UK Travel Guide 2026: Smart Tips and Local Secrets for the Perfect Trip

Two islands, four nations. Each with its own identity, traditions and even dialect. History, art, literature, movies and tv shows, British culture holds a special place in our hearts.

But exploring the United Kingdom in situ means going beyond the clichés. Whether you are mapping out a road trip, travelling on a budget or choosing a destination tailored to your style, navigating the UK requires genuine insider insight.

From iconic landmarks to confidential locations, this guide breaks down everything you need to plan your trip, including train routes, seasonal highlights, practical budget tips and essential travel insurance.

🛡️ The AXA Advantage: comprehensive coverage in case of medical emergencies with 24/7 multilingual assistance.

Your complete guide to the UK

• Top things to see and must-do experiences in the UK
• Travel styles: where to go depending on what you love
• Best itineraries to explore the UK in a few days or weeks
• Discover the UK differently with local tips and insider experiences
• Best time to visit the UK and seasonal highlights
• Getting around the UK easily by train, car or local transport
• Travel budget in the UK: what to expect and how to save money
• Practical travel tips before your trip to the UK
• Travel insurance for your British trip
• FAQ for planning your trip to the UK

Top things to do and see in the UK: an insider checklist

While you probably want to avoid crowded areas, you shouldn’t miss out on the main UK landmarks. Skipping these legendary highlights means missing a piece of the country's identity. The perfect trip simply balances these famous, must-see sites across the four nations with quieter, overlooked shores.

What are the must-see attractions in the UK? The landmarks you cannot miss!

From historic heavyweights to raw natural wonders, here is your quick-fire guide to the ultimate icons across the four nations.

1. ENGLAND:

• London Baby! Of course, the capital is a must-see for its museums, historic buildings, parks, culture, fashion, the list goes on!
• Stonehenge in Salisbury or how and why did our Neolithic ancestors install those huge stones in circular shapes.
• Bath, the UNESCO listed Roman city (the only one in the UK) will charm you with its Georgian architecture and spas.
• Oxford and Cambridge to feel the centuries-old knowledge exuding through the magnificent architecture of both universities and towns.

2. SCOTLAND:

• Edinburgh, its castle and Royal Mile.
• Glasgow, for its atmosphere, artistic scene, museums and architecture.
• The Isle of Skye, the Highlands, the Loch Ness for legendary nature and landscapes.

3. WALES:

• Cardiff, its castle, national museum and Bute Park.
• Snowdonia National Park for its historic sites and UNESCO listed landscapes which were used many times in movies and shows including House of the Dragon.

4. NORTHERN IRELAND:

• Belfast for its people, atmosphere and intense history
• The Giant’s Causeway: marvel at 40,000 interlocking basalt columns. Are they the result of volcanic activity 60 million years ago, or did the legendary giant Finn McCool build them to fight his Scottish rival?

What are the best hidden gems in the UK? The spots you’re going to love

While still popular, here are few sites and areas often overlooked but which can offer a little peace and quiet:

1. ENGLAND

• In Cornwall: admire the spectacular and grandiose setting of Tintagel Castle, King Arthur’s place of birth according to legend, as well as its haunting Gallos statue and Merlin’s cave on the beach.
  
• The Cotswolds: walk in the footsteps of Agatha Raisin on the Cotswolds Way, discover charming villages (Painswick, Snowshill), market towns, abbeys (Lacock Abbey featured in Harry Potter, Downton Abbey and Fantastic Beasts!), castles and palaces including Blenheim Palace, Winston Churchill’s birthplace.

2. SCOTLAND:

• Just South of the Isle of Skye, you will find the smaller Isle of Eigg which is owned by its 110 inhabitants and can be explored by foot, bike or kayak! After which, good food and shopping await!
  
• In New Lanark, you can visit the 18^th century Mill village imagined by social pioneer Robert Owens and discover the Falls of Clyde Wildlife Reserve and its over 100 bird species.

3. WALES:

• In Cardigan, you can explore the Witches Cauldron, a collapsed cave accessible by a coastline trail or by the waters of Cardigan Bay. You can also reach it at low tide by using a small cave entrance but be extremely careful of incoming tides.

4. NORTHERN IRELAND:

• Follow a winding 3km trail through the Glenariff Forest Park to admire its majestic waterfalls.

