Essential Tips for Vacationing in England
Whether you want to dance the night away in London’s trendiest clubs, shop at Harrod’s department store, explore centuries-old castles or roam the rolling green countryside, England offers something for everyone. In spite of the fact that Americans and the English speak the same language, the differences between England and America are vast. Before you jet off on the trip you’ve always dreamed of, there are several things you need to know to ensure that you’re properly prepared.
Travel Documents
To leave the United States and visit England via land or air, you’ll need a valid passport with an expiration date at least six months from the date of your trip. For most visitors who plan to stay in England for less than six months, there is no need to secure a visa. Consult the website for United Kingdom Border Agency if you are in need of further details regarding a specific situation.
Deals and Discounts
Tourism is big business in England. That’s why you should be able to find numerous discounts and deals to shave a few bucks here and there off of your expenses. Discount cards such as “The London Pass,” the “BiTE Discount Card,” the “Great British Heritage Pass” and the “Merlin Annual Pass” are just some of the many available that can garner you serious discounts on public transportation, entry to a variety of attractions, accommodations and meals.
Currency
The country has retained the Great British pound as its currency rather than switching to the use of euros. When you arrive in England, convert your U.S. dollars to pounds at a money exchange location. You should be able to find one in the airport when you land or in any sizeable city. It takes 100 pence to make one pound. Coins come in penny or 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 pence pieces. One and two pound coins are available as well. Pound notes come in values of 5, 10, 20 and 50. Check the current exchange rates to estimate how much money you will receive for each dollar that you convert to pounds.
Getting Behind the Wheel
In England, the steering wheel is on the right-hand side of the car and the English drive on the left side of the road; just the opposite of the way it’s done in America. While you may drive legally with your American driver’s license during a vacation to England, it can be quite disorienting. If you’re at all unsure about your ability to quickly adjust, use public transportation. Taxis, buses and trains are plentiful in England, so there’s no reason to have to drive unless you want to – when travelling from the airport (such as London Heathrow), it is always advisable to pre-book prior to arrival and you can do this here. If you do decide to rent a car and try your hand at driving, familiarize yourself with the proper procedures for entering and exiting roundabouts, the commonly-found, circular intersections without traffic lights, and British traffic signs.
Differences in American and British English
While you won’t have the challenge of learning a completely foreign language when you visit England, many people are unaware of the differences in British and American English. Before you go, consult a print or online resource that explores the different meanings of common words in England versus those same words in America. In England a truck is a “lorry,” a diaper is a “nappy,” a parking lot is a “car park” and an overpass is a “fly over.” Familiarize yourself with common linguistic differences, and avoid the embarrassing misunderstandings that come from using the wrong word.
Turn Down the Volume
The quickest way to advertise the fact that you’re an outsider is to speak loudly, particularly in public places. The British are generally a quiet people, and that’s the way they like it. Remember to keep your voice down to a level that reaches only your nearest companions while dining out, sightseeing and shopping. Speaking loudly so that everyone within 50 yards of you can hear you is the quickest route to being branded as an “Ugly American.” The one place it is perfectly acceptable to be loud and proud is at a soccer match. Just remember to refer to the sport by the British name of football rather than soccer.
Keep Negative Opinions to Yourself
Just as you would never visit a friend or family member’s home and complain about the food, the decor or the way they do things, the same should be true when you visit a foreign country. When you try to visit a village shop only to find that it closed at 5:00 p.m., as many village shops do, refrain from voicing your displeasure loudly for all to hear. When you’re unable to locate your favorite brand of soft drink, slap a smile on your face and try something new. Don’t expect England to be just like America. It isn’t and it never will be. If it were, there would be no point in traveling thousands of miles for a vacation. Enjoy the differences and mind your manners by not complaining.
Mind Your Own Business
While it’s always fun to chat with the locals on a vacation, many an American has watched a friendly exchange with a British counterpart suddenly take a turn for the worst without ever knowing what they’ve done. While it’s impossible to know for sure, they’ve probably asked one too many questions. When chatting with people in England, it’s best to stick to superficial topics like the weather, the beauty of their country and where the best place is to get a pint. Avoid asking personal questions. It’s the quickest way to offend an Englishman, and you’ll know immediately when you’ve gone too far. Asking where they live, what they do for a living or how much money they make are all sure to be considered intrusive questions. Let your British friend take the lead in the conversation and curb your natural American inquisitiveness to an extent.