7 Ways to Have the Best Experience While Travelling in the UK

One of the best trips you can ever take is one through the UK, composed of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. You'll discover many different cultures while travelling in the UK, but still feel close enough to home that you'll never be too far out of your comfort zone. The UK is rich in history, great food and friendly locals. To ensure that you have the best UK travel possible, you should consider some tips when you're planning your trip. Here are 7 ways to have the best experience while travelling in the UK

1. Learn More about Your Destination

Before starting your trip, it is a great idea to learn more about the UK. Find answers to these questions: what is the main way of getting around the country? Which means of transport is cheaper? What is the official language, and what dialects and accents are there? What is the dominant religion, and how strong are religious beliefs among people?

With answers to such questions, it is likely you will avoid a cultural shock. If you have time, try to learn more about the literature, cuisine, sports and many other aspects of the UK and any of its cities you are targeting. 

Sometimes, even learning about politics and social divides is very fruitful. Learn which regions are predominantly leftist or rightist, which cities are more hostile to foreigners, and which are more welcoming. 

2. Find Comfortable Yet Affordable Accommodation

*Photo by Agnee on Flickr

While most of your trip will likely be spent outdoors and exploring, your accommodation is vital to the quality of your experience. After all, you can't expect to do some hiking or attend every museum that you want to visit if you're tired from a poor night's sleep in an uncomfortable place of stay. If you want comfort, then you should look for a room in a luxury hotel. If this is out of your budget, you can make almost any room comfortable by packing a supportive pillow and sleep accessories. For those who want to be close to the action, you might want to consider staying in a self-catering apartment, serviced apartment or short-term rental to make the most out of your experience. By checking our website, you can find different choices depending on where you are staying in the UK.

3. Pack Properly

When it comes to packing, you should attempt to pack light. No one wants to lug around a ton of bags when they're trying to explore a new location. Look for tips for packing light when you prepare for your UK trip. There are tons of tips for packing light on the Internet. Some of those include things like only packing a few outfits and utilising a local washer and dryer service. You can buy most of what you need at the location you're visiting. Only bring things that you truly need and will use. If you are going to stay for a long period, there are ways to plan and pack well.  

4. Talk to Locals

One other way to make travelling in the UK even more enjoyable is taking the time to speak with locals. They can often point you to restaurants that few tourists know about that serve fantastic food. They may even have some interesting local history to share that you can't find in the pages of a travel guide. Rely on them to show you the heart of the area that you're visiting.

5. Eat Out at Local Restaurants

To get the best out of your trip, find the best local restaurants or those where locals eat. Not only will you have a highly authentic experience, but you may also end up saving a lot of money. 

Moreover, there is a chance that the owner, waiter or stewardess are in chatty moods, and will help you get familiar with all aspects of English cuisine. They will show you the best drinks and the most famous dishes. They can reveal the history of afternoon tea, the Shepherd’s Pie, and even show the best recommendations off the menu.

6. Visit Cultural Landmarks

*Photo by Giuseppe Milo on Flickr

Visiting the landmarks of a city or country is the first on the list of everyone looking for the best experience. Iconic buildings and structures each have a story of their own, revealing a lot about the culture and history of a country. 

England has gone through a tumultuous past. To learn about it, you need to see its wonderful sights. In a large city like London, you will see Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace. Even in a small town like Stratford-upon-Avon, you can visit everything Shakespearean, from his birthplace to his schoolroom.

Before you leave for the UK, get a list of the best places to go – the places that will give you a new insight into the society and culture of the UK in the past and present.

7. Explore Nature Reserves and National Parks

*Photo by Terry Kearney on Flickr

National parks are also abundant in the UK. Wherever you go from the south to the north, there is certainly a national park or nature reserve nearby to get a true taste of the climate. Most of them contain walking trails with beautiful countryside views, suitable for walking or cycling. For those interested in wildlife, there are also plenty of animals to observe. 

If you are in Northwest England, you can check out Lake District, the most visited national park, with an opportunity to explore the lakes, take a cruise, and explore villages and towns like Keswick. Going to the Highlands, you can visit Cairngorms and spot raptors, red squirrels, and twinflowers. In the Cairngorms, you can even see historical structures like Ruthven Barracks.

Visiting the UK and travelling through it can be an experience filled with adventure, and you can make the most of it with some smart planning. Just consider these seven tips carefully to ensure that you have a great time in the UK.