💡 A local’s tip: what the guidebooks don’t tell you

“In Scotland, it’s not only the destination, it’s also the journey. On the train from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh, you will travel through the Highlands and see spectacular and breath-taking scenery just by looking out the window. This is also true when driving. Many Scottish roads are actual scenic routes”.

Where to go in the UK for your first time? Best destinations by travel style

Planning your first trip to the UK can feel overwhelming. Whether you are here for wild landscapes, world-class culture, or a booming food scene, here are the ultimate entry points tailored to your travel style.

Best destinations in the UK for nature lovers: the great outdoors

British people famously love their gardens, rolling countryside, and walking trails. If you want to dive into the wild, here is where to start:

• England: Explore the Lake District National Park to discover its 16 lakes and 2,177 km of footpaths by water, foot, or bike. For an epic journey, hike the Hadrian’s Wall path, a 135 km coast-to-coast trail where you can uncover England’s Roman past, pass through Carlisle and Newcastle, and sample local English ales.
  
• Scotland: Want to step into a postcard? Scotland’s famous hiking paths, including the epic 864 km Scottish National Trail, will challenge you across the country's most amazing landscapes. (And no, you don’t have to walk the entire trail in one go!).
  
• Wales: Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park offers the chance to explore 9 mountain ranges, over 2,400 km of routes, and 119 km of breathtaking coastline.
  
• Northern Ireland: Adventurers can discover the Causeway Coast and Glens via thrilling Kayaking Tours or deep forest trails.

💡 Pro Tip: To find more walking routes in the UK visit the Ramblers’ website and the National Trails website.

Cultural Experiences in the UK: 10 iconic museums and historic spots

You could spend a lifetime exploring the UK and still barely scratch the surface of its 2,550+ museums and heritage sites. If you are short on time, these iconic spots are the ones you should prioritize:

1. The British Museum (London, England): an absolute juggernaut of human history. No less! Don't try to see all 8 million objects in one day; focus on world-famous treasures like the Rosetta Stone and the Parthenon Sculptures.

2. The Victoria and Albert Museum (London and across the UK): dive into the world's leading museum of art, design, and performance, now expanding with new satellite sites across the country.

3. The National Gallery (London, England): overlooking Trafalgar Square, stand in front of timeless European masterpieces, including Van Gogh’s Sunflowers, Da Vinci’s Virgin of the Rocks, and Monet’s waterlilies.

4. The Tower of London and Westminster Abbey (London, England): tick off the absolute royal classics to uncover centuries of monarchs, dark executions, and spectacular coronations.

5. The British Music Experience (Liverpool, England): celebrate pop music history in the hometown of The Beatles, then set off to explore the real-life inspirations behind Penny Lane and Strawberry Field.

6. The Titanic Belfast (Northern Ireland): explore the interactive, multi-sensory galleries of the world's most famous ship, built on the very shipyard where it was designed and launched.

7. The Ulster museum (Belfast): : for a better understanding of Northern Ireland’s history and particularly the conflicts between the unionists and the nationalists, known as the Troubles.
Don’t forget to visit the Belfast Peace Wall and Murals as well as those in Derry.

8. Edinburgh Castle and The Royal Mile (Edinburgh, Scotland): walk the historic cobblestones leading up to the volcanic fortress that dominates the Scottish capital's skyline.

9. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum (Glasgow, Scotland): a quirky giant cabinet of curiosities. Kids and parents alike love its mix of Salvador Dalí masterpieces, a Spitfire plane suspended from the ceiling, and floating installations of not-at-all real human heads!

💡 Local’s Favorite: V&A East Storehouse (London)

"Head to Stratford to see this brand-new game-changer. It lets you wander straight into the museum’s backstage warehouses among 250,000 objects—including a complete 1930s office designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Time Magazine already crowned it one of the world's best places to visit in 2026. Raw, modern, and brilliantly London."

Foodie guide to the UK: Best destinations for food lovers

Long mocked for its food, the UK has smashed those old clichés. Thanks to local and international chefs, British gastronomy is firmly on the map with over 200 Michelin-starred spots (including 10 Three-Stars). Here is where to head:

• The Gastropub Revolution: flourishing all over the country, these cozy spots are perfect for enjoying a refined, upscale version of traditional fish and chips and other British classics.
  
• Sheffield (The Foodie Capital): thanks to its vibrant food festivals and the famous monthly Peddler Market, this South Yorkshire hub holds the crown for the UK’s top food destination, closely followed by Edinburgh.
  
