How to Plan a Trip to England
England is a popular destination for tourists from around the world. The country offers something for everyone, from ancient ruins to a modern metropolis with bustling nightlife. Visitors can tour majestic castles, shop in some of the world's finest stores, visit the home of Shakespeare and admire the Crown Jewels.
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Instructions
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Decide when to go. To save money and avoid large crowds, travel to England during the months of November through March, with the exception of the two weeks preceding Christmas. Peak season is from June through September, with July and August the most expensive and crowded travel months. During the off-season, airfares decrease by up to 10% and hotel rates fall as much as 20%.
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Make airline reservations. British Airways, Virgin Atlantic Airways and United Airlines offer daily flights from major American cities to London's Heathrow and Gatwick airports. Virgin Atlantic features consistently low fares and British Airways offers deals that include hotel and airfare at a reduced cost.
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Buy BritRail passes for unlimited train travel in throughout England, Scotland and Wales. There are several passes available. Choosing an appropriate pass depends on the makeup of your travel group, length of stay and budget. For short trips, rely on England's extensive bus and subway system. Taxi cabs and rental cars are another option, although generally more expensive than public transportation.
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Find lodging. Choose from a huge list of hotels and bed and breakfasts. For those traveling in large groups of friends or family, reserve a self-catering cottage. Staying in a self-catering cottage provides privacy, freedom and a regionally distinct experience largely unavailable in conventional hotels. Guests make arrangements online to stay in a private home where they have run of the house for the duration of their visit. This differs from a bed and breakfast where guests share accommodations with the homeowners, who serve breakfast daily.
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Exchange money upon arrival. To use cash in England you must exchange American dollars for the British pound. English ATMs accommodate most Cirrus and Plus debit cards and some financial institutions, like Citibank, have branches in England. For security and convenience, use credit cards and traveler's checks for most purchases. Most English establishments accept Visa and MasterCard, and some take American Express.
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See London, even if your stay is short. Your journey will most likely begin in the capital city, so make the most of your time there. Visit the theatre district, Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace. If you have enough time, see the Tower of London, Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum and the National Gallery.
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Plan to visit the ruins in Bath. View beautiful architecture and world-class universities in Oxford and Cambridge. Walk along an ancient Roman wall in York and marvel at Stonehenge, a prehistoric monument. Many companies and travel agencies offer English tours for those who don't mind organized activities and traveling in groups.
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Tips & Warnings
Get a passport. American citizens must have a passport to enter England. Visitors who plan to stay more than six months must also have a visa.
Check current exchange rates just before traveling.
