We often write about travelling to the Caribbean, but on this occasion, we thought we would write about travelling from the sunny islands of the Caribbean to the British Isles of England. To help ensure everything goes well, we have compiled the following travel tips. Follow these, and you’ll be well prepared for the significant differences you’ll encounter on your trip.
Pack for the Weather
The weather in London can change quickly, even throughout the day. Multiple air masses fight in the skies over the UK, causing consistent shifts in moisture and clouds. A compact umbrella offers the right size to keep a rain guard readily available in your purse or backpack to be deployed at a moment’s notice. Bring a rain jacket too. You’ll look like a tourist, but it’ll be well worth it for your comfort!
Thankfully, England’s temperature doesn’t offer a particular extreme, but visitors from the Caribbean will want to pack some extra layers. England’s summer highs reach around 25 degrees Celsius on average, with winter lows below zero. The Caribbean has more consistent weather, with summer and winter highs in the mid-20s to low-30s. You’ll want to pack a winter jacket (or buy one in England) if you travel during the winter months of November to March. You could get away with packing fewer warm items if you travel in non-winter months. However, we suggest at least a hoodie or sweater because England’s highest temperature is still considerably lower than the Caribbean’s usual.
Costs in England
You’ll find the cost of enjoying your travels in England more expensive than in the Caribbean. Restaurants are costly compared to the Caribbean, with a meal at an inexpensive but decent place running you about £15 compared to about £5 in the Caribbean. Lodging will also cost you more than other countries, though you can find a cheaper hostel or small hotel. Trains and public transit tickets are priced higher than their Caribbean counterparts but are much lower than hiring a private taxi. In densely populated urban areas, you could also walk to get exercise, save money, and see England up close.
We suggest you budget carefully and set aside more money than you think you’ll need to enjoy England. You never know when you’ll find yourself in a situation where you’ll want to dig into your wallet to make the most of your trip, like going on a tour or trying high-end local cuisine. England has plenty of entertainment, including live shows, music, and theatre, many of which cost a pretty penny but are well worth the memories. In-person and online gambling are also commonplace, so make sure to check out a few new no-deposit bonuses in the UK during your downtime.
Though England isn’t cheap, you don’t need to spend too much money to have a fun, educational, and immersive experience. The country has countless free or inexpensive museums, including the world-renowned Natural History Museum and the National Gallery, where you might want to spend the whole day.
Power Differences
English power outlets look different from those in the rest of the world, including Europe. They use a ‘G’ plug, which won’t work with the same cords you have at home. We advise purchasing an adapter before heading out on your trip so that you aren’t scrambling to find a compatible charger in England while using a dying device and potentially overpaying for country-specific equipment.
Get Outside of London
A visitor to England can find everything in the big city of London. While you’ll undoubtedly enjoy the experience if you choose to spend a significant amount of time in one place, making your way to other parts of England will give you the best experience possible. There are so many places we couldn’t list them all, like Birmingham, Manchester, Oxford, and Cambridge, each with its atmosphere, history, and even varied accents that sound like their own languages. Research what is happening in other parts of England and check out a few regions if possible.
Tipping for Service
Giving extra money for good service is expected in the Caribbean, but you’ll see a different approach in England. Food service staff and cab drivers don’t tend to rely on tips, but that practice isn’t universal in England, where the expectations for a tip are lower at 10 to 15 per cent on average compared to 15 per cent or more in the Caribbean. Some restaurants add the tip to your bill, and others won’t. Our suggestion here is to look at your bill before deciding on a tip so you don’t double-tip without intending. If the service is excellent, you may want to add more anyway!
Travelling in Public
If you plan to use public transit like the London Tube, getting an Oyster card first will make you a far more efficient and savvier traveller. Rather than paying for individual trips by fumbling for coins and paper money in a packed train station, you’ll simply scan or tap the Oyster card before boarding. You’ll also want to pay attention to the movement of crowds. While we generally know the English for being polite, don’t be surprised if you are not subtly asked to move if you are standing in a place meant for walking.
Conclusion
As a traveller from the Caribbean, you’ll love your stay in England. Using our suggestions will help you stay comfortable while you experience the varied weather that England’s unique climate brings while you save money, make fun memories, and find a few more places to visit in the UK.
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