• Bristol (From Farm to Chocolate): blessed with rich surrounding farmlands, Bristol is celebrated for its high-quality, hyper-local ingredients.
  Fun fact: this is where the world's very first chocolate bar was invented by JS Fry & Sons in 1847.
  
• Local Farmers’ Markets: ubiquitous in British villages and major towns alike, these markets are the best way to taste regional specialties.

💡 Traveller’s Tip: Check local community websites during your trip to find out exactly when and where the nearest farmers' market is taking place.

5 best things to do with kids in the UK: Top family activities

Travelling with family? The UK is a giant playground for all ages. To keep both toddlers and teens entertained, add these top-rated experiences to your itinerary:

1. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London (Leavesden): the ultimate Harry Potter pilgrimage to explore the actual movie sets, props, and costumes.
   
2. Blackpool Pleasure Beach: A classic seaside town offering sandy beaches, an aquarium, and adrenaline-pumping roller coasters.
   
3. Hangloose Adventure Bluewater (Kent): Home to Skywire, England’s longest zipline, for a massive family adrenaline rush outdoors.
   
4. The Forbidden Corner (North Yorkshire): A mysterious, unique labyrinth of tunnels and hidden chambers in a four-acre garden.
   
5. Camera Obscura and World of Illusions (Edinburgh): This five-floor museum of optical illusions is the perfect reward for kids who survived long city walks. Bonus: parents get amazing 360-degree rooftop views.

💡 Good to know: Spot your favorite filming locations
Ready, Camera, Action! The UK’s landscapes are the stars of countless shows. Families can hunt down the real-life backdrops of Bridgerton in Bath, Peaky Blinders in Manchester, or the hit House of Guinness in Liverpool. Check the VisitBritain website for detailed maps.

UK Itineraries: How to plan your trip by length of stay

Your dates are locked in, now it's time to map out the route. Here is how to pace your trip and choose your travel hubs based on your timeframe:

💡 Ready to build your route?
Whether you are staying for a few days or a couple of weeks, explore our best itineraries in the UK to find the perfect pace and destinations for your trip.
👉 Heading to the capital? Don't miss our comprehensive London City Break Guide, packed with insider tips, local favorites, and ready-to-use itineraries to make the most of your trip!

How to experience the UK like a local: Things you must try

Food, entertainment, and local crafts… Get ready for a full immersion. Here is your quick checklist of the ultimate British experiences to add to your trip:

What Local Dishes Should You Try?

Here is a yummy overview of the absolute must-try British specialties—don't even think about leaving the UK without tasting them!
1. The Savory Classics

• Fish and Chips: golden battered cod, haddock, or pollock served with thick potato fries, and plenty of salt and vinegar, please!

Insider note: “The ultimate pleasure used to be eating them wrapped in a local newspaper—sadly, that’s a rare commodity nowadays, but the taste is still unmatched”.

• Full English Breakfast: the legendary morning fuel. Your plate will be packed with eggs, sausages, beans, tomatoes, and bacon.
• Sunday Roasts and Hearty Pies: The British love their comfort food. Dive into rich stews (beef, chicken, or lamb) or iconic pies like Shepherd’s, Chicken & Mushroom, or the famous Steak & Kidney pie (self-explanatory and definitely not for the faint-hearted!)
• Regional Specialties: taste your way around the map with the infamous Haggis served with mashed neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes) in Scotland, Welsh Rarebit (toasted cheese mixed with mustard on warm bread), or a Belfast Patty (minced meat and mashed potatoes, battered and deep-fried) in Northern Ireland.

2. For the Sweet Tooth

• Scones with clotted cream and jam: the absolute royalty of British teatime.
• Traditional Cakes and Treats: The list is delightfully long. Don't miss a layered Trifle (cake, jelly, custard, and whipped cream), warm crumpets or a classic Victoria Sponge cake.

💡 A unique local curiosity: If you travel to Northern Ireland, look out for the famous Fifteens. This no-bake sweet treat gets its name because the recipe requires exactly 15 marshmallows, 15 glacé cherries, and 15 biscuits.

Which British festivals and events should you look out for?

The British calendar is packed with local events celebrating music, flowers, and writers. Here are a few unmissables to add to your bucket list:

1. ENGLAND

• Chelsea Flower Show (May): a paradise for garden lovers where you can admire incredible floral designs and buy award-winning plants in London.
  
