Budget
The United Kingdom is one of the most expensive countries in the world. You can save some money by avoiding the most popular tourist places, skipping major attractions, sleeping in hostels or Airbnb rentals, and eating at inexpensive restaurants. Buying a city discount card could also save you a few dollars.
• Prices for private rooms start at 35 USD (28 EUR) in London – 50 USD (41 EUR) in Central London, 40 USD (32 EUR) in Edinburgh and Birmingham, and 35 USD (28 EUR) in Manchester.
• Food prices are generally expensive. Prices for a budget dinner start at around 15 USD (12 EUR). Street food and fast food restaurants are usually cheaper.
• Transportation costs are high as well. Public transportation fares within the cities start at around 3.33 USD (2.7 EUR). Prices for a 2-hour train ride from London to Manchester, for example, start at 32 USD (26 EUR).
To save some more money, check out our Budget cutting tips.
Where to stay
You can find great accommodation options on Booking. Make sure to search for private rooms popular for romance. 😉 On Airbnb you can rent furnished apartments – those are usually cheaper than most hotels and they offer you the real British experience.
Best time to go
Spring (March – June) and fall (September – November) are considered the best times to visit the UK. The weather is usually warm and dry at these times. The climate of the UK is mostly cool and cloudy, changeable weather is common, extreme temperatures, however, are infrequent. The peak seasons are during the summer and during the holidays, therefore make sure to book your vacation in advance.
Other information
♦ Planning and preparation: check out our planning routine here.
♦ Packing: check out the honeymoon adventurers’ ultimate packing list here.
♦ For other travel tips check out Travel like a pro, Travel for couples, Honeymoon styles, Honeymoon activities, Responsible tourism, and Travel resources.
♦ Language: The official language in The United Kingdom is English. Check out the typical travel vocabulary (in English) here.
♦ Currency: Pound sterling (GBP)
♦ Visa or other entry requirements: All visitors to the UK are required to have a valid travel document. Visa requirements depend on the traveler’s nationality. For more information check out their official website.
♦ Electricity standards: The power plug type in the UK is G, the standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
♦ Time zones: UTC+00:00 (Standard Time Zone),
UTC+01:00 (Daylight Saving Time – during the summer, from March to October)
♦ Immunization recommendations and requirements: There are no vaccination requirements for visitors to the UK. However, it is recommended to get travel vaccines and medicines for tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and rabies.
♦ Health and safety tips:
You should always make sure to follow the usual travel safety precautions:
- Leave your jewelry and other valuable belongings in the hotel safe.
- Keep your emergency cash apart from the rest of your money.
- Dress comfortably and carry only the items you will need for the day.
- Don’t carry a lot of money.
- Always make sure to lock your room before leaving the hotel.
- Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
- Stay in well-lit areas.
- Try to maintain a low profile and do your best to fit in.
- Carry a travel wallet/money belt/money pouch for carrying money and documents safely.
- Avoid contact with potential scam artists.
- Avoid showing off valuable belongings (like cameras) in public.
- Don’t count your money in public.
- Keep an eye on your belongings at all times.
For other common safety concerns in the UK, check out Lonely Planet’s safety tips for England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
For common health concerns check out Lonely Planet’s health tips for England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
To stay healthy while traveling, check out our health travel tips.
• Tap water in the UK is safe to drink.
* While traveling, make sure to reuse a water bottle to cut down on waste.
♦ Local Customs: British people are said to be rather reserved, traditional, respectful, friendly, and polite. When meeting someone personally a friendly handshake is customary. Address a person using his or her last name and the appropriate title. Britons rarely display affection in public – touching is usually reserved for family members and close friends. Staring is considered rude in the UK. Make sure to maintain personal space. Punctuality is highly valued. There is no particular dress code required on the streets of the UK. Make sure to dress up for formal occasions. Tipping is not expected in the UK, but it is appreciated.
Check out top things to see and do in London.
