Travelling is an amazing experience, no matter what destination you are visiting. You are excited to explore different places, try out different cuisines and meet new people. Travelling to different destinations gives a sense of connectivity with unique locations and the freedom to learn new things. Especially, if you are visiting the UK for the first time, you are up for diverse experiences with a bustling lifestyle every second.
But before that, it is crucial to understand the social norms and cultural rules to avoid offending the conservative groups of the UK. Despite being a diverse and welcoming country, the UK is highly protective of the local customs and traditions. For that instance, knowing all the important customs can greatly help you to fit into the diverse culture and explore the country at your own pace.
With that said, we bring you all the important dos and don’ts of travelling to the United Kingdom.
Do Travel Around The UK
Many first-time visitors coming to the UK tend to stay in London, and never explore further the breathtaking capital. However, it is highly recommended to also explore the neighbouring cities for an in-depth cultural experience. Or if you can go a bit adventurous and further England, you can also explore other nations like Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.
Travelling around the UK also demands reliable transport that not only moves you but also caters to comfort and safety. Fortunately, there are several types of transport options available that operate on a century-old infrastructure. From public buses, trains, and trams to private car rentals or minibus hire, a diverse range of options makes travel easy for all types of travellers.
If you are travelling with a group, it is important to make the right choice of transport to ensure a safe and comfortable traverse of the UK. You can hire a 9 seater minibus with a driver for a smooth travel experience across the entire country. Whether you are planning for a family vacation or a group-focused corporate trip, minibus hire is highly reliable for long-distance journeys.
Don’t Skip On Weather Planning
Apart from transportation, weather planning is also a top consideration for travellers in the UK. This is because the UK is known for its unpredictable weather patterns that are prone to disturb your travel planning.
It is no wonder that first-time visitors often struggle to settle into the notorious hailing, rainy and sunny experience in a single day. However, proper planning for the weather can help you manage your travel plans during uncertain weather conditions. The planning can include carrying an easy-to-use umbrella, packing rain essentials like jackets or getting regular updates from the weather app.
Do Greet People You Meet With A Smiling “Hello”
British people are extremely friendly and would always help you with a bright smile. However, it is always wise to greet them with a “Hello” and a firm handshake. Respect is greatly appreciated among the British people and they will always love to help you with all types of queries.
Don’t Talk Loudly
Speaking of respecting the culture and social norms, talking loudly is often considered rude behaviour if you are among the public. British culture highly values polite and calm conversation, which is why you do not have to speak loudly to express or communicate your ideas.
At the same time, talking loudly can also invade someone’s privacy and will lead to a poor tourism experience for the UK. Conversely, there are exceptions where you can chant or communicate loudly, which include a sports event, festival or musical performance.
Do Try Local Cuisine & Pubs
If you are planning to visit the UK, you are definitely up for a rewarding experience of savoury local cuisine and chilled drinks at a pub. Trying out the local cuisine and pubs can provide a further dive into the rich British culture and traditions. If you are more conscious of the experience, you can also get word-of-mouth recommendations from the locals.
Don’t Cut The Queue
Apart from speaking loudly, it is highly discouraged to cut the queue as it will always lead to a heated argument or frown faces. Always wait for your turn, and respect others’ personal space during a queue.
Do Stand On The Right Side Of The Escalator
Among the various social norms, standing on the left side of the escalator has also become an important part of the fast-paced world of the UK. This is because the space on the left is reserved for those who want to get ahead quickly. This is especially important for the maintenance staff or health safety officers who are moving quickly within the crowds.
Don’t Get Offended By Names Or Jokes
The people of the UK are extremely courteous and friendly. At the same time, they will always call you “mate” or “duck” or even joke around, which may often sound offensive. But in reality, all the humour or sarcasm is meant for good intent and not to tease you.
Final Words
There are a plethora of things that you should do and avoid while travelling around the UK. But that does not mean you will have to memorise them all for an optimal tourism experience. Part of the process also involves learning the social norms by observing the surroundings and keeping going at your own pace.
It may seem difficult to settle into the diverse culture of the UK. However, starting with small and engaging activities like trying out the local cuisine, pub or famous festival can greatly aid in cultural exchange.
