The entire family was home for the Bihu festivities in January. We were all huddled up in front of a fireplace in the terrace and clothed head to toe with a dozen woolies. The festive fervour was at its peak while the spiced lattes, red wine, marshmallow laden hot chocolates and warm pithas were doing rounds. Just then, a photo of a snow laden Zermatt popped up in my social media feed. ‘It was just last year when we set foot on this magical land in the peak of Spring and the entire valley was so green’ – I thought.
‘Why don’t we all take a trip together this year?’ – a question popped. Discussions and Suggestions started pouring in from all our family members. We had always talked about doing a family trip to the UK someday, so why don’t we do it this time in April? The deal was sealed, a common consensus was taken for formality’s sake and everyone` was onboard. Yaaaaayyyy, we were travelling to the United Kingdom!
Then came all the planning, research and bookings, which is yours Truly’s forte. We cracked the code for the most of it, but now after we are done and dusted with the magical experience of the United Kingdom, we feel we are equipped enough to give you an exact blueprint of ‘Everything you need to know to plan your dream vacation to the United Kingdom.
So, pull out a notebook, grab a cup of coffee and read on. I promise this blog will make your life a lot easier if you have any plans of visiting the United Kingdom in the near future.
Countries to Visit within the United Kingdom
England, Wales, Scotland and the Northern Ireland constitutes the United Kingdom. Now, it is not possible to even touch upon all the four nations, especially when you are restricted with limited time. So, it is always wise to pick and choose two countries. Since, it was our first time in the UK, our choice was relatively easy. We wanted to experience the city life of London, venture into some idyllic English countryside and experience the exotic landscapes of the highlands. So, England and Scotland became an obvious choice.
Duration of Travel
If you are a first-time visitor to the United Kingdom and you do not wish to walk on egg-shells in terms of time and experience, it is advisable to allocate at least 15 days for your travel. Just cramming through the highlights and being in scores of places within a very limited time-frame would not do enough justice to your time, money and experience.
Flights
As a rule of thumb, book your flights atleast 100 days before your date of departure. 100-130 days window gives you the best bet in terms of pricing and flight options. If you are flexible on your dates (which you should be in your initial planning phase) you can compare prices at https://www.skyscanner.com, where colour coding is used to indicate low, medium and high price dates. Once you pick a date, it lists the prices offered by various facilitator websites (makemytrip, cleartrip etc) or the direct price offered by the airlines. And voila, you are good to go!
Typically, as of 2024 a to and fro flight per person from India (any airport) to UK (London or Scotland) if booked well in advance would cost somewhere between Rs. 60k to Rs. 70k.
Accommodation
A well-equipped AirBnB over a hotel Room any day. Well, we are no sucker for a Michellin Star Facility but we love our own aesthetic space in a cozy cottage with a local favour, a front garden, a backside porch with seating, a trendy living room with a fire place, a fully equipped kitchen and of course the freedom to make coffee my way anytime I please. UK provides a range of such accommodations that reflects the culture and character of that area. However, book them atleast 90 days in advance to grab the best deals.
Typically, as of 2024 a well-equipped airbnb in UK, if booked well in advance, would cost on an average somewhere between Rs. 7k to Rs. 12k per room per night.
UK Visa
Getting a VISA for the UK, especially for the Southeast Asian and African countries is quite a chore. Did you know that almost 25% of all travel visas from India are rejected every year? This number is even Southwards of 50% for some countries like Bangladesh. They have an extremely strict screening and a very elaborate online application process. While filling out the online application form, a sudden realization dawned. If I would have spent half of the effort in updating my LinkedIn Profile, things could have really skyrocketed careerwise.
The key is to apply for your Visa atleast 45 days in advance, keep a steady bank balance for 6 months, and give all possible financial, job/business related proof, educational proof, proof of relationship, history of previous travel along with flight tickets, accommodation receipts, itinerary plan and a letter of intent explaining the purpose of your visit online to support your visa consideration.
Visit the website https://www.gov.uk for Visa Application. The United Kingdom visa fee for Indians as of 2024 is around Rs. 13.5k per person.
Currency Exchange (Cash or Card)
Cards are pre-dominantly used for almost all transactions in the UK, so much so that trams, buses, tubes, parking etc. have absolutely no scope for payment by cash. So, it is imperative that you load the bulk of your expenses in your Forex Card with Great Britain Pounds. You can carry some emergency cash, to the tune of 20% of your estimated expenses (split it up 80:20), to get you through for a few days.
You can always withdraw cash from the ATM with an additional penalty of 15 Dollars per transaction.
In addition to your Forex Card, you must mandatorily have your Credit Card with tap and pay facility. Most places do not have the Swipe feature. Do remember to enable International Transactions during your entire duration of stay for a seamless experience.
Sim Cards/e-Sims
Application of an e-Sim before you travel will make your life easier since your phone number stays the same. But if you don’t believe in owning an i-phone you can say goodbye to the e-Sim facility. That leaves you with a physical UK Sim which you should essentially purchase from a departmental store once you leave the Heathrow Airport.
We used the Services of Lebara (5 Pounds for 30 days with 5 GB data, 100 min call to India and 1000 minutes of Local Call). You can upgrade to 20 GB with an addition 5 pounds payment. Most AirBnBs, cafes etc have free Wi-Fi. So a 10 GB data is more than enough for 15 days stay. You can always recharge more via the Lebara App if you run out of data.
