Things I learned about my trip to the UK.
20 days. Three countries. Solo.
Some thought I was crazy, some thought I was brave, and some thought I was selfish. Whatever they thought, it was on them. This was my trip. My time. A time to reflect and appreciate what the world has to offer outside of my protected little life in San Diego.
Here are couple things I learned about myself, traveling, and about the UK:
1. It helps to be courteous to your flight attendants, clean up after yourself, and it doesn’t hurt to bring them some treats.
2. Travel light. Just if you think you’re travelling light.... Travel lighter. Whatever you don’t pack, you can buy it there.
3. Only bring essential toiletries. Again, you can buy it there and you’ll have less to take out during security checks.
4. You’re only allowed ONE baggie of liquids in your carry-on. You might have gotten away with it at the past four airports, but that fifth one may be a stickler and you’ll be forced to get rid of some of your stuff.
5. It is what it is. No sense of getting your panties in a bunch. There will be lines. There will be grumpy people at airports. Just remember, you’re on VACATION!!!
6. Plan your day, and know where you’re going. Don’t be afraid to ask for directions. Even if you want to “play it by ear”, many places don’t stay open late.
7. Do not bring heels. Unless you are going from hotel to taxi to door front of bar or restaurant, ok. But if you have to walk more than two blocks, find some fashionable flats or a kitten heel.
8. London. They like their stairs. Refer to #2 and #7.
9. I was lucky on my trip that it only “rained” 4 days out of the 20 days I was there. Dress in layers and always bring a compact umbrella. You never know.
10. Bring a coin purse and separate your coins (Euros vs. Sterling vs. US coins). Even if you’re a dude. They make masculine coin purses. Don’t be “that guy” or gal, who is holding up the queue because you can’t figure out what’s the difference between a Sterling and a Euro.
11. Don’t break the queue. Ever.
12. Mind the Gap. Yes, sometimes it’s a big gap.
13. If you’re staying in a flat; you might experience this with hotels, unless they are global. You’ll find two faucets in the bathroom. Washing your hands and face with warm water might be challenging. I’m not the only one that was confused by this. I held a debate in the ladies room about it in Belfast.
14. Two in one washer machines. Albeit, space-saving, they don’t work. EVER. Even three cycles of the dryer. YOUR CLOTHES WILL STILL BE DAMP.
15. Food. London, expensive. Lunch was my “go to” if I wanted something to indulge in. Usually, they offer the same thing as the dinner menu, but in a small portion and a smaller price. Another huge tip, if you do want to splurge on dinner, grab a quick sandwich and eat on the run. for a £1.40-2.50, get a meal deal for £3.50 (with crisps and a drink) and it will fill you up without emptying your pocket.
16. Keep Calm, yes they sell their eggs on the shelf....and not a refrigerated shelf. It’s ok, really...it’s fine.
17. Bring a shopping bag. Five pence for EVERY bag they provide for you. Even at major department stores. I now have a collection of reusable bags from the UK.
18. They don’t use a$$ gaskets (aka toilet seat covers). If you’re a huge germ-a-phobe, bring antibacterial wet wipes, or use toilet paper to line your toilet seat. But seriously, I didn’t catch some weird disease if I had to go real bad and sat my a$$ on the seat without a cover.
19. Carry Kleenex (and hand sanitizer). The UK is huge on reducing waste. So it’s rare that you’ll find paper towels in public restrooms. I only encountered paper towels once in three weeks and it was because their hand dryer was not working.
20. Cars and buses will not stop. Pedestrians DO NOT have the right of way, even the handicap and elderly. You have been warned.
21. Get an Oyster card (Zone Card in Scotland). It’s less headache than to whip your wallet everyday you use the Tube.
22. If you’re going to travel on the Tube during peak time (before 9am and between 4-6pm), look at where you have to go, it may be easier to walk there or use the bus.
23. If you’re like me and your accommodation is on the opposite side of town than the attraction you want to go to, use Left Baggage. I was traveling to my accommodation in East London, but I wanted to go to Portobello Market in West London and couldn’t check in until after 5pm. I was able to leave my luggage for a fee (and less headache) and was free to shop without my luggage in tow.
24. Always pay in the denomination of the country you’re in. Your bank will ALWAYS have a better rate than what the store provides for you. Also, check and see how much the international fee is on your debit card if you want to get cash from an ATM. I was lucky and my bank only charged me 1% of whatever I withdrew £100 = $1.00 fee.
25. Ask for a VAT receipt. It’s a form you fill out to get the taxes back from your purchase (they include the tax in the price). Minimum purchase amounts vary by store. Sometimes the store doesn’t want to hassle with the paperwork and will just give you a discounted price on your purchase. Score!!!