• Glastonbury Festival (June): known to everyone as Glasto, this legendary five-day event celebrates contemporary performing arts, from massive pop music concerts to intimate poetry readings.
  
• Jane Austen Festival (September): Bath welcomes fans of the famous author for a true step back in time. Expect costumed promenades, balls, and workshops where you can even learn how to make your own Regency bonnet.

2. SCOTLAND

• Edinburgh Fringe Festival (August): The city streets fill up with performing artists, making it the perfect opportunity to discover raw Scottish talent.
  
• Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (August): International military bands present powerful musical performances on the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle, adding a unique solemnity to the sound of bagpipes.
  
• The Highland Games (Late Spring to Early Autumn): Traditional sports events mixing strength and speed in towns and villages across the country. Check the Royal Scottish Highland Games Association calendar to catch one.

3. WALES and NORTHERN IRELAND

• Hay Festival of Literature and Arts (Late May- Wales): Held in the lovely book-town of Hay-on-Wye, this world-renowned festival features inspiring conversations, panels, and live performances. Bill Clinton famously described it as the "Woodstock of the mind". Best of all, access to the festival site is free.
  
• Stendhal Festival (July, Northern Ireland): A family-friendly festival with eight stages of outdoor performances, music, and art workshops. It is located just off the Causeway Coastal Route, about an hour from Belfast.

7 unique Oh so British experiences: handmade crafts and sports

Want to look beyond the usual tourist spots? These 7 hands-on activities will get you closer to local British life:

Handmade Crafts and Workshops

1. Learn traditional weaving: with 30 million sheep roaming the UK, wool is a major part of local heritage. You can join artisan workshops across the country to learn traditional weaving and create your own wool accessories and bags.

2. Try stained glass making: this British tradition dates back to the 7th century. Many historic studios offer short introductory courses where you can craft your own piece to take home.

3. Join a floristry masterclass: the British love their flowers and gardens as well as sharing their knowledge. In the Cotswolds, you can follow floristry classes to learn how to arrange the perfect English rose bouquet.

Quirky Sports & Games

4. Watch traditional team sports: catch a local weekend game of Cricket, Field Hockey, or Netball to see authentic British sports culture in action.

5. Test your strength with Caber tossing: this iconic log-throwing event is a must-see at Scottish gatherings, alongside traditional fly fishing and curling.

6. Play a round of Footgolf: or a modern twist, try this fun hybrid sport mixing football and golf, which is currently booming across UK greens.

7. Discover the forbidden history of golf: while you can play freely today, golf was actually banned in Scotland during the 15th and 16th centuries because authorities worried it distracted men from their mandatory archery training.

💡 Fun fact: the granite stones used in Olympic curling matches worldwide come almost exclusively from one tiny, uninhabited Scottish island called Ailsa Craig. This unique volcanic granite is so shock-resistant and water-repellent that it is the only kind accepted for international competitions.

When is the best time to visit the UK? Seasonal weather guide

Whenever you decide to travel to the UK, temperatures generally range from a crisp 0°C in winter to a pleasant 25°C in summer.
Rain is possible all year round, but so are great sunny days, meaning "layers" is always your master word!

• Spring (March to May) – The Golden Window: with days getting longer and nature awakening, spring is arguably the best time to visit the UK.
  While spring and autumn usually experience the most rain, your chances of enjoying glorious sunny days are high. Best of all, you get to experience the countryside in peace and quiet before the summer rush.
• Summer (June to August) – The Festive Peak: summers are pleasant with mild temperatures, though recent heatwaves have seen thermometers exceed 30°C.
  While it seems like an obvious choice, massive crowds at major sights, soaring prices, and intense heat in the south make July and August a definite no-go for travellers seeking tranquillity.
• Autumn (September to November) – The Scenic Shift: Fall has an undeniable charm with its golden landscapes, though daylight hours start to shrink significantly. Like spring, it is a rainier shoulder season, but it is perfect for peaceful city exploration.
• Winter (December to February) – The Cozy Tradition: winters are cold, and temperatures frequently drop below 0°C with heavy snowfalls, particularly in the North. Yet, despite the winter chill, British Christmas traditions and festive markets are magical and should be experienced at least once.

💡 Pro Tip: keep in mind that the Southeast of England is the driest region, boasting around 1,628 hours of sunshine per year.
If you do choose to travel during peak summer or public holidays, make sure to book your transport and hotels well in advance, as both locals and tourists flock to the major sights

Getting around the United Kingdom: car vs public transport

Urban or rural, the answer depends on your destination and what type of attractions and sites you want to see.

Should you Rent a Car in the UK?

If you are visiting mostly big cities, renting a car seems an unnecessary and additional stress. However, if you plan on visiting rural areas and historic sites, a car is a good option. It will allow you to reach more remote areas particularly in the Lake district, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

⚠️ CAUTION: in the UK you will drive on the left-side of the road. If you rent a car, the driver’s seat (and gear!) will be on the left so mind your driving!

How to travel around the UK without a car: a public transport guide

The UK is exceptionally well-equipped for car-free travel, making it easy to connect major cities or navigate within urban areas. Here are your best options for getting around:

• Trains and Coaches: the extensive rail and coach networks are the most efficient ways to travel between cities and regions.
• City Buses: Urban areas across the UK feature extensive local bus networks, making it cheap and easy to hop from one neighborhood to another.
• The Underground network: you can easily navigate the iconic London Tube, the Glasgow Subway, the Tyne & Wear Metro in Newcastle or the local rail systems in Liverpool.
• Walking and Cycling: most British cities are highly pedestrian-friendly and offer dedicated cycling lanes, making active travel a viable option for sightseeing.
• Ferries: if you are heading to Northern Ireland or exploring the remote Scottish islands, taking a ferry offers a scenic and smooth travel experience.

💡 Traveller’s tip: whenever you take a city bus, head straight to the second floor of a double-decker. It gives you a completely different perspective on the town, and it is a lot of fun for both kids and grownups!

✨ Fun fact 1: built in 1863, London’s Metropolitan Railway was the world's very first urban underground railway.

✨ Fun fact 2: with only 15 stations covering 10.4 km in 24 minutes, Glasgow’s underground is the third oldest in the world. Locals call it the Clockwork Orange because of its circular line and bright orange carriages.

UK travel budget: how much money do you need per day?

Excluding flights, expect an average daily budget of £150 to £225 per person. Your actual costs will vary depending on your travel style, chosen activities, and whether you stay in London or smaller towns.

Here is a breakdown of what you will spend per person, per day:

• Accommodation: £80 to £120
• Meals: £20 to £50
• Local transport: £15 to £25
• Activities & sightseeing: £20 to £30

How to save money on a UK trip: 10 budget tips

Beyond the classic rules—booking early and avoiding peak seasons—here is how to cut costs across your major expenses:

Accommodation

1. Alternative lodging: use platforms like SpareRoom for cheap room shares, or try home-exchanging and couch surfing.
2. Pet-sitting: look into dedicated networks to secure free lodging in exchange for taking care of local animals.

Attractions

3. Free museums: National museums across the UK are entirely free. In London, you can visit iconic spots like the British Museum, Tate Modern, and the Natural History Museum without spending a penny.

4. Be selective with paid entry: skip costly indoor tours unless you are genuinely interested. For many historic buildings, admiring the exterior and surrounding grounds is free and just as rewarding.

Meals and Drinks

5. Pub food & Happy Hours: these venues offer affordable, traditional meals. Drop in during promotional windows for half-price drinks and cheap sharing platters.

Note: Check entry rules first, as some establishments restrict children due to alcohol licensing laws.

6. Museum tea rooms: look out for "soup + sandwich" deals in museum cafes to try local favorites like bacon rolls or pea soup at a low price.
7. Share portions: classic fish and chips portions are huge. Ask about the size before ordering, as one portion can easily feed an adult and a child.

8. Local markets: buy fresh food at supermarkets or farmers' markets.
If you are in Scotland, head to Chatelherault Market Chatelherault Market in Lanarkshire for the best local Scotch pies and fudge.

Transport

9. Get a Railcard: for about £30, a digital Railcard gives you 33% off train fares. Choose the one that fits your profile (16-25, Senior, Network, etc.).

10. Try split ticketing: check if buying two singles is cheaper than a return. Alternatively, use apps to buy separate tickets for consecutive legs of the journey (aka “split ticketing”) and string them together. As long as the train stops at those intermediate stations, you just stay on board while slashing the fare.

💡 Local tip: Skip overpriced tourist venues for afternoon tea. Head to the 4th floor of the John Lewis department store on Oxford Street. The Huffkins tea room offers a classic British cream tea experience at an unbeatable value, complete with large windows overlooking Cavendish Square Gardens.

