England: Trip Preparation & Destination Information

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England: Trip Preparation & Destination Information

About England

Overview

Thoughts of England conjure images of medieval castles, gothic cathedrals, and green patchwork farmlands. Where narrow country lanes lead to quaint villages and ancient buildings and cobblestone streets are as much a part of everyday life as tea and scones, Big Ben, and fish ‘n chips. From the busy humdrum of London to the rolling green countryside, this trip will introduce you to all things quintessentially British.

 

Disclaimer: Space is a precious commodity in Europe, especially in its most dense cities, be prepared for smaller hotel rooms. The same goes for bathrooms and elevators, don’t be surprised if they feel cozier than those in the US.

 

Capital City: London

Population: 67,508,936 (2022 est)

Currency: Pound Sterling (£)

Time Zone: UK (GMT+1)

Emergency Number: 999

Outlet: Type G

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Packing List

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Fun Facts

  • With more than 8 million residents, and speaking more than 300 different languages, London is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world. Apart from English, local languages include Bengali, Gujarati, Punjabi, Cantonese, Mandarin and the Chinese dialect of Hokkien.
  • Big Ben is arguably one of London’s most famous landmarks, but this is not its correct name. The Elizabeth Tower is the clock tower and ‘Big Ben’ is actually the name of the bell.
  • London’s most notorious serial killer, Jack the Ripper was never apprehended, and his identity was never discovered. Authorities suspected several different people, including Prince Albert, Lewis Carroll and Sir William Gull, Queen Victoria’s doctor but no arrests were ever made.
  • Originally built in 1843 as a foot tunnel for pedestrians to move around London underneath the Thames River, the tube was developed into a cargo transport system in 1869, powered by steam trains. The lack of ventilation shafts and intense smoke build-up in the tunnels created an unhealthy environment for train drivers and passengers alike. It wasn’t until 1913 that the system was made fully electric, and the London underground became profitable. Now 1.265 billion people use the London Underground every year.
  • You can visit more than 170 museums in London, from the massive British Museum, London’s most popular tourist attraction, to the tiny Fan Museum in Greenwich.

Tipping

Tipping Suggestions: Tips for Guides, drivers and restaurants are not included. Tips provide supplemental income, and, while not mandatory, are greatly appreciated. If the local teams have added to the experience, please reward them.

Guides USD $6-7 per person/per day
Drivers USD $4-5 per person/per day
Restaurants  Some restaurants will add a service charge to your bill. If you don't see it, 10% is typical.

 

FAQ

Where can I find information on travel safety? Check out the website for the most up-to-date information on safety while traveling.

 

Is the water safe to drink? Yes, tap water in the UK is safe to drink according to international water quality standards.

 

Do I need a Visa? For Visa information, visit click here. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after you return home and has two or more blank pages. Otherwise, some countries may not let you enter.

 

What about vaccines? For vaccination information, click here.

 

Do you recommend travel insurance? While not required, we highly recommend all travelers get travel insurance for their trip to protect themselves from the unknown! Check out travel insurance options from our partner, worldnomads.com or from a provider of your choice.

 

What does public transportation look like? There is the tube in major cities, such as London. Once in the English countryside, your best bet will be buses, taxis or on foot. Taxis and Ubers are available at the main airports in London, though trains are often the most cost-effective option.

 

How much should I pack? As we will be using shared transfers and spaces throughout our tour we recommend all travelers pack as lightly as possible. Please review our luggage restrictions below.

 

Is Uber or Lyft available? Uber is available in London, while Lyft is not. 

 

What about Wifi? 5g connection is widespread, as is wifi.

Luggage Restrictions

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