as the red buses to help you navigate the capital. Similarly, the train network allows you to access the rest of the country. If you’re planning to use trains a lot, you might consider getting a rail pass or a rail card that entitles you to discounted fares. When using London’s public transport system, though, using your contactless card will provide you with the cheapest and easiest mode of travel.

Cultural Etiquette

Stereotypically, British people pride themselves on manners, and this stereotype isn’t too far from the truth. In the UK, it’s customary to say “please”, “thank you”, and “sorry” often. Similarly, it’s recommended that you avoid loud and boisterous behavior in public. Perhaps the most striking difference in etiquette between the US and the UK is that tipping isn’t expected in the UK. When dining out at restaurants, you may leave a 10-15% tip for good service; however, a service charge is often automatically applied. You can request to have this service charge taken off, but it’s customary to pay it.

Explore Beyond the Capital

There’s no escaping the fact that London is a must-visit location, but it’s not the only gem that the UK has to offer. Edinburgh, Bath, and York are just some of the most beautiful historic cities, while the Cotswolds and the Scottish Highlands provide stunning scenic views. The UK is so versatile in what it has to offer, and it’s not huge, so you should try to experience what you can.

Travel Off-Peak

In terms of flights, the peak times to travel are the few weeks surrounding the Christmas/New Year period, a week in February, the few weeks surrounding the Easter period, a week in May, six weeks from the latter end of July to the beginning of September, and a week in October. This is because this is when the school holidays fall in the UK.

In terms of public transport, such as trains and the London Underground, peak times are during rush hours with people commuting to and from work. Not only will it be cheaper to travel outside of these times, but it will also be less busy, making for a smoother journey.

Local Cuisine

Fish and chips, pie, mash and liquor, pasties, roast dinners, scones with jam and cream – the UK has so many culinary delights to indulge in. Many of these delectable eats are regional, so make sure to enjoy fish and chips by the coast, pie, mash and liquor in East London, pasties in Cornwall, and scones with jam and cream in Cornwall or Devon (depending on which order you build your scone). At least roast dinners can be enjoyed anywhere and everywhere!