UK travel guide: entry requirements, safety and local etiquette

In the midst of your understandable excitement, don’t forget to prepare the proper travel documents and insurance for your trip to the UK.

Passport, Visa, Insurance: what documents do you need for your British trip?

• Passport and ETA: You need a valid passport to enter the UK.
  
  Most foreign visitors do not need a visa for stays under 6 months, but an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is mandatory.
  Check the official British government website for up-to-date requirements.
  
• Insurance: Medical care is costly for non-residents. Comprehensive travel insurance covering healthcare and repatriation is highly recommended.

Health, safety and driving rules

• Stay alert: the UK is generally very safe, but watch out for pickpockets in crowded tourist spots.
  
• Hold your left! If you are driving don’t forget to stay on the other side of the road. Be particularly careful as a pedestrian! Check right and left (or both sides just to be safe!) before crossing the street. Crosswalks are rare on UK city streets and drivers can be a little careless so stay aware!
  
• Health: tap water is perfectly safe to drink. No specific vaccines are required beyond routine boosters.
  
• Don’t forget to follow the Countryside Code if you don’t want to end up with a flock of sheep after you!

Quick facts

• Capital city: London
  
• Language: English
  
• Currency: the pound sterling (£):

• The pound is the oldest currency still in use (775 AD).
  
• Euros are not accepted in the UK.
  
• While of same value, Scottish banknotes can be refused in the rest of the British territory.

• Time zone: GMT and BTS; UTC +0 from October to March, UTC + 1 from March to October
  
• Emergency number: 999

👉 For more information, visit the official British tourism agency website.

British etiquette: local unwritten rules

• The "Holy Three": Use Please, Thank you, and Sorry constantly. Always greet staff when entering shops.
  
• Respect the queue: never jump a line, whether at a bus stop, a shop checkout, or a pub bar.
  
• Personal space: maintain a respectful physical distance from others.
  
• Table manners: keep your hands on your lap (not on the table) when not eating, and never speak with your mouth full.

💡 Fun fact: Why do Brits say "sorry" all the time?
British people use this word as a polite reflex rather than an admission of guilt. Research published in The Guardian shows the average Brit apologizes around nine times a day—frequently to complete strangers or even inanimate objects they bump into! A BBC cultural analysis highlights that "sorry" actually acts as a social "pressure valve" to manage personal space and keep interactions smooth, rather than a genuine confession of fault.

What Travel Insurance Do You Need for the UK?

Travel insurance is highly recommended for all visitors. It ensures you travel stress-free by covering unexpected expenses like emergency medical care, repatriation, or luggage loss.

Why Choose AXA Schengen?

With over 65 years of expertise, AXA offers:

• Comprehensive Coverage: Medical and repatriation expenses covered from €30,000 up to €2 million.
• Eurotrip Ready: Complete protection across the UK, all Schengen countries and the EU.
• 24/7 Assistance: Multilingual expert support and free remote medical consultations.
• 100% Visa Compliant: Instant digital certificates available and accepted with all Schengen visas applications (fully refundable if refused). In case you decide to extend your trip to the other side of the Channel or the North Sea!

👉 Ready to secure your trip?

Find the perfect coverage for your British adventure with AXA Travel Insurance for the UK.

Related Articles

You might find the articles interesting:

• Travel guide to France
• Travel guide to Italy
• Travel guide to Portugal

UK Travel FAQ: your questions answered

Can I use my driver’s licence in the UK?

As a tourist, you can drive in the UK for up to 12 months with your foreign driver’s license. To rent a car, you will need to present your valid original license, a valid passport and an International Driving Permit if your original permit is written in non-Roman characters (Arabic, Japanese, Cyrillic).

Can a tourist visit the Republic of Ireland from Northern Ireland?

Yes, there are no border controls between them. The UK and the Republic of Ireland have agreed to allow free movement between both countries including the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands (the CTA Common Travel Area). You will need however to carry a valid passport and, depending on the duration and purpose of your stay, you should also check visa requirements for the Republic of Ireland.

Do I need a plug adapter for the UK?

Yes, you do. The British use 230 V, 50Hz, type G plugs (three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern) so don’t forget to bring an adapter with you. If you need to buy one in the UK, avoid airports and train stations as they will be more expensive.

What should I pack for my trip to the UK?

As you might experience several seasons in one day during your trip, layers, waterproof clothes and shoes are highly recommended. Don’t forget your chargers and type G adapters.