Greetings from England! Today we’re sharing the don’ts of traveling in England.
England Travel Tip #1: Don’t Worry if You Don’t Understand the English
Many travelers from other English speaking countries may have a hard time understand the English spoken in England. The accents vary within the country, and some of the sayings or phrases aren’t well known outside of England. Some examples include: taking the piss, Bob’s your uncle, gutted, brolly, cheeky, gaff, leg it, gobsmacked and minging. English humor can be very different so it’s hard to tell if someone is making fun or being serious sometimes.
England Travel Tip #2: Don’t Be Scared of the Food
English food is not as bad as the reputation it gets. While it may not be a “foodie” destination, the food scene in England has improved a ton over the last 20 years since I started coming here. There is a lot of international food to enjoy, but traditional English food can be pretty tasty. Pub classics like shepherd’s pie or Sunday roast are really good, not to mention the fish and chips if you are near the ocean. You might actually be surprised at some of the good food you’ll try in England.
Watch: Traditional English Food: What to Eat in England
England Travel Tip #3: Don’t Just Stay in Hotels
England has so many great accommodation options; one of the quintessential parts of traveling through England is to stay in Bed & Breakfasts. There’s a whole network of inns and guest houses throughout the countryside, which you can string together for a fun and authentic English road trip. By staying with a local family, you’ll get so much more information and history about the area than you would from a hotel.
England Travel Tip #4: Don’t Be Scared to Drive
Yes, they drive on the left side of the road in England, but don’t be scared to drive when you are visiting. Do make sure you know how to drive a stick shift, though. Public transport through the countryside of England gets expensive, so it’s really more economical to rent a car, and this gives you more freedom to explore. It’s a bit odd when you first drive on the left, but after your first roundabout, you’ll be a pro.
Watch: Everything You Need to Know About Renting a Car in Europe
England Travel Tip #5: Don’t Forget to Look Right When Crossing the Street
Because they drive on the left in England, you also have to pay attention to this as a pedestrian. Make sure to look to the right, not the left, when crossing the street.
England Travel Tip #6: Don’t Think That London is the Only Place in England
London is a great city, but it’s not all that England has to offer. Imagine if an English tourist only ever visited New York and thought they saw “America.” Exploring the country outside of London is an entirely different experience; from Dover to York to Brighton. (Also, don’t confuse England and Britain. Britain includes Scotland and Wales, not just England.)
Watch: What to See & Do in Bath, England
England Travel Tip #7: Don’t Forget Your P’s & Queues
Politeness is key in England, and you will hear “sorry” over and over again because they are just very polite and proper. It’s considered rude to be late in England, also. This applies to queues as well, so don’t jump the queue.
England Travel Tip #8: Don’t Forget a Rain Coat
It doesn’t rain all the time in England, but it does rain often. So it’s a good idea to have a waterproof jacket, and waterproof shoes for when it does rain. You can buy a cheap umbrella, but you don’t want to spend travel money on coats and shoes if you already have them.
Read: Five Rules for What Shoes to Wear in Europe
England Travel Tip #9: Don’t Forget to Go to the Pub
England is definitely a pub culture, and the place to go for a pint, a chat or a tasty meal. The local pub is a great place to really see the “locals in action.” And it is definitely something you do not want to miss out on when you are in England. Also, take note of the fun names that a lot of the pubs have.
These are just nine simple “don’ts” to help you better enjoy your England vacation. For more travel tips, check out these blog posts and videos: