The UK is a relatively small country packed with fascinating sites, dripping with interesting history and abundant with gorgeous landscapes. If you want to make the most out of your trip, we suggest you get a bank card that does not have foreign transaction fees and an eSIM card for the UK, so while you are exploring, you have these essential tools. Moreover, you should book tickets and tours in advance, research the UK’s major attractions and plan a route that takes in all the country has to offer! What’s more, remember to pack for the weather, as the UK is known to be rainy. And lastly, be open to trying new things for the best experience possible.
Avoid Foreign Transaction Fees
Many debit and credit cards have foreign transaction fees, meaning every time you spend money abroad, there is an additional fee of around 1-3%. This adds up while you are away and amounts to an unnecessary additional cost on your trip.
To avoid this, you should get a credit card that does not have foreign transaction fees or make a Wise account and use their card to get the best conversion rates and avoid fees. Alternatively, you can try to go card free as much as possible and use cash that you converted before your trip. However, it is advisable to have a card handy at all times as some vendors and modes of transport may only accept card payments.
Get a UK SIM Card
To get an eSIM, first, you need to make sure that your phone is compatible with this technology. Generally, the iPhone XR and any newer model will work best. Then, you just need an email address, and, depending on the provider of the eSIM United Kingdom, you might need to download an app as well. There are hundreds of eSIM card providers out there, so make sure that you compare the deals available and find one that suits your coverage needs.
Book Tours and Tickets in Advance
Now that you are all set with your money and data, you can start planning the sites and tours you want to book. Make sure you reserve places ahead of time to avoid disappointment. You should also book accommodation in advance in case your ideal spot is at full capacity when you arrive.
Whether you would like to visit the main cities around the UK, such as London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Cardiff, and Belfast, or explore the fabulous natural regions of the Yorkshire Dales, the Lake District, and the Scottish Highlands, you will need to book any tours or transport tickets in advance. This is the best way to ensure you are not disappointed that a tour is sold out.
Remember, if you are planning an adventurous romp through one of the UK’s more rural areas, you should pack accordingly. Bring a compass, a good backpack, walking shoes, a water bottle, and anything else you might need for a day in the hills or lakes.
Research Places Before You Arrive
The UK is a country jam-packed with fascinating historic sites and stunning structures, such as castles, palaces, Stonehenge, and even ancient ruins! You will get the most out of your trip if you know a bit about the sites before you go. This will allow you to plan a route to see all the things that interest you most and appreciate the history of the sites you see.
Visit the holy wells of South West Wales that are said to cure ailments or head over to the ancient ruins of Scotland. Skara Brae is a Neolithic settlement in Scotland that dates back around 5000 years, and you can book a tour to visit this incredible site.
Plan Your Route
It is all too easy to visit the UK and see only its capital city, London, but if you want to make the most of your trip, you will plan ahead and take simple steps to have the best trip possible. Make sure you do not miss anything you are dying to see by planning your route well before you travel.
Now that you have researched the UK’s points of interest, you can start to form a route that takes in all of the major sites you would like to see. The UK’s public transport is fairly comprehensive, so you should manage to get around alright even without a hired car. However, you will need to make sure you book your trains, planes, and buses in advance, as prices can soar.
Pack for the Weather
It is no secret that the UK can be a cool and often rainy place, so make sure to bring appropriate clothing for the wind, rain, and hail. This is the best way to ensure that you can still enjoy your time in this historic and fascinating place.
Check online before you travel what the temperature and rainfall are forecast to be, but expect the worst and hope for the best! This is a good general rule for traveling in this part of the world at any time of the year.
Be Prepared to Try New Things!
Finally, your trip to the UK is an opportunity for you to try new foods and drinks, learn a bit about the ancient languages of Welsh, Manx, and Gaelic, and even learn traditional dances! Do not be afraid to jump into the various cultures around Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and England, as this is a great opportunity to learn and have a ton of fun while doing so.
Try haggis, go to a ceilidh, try Welsh folk dancing, or have a crack at learning some Irish words and phrases. Make the most of your time in the four nations of the UK.
When it comes to planning a comprehensive and detailed trip to the UK, you want to make sure you have all the information to have the most fun possible on your vacation. This includes understanding how to avoid foreign transaction fees, how to access data, and why you should book everything in advance. By taking these practical steps, you can ensure that you make the most of your time in the UK. Moreover, do your research and plan your route depending on what you want to see the most. Pack for the weather and whatever activities you would like to do. And lastly, be open to trying new things! There are many interesting cultures in the UK waiting to be explored.