England Vacation – Travel Facts

Small details can be overlooked when preparing for an England vacation. Here, we will discuss important things that seem to be unimportant but are crucial to know:

Capital City (Largest Cities)
London (Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, Newcastle)

Travel requirements
Citizens of the United States as well as Australia and Canada do not need visas. Passports are only needed when traveling to England.

Time Zone and Time Difference
GMT – Greenwich Meridian Time. Daylight Saving time is observed from the last Saturday of March to the last Saturday of October. England is 5 hours ahead of Eastern Daylight time and 6 hours ahead of Central Daylight time.

Official Language
English

Telephone Code
Country code: 44 (England)
City code: 20 (London)

Voltage requirement
220 Volts

Numbers
Do not confuse yourself with the way they write number digits. Commas are used instead of period; while periods are used instead of commas. So if you see 1.000 euros, it means one thousand (1000) euros and 1,50 kilometers should be read as one and a half (1 1/5) kilometers.

Measurements
Remember: 1lb. is roughly around 0.5 kilogram; 1 mile is roughly around 1.6 kilometers; and 1 pint is about 0.5 liter.

Money
England still uses its local currency (pound) but euros are also accepted. One pound is equivalent to 100 pence (p). Coins are at 5p, 10p, 20p, and 50p. 1 pound coins are also in circulation. 5 pound is the lowest paper money. Be careful when using the local currency even if it is in the decimal system. One pound is roughly equivalent to 2 U.S. dollars. (Check for the current exchange rate before leaving.)

Weather
England experiences temperate climate throughout the year. Almost half of the year is overcast. Rain showers should be expected anytime because of the prevailing wind from the south-west. Always bring a rain coat or an umbrella even if you are visiting in summer. Unlike other countries, summers in England are not very warm, with temperatures that rarely go beyond 80F.  It is much colder during winter but still comfortable. Winter temperatures rarely go down to 30F. Weather during spring and fall are still pleasant. Northern England is relatively cooler than southern England. East is the driest region of England. Before leaving, check England weather forecast for the duration of your trip.

Transportation
Cities and town are connected with motorways. Bus services are available to bring you from one place to another. Taxi services are available in major cities. London's underground railway system, or more commonly called, the 'tube' is the nerve of the city. Suburban railway system is available in Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool and the cities in Newcastle and South Yorkshire.

Local Customs
English are polite, punctual and self-disciplined. And they expect others, even tourists, to act accordingly. It is impolite to stare at other people. Shaking hands when meeting people are customary. Kissing and hugging as a sign of greeting should be limited to close friends and relatives. Although locals dress casually out of work, you are expected to wear a jacket on more formal occasions and restaurants. It is also customary to bring small gift, usually wine and flowers, when invited to a house for dinner.

Ten percent of the total amount of service should be given to cab drivers, railway porters, sightseeing guides and hairdressers.

England Vacation – Plane Travel and Jet Lag Issues

You are all set. You have prepared you luggage; you have confirmed your hotel reservation; you have studied your itineraries well; and you have your flight booked. All you need to do is to go to the airport and you are on your way to England. And yes, you are excited. An England vacation is always a dream come true after all. But there is one problem: the flight from New York to England is at least 8 hours and longer if you are coming from the mid-west or from the west coast.

Most people overlook this one important part of traveling, especially when crossing the Atlantic or even the Pacific. Plane travel eats up a big chunk of your vacation so you have to make sure that you remain comfortable during the entire time you spend on the plane as well as how well you adapt to England's time zone.

Choose a good seat on an airplane

• If it is your first time to cross the Atlantic Ocean, you might be the person who will fight tooth and nail for a window seat. This makes no sense at all since all you can see is nothing but clouds. What you should be choosing is an aisle seat. Again, the flight to England can last at least 8 hours so you want an easy access to lavatories.

• If your problem is motion sickness, choose a seat at the middle of the plane or a seat toward the wings.

• Choose a seat on emergency exits and those behind the dividing walls if you want more leg room.

• If you are traveling with children, choose a seat near the lavatory.

• Eager to disembark? Choose a seat that is near the exit doors.

• If you don't like rubbing shoulders with your seatmates, choose a seat at the back.

• Front seats are often the quieter part of the plane, if you want peace and silence.


Prevent jet lag

• Days prior to your vacation, change your sleep-wake cycle gradually to England's time zone (5 hours ahead of Easter Daylight time).

