Tips for the Thrifty Traveler to Britain

Great Britain. The name conjures up visions of castles and queens, teatime and crumpets, green hills and stone villages. It’s all that and more. A visit to Britain is a wonderful adventure for the American traveler, and a good introduction to travel abroad -- and there are ways for the thrifty traveler to save money. The fact that Britain's language is basically the same, and their customs civilized and similar to ours is a definite comfort to the first time international traveler.

Even though Great Britain is granddaddy to our own America and there are apparent similarities, the country is more "foreign" than immediately meets the eye. But then, isn’t that what traveling abroad is all about. After all, if you want everything to be familiar, why go to another country? When traveling to other countries, embrace the different, and delight in the foreignness of what you see, eat, hear and smell. But, as you enjoy these new experiences, use common sense and discretion. Just as "different" can be delightful, "unfamiliar" could also be uncomfortable.

Here are some tips from a first-time, thrift-minded traveler to Britain who likes to make dollars and pounds go the extra mile:

1. LODGING:
Bed and Breakfast establishments are great, adding richness and flavor to your travel experience, and helping the pounds stay in your pocket. In many villages in Britain, a B & B is the only show in town. There are few motels in Britain and usually only larger towns offer hotels. When traveling in-season or even mid-season, reservations are strongly recommended.

Many guidebooks are available with lists of B & Bs, along with description and price of the lodging. Although bookstores offer dozens of such books, the local public library can usually supply you with several useful volumes for free, and the internet has numerous helpful sites.

Once your itinerary is set and your route established, call or email the desired B & B for a reservation. Specify whether you require a bath with a toilet, and the method of payment. Many B & Bs require cash, but most do not need a deposit to hold your room. Reservations should be made at least two months in advance (earlier for a summer trip).

Most rooms provide an electric teapot with everything you need for a nice cup of tea or coffee. Most also provide a hair dryer. An adapter would be needed if you planned to use your own electrical appliances since Britain uses a different electrical current.

Many B & Bs and small hotels do not provide washcloths. If needed, take several old or inexpensive washcloths on your trip and dispose of them each night, or if you don't mind dampness, store your cloth in a zippered plastic bag. In a pinch -- an alternative is to use the corner of the guest towel as a washcloth.

2. MEALS:
Fast food restaurants are not on every corner in Great Britain. In fact, fast food, and what we consider ordinary restaurants are usually found only in larger cities. The place to eat in Britain can be described in one word: tavern.

The old song, "There is a tavern in the town," is true in Britain. Every town has a tavern and the food is usually good and inexpensive. Whether you are a teetotaler or like a glass of brew with your meal, a tavern is the place to go for the evening meal in Britain. Fish and chips or Shepherd's pie, with a big glass of lemonade cost around 9 pounds, the equivalent of about $15 U.S., depending on the rate of exchange. In comparison, a moderate meal in a London restaurant runs between 25 to 45 pounds.

A full English breakfast is included in almost every room in which you stay. Take full advantage of the expansive menu. After a morning meal of sausage, bacon, eggs, toast and jelly, baked tomatoes and mushrooms, cereal, fruit, juice and tea, a mere snack is all you’ll need for lunch.

Lunch could consist of fruit and bread or ready-made sandwiches. Ready-made sandwiches can be found in refrigerated cases at convenience stores, grocery stores, and some tourist attractions. Although butter is used instead of mayonnaise, and thick slices of bacon-like ham instead of thin deli-slices, the sandwiches are tasty and inexpensive. Since many small villages have no stores, plan ahead. Grocery store prices are cheapest at about 2 pounds per sandwich. Such meals save time and money.

3. MONEY TIP:
Use the ATM machines at the British airport for your initial money needs. There is no need to buy either pounds or traveler's checks from your bank before you leave America (unless traveler's checks give you that extra feeling of security). Traveler's checks are not as easily accepted in Britain, and unless you can find the specific bank that issued your checks, there is a fee for cashing them. There are, however, ATM machines almost everywhere except small villages. A small fee is charged for each transaction, so plan your withdrawals accordingly.

Be sure you have sufficient money in your account at home to cover your expenses in Britain, and be sure you have a valid ATM card. Major credit cards are accepted in most large towns, but many smaller establishments only accept cash.

Also, it is wise to wear a money belt to keep not only most of your cash (just keep a small amount in your wallet), but also your passport, and credit card.

And finally, once you have flown across the pond and arrived in merry ole England, relax and have a jolly good time. It’s a terrific vacation destination.