Guide to the UK

The United Kingdom (UK) also known as Great Britain is made up of England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Island. Most travelers head straight to England’s capital, London. London is packed full of iconic landmarks, the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and Big Ben just to name a few.

There is so much to do and see—from the medieval castles to the stately homes you could spend weeks here and still have barely put a dent in the itinerary. Despite being such a popular tourist destination, London is very residential with beautiful estates and rich neighborhoods. The large pub scene, easy transportation, and clean streets allow this city to steal the hearts of many. Don’t forget to have high tea— you’ll feel like royalty and it’s oh so fun.

Of course, if you can, you must head out to the countryside to explore the rolling hills and quaint villages. The UK is also home to Stonehenge, one of the wonders of the world!

Destinations

LONDON

MY FAVORITE PART

WHERE I WENT

afternoon tea at Miss Piggies. an absolute must when in London.

london

What I Packed for the UK:

LONG SLEEVES- You’ll want to layer up here in the fall/winter.

CHUNKY SWEATERS- Pack your chunkiest, warmest sweaters for your fall trip to London.

A JACKET- The best part is a stylish jacket elevates a basic outfit in no time.

UMBRELLA- Lots of on-and-off showers here. Pack an umbrella!

a great “beginners” country if you want to leave America and don’t know where to start

a taste of royalty in the city of London! you must see a princesses house

McKenz's

TIPS & TRICKS

What to Expect

LANGUAGE:

English is the official language of the UK although everyone sounds a little British!

SAFETY:

The UK reminds me a lot of NYC. There is a large ammount of tourists at all times all over and therefore lots of pickpocketing happens within the city centers and especailly on public transportation. Keep an eye on your belongings and consider bringing something “anti theft” here.

CREDIT CARDS/ATMS:

The UK is very modern and up to date with their practices. Cards are widely accpted here, many places accepting Apple Pay. ATMs are available and easy to find, especially in major cities. We did not need cash for anything during our stay.

CURRENCY:

The currency in the UK is the Pound. Generally speaking, the UK is known to be one of the most expensive countries in Europe so prepare to spend a little more in this region!

HIGH SEASON:

High Season: July-August Low Season: November-April There really isn’t a bad time to visit the UK, but I will say it’s magical to see London at Christmas time as the Christmas markets are some of the largest here. It can be rainy year round so plan to stay dry.

Transportation:

Although it is very walkable (safe, clean, and pedestrian-friendly), London specifically is very spread out. I suggest utilizing public transportation to maximize your time. The Tube is their underground railroad system, similar to the Subway in NYC. Taxi, Uber, and buses are also options.

All Things the United Kingdom

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