UNITED STATES—The UK is famous for fish and chips, sandy beaches, temperamental weather and interesting cultural traditions, but it has become a firm favorite to vacation there all year round. The UK is home to a stunning array of features including jaw-dropping countryside, quaint architecture and amazing pub food, so it’s no surprise that it has become a firm favorite for tourists.
If you’re hoping to jet off to the UK for a vacation in 2025, here are five top tips to get you started on your journey.
1. Get to Know Public Transport
Public transport in the UK varies from city to city. If you’re visiting London, be prepared to get acquainted with the London Underground system (similar to the New York subway).
If you purchase an Oyster card, this can be used across transport in London, but you can also use a contactless debit card to pay as you move around the city.
In other cities like Manchester and Newcastle, you can use trams to get from the city centre into the outer suburbs, and in every city, you can use the bus network. Cabs (or taxis as they are known in the UK) are not as popular and are often more expensive, particularly in London. For a more affordable cab, it’s a good idea to use services like Uber.
2. Pack for Changeable Weather
The weather in the UK is famously changeable, with mild temperatures and rain common even in the height of summer.
To ensure that you’re best prepared for the weather during your travels, pack a waterproof coat, and if you’re staying somewhere more rural, waterproof boots are also a good idea.
Additionally, packing sweaters and long-sleeved shirts are also a good idea to combat the cold, and sturdy shoes are a must. Historical cities such as Edinburgh and Newcastle are very hilly with uneven terrain.
3. Cultural Etiquette
It’s important to get to know the culture in the UK relies on politeness, so queuing and saying please and thank you is very important.
Additionally, in the UK, tipping is optional rather than expected, and you are expected to be considerate of others. Culture can also vary depending on which area of the UK you visit, with different traditions and dialects in each part.
Many regions will also have different accents. Some of the most common examples are Scouse (Liverpool), Scottish, Geordie (Newcastle) and Cockney (East London).
4. Get to Know Popular Cities
Many vacationers will flock to London for their getaway, but there are plenty of other cities in the UK with intriguing historical and social significance.
Larger cities like Edinburgh, Newcastle, Manchester and Liverpool all have excellent nightlife, museums, restaurants and bars. There are over 45,000 pubs in the UK, and the largest pub chain in the UK is Wetherspoons, who offer the stereotypical British pub experience.
5. Win a House
If you enjoy your stay in the UK, why not enter a competition to win a house there? Sites like Raffle House run regular competitions to win a luxury house in the UK. Why not turn this into your permanent bolthole for future vacations?
Do you have any tips for vacationing in the UK? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!
