The United Kingdom (UK) is a fantastic place to visit, having a little something for everyone (singles, families, and couples). Its cities and towns have a lot to offer visitors, ranging from the Balti food of Birmingham to the indie scene of Manchester, so exploring the cultural scene can be a captivating experience. One of the main attractions of the UK is its rich history, mirrored in centuries-old castles, ancient landmarks, and outstanding cities. Today’s country dates back to the formation of the Medieval Kingdom of England and the establishment of a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy.
The everyday Brits aren’t the same as how they’re depicted in film, television, and books. The UK has several characteristics that make it peculiar, whether viewed from a positive or negative point of view. You’ll want to know a few things when visiting this wonderful land.
Mobile Phone Companies No Longer Offer Surcharge-Free Roaming
It’s no secret we live in an interconnected world. It’s a given of existence, no matter your status in life; we’re simultaneously connected to a planet of 8 billion people. Going on an international trip may be a dream or a nightmare, depending on the case. If you want to keep in touch with friends and family back home, look into your options for data and text messages while overseas. Mobile phone companies in the UK are no longer obligated to abide by roaming regulations, so you may be subject to the same charges as other non-EU countries when you stop by. Try Holafly’s packages for the UK if you want to call and message all your contacts on WhatsApp.
Seasoned travelers know that getting a local SIM card is the most cost-efficient option, as it eliminates long-distance charges. You can make a dinner reservation at a restaurant just down the street from your hotel – the call is totally free. Having an eSIM allows you to retain your home number, meaning it provides continuity and helps maintain your unique identity. Global eSIMs work in multiple countries across the globe. Click for more info if you’re interested in finding out as much as possible. Load up the eSIM at the airport just before leaving so it doesn’t start working too soon.
Pack a Jacket, It Can Be Cold
The UK is close to the path of the polar front jet stream, so you must be ready for all types of weather. To be more precise, you can experience blustering winds, beautiful sunshine, and drizzling rain – all in one day. You don’t need to take an umbrella everywhere you go, but it’s a good idea to pack a waterproof jacket in your suitcase to withstand both rain and cold temperatures. London is a few degrees warmer due to its sheer size, so snow is less common in the winter. The closer to the coast you get, the cooler the summers and the warmer the winters.
Coffee Is Overtaking Tea as The National Drink
Tea is an important part of British identity, not to mention a prominent feature of culture and society. There are many different types of tea, but Brits are more likely to drink English breakfast tea, a black tea blend that goes well with milk and sugar. While people in the UK love a milky brew, they’re most likely to use sweeteners instead of sugar. Someone will always offer you a cup of tea/You’ll be surprised to learn that coffee has overtaken the traditional cuppa as the nation’s favorite drink, which means that tea is slowly but surely becoming a thing of the past.
The Brits drink coffee more regularly than they do tea, and they spend more on it when going out shopping. Instant coffee is the most popular option in the coffee-drinking region, followed by ground coffee and coffee pods. Coffee shops now offer a discount to customers who bring their own travel mugs, but discounts vary by location and aren’t always advertised online. In case you didn’t already know, the human body can only absorb 300mg of caffeine at a time, so any excess content will be excreted. Caffeine reaches peak level an hour after consumption.
The Train System Was Privatized Many Years Ago
Traveling by train is a scenic and relaxing way to discover the UK; different train companies serve different parts of the country. The rail network is well-established and extensive, with major towns connected to London and each other by direct trains or links through regional hubs. Across the UK, traveling by train is four times as expensive as flying, a cost disparity you won’t find anywhere else. Privately owned railways are still the majority, even if the number of nationalized services has increased over the years, leading to some of the highest train prices. Off-peak and on-peak times mean rail fares fluctuate considerably.
The English Language Can Have Different Accents Across the Country
People have accents related to their pronunciation, so when they speak, they articulate different words. The different regions of the UK have their own accents, meaning you must train your ears to prepare for this. The main regional accents are Cockney, Yorkshire, Scottish, Welsh, and Northern Irish. You might have difficulties in communicating with native speakers. London is a separate case because it’s cosmopolitan, so you can expect to hear various accents throughout the day. Get accustomed to listening to audio files, podcasts, and audiobooks if you want to learn new words and phrases.
The Takeaway
All in all, the UK can catch travelers by surprise, so do a little bit of research about your destination, even if it’s just checking on transportation. Indeed, the country is small, but a lifetime isn’t enough to discover its quirks and idiosyncrasies. Striking up a conversation with a stranger isn’t recommended – even simply making eye contact with someone makes them feel awkward. Talking to strangers is considered taboo. Most importantly, there’s a world outside London, so pay those amazing sites a visit (Windsor, Stonehenge, Oxford, etc.).
About the Author:
Cynthia Madison has a degree in finance and administration and is passionate about all things forex, stocks, and investments. As an online trader herself, Cynthia loves providing her readers with expert tips and advice on how to make informed economic choices, helping them understand market trends and how to manage their finances like a pro.
Hi! We are Jenn and Ed Coleman, and together we are Coleman Concierge. It is our goal to inspire you to get out, expand your world, and to seek adventure, even in your own backyard.
