Confusion exists in the name of the country. Here is the official definition. The country is internationally recognized as The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Great Britain is comprised of England, Scotland and Wales. England is often referred to as a separate “country”, especially for sporting events, such as Soccer (Football to the rest of the world).

Hotels

Be aware of the way most English hotels operate when quoting the cost of a room. If you ask how much a night, and the reply is 50 pounds, make very sure that you understand if that is for the room or per head? Also, 'en-suite' translates to room with private bathroom.

Is there much walking involved?

This is a “how long is a piece of string question?” Meaning the answer depends on the person, not the distance. Touring stately homes, castles, and gardens does imply that you have to walk. If you don’t walk you won’t get to see them, it’s as simple as that! The rule is to make sure that you have a very comfortable pair of walking shoes. Arrangements can be made for those with disabilities.

US Citizens are required to have a valid passport for entry into the United Kingdom. Of course you will also need the passport to get back into the States. There are no special medical requirements for visitors coming from the USA to UK. However, it’s a good idea to make sure that you have a supply of any prescription medications that you may be taking.

We strongly suggest that you secure travel insurance that will cover any unforeseen circumstances that may arise. In many cases medical insurance that covers you in the USA will not be valid in England. You may also want to check with your credit card providers. Oftentimes, they include travel coverage as a cardholder benefit.

Visitors who become ill during their stay in Britain are eligible for free emergency treatment at National Health Service accident and emergency departments of hospitals. If you are admitted to the hospital as an in-patient, even from an accident and emergency department, you will be required to pay unless you are a national or resident of the European Economic Area, or of a country which has reciprocal health care agreement in the UK. You are advised to take out adequate medical insurance before traveling to Britain.

The currency in England is the Pound Sterling. The pound is further divided into 100 pennies. The exchange rate fluctuates in the 1.6 to 2.0 dollars to the pound range. You may purchase travelers checks at your local bank before departing on your vacation. You may cash these checks, as well as large bills, at every commercial bank in England, as well as at the money changers at the Airport. It is probably wise to bring a few more dollars than you really expect to spend, just to be on the safe side. Credit cards, (Visa, MC, and American Express are widely accepted), the exchange rates tend to be more favorable plus there are no fees involved.

Every season in England has its distinctive charms. Most major tourist sights are open the year around, however some of the smaller sights may have restricted winter hours, and in a few cases may even close for winter. No matter the season, always be prepared for rain. The weather is changeable in all seasons and the visitor as likely to experience a crisp, sunny February day as to be caught in a cold, heavy shower in August. Springtime is characterized by daffodils and bluebells, summer by masses of roses and flowering hanging baskets, and fall by the vivid colors of the changing leaves. Winter can be depressing with the dampness and short daylight hours. In January sunrise may be as late as 8:30am and sunset at 4:30pm. Now for the good news, in summertime the sun is up by 5:30am and sets around 9:00pm giving you nice long days to take in the sights.

June, July and August are the months where you have the best chance of seeing fine weather. When the sun does appear, temperatures very seldom get out of the seventies, even in mid-summer. Always carry an umbrella and it’s a good idea to carry one of those inexpensive plastic ponchos.

English food is dull, boring, bland, stodge, and every other term known to man.  This is the cry from many epicureans that proclaim to have sampled English cooking. We can assure you that this is far from the truth, now of course, one's taste in food is very personal. The best way to draw a comparison, is to state that American cuisine is personified by McDonalds.  Yes, English food is somewhat dominated by meat and potatoes, however, the methods of preparation are as numerous as the varieties of beer to wash it down with! 

In the early evening English people eat a meal called ‘tea’ which comprises cold foods such as sandwiches, salads, and cakes. However, the popularity of this traditional meal appears to be dwindling in favor of the cooked dinner served at a later time.

Most every town has a “public convenience” that is operated by the town council. Look for the directional signs. They are usually well maintained and free of charge. Some toilets will require a coin or two to gain access. You would be well advised to carry a roll of your favorite toilet tissue with you at all times. The English do have a rather strange idea of what constitutes toilet paper! Larger stores do have public toilets, and the ever present fast food establishments and Pubs have facilities for their customers. 

