1. Know the difference between people who are English, Scottish, Irish and Welsh. Although all four demographics are commonly mistaken as being all “English”, it is important to remember that each country is different to the other; with separate cultures, history and people. Make sure you know the difference to avoid offending people!

2. Tipping is voluntary. Although not expected, UK citizens will occasionally tip for exceptional service, especially in restaurants or private transport services. (Usually 10-15% of the total amount) Many places now include a “service charge” as a compulsory payment in the bill, so remember to always check the receipt before tipping.

3. Prepare for all different types of weather conditions. UK weather is notoriously unpredictable