26. Must eats. Afternoon Tea (clotted cream!!!), English Breakfast (or Irish Breakfast), Curry Chips, Cheese Chips, a Pasty, Irish White Bread-OMG, the Irish know how to do bread!!! Walkers Crisps-any flavor, but particularly prawn cocktail. And of course, Fish and Chips. In Belfast, John Longs-by far....THE BEST!
27. Stonehenge and Bath. MUST SEE!! Frickin’ AMAZING!
28. Scotland. The most sincerely warm and welcoming bunch of people I have ever met on this planet!!!
29. Watch a couple Scottish movies before heading to Scotland. Don’t be embarrassed to stop, rewind and listen what you didn’t get. You’ll need to know what to listen for. Trainspotting is one of my favorites.
30. Glaswegians. Love ‘em....can’t understand ‘em :sigh:
30. Chocolate. Worth. The. Benadryl.
32. As corny as it is, but a good way to hit the touristy stuff. The Hop on Hop off bus tour. You can pay for it on the bus.
33. UK men are very stylish. American men...take note. Please.
34. London men love patterned, obnoxious socks. It doesn’t even have to match the suit they are wearing. It’s like the silent way of the British yelling out their style sense.
35. Man buns. It only works for Beckham. I don’t understand this trend and it’s all over London.
36. Before you step off a curb, look right. Not left. Unless you’re in the median, then look left.
37. Standing on an escalator? Stay to the right. If you’re with someone, stand tandem, not side by side.
38. The immigration problem in Europe is real. It’s not that easy to just jump over to Paris via the Eurostar and jump back.
39. Ireland. Not uncommon to have more bars than enough population to fill the bars.
40. Yes, the Guinness is better. WAY BETTER.
41. Half pints of beer!!!
42. Myth: They only serve warm beer. I had a cold beer, every time.
43. Bollocks!
44. Never ask a person FROM Manchester, if they are a Manchester United fan.
45. Walkers Prawn Crisps. Yes, I know I already posted this. It was worth another mention.
46. Many stores are closed or close early/open late on Sundays. Plan accordingly.
47. The Giant’s Causeway/Antrim Coast. A Majestic phenomenon of rock formations on the northern coast of Northern Ireland that is absolutely beautiful and unforgettable.
48. There are Irish Gingers and they are adorable!
49. Even the Irish can’t really explain to me the Ireland/Northern Ireland thing. I guess it’s like a Norcal/Socal thing but with different governments.
50. There are some citizens that are still sensitive about the Irish Car Bombings. Don’t order it at a bar.
51. Midway through your trip, look at what you’ve bought and what you can fit in your luggage. Ship stuff home as necessary, you don’t have to claim them through customs and you will prevent going over weight limit. Some airlines will charge you $200 for going over weight/size. My end luggage weight 22.6 kg. or 49.82 lbs. My allowance... 50 lbs. God I’m good!
52. Liquor is expensive in a bar. Drink Beer.
53. Make conversation with the locals at the bar...you’ll be amazed what they know and what they are curious about Americans.
54. Speaking of....Say where you’re from...they obviously know you’re from America. They love West Coast folk!!!
55. UK has a lot of smokers. I mean, A LOT!!! Holy crap!
56. Scotland....Please don’t litter. You have a beautiful country....seriously.
57. UK does not have decent Mexican food. Poor deprived people, they have no idea what they are missing....
58. Yellow cheddar is rare. It’s 90% white cheddar. Don’t be alarmed. It actually tastes better.
59. Love seafood? You’ll love Scotland and Northern Ireland. St. Georges Market is a must do, if you love seafood!
60. The UK produce people with high tolerance and self-control. Not one time did I hear a UK person complain about something being closed, sold out, or being late. I’ve taken note.
61. I stuck out in any bar I walked in to.
62. Terms of endearment amongst friends, that otherwise, would be considered insults in America. (example, fat face)
63. Sheep.
64. Cows.
65. It’s worth the extra £20 for first class on Virgin Rail.
66. You haven’t seen green countryside until you’ve been to the UK.
67. They should have “rent-a-wingman” for solo travelers.
68. Americans are overtly concerned about weight.
69. Regional accent intonations.
70. Wow, I haven’t had an allergy attack my entire trip.
I could go on and on....these were just a few that stuck out. Overall, the United Kingdom was a fantastic trip and can’t wait to visit again. What captured me the most were the people I met. From all walks of life. Everyone had a story and as curious as I was to them, they were to me. I’m already planning my next trip, but my wallet thinks otherwise. Until, it has had enough rest, the adventure will always continue.
Until then, UK....
Cheers.
