Its’s that time of the year again. It’s vacation time, and this time around, you’ve decided to make your way to the UK. World Cup or not, traveling to this country has been on your bucket list for long now! Whether it’s the hustle bustle of London you look forward to, or the calming countryside of Wales and Scotland, UK is home to a range of experiences suited for all travelers alike. However, it doesn’t matter what kind of traveler you are, we’re here to guide you through seven of the most basic things you need to keep in mind while planning a trip to the UK.
- Mapping out an Itinerary
Because what’s a holiday without a plan? You’ve got limited number of days and you want to make sure you make the most out of it. From online forums to multiple blogs and websites, go through it all and compile a list of things you’d want to do during your time there. The cities you want to visit. The time it’ll take to get to from one place to another. The number of days you want to chalk out for each place. Everything. Make notes. Lists and map out a rough plan you can somewhat follow and base all your hotel and travel bookings on.Tip: If you’re traveling with friends or family, use a shared google doc to compile all your findings and plans together 😊 - Bookings, bookings and more bookings!
How are you going to get there? Where are you going to stay and where all do you want to stay? It goes without saying that this is probably one of the important bits of your holiday. A lot depends on it! Not only to strengthen your visa application, but your entire time in the UK. From hotels, Airbnbs to your international flights and local inbound travels. It’s always better to make your bookings in advance. This not only helps you get great deals, but also helps you in applying and getting your visa approved soon. Also don’t forget to India Driving Guide.Tip: Always make sure you book cancellable, refundable bookings, just in case something goes wrong or there’s a change in plans, you never know! - UK Visa For Indian Citizens
The one thing that will actually convert your dreams to reality…the visa! How else are you going to even get into the country in the first place? Contrary to what you may think, getting a UK visa for Indians isn’t all that hard. All you need to make sure is, that you have enough pages in your passport, enough funds to show you can manage your time there and lastly, visa photographs 😊 Apart from that, you need to fill in the online application form, pay for the processing fee, and book your appointment for the interview 😊. Post the interview and approval stamp, you’re all set to go!Tip: It usually takes up to 2 weeks to get a UK visa. But, it’s always better to be early and instead apply for the same 3-4 weeks from your planned date of departure. - A Travel Insurance for UK
Although not compulsory for Indians traveling to the UK, it’s highly recommended that you do get a travel insurance for UK. You never know when you may need it, and the last thing you want is spend money on unplanned situations! The best part is, it doesn’t cost much at all. In fact, the digital insurance company, Digit Insurance offers one of the cheapest and most useful travel insurance, for less than Rs 500! The same covers aspects such as delayed flights, loss of baggage or passport, medical emergencies, and even adventure sports amongst others. You know what they say, it’s always better to be safe than sorry! 😊Tip: Go for a travel insurance that’s easy to use and is efficient with claims. Today, you have multiple online travel insurances available that generally make the process a lot easier. Compare different insurers through independent insurance websites or aggregators and pick the one that suits you 😊 - Packing!
Some of us love it and some absolutely hate it! But we can’t escape it! Before you start packing, look at the forecasts for the dates you’re traveling to and plan your clothes and accessories accordingly. Moreover, it’s the UK and the rains are super unpredictable there! So, make sure you pack a handy raincoat and umbrella along 😊 Apart from clothes, you may want to carry some emergency medications, just in case!Tip: Always carry an extra pair of clothes and footwear. You never know when you might need it. - Apps, maps and other tools to get you around
It’s a new country and you’re bound to be lost and confused out there. At least for the first few days. The best thing to do is, get a hang of some local apps such as UK’s top CityMapper and SkyScanner Train. Most importantly, download google maps of places you know you’re going to. This way, you’ll never be lost and whether you have internet or not, your maps will always make way for you!Tip: Save routes you know you’ll be using (such as from your hotel to the subway, from the subway to a famous monument, etc) on your google maps and label them beforehand.
Your Presence of Mind! 😊
Of course, travel is meant to rejuvenate and refresh you. It’s an experience you want to get lost in. Away from your life’s many responsibilities. However, many popular cities in the UK such as London, Manchester and Leeds are prone to petty scams like pickpockets, tour scams, etc. Therefore, even when you’re lost in your beautiful travel experiences, make sure you have a strong presence of mind, without compromising on your fun-filled experience 😊
Tip: Don’t carry valuables when you’re out roaming about in popular parts of the city, especially in London.
