Handy travel guides include "Frommer's England," "The Rough Guide to England" and "Lonely Planet: England." You can find titles like these in the travel section of most bookstores. As well as giving you ideas for places to see, they contain valuable information you may need in an emergency.
In England, dial 999 for emergency services, including police, fire, ambulance and coast guard. Phone 020-7499-9000 within England to contact the American Embassy in London. They exist to help and promote the concerns of U.S. citizens in the United Kingdom. Phone 118-500, 118-888 or 118-118 for directory enquiries, to find numbers and addresses of restaurants, taxi cabs, hotels and more. Storing these numbers in advance in your cell phone can make your trip much less stressful.
Car rental is the best option for exploring the villages and byways of England. Booking in advance through your airline or travel provider gets you the best deals. Always ask the rental company about insurance requirements, as failure to comply with the law can end up costing you money. Learn the rules of the road from the Highway Code -- and remember that people in England drive on the left side of the road.
English brands and English-made products cost more when exported, so take advantage of your stay by looking for bargains to take home. English fashion brands include Doc Marten and Burberry.
Most major towns, cities and tourist areas have well-marked tourist information offices, often located near transport hubs, such as train and bus stations. Enquire within for literature about local visitor attractions. Speak to an advisor about deals and admission passes, as organizations such as English Heritage and National Trust offer tickets that give admission to several attractions in a single area.
If you know which major destinations you plan to travel to and when, book transport in advance. Rail is the quickest and most convenient way to cover large distances in England, and booking early can save a lot of money. The National Rail website has tools for finding the cheapest fares.
Expenses can add up beyond expectations as the days go by. In busy cities such as London, walk a few blocks away from the busiest streets when looking for places to eat. Away from the crowds of tourists, you'll find cheaper restaurants, cafes and shops, and get more of the flavor of local life.
Americans love England for its history, which goes back many centuries. A visit to England provides a chance to see buildings more than a few hundred years old. Must-see historical locations include the city of York, in the north of England; Stonehenge, a two-hour ride from London; the ruins of Tintagel Castle in Cornwall; the picturesque villages of the Cotswolds; Stratford-upon-Avon, the home of William Shakespeare; and, of course, the capital itself.
