‘England’ is a buzzword for everyone who is into the English language. Numerous articles and books regarding English culture made us pretty knowledgeable about the lifestyle of the country, yet, there are more practical we need to know when planning a trip to England. Let’s discover them together.
- Weather matters
Although we may sometimes hear that the weather isn’t as rainy as described in the course books, it is pretty changeable. Make sure you bring a weather-proof jacket to be ready for all the English weather moodiness, caused by the wild North Atlantic.
In addition, weather is always a part of small talk, rain or shine. Thus, get ready for an exchange of thoughts regarding the forecasts and how they can impact the upcoming week.
- Not London alone
London is a true English magnet; you can opt for accommodation there, as there are numerous places to stay in London and plan daily trips to other cities by a rented car, as the distances between the cities are relatively small.
While London is like a gold mine of iconic places, other English cities like Birmingham, Oxford, York, Manchester, Nottingham, Derby, etc., will offer as many things to explore and learn if not more. Besides, if you are looking for authentic England, it is better to go out of the cities and explore rural areas and towns, which preserve a true English spirit.
- Trains are expensive
According to the travel guide Travel Wise Way, the English train system is privatized, which means a high cost of services; in fact, English trains are among the most expensive in global terms. A lower price can be offered for those who book the tickets at least 12 weeks in advance, which is rather impossible to do for spontaneous trips. Instead, book the coach services, which are significantly cheaper and always punctual.
- Plug sockets
Mobile gadgets are our travel assistants, with all the itineraries, bank cards, GPS navigation, and most importantly – the camera. Yet, non-stop usage of the phone will require rather frequent recharge, which is impossible for those who forgot about type G plug sockets. Make sure you buy one when packing your luggage; otherwise, you will have to pay more than a double price at the market.
- “Sorry for being so sorry”
Though English politeness may seem rather weird to other people, is a part of their mentality and a standard way of communication. Get ready for lots of apologies, even for the things barely noticed; moreover, after a week or two, you will notice having the same habit – quite an improvement in manners, don’t you think?
- Measurement mess
There are two main ways of measuring things – imperial and metric; England exploits both. To avoid confusion, make sure you learn basic units of weight and distance in both forms. Roads are measured in the imperial unit of miles, height is often discussed in feet and inches, yet weight is seen in kilos.
The Final Thoughts
England is the land of wonders. Not only does it host the most popular capital city of the world, but it also has lots of other places to explore.
Don’t focus on London only, give a chance to other cities and towns, as they will uncover a true English spirit and charm, the ones you have been expecting since booking tickets to England. Have a good trip!
