Destination guide
Travel guide: interesting facts about the United Kingdom
Julia Karam | August 22, 2018
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Are you headed out on our England, Ireland, and Wales tour? Wondering what you should pack? What food you should try? How much money you should bring? Start by reading our guide below, then feel free to reach out for more advice (or just to learn some interesting facts about the United Kingdom!).
The basics
Weather: Fall 46–56° F | Winter 37–45° F | Spring 41–55° F | Summer 55–67° FLanguage: EnglishCurrency: € Euro and Pound £Cash or card: Both, but card is easiest since you’ll be changing currencyExchange rate at time of travel: $1 = €.85 or £.75What that really means: $20 = €17.05 or £15What €1 will buy you: A pickled egg€ to bring per day: €30
Packing
Spring/summer packing list: Waterproof shoes, windbreaker, breathable clothing, cardiganWe wished we packed: Sunscreen and sunglasses—if the sun does come out, it never goes downWe wished we left behind: Tank tops and shorts—even during a heatwave, it isn’t quite warm enoughFall/winter packing list: Raincoat, rain boots, comfortable walking shoes, warm sweaters, warm socks, pants, long sleeve shirts, scarf, and hatWe wished we packed: A warmer jacket and warmer socksWe wished we left behind: A huge, bulky cameraAdvice: Bring basic clothing staples that can be reworn. It’s a little cooler, and warmer items take up a lot more room—only bring the essentials.
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macappsaddict/ via Flickr[/caption]
The food
Average cost of lunch: 15–20 local currencyTipping: Only if there’s great service!Atmosphere: Very relaxed and casual, lots of pub fareThe best place to have lunch: A local grocery shop in Wales, street vendor in London, and The Brazen Head in IrelandYou HAVE to try: Fish & chips, Irish stew, soda bread, sticky toffee puddingAdvice: Just try the blood pudding
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Paul Morris/ via Unsplash[/caption]
Everything else
Total spend on souvenirs: €50-75Coolest thing you bought: An Irish wool sweaterFree time: Explore the small towns or go for a walk/hike!Best cheap/free thing to do: Picnic lunch in a square or a park!Advice: The best views are outside your bus window. It can be tempting to take a nap, but you’ll definitely regret missing out on the scenery.Best part: Beaumaris in Wales and Bunratty Castle in Ireland
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Julia Karam
Julia traveled with EF in 2015 and started in a content marketing co-op at EF Tours while in college. She has since studied abroad in Florence, Italy, traveled to 10+ countries, and now works as a Tour Consultant with EF Tours.
