Things not to do when traveling in the UK

Navigation:

• Don't confuse England with the rest of the United Kingdom
• Asking anyone if they know the Queen
• Don't Block the Escalators
• Don’t stop or cut lines in front of the carriage entrance
• Don't underestimate the value of British coins

Traveling to the UK soon? It’s easy to feel right at home in Britain, where it’s easy to navigate the place, find hotel bookings, cheap recreational activities, and great sights waiting to be discovered. North Americans share a bit of common heritage with Britain. During the height of its empire, Britain ruled about a quarter of the world and they successfully passed on some of their cultures to their colonies. It’s one of the main reason people love going to England and the rest of UK. 

Everyone loves to write itineraries and what they like to visit in Britain, but before heading further west, you might need to take some notes on what not to do. There are some customs in North America that Britain and the rest of the UK find insulting and worse rude. So don’t be a nosy tourist in their country, and make some adjustments with these few reminders:

Don't confuse England with the rest of the United Kingdom

The official and proper name of UK is The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Great Britain comprises of three other countries, England, Scotland, and Wales which are all different from one another. It’s not like a state or county, these countries have their own local government, unique ethnic identities, and own rich culture. Nothing annoys people from Scotland or Wales than being called English. If you call someone English who’s definitely from Ireland, you might find yourself in big trouble. It’s always generally safe to ask.

Asking anyone if they know the Queen

The Royals especially the Queen are the biggest attractions in Britain. But don’t assume everyone loves them. Britain may seem small on the map compared to the US, but don’t forget their number is huge. An estimated 60 million people live in the UK and at least 8 million live in Greater London. Asking if they know the Queen is a ridiculous and laughable matter to start a conversation – it will never happen.

The harsh reality is Brits don’t pay much attention to the Royals or to the Queen. It’s not like what you see on the TV. She may appear on the news from time to time, but that’s just it. And it’s a bit entertaining for some, but don’t expect everyone will be jolly good when it comes talking about the Queen.

Don't Block the Escalators

Britain and the rest of the UK are busy people, and well aware of the time. You’ll find them racing up or down the escalator in airports, stores, train station, or the ‘Tube’. For them, walking gets them to their destination faster and more efficient. If you don’t feel like going with the flow, then stand on the right side of the escalator and let the busy traffic past on the left. For them, standing on the left is a social crime, and you’ll hear a lot of grumble by standing on it. Likewise, they love to fall in line that’s why they call it a queue. Jumping in front of the line will also get you in trouble. Don’t let them label you as ignorant and rude tourists in doing so.

Don’t stop or cut lines in front of the carriage entrance

Brits either love or hate their daily commute with the ‘Tube’ or their subway systems, depending on the time of the day. But their ‘Tube’ is the most extensive and efficient public transport systems in the world. That being said, it’s the most popular way of getting around the city; it gets overcrowded, very stuffy and hot. So anything that impedes the locals in getting that dreaded morning commute is having tourists blocking their way. Whatever you do, don’t jump in front of the carriage when there are people lining up to get onboard. This makes it easier for people getting off and boarding the train. It prevents overcrowding when another door remains virtually empty. Make sure of the map, sometimes walking above and on the streets are far better than navigating the labyrinth-like underground systems of Britain. 

Don't underestimate the value of British coins

You could easily get annoyed when you already accumulated a pocket full of coins. But whatever you do, don’t throw them out. Don’t underestimate the value of British coin. Spend them on your daily adventure; they are not just useless coins clanking around in your purse. A single British pound coin is worth at least a dollar and a half. Two-pound coins are worth more than two dollars. So a pocket full of them can buy you a decent snack may be more. 

Getting Around in UK Rail System Without Breaking the Bank

Navigation:

• Book in advance
• Search for great deals, even at the last minute. 
• Avoid Booking Fees
• Look for Supersaver tips
• Take a Slower Route
• Well time Your Travel
• Get a Railcard
• Research Airport Train Options
• Don’t ignore Refunds
• Try Split-Ticketing

Combining UK’s complex ticket pricing system with the 25 percent raise of train fares since 2011, many find it extremely difficult to travel at peak times on intercity routes. Therefore, Telegraph Travel has listed down 10 strategies to help passengers save rail travel cost. 