• At the beginning of the flight, set your watch to England's local time. This also goes if you are traveling to other places.

• Do not sleep on the plane when it is day time in England. To stay awake, keep your shades open, read a book with a light on, listen to lively music, cruise the aisles of the plane (if the seatbelt sign is turned off, of course) or watch a movie if it is available.

• Sleep on the plane when it is night time in England. To minimize the noise, wear earplugs or earphones. You should have adjusted to the local time at this point – all you need is to maintain it.

• Coffee, alcohol and tea can increase dehydration. Avoid these drinks when flying.

• The cabin's air is dry and dehydration can aggravate the effects of jet lag. Drink plenty of water.

Gone are the days when plane travel is considered a luxury. Now, you have to do a lot of things in order to make time fly, stay as comfortable as possible, and arrive fresh and ready to hit the streets of London and experience an England vacation you truly deserve.

England Vacation - Give Nature Friendliness a Try

Have you grown tired of the usual walking tour and taking of pictures? Do you want a newfound experience as you set foot in England? Sure enough, you want something for a change. This popular global nation in Britain has plenty of surprises that await you. Thus, you might want to be closer to your surroundings and renew your relationship with Mother Nature. This you can always do on an England vacation. Read on and find out for yourself what you can do and how you can have a different adventure. You have to believe it, there is always something that is out of the ordinary that lies ahead of your trip.

Try the Organic Restaurants

For sure you can't live without a hearty meal. Traveling involves dining, right? Thus, if you prefer to eat healthy foods, then you might want to give the chains of organic restaurants nestled in England.

The Garden Organic Ryton. This restaurant is a host to 10 acres of wonderfully landscaped gardens. The menus are all organic and are locally produced.

The River Café. The restaurant itself utilizes nothing but the best kinds of organic ingredients which are in season. Thus, you get to expect a different kind of menu on a monthly basis.

The Scrumpy Willow and the Singing Kettle. Its name may be unusual yet its delectable dishes are made of locally produced organic ingredients. The restaurant has its own garden of personally produced vegetables and it creates its own bread too.

The Terre a Terre. Are you a vegetarian? Then it is a must try restaurant for you. Its menu presents the most wholesome and flavorsome food along with the organic wine list that you may freely choose from.

The Duke of Cambridge. This highly renowned organic gastro pub features a changing of the menu that includes 2 meat, 2 vegetarian main courses, 2 fish, and with 3 or 4 desserts and starters. You have to expect as well that the food is made with only the local organic, fresh, and seasonal ingredients.

There are of course several other bars and restaurants that feature the same organic ingredients which both children and adults will definitely enjoy!

Go Outdoors and have Fun

So much more, there are a lot of activities that England allows you to do. Being an outdoor enthusiast, you will find that the beauty of the country is perfect for what you aim for. Thus, be ready for the treat as you explore the outdoor skirts of England.

Walking and Cycling. Whether you plan to take a walk or ride your bike, then the breathtaking sceneries and uniquely defined landscapes of England will soothe you. There are special routes to take to make your activity convenient.

Horseback riding. Be closer to nature as you ride your horse. There are terrains that you can follow so that you can better explore outdoors. There are horse rentals around too. If you have your own horses and you are an expert rider, then you can opt to take them with you. A fantastic ride awaits you!

Wildlife Adventure

Furthermore, it is also highly recommended that you go and see the wildlife population that England caters to. The wetlands can be found in Devon and Wiltshire. There are also wildlife sanctuaries and parks in the countless cities.

All these and more are yours to see, feel, and experience as you venture into an England vacation. You see, enhancing your relationship with nature is going to be worth it.

England Vacation - Get a Taste of London

An England vacation is something that you should anticipate. Why? Read on and find out what places will surely make your stay worth it!

The Tower of London. It keeps the world renowned Crown Jewels. This is the very site wherein the famous historical icons of England had been imprisoned and executed. The names of the Duke of Norfolk, Katherine Howard, and Anne Boleyn, among others make up the list.
 
The Tower Bridge. This served as the entry point of the Thames. The museum allows the visitors a good look of the city as they pass by the old yet memorable pedestrian paths.
 
The London Eye. Also one of the major attractions, it had been crafted by the British Airways. The gigantic Ferris Wheel includes about 32 capsules which lets the people take a glimpse of the entire city by up to 360 degrees. Visitors of all ages are surely going to enjoy a visit to this theme park.

