Frequently Asked Questions
We provide our customers with comprehensive advice on travelling in Britain and Ireland. Here are the answers to perhaps the most frequently asked questions. If the answer isn’t here, do contact us using the Quick Question form on the right of the page.
Q: When is the best time of year to come?
A: Between Easter and the end of October. During this time the attractions are open. Many shut for the winter. Also the days are short from November through to February and the weather can be dull or inclement. The schools are out for 6 weeks from mid July to the end of August so family holiday areas will be busy during these times.
Q: Should I buy any sight-seeing passes?
A:There used to be something called the Great British Heritage Pass which gave visitors access to all English Heritage sites (think castles), National Trusts (stately homes and gardens) and some privately owned places. However, this stops in 2012 (which is a great leap backwards for the tourist). Now you need to buy separate passes/tickets so it will depend on your itinerary and your interests. We can help you decide whether it’s worth it.
Q: How much can I see in one visit?
A: Britain and Ireland seem small islands if you are coming from Australia or the USA for instance, and it looks like you can cover the length and breadth in a short time. Well you can, if you just want to bomb along the motorways, but you won’t see much! The fact is that there is a lot to see in every region. Obviously it is nice to sample several different areas for the differences in scenery and culture, but we do advise you not to be too ambitious. We advise at least 2/3 nights in each place, otherwise you will find it exhausting. We can help you plan a well balanced trip.
Q: How difficult is it to drive in Britain?
A: It is true that the roads are busier than many parts of the World and if you are used to driving on the right then changing to the left may seem daunting! However, we have a large number of US customers every year who manage it without incident. (Indeed we have driven on the ‘wrong’ side of the road many times without mishap.) The road systems in Britain and Ireland are well maintained and the road signs are clear and easy to follow. The motorways are easy to use. They are not ‘freeways’; traffic should only pass on the right. This, we have been told, actually makes driving on them easier. The challenges lie more on the country lanes which are narrow, but here lies the fun! To see the ‘Real Britain’ you really must travel the lanes. Once you realise that actually the road is wide enough for two cars to pass then you will start to relax.
There are a few things you can do to help:
(1) Hire a car with an automatic gear box. The default in the UK is a manual or ‘stick shift’. Then you at least don’t have to cope with changing gear with the wrong hand.
(2) Take your time getting used to the controls. Drive around the car hire park for a while.
(3) Take it easy. Don’t feel you have to keep up with the rest of the traffic.
(4) Roundabouts or traffic circles need extra caution until you are used to them. The key thing to remember is to stop and give way to the traffic coming from the right, i.e. already on or about to join the roundabout and travel clockwise.
(5) Use the Sat Nav initially if you are used to one. It is the easiest way of getting away from a built up area and on your way. Later on you can navigate using the signs.
(6) Don’t drive too far on Day 1, especially after a long flight.
(7) Don’t hire too large a car. An SUV may be comfortable but the lanes will seem even narrower.
Q: Do you book the hire car?
A: No. This is something we feel is best done by you. However we can advise on pick up/drop off locations and advise on suitable companies.
Q:Do I need an International Drivers License?
A: In theory ‘yes’ but in practise ‘no’, not if you are coming from North America, Australasia or Europe, as long as you have a valid license from your own country. However, it is best to check with the hire company.
Q: Should I use Sat Nav or GPS in the UK?
A: Yes, it is often very useful. The easiest way to get from A to B is to put in the post code of your destination. This will usually take you to within a hundred yards or so from your destination, much more accurate than a Zip code. However, we recommend that you also keep track of where you are on a map as sometimes it can lead you astray, especially out in the countryside. Many hire cars come with Sat Nav now or you can hire them separately or bring your own.
Q: Can I hire a minibus?
A: You can hire a minibus on an ordinary license up to a capacity of 8 people.
Q: I am thinking of hiring a Motor Home? Are there parks across the country?
A: Yes but do be aware that travel along the minor roads will be much more difficult in a motor home. It is also not really cheaper than hiring a car and staying in B&Bs.
Q: How much should I budget for daily expenses?
A: Fuel is the largest expense after accommodation, so it really depends on how far you travel each day. However to give you an idea, allow about £100/day (for two people) for meals, fuel and entrance to places of interest. You can get away with a little less if you eat cheaply.Cordon bleu all the way will obviously be more!
Q: Will anyone take the Euro in Britain?
A: There are a few places which take the Euro but generally the answer is ‘no’. If you are visiting Ireland remember that the Republic of Ireland takes the Euro and Northern Ireland, being part of the UK, takes sterling.
Q: Can I use my credit cards?
A: Mastercard and Visa (credit and debit) are taken everywhere. Other cards, such as American Express, are taken less frequently. Some small establishments will only take cash.
Q: Should I tip?
A: In Britain and Ireland tipping is truly discretionary. No-one will automatically expect a tip. When you do tip for good service the usual is around 10% or a bit more. Where you can, give this as cash rather than an addition to a bill which you then pay by credit card, then you know the server is getting the money.
Q: Do you arrange travel insurance?
A: No. This is very easily arranged these days via online sites. Do make sure you have enough cover for all eventualities.
Q: What happens if I am taken ill?
A: Emergency treatment is free to all, so if you have an accident or are taken seriously ill and end up in an A&E department (Accident and Emergency) then you will not have to pay. However as soon as you are admitted for further treatment you will start to incur charges if your home country does not have a reciprocal agreement. Countries in the European Union, Australia and New Zealand have reciprocal agreements.
If you are worried about your health (such as chest pains – not a cold!) then take yourself to the closest hospital with an A&E. They are obliged to see you. For minor ailments a chemist can often advise.
Q: How do I call the emergency services?
A: The emergency number for fire, ambulance and police is 999 or 112. Only ring in an absolute emergency. (By the way, in the example above severe chest pains do count as an emergency.)
Q: Will my cell/mobile work in the UK?
A: If you are not from the USA then the answer is probably ‘yes’ but do check with your supplier. They may need to turn on international roaming. If you are coming from the USA it is more doubtful. Many people invest in a ‘pay as you go’ phone when they arrive in Britain. You can just buy a SIM card and fit it into your phone but this doesn’t always work. We recommend that you use the Vodaphone network as in our experience they have the best coverage across the UK.
Q: Will I have access to the Internet?
A: Internet access is very widely available these days. Even many B&Bs have Wifi, or if not then there are internet cafes or hotspots in hotels and other public places.
Q: Will my electrical equipment work in the UK?
A: The electricity supply in the UK is 240 volts. This is higher than in most of the rest of the world. You will probably need an adapter which you can purchase at most international airports.
