If you’re planning on traveling to historic England, you’re in for a real treat: There’s so much to learn and see in this exciting country.
In order to truly make the most of your trip, though, it’s best to be prepared. Knowing what to expect in England can help you avoid some of the little stresses that go along with travel and spend more time on what you came for: life-changing experiences.
Here are some tips for making sure you’re ready for your trip to England:
What do I need to know about England?
Queen: Elizabeth II
Prime Minister: Theresa May
Official religion: Church of England
Date format: DD/MM/YYYY
Time zone: Greenwich Mean Time (EST+5)
What do I need to know about English culture?
Language: There obviously is no language barrier when you travel to England, though you may find it helpful to review some fun British slang before you go.
Etiquette: England and the United States are pretty similar in terms of etiquette and customs, though there are a few differences. Brits are known for their politeness — please, thank you, and sorry are staples of the language.
When standing on an escalator, be sure to stand on the right and let people pass you on the left, and never cut a queue.
Holidays: If your trip happens to fall during a holiday, this can be an excellent way to interact with locals during your free time, though it may affect business hours for shops and sites. Check out a calendar of English holidays to see if any of them overlap with your trip dates.
What about health and safety?
Safety: As of this post, the U.S. State Department has listed England as Level 2, the second-lowest level of caution. Travelers are encouraged to “Exercise increased caution.” That means keeping an eye on your luggage and wallet, staying with your group if you’re with a tour, and generally being aware of your surroundings.
Brits drive on the left, so be mindful of this when you’re crossing the street. You may even see signs warning you to look right for oncoming traffic. In any case, it’s best to just look both ways.
Health: You do not need to have any vaccines to travel to England, and the tap water is safe to drink.
Weather: England has a temperate oceanic climate. This means it’s mainly cool and cloudy, with rainy days. Check out the weather before you go, and prepare with clothes for cool weather and rain.
Food: Traditional English food includes bread and cheese, meat pies, sausages and potatoes, fish and chips, and imported recipes like curry. Vegetarianism is relatively common in England, though, so restaurants tend to be veggie-friendly.
How do I use my phone in England?
International calling and WiFi: The numbers to call for emergency services are 999 and 112. To call the U.S. from England, dial 001 and then the number, starting with the area code. Most hotels will offer WiFi.
For information on how international calling works for your cellular provider, contact them directly.
Adaptors: England uses a different plug than the U.S., so you will need an adaptor. Be sure to purchase one so you are able to charge your phone abroad.
What do I need to get in, out, and around England?
Passport and visa: Your passport must be valid for the length of your stay in England. Visas are not required if you are staying for less than 90 days.
Customs: Don’t try to bring any raw beans, or fruits or vegetables back into the U.S.
Money: Unlike most of Europe, England uses the British Pound (£) instead of the Euro. Other types of paper currency won’t be accepted, though credit cards from the U.S. are fine. Check with your bank to see if you’ll be charged a fee for using your card abroad, and definitely notify them of your tour dates.
Check out the exchange rate for USD to Pounds before you go, and if you decide to change money, make sure the rate is favorable. Usually, the airport currency exchange will not offer you the best rate, and you’re best off using a debit card at an ATM (known as a “cash machine”) during your trip, but be aware of any international fees.
Also, be sure to check out our tips and guidelines for spending money abroad.
Packing essentials for England
- Passport
- Clothes for rain and cool weather
- Umbrella
Are you a teacher who is interested in taking students along for the ride? Explorica takes care of all of the little details so you can focus on making your trip to England educational and fun.
Plan a trip to England today.