UK Adapters
One of the essential items you’ll need to ensure a smooth trip is the right adapters for charging your devices. Navigating the differences in electrical outlets between India and the UK can be confusing, but with the right information, you can stay powered up throughout your journey.
Both India and the United Kingdom operates on a 230 volt electrical supply with a frequency of 50 Hz. This does away with the requirement of a voltage converter. The standard UK power outlet, known as Type G, features three rectangular prongs arranged in a triangular shape. It’s crucial to note that UK plugs have a different design than the round-pin plugs commonly used in India. Enter compatible Adapters which you can order online from Amazon.
Getting Around UK (Self Drive Car or Public Transport)
UK boasts of one of the most well-developed public transport networks in the world. The ease of access to various places and the travel comfort offered by their buses, trains, trams, tubes (London Underground) is phenomenal. We would suggest taking only public transport, while moving in and around traffic. Driving around congestion areas, navigating the traffic around busy city centers, adhering to all the rules and hassles of finding parking will be stressful both on your mind and your pockets.
The CityMapper App in this regard is a lifesaver. Punch in your destination and it will give you the list of buses/tubes etc from your nearest stop, estimated time of arrival, total time for travel and most importantly the best mode of travel.
However, should you wish to venture outside the city for some English Countryside experience (Cotswold, Oxford, Canterbury etc), do consider hiring a self-drive car. You can then easily cherish the off-beaten destinations at your own pace without relying on schedules and make spontaneous stops along the way.
We recommend Enterprise Car Rental for Car Hiring throughout UK. They have the best support staff, very well-maintained cars and a seamless pick-up drop-off service. This is in contrast to the worst service we received from Drivalia (Discover Cars) wherein our confirmed bookings had to be cancelled.
Oyster Card
To travel around London City hassle free on a bus, purchasing Oyster Card is a must. It is a daily bus pass costing 6 pounds and you are free to travel through the entire circuit (Zones in London) for any number of times. It has a 24-hour validity. Just board your bus, tap your card to the scanner and grab a seat (they are mostly empty), and enjoy the ride.
Where to Buy it from – Go to your nearest departmental store and ask for one.
Departmental Store
Look for the nearest TESCO or COOP in your Google Maps. These are your goto stores for the purchase of everyday essentials. Bread, butter, sliced meat pieces, eggs, milk and their price is very reasonable even by PPP(Purchase Power Parity) Standards. Every store had a self-service Costa Coffee and we made it a ritual to grab a cup while stocking up on items for our stay.
Hop on Hop Off Bus Experience
No London City trip is complete without a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour experience. This is different from a regular bus. It only covers all the London City Highlights with a live commentary from a tour guide, allowing passengers to Hop-On or Off with leisure according to their convenience. It is a Double Decker Red Bus (Mostly) with open Roof sailing through the vibrant city brimming with history, culture and iconic landmarks at every turn.
Again, note that the pricing is dynamic. So, book atleast 45 days in advance.
We chose TopViewSightSeeing as they offered complimentary Thames River Cruise, Royal Palace Tours (Changing of Guards) and many more for a 48-hour pass at just 43 Pounds.
Underground Pubs
You cannot be in London and not visit the ‘Secret Underground Pubs’. These pubs are a well-kept secret away from the hustle bustle of the sprawling city above. Tucked beneath the streets and nestled in the shadows of the iconic landmarks these hidden gems offer a glimpse into a world of history, camaraderie, and unbeatable drinks. But here is the catch. You will need a password to enter your den.
So grab a pint, raise a glass, and toast to the spirit of adventure that awaits you below the streets of the capital. With each pub offering its own unique charm and character, you’re sure to find a new favourite haunt that will keep you coming back for more. Cheers!
English Afternoon Tea
This is one quintessential English experience you cannot afford to miss. The entire affair is an eclectic mix of elegance, etiquette and culinary delight. From delicate sandwiches and freshly baked scones to decadent pastries and fragrant teas, this cherished ritual offers a moment of respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life, inviting guests to indulge in the simple pleasures of good company and exquisite flavours.
So, don your finest attire, and prepare yourself to savour the first sip of the finest tea to last crumb of the cake, as the elegance and sophistication of English afternoon tea transports you to a world of refined indulgence and timeless charm.
Parting Pointers:
- You can wrap your trip to the UK (India –> UK –>India, all inclusive) in less than 5L per couple if you plan well.
- Select a shoulder season (April-May, Sep-Oct) for travel. You would enjoy fewer crowds, great spring/Autumnal landscapes and relatively less price.
- Unlike most bloggers, we personally do not recommend the London Pass. You would end up paying a premium for tons of similar attractions that you would never visit. Just get an Oyster Card and you should be good.
- Pack Layers. London weather is fickler than a woman’s mood and changes in a jiffy. The feels-like is often much lower than the actual recorded temperature. The chilly wind that blows can send a shiver down your spine if you are not well protected.
- Carry your umbrella or a raincoat wherever you go. You will have more grey days than you would imagine. And there may be light showers here and there even if the weather forecast is sunny.
So, there you go. You are now more than prepared to plan your dream vacation to the UK. Get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime. Cheers!
But just out of curiosity, did your coffee get cold. . .or did you get yourself another cup???
2 thoughts on “Plan the perfect trip to the United Kingdom”
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this blog is so informative awesome , Traveling through the UK sounds like an incredible adventure! If you’re planning to visit Udaipur next, I highly recommend the Taxi Service in Udaipur. It offers a comfortable and convenient way to explore the city and its beautiful surroundings. Enjoy your travels!