Tipping is not as prevalent in England as it is in the States. Yes you still tip for good service, but for example, the bartender in the Pub does not usually expect a tip for pouring you a drink. When in a restaurant, look at your bill carefully. Often times a ‘service charge’ will have been added, this is a very common practice in Europe.

British Telecom (BT) runs the phones in England. The days of the old red telephone box are gradually going, only to be replaced with non descript kiosks that have no personality whatsoever. If you need to use a public phone, pick one that accepts coins, rather than a phone card that has to be purchased beforehand. 

Placing calls from your hotel, back to the states is no different than at home. Dial the code for the USA, usually 00 1 and then continue with your area code and number. If you have a phone calling card, check the international dialing instructions, usually printed on the card itself.

There are no particular rules, but many museums and castles do not allow photography of any kind; others require you to pay a small fee for a photo permit. If you are unsure then it is wise to check.  If you are in a hurry to see your vacation pictures, many photographic shops provide a 1 hour processing service.

Although we all speak a common language, there are many words that have different meaning, depending upon which side of the Atlantic you are are on. Here is a good list of differences: 

BRITISH  /   AMERICAN

Donkey's Years  /  A Long Time

Flog  /  Sell, Pawn Off

Dodgy  / Unreliable, Suspect

Sideboards /  Sideburns

Sideboard /   Buffet Stand, breakfront

Number Plate  /  License Plate (on a car)

Off License  /  Liquor Store

Fortnight  /  Two Weeks

Over the Top  /  Too Much, Overdone

Budgerigar, Budgie /   Parakeet

Pay Rise   /   Pay Raise

Row (rhymes w/ How)  /  Argument, Quarrel

Queue  /   Waiting Line

Quid (money) /   One Pound

Stone (weight)  /   Fourteen Pounds

Trousers  /   Pants

Wellingtons, Wellies,  Gum boots  / Rubber Boots (Knee-high)

Frock /   Dress

Turn over /  Switching Channels (TV)

 Z (pronounced Zed)  /  Z (pronounced Zee)

DRINK AND FOOD

Whisky Neat /  Scotch No Ice or Water

Plonk  /  Table / Cheap Wine

All Beer & Skittles  /  All Drink & Play

Bubble & Squeak  /   Fried leftover veggies

Blancmange   /    Milk Pudding & Cornstarch

Shandy  /   Beer mixed with Lemonade

Lemon Squash  /    Lemonade

Lemonade  /  Carbonated Citrus Drink

Baby Cham  /  Low Alcohol Sprarkling Wine

Bone Idle /  Dead Lazy

Mod Cons  /   Modern Household Appliances 

Plaster /  Band-Aid

Holiday Makers  /   Vacationers - Tourists

Naturist   /   Nudist

Chockablock  /   Chock Full

Cash & Carry  /   Bulk Discount Store

Posh  /  Swanky, Upper Class

Grass  /  Snitch, Rat

Pillock, Twit  /  Jerk, Idiot

Shag, Bonk  /  Fornicate, Screw

A Bit on the Side / Extra-marital Affair

Sticky Fingers /  Petty Thief

Tart  /   Hooker, Slut

Gone to Ground   /   Gone into Hiding

Put the Frighteners On  /  Threaten to Harm

Blast!  /   Damn!

Bloody ...  / God Damn ...

Pitch  /  Ball Field

Football  /   Soccer

Plimsolls, Pumps, Trainers, Daps /  Canvass Shoes, Sneakers

Punter  /   Better (a person who bets)

Turf Accountant /  Bookie, Bookmaker

Betting Shop/Parlour  /   Off-track Betting

Chancellor of the Exchequer  /  Secretary of the Treasury

Inland Revenue Service /  Internal Revenue Service

Commissionier  /  Uniformed Doorman

Managing Director / Chief Excutive Officer