United Kingdom Travel Guide

What You Need To Know: The Bare Bones

Population. 60 million
Area. 245,000 km2
Religion. Mainly Christian but with significant Muslim, Hindu, Sikh and Jewish populations.
Currency. Pound Sterling

Passports, Visas etc.

US citizens need only take a passport for stays less than six months. US citizens are restricted to this three-month period before they need to get a visa. Passports can be used as ID but it is advisable to carry a photocopy and leave the real thing safely at your hotel.

Safety Advice

England is a safe place to visit overall. The main concern is crowded tourist areas that attract small time pickpockets and bag snatchers. Never openly carry anything of value and be careful of possessions at all times. Follow normal common sense rules, avoid badly lit areas, and try not to travel alone, tell someone what your itinerary is, and don't leave things on display in vehicles.

The Roads

Roads are good quality and cover the country comprehensively. Cities can be congested and parking may be a problem. Other drivers can be a little on the aggressive side. In the UK drive on the left-hand side of the road

Stay Healthy

There are no more worries here than in any other European country, no inoculations are required and the water is clean. EU citizens can get free medical help. US citizens should ensure that they have ample insurance. Take sensible precautions against the effects of the sun.

Insurance

Take out adequate insurance to cover health, accident, and theft of money and possessions.

Law and Order

Do not traffic or pedal drugs of any kind. Penalties for drunk driving are very stiff.

Cash and Plastic

Traveller's cheques are easily changed, credit cards are readily accepted and ATM machines are widely available.

Climate and When to Go

In Britain the weather can change very quickly, a glorious sunny morning can soon change to a drab wet afternoon. Winters tend to be chilly and damp but never really cold, except in the hills and mountains of the north.

If the rain holds off, the weather in spring and summer is gorgeous.

The summer months are the tourist high season and many of the main attractions can get very crowded.

Shopping around Christmas time can make it hell to travel in London.

The United Kingdom mixes modern with ancient and has a rich heritage and glorious scenery.