Great Britain Travel Basics

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Great Britain Travel: Finding the Great in Britain

Britain, or Great Britain, is one of the most popular tourist destinations, holding not only the cultural legacy of the United States and Canada but a varied geography, age-old attractions, and unique places to stay. In this guide we'll cover the Web's resources for getting there, getting around, finding accommodation, and discovering other useful information about the Great Britain that will enlighten your vacation experience.

Great Britain Travel Basics

England, a constitutional monarchy headed by Queen Elizabeth II, contains the roots of American culture, so it's no wonder the country is a popular tourist destination. While it may have the stigma of inclement weather, the truth is that England is one of the most beautiful geographies in the world and contains some of the oldest relics of human creativity and experience. In this section are a number of sites that will get you better acquainted with England before your visit

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  • It helps to know England and the United Kingdom by their many names, since some are interchangeable and some are not. Britain or Great Britain refers to the mainland of the United Kingdom, excluding Ireland. Its constituent countries are England, Wales, and Scotland. The British Isles is another name for the United Kingdom, and includes Ireland. But it's important to note that it's a sensitive topic for most Scottish and Welsh citizens, who generally do not like being referred to as British.
  • Simple encyclopedic pages on the United Kingdom such as Infoplease can provide background to England, but also take note of the U.K. sections on travel sites and travel blogs like Lonely Planet and TravelPod, which are geared toward prospective travelers and tend to share more personal stories and advice.
  • As with any blog, take the information in blogs on sites like RealTravel and TravelPod as the highly subjective opinions they are. Don't let an account of one negative experience sway your opinion of a destination.
  • The Web makes newspapers and magazines readily available, so immerse yourself in the journalism of England, such as the Times of London before you go to learn what distinguishes the country. You'll become familiar with notable current events, famous people, important holidays, events, and more.

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Cities and Sightseeing in England
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Travel Requirements for Great Britain

Although the findingDulcinea Travel Guide outlines some important general information for any American traveling overseas, below are sites specific to travel in England for Americans, such as insider tips and advice about immigration and booking flights.

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  • Consult the findingDulcinea Travel Guide for general information on visas, customs, and other helpful tips about luggage and pre-travel preparation.
  • England's high season is the summer, when you are likely to find warm weather, sometimes into the mid-80s Fahrenheit. Consult the BBC Weather page for a detailed country profile on the U.K. climate.
  • For travel guides (online or printed), see the "Where can I learn more about England?" section of this guide.

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England Vacation Packages

There are many U.K. travel sites that now cater to accommodation, airfare, and other travelers' needs, and point you to unique opportunities around the country that only an insider might know about. Below is a list of general resources to help you kick-start your vacation planning, book your modes of transportation, find tour operators, and get sightseeing ideas.

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  • Although it's most convenient to book all aspects of your vacation in one place, it can be quite beneficial to use specialty sites that plan portions of vacations, such as tours or airfare. The advantages include better pricing and a staff more experienced with the areas on offer. See the subsequent sections of this guide for sites specific to accommodation and transport within the United Kingdom.
  • Consult our findingDulcinea Travel Guide for information on health insurance, visas, customs, and other technicalities of foreign travel, much of which is specific to U.S. residents.
  • For students, the international student identity card (ISIC) provides steep discounts on travel, accommodation, and entertainment in practically every country. Applying for this card while traveling around the United Kingdom can help, especially when booking hostel stays, airfare, or train trips.

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For tour operators ...

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Getting to England

Because London is a major European hub, affordable airfare from the United States can be quite easy to find. Listed below are sites that will help you sift through the array of airline Web sites and flight search engines around the Web to find the best results and easiest ways to obtain tickets.

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  • If your destination is London, consider a flight that stops over in Dublin or Edinburgh first. These flights will break up your journey into two shorter, more bearable flights and are often cheaper. Consult airlines like British Midland and Aer Lingus or a flight search engine like Kayak to check availability and book.
  • Consult with flight search Web sites that specialize in travel to and from the United Kingdom. Often your best bet will be the airline Web site itself, but compare prices on a larger search engine like Kayak or Expedia as well (the links take you to the sites' U.K. versions). These sites are longstanding and reliable, and often bridge the gap between discount airlines and more luxurious carriers like Virgin Atlantic.

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For flight search engines ...
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For rail service between England and the rest of Europe ...
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England Hotels

There are a variety of accommodation options in England. The vast and affordable hostel network is a viable choice for adults or families, especially those on the move around England. Below you will also find resources that list hotels, bed & breakfasts, and campsites.

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  • Although an engine that books multiple tickets (airfare and accommodation) is the most efficient way to get your trip organized, more specialized accommodation sites can provide a more unique experience, as their listings include lesser-known establishments like cottages and B&Bs.
  • The Youth Hostel Association may evoke thoughts of sharing bedrooms and bathrooms with strangers, but for the frugal traveler looking for an efficient way to hop from city to town to countryside, the YHA Web site can provide many accommodation solutions, as it includes one of the largest databases of hostels in its search.
  • England is known for its vast stretches of countryside, and there you will also find a large number of campgrounds servicing RVs and tents. Consult with the camping Web sites below to get more specific information on what each campsite has to offer.

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Getting Around in England

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  • Train travel is one of the most popular and efficient methods of transport in England. The network is extensive, affordable, and covers all areas, no matter how remote. The rail sites we recommend below allow you to book tickets and learn how to make easy connections to your destinations.
  • Not all transportation sites cater to international credit card holders. If you come across this problem, often speaking with a site representative on the phone will allow you to pay using a non-U.K. card and billing address.
  • Getting into London by taxi from its main airports, Gatwick and Heathrow, can set you back as much as £40 (about $85). The Gatwick Express and Heathrow Express are 15-minute train rides to Paddington Station in the center of the city, and tickets cost approximately £15 one way.
  • Even if you're in town for only a few days, take advantage of the more affordable train and bus passes that commuters use, like London's Oyster card. For a tourist on the go, an efficient, discounted ticket that covers an entire city is the optimal choice.

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