A journey to the United Kingdom is an adventure of breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and a tapestry of cultures. With so many things to explore, you better have all the essentials ready. Take a look at the list below. These are the things that would be beneficial for your UK trip, yet many travelers tend to overlook.
1. Jackets! – Yes, Even in Summer!
Most tourists would leave their jackets behind when they travel in the summer, but you better not do the same when visiting the UK. With its maritime location in the North Atlantic, it is still possible for strong winds to blow in any day. Furthermore, heavy rain might come anytime, so you might want to bring your raincoat.
A windproof and waterproof jacket is the type of jacket you want to consider. A lightweight puffer jacket is also a popular option amongst locals. Alternatively, you can wear an outer sweater or cardigan for extra warmth when needed, which you can also take off when the weather is comfortable enough for you.
2. Visa to Neighboring Countries
The train system in Europe is incredibly interconnected. Not only can you go from city to city in a country, but it is also possible to go to various cities in neighboring countries. Furthermore, with such short distances between countries and the high technology to support the train speed, many trains can take you to other countries in less than an hour.
Interestingly, London has one of the most connected train stations in Europe. Such an advantage has convinced many tourists to take a spontaneous ride to other cities outside the UK. Unfortunately, this option is impossible unless you have the right visa for your destination.
Schengen Visa may work for many European countries, but this is not the type of visa acceptable for the UK itself. Hence, many travelers prepare this visa along with their UK visa because it means they can get to many places with only two types of visa.
3. Various Power Adaptors
All the countries in the European Union have agreed to use Type C power plugs for their electricity system. It is a simple plug with two round prongs. Such a collective decision has been truly convenient for citizens and tourists on this continent.
Unfortunately, said agreement does not extend to the countries in the United Kingdom. In this part of Europe, the power plugs are in Type G. It has three rectangular prongs arranged in a triangular pattern.
Of course, it is highly advisable to bring both types of power plugs just in case you want to travel around. You don’t want to spend your time running to a hardware store only to get to charge your phone, do you?
4. Itinerary
Spontaneous traveling might be fun, but it is best not to be too arbitrary in the UK. Being a popular destination for young travelers, it is not uncommon for tourists to get overwhelmed with where to go once they arrive there. Understandably, this country has too many attractions to visit and too many activities to try.
Planning can make the best of your time in the United Kingdom. You don’t even need to be too detailed about your itinerary. Leaving some room for flexibility might be a good idea as well.
If you love culture and history, you might need to prioritize which museums or landmarks to visit first. For party lovers, you need at least browse around for festivals and events that match your timeframe. And if you are a big foodie, maybe collect recommendations and reviews first because your stomach will not be enough to try everything!
5. Transportation Information and Etiquette
Not only trains, but cities in the UK also have various types of public transportation. Some are highly attractive and unique for tourists, so chances are you will want to give them a try.
However, bear in mind that British people care a lot about etiquette and mannerisms. Hence, make sure you know how to behave in public places and accomodations. A little bit of internet browsing will help.
Making small talk is also considered a polite gesture in the UK, which locals usually do to strangers on public transportation to avoid long and awkward silence. Hence, it might be helpful for you to learn a few British slang. It will also help a lot to keep updated about the weather forecast because British people tend to start a conversation with a comment on the current weather.
Bonus Recommendation: A Smartphone with MySecondLine App and Internet Connection
There is no such thing as a smooth plan. On your UK holiday, you might find yourself making impromptu adjustments to your itinerary, which is fine. However, being well-prepared can significantly reduce the chances of facing unnecessary problems. Your adventure would be much more enjoyable and inspiring.
Sure, you will most likely bring your smartphone during your trip to the United Kingdom. The little gadget can help make the most of your adventure by using it for taking photos, arranging itineraries, and many other things. But most importantly, you will need your phone for communication.
For seamless communication with your family and friends back home, a virtual mobile number from MySecondLine is your best option to consider. This phone system can operate in any country in the world. It provides stable communication and a high security system. Plus, the rates are generally much lower than conventional phones.