Five Tips for Aussies Travelling to the UK
With borders opening up and the world joining together once more, Aussies young and old are lining up to see old Blighty once again. The United Kingdom is a top destination for Aussie backpackers, holiday makers, and working holiday young ones alike – but it’s essential to keep safe, know what you’re doing, and most importantly, have a great time while you’re there.
Here are five tips for travelling to the UK – with some tips that will surprise you!
1. Get a BritRail Pass
A BritRail pass is essentially your ticket to ride everywhere in England and across the United Kingdom (although the latter will incur additional fees.) This gives you access to the entire British rail network, depending on what level of BritRail pass you choose. Other passes give you access to England, Scotland, London, the Southwest, and other pre-defined areas. You are able to buy passes that are flexible or consecutive, so it can suit your travel plans.
2. Don’t look like a tourist
In the old days, looking like a tourist was like sticking out like the dog’s proverbial – maps splayed out in front of you while wearing novelty Welsh Guard hats and baggage tags still attached to your backpack. Make sure your bags don’t have baggage tags for one; eat where locals eat; use public transport as much as possible; and never, EVER flash your cash or expensive devices around. Thieves and scammers are everywhere and will target tourists to make a quick buck.
3. Get travel insurance
Though Australia and the UK have reciprocal medical care agreements, you wouldn’t want to rely on it in a pinch. You should compare Australian travel insurance options before you leave for the UK, especially since travel insurance can cover lost baggage or personal items, such as expensive laptops or cameras. If you’re planning to work in the UK, you can also find travel insurance that caters for that option too.
4. Make the most of freebies
There are so many free museums – the British Museum, Tate Modern, the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh – you’ll never be at a loss for something to do without parting with your hard-earned quid. For the more outdoor types, National Parks with their stunning views of mountains, dales, and seasides are also a fun and free option (as long as you don’t get taken in by attractions and shops.) The Peak District, Lake District, Dartmoor, and Loch Lomond in Scotland are all popular destinations for tourists and hikers alike.
5. Always do your research
That means knowing the lay of the land before you even step foot off the jumbo at Heathrow. Read reviews of accommodation, memorise emergency numbers, know where your nearest High Commission is, register your travel plans with SmartTraveller, and be aware of all the latest tourist scams and traps (they’re getting more sophisticated by the day!) Make friends with the locals at your hotel or backpackers – they can often tell you what places you should avoid as a tourist.