Book in advance

Booking earlier, which helps prevent the hassle of the last-minute booking, can also combat the unreasonable high prices of rail routes. Around 12 weeks before departure, train companies usually release their limited cheapest fixed-time Advance tickets. Therefore, tickets are cheaper the earlier you buy. To find information on how far in advance you are able to book with each company, see National Rail’s chart at nationalrail.co.uk. In addition to this, you can register with The Trainline at thetrainline.com/ticketalert to be alerted via email of when Advance tickets go on sale for specific routes 

Search for great deals, even at the last minute. 

If you are unable to book Advance tickets well ahead of due to circumstances, you are still able to combat the unreasonable high prices of rail routes. This can be done by booking Advance tickets just before traveling—with CrossCountry, you are sometimes able to buy Advance online tickets 15 minutes before departure. It is important to note that when booking Advance tickets last minute, the cut-off times change from one operator to another; cut off times are usually 6 pm or 11.59 pm the day before. 

Avoid Booking Fees

Although online booking fees are small, with agents such as Trainline charging 25p to £1.50 and redspottedhanky.cm charging £1, constant online booking for a frequent train traveler can take more money out of your pocket. To avoid this, book through train operators’ websites for free booking—any train operator can book any train journey at the same price. 

Look for Supersaver tips

Although finding online deals is hard-work, it does not mean they do not exist. On megatrain.com you are able to find exceptionally inexpensive fares on some services operated by South West Trains and East Midlands Trains—this includes Southampton-London Waterloo and Leicester-London St. Pancras). Prices normally start at £1 (with additional 50p booking fee). 

Take a Slower Route

Taking slower routes may result in your money being saved. When traveling, riding on other routes that take longer, but still end up in the same location, are usually a lot cheaper. For example, main route peak time travels between Bath and London Paddington costs £190 for an Anytime Return. However, you can save £108.7 by taking an extra 75 minutes by changing trains in Salisbury. You’re still going to end up in the same location, however, with more cash on your hand.

Well time Your Travel

By avoiding peaks such as Monday to Friday during business travel periods, you can still save significantly, even without booking ahead. Though prices are higher than Advance rail fares, buying Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets don’t restrict you to traveling on a specific train. To see which services are a peak, off-peak, and super off-peak on a specified route, you can head over to thetrainline.com/train-times. 

Get a Railcard

Investing in a railcard can help you save ⅓ on rail fares for a whole year and only costs £30 a year for most— Disabled Persons Railcards are £20. The nationwide 16-25, Two Together, Family and Friends, and Senior and Disabled Persons railcards are able to pay for themselves on just one or two long-distance journeys. To find out more details and information, you can go on railcard.co.uk. 

Research Airport Train Options

Considering cheaper alternatives, such as booking airport express services in advance, can help you travel for a lot cheaper. Traveling at the weekend, when booked 90 days ahead, costs £5.50, compared with £22 bought on the same day of travel on the Heathrow Express (heathrowexpress.com). When services are stopped from London stations to Gatwick, it can take the same time or a few minutes later than the Gatwick Express except, it takes less money and is cheaper. 

Don’t ignore Refunds

When you’re disadvantaged, like your train being delayed, do not hesitate to get a refund—you are entitled to get your money back. To do this, you will need to put in a claim as compensation normally is not automatic. Train companies usually follow the Delay Repay arrangement— if the train is 30-59 minutes late, they pay 50 percent of the single fair and if the train is an hour or more late, they pay 100 percent. However, different train companies come with different policies; policy details are usually on their website and being aware of these can help you with your refunds. With some train companies, such as Southern and Thameslink, you are entitled to compensation if the train is late by 15 minutes. Keep in mind that being late may sometimes be out of the control of rail operators (operators such as GWR won’t pay up if they delay was caused by something outside their control). 

Try Split-Ticketing

Rail bosses have admitted that buying two or more tickets for different connecting segments of your journey, rather than buying one ticket for the whole trip, can be cheaper—this usually applies for long distance trips. Research shows that by doing this, you can reduce the price of traveling by nearly 90 percent. The train has to call at a station, as named on the ticket, and you do not need to get off or change.