The Westminster Abbey. Known to be a religious venue, this had been labeled as the official site for the coronation of the English monarchs and likewise their own burial.

The British Museum. Art lover or not, you will love this art and history museum. It stores the widest collections of all antiquities from Greece, Rome, and Asia. The artifacts from the ancient and prehistoric Britain are also housed in here.
 
The Buckingham Palace. The home of none other than but the British Royal Family, it is always entertaining to see the changing of the guards which is known to be one of the city's best attractions.
 
The Houses of Parliament. A combination of three big attractions, this location lets you see the House of the Commons, the House of Lords, and the awesome Big Ben. Its Gothic architecture has been inspired from the Victorian Age.
 
The National Gallery. If you want to see the greatest collections of European paintings, then better grab the chance of going to the National Gallery.
 
St. Paul's Cathedral. Another historic site, the Cathedral had been a witness to several memorable events such as the wedding of the Prince and Princess of Wales and the funeral of Winston Churchill. Rebuilt by none other than Christopher Wren in the year 1710, it houses a 530-stair high gallery and provides a breathtaking view of the city itself.
 
Shakespeare's Globe Theater. Also considered to be a historical site, this had been the venue of the genius, undying, and timeless plays of Shakespeare. The site is a perfect one for a cultural vacation since it is the exact replica of the original Globe Theater which burned down.
 
The Trafalgar Square and the Admiralty Arch. This monument is built in honor of the much respected maritime heroes of England. The statue of Lord Horatio Nelson is featured in the monument and it towers at about 145 feet high. It is likewise regarded as the centermost portion of the city of London. Across this landmark stands the Admiralty Arch which had been built in 1910.
 
Sir John Soane's Museum. Its architectural design is indeed eccentric that it embodies a rich blending of colors, perspectives, and various ornaments that date from varying historical eras.
 
Notting Hill. Popularized by the film starred by Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts, this district gives a comfy feeling of a tiny village without forgetting the sense of fashion and trendiness.
 
All these and more await you as you venture into an England vacation!

Budget Tips for an England Vacation

For many people, going on a trip is one of the best forms of obtaining a break from the regular hustles and bustles of their lives. How about you, are you looking forward to the time that you can travel as well? What about your budget? Don't you have much fund for it? You see, you can always go on an England vacation even when you want to stick to your budget. You don't have to raise too much money for you to set foot in its renowned city and have fun and excitement.

Being on a budget also doesn't mean that you have to deprive yourself of the chance to see the wonderful attractions that the city of London holds for you. Thus, read on and learn how to work on your resources while keeping the fun alive.

Things to Keep in Mind

Before you venture into your travel, there are a couple of pointers for you to remember. Researching is a major task that you have to be engaged in. Which country will you visit? How much money should you prepare?

It is vital that you research about the country that you plan to visit. Get to know the requirements that the government asks from those who want to enter its borders. There are some countries that require a special Visa or some vaccinations. Also, arrange the currency exchanges that you will need. Be sure to keep your passports and Visas updated and never commit mistakes or else you will be denied the entry to that country.

Your tickets should likewise be secured prior to the travel date to make sure that you are able to grab the best deals. Travel insurance must not be forgotten as well to secure that your needs will be taken care of in the event of illness, cancellation, theft, accidents, delays, and lost possessions.

These are just some of the very necessary things that you have to prepare beforehand. As always, being prepared saves you from the most unwanted delays and unfortunate events.

Budget Travel Tips for You

London is one of the pride cities of England. For a frugal traveler like you, it is a must that you take advantage of the bargains that are in store for you. All that you need is to do an extensive research so that you will spot the most wonderful offers available.

The Oyster Card. This refers to a transit card that you can obtain from the underground shops around the city. It will require a minimal deposit from you and you get it back after you return the card. This card is best to avail of if you want to bag the best transit deals. With this, you get to hop on and hop off the famous stops without spending too much.

So as not to be charged as you take a view of the Buckingham Palace, be sure to arrive on time for the Changing of the Guards. This ceremony is a colorful and celebrated one. This is a free event but be sure to make it on time. The activities typically begin at 10:45.

Travelling is incomplete without shopping. For a frugal tourist like you, the charity shops are the best places to visit. There are quality products that you can find and you may even spot shops that sell the cheaply priced designer items.

Go on an England tour now even when you are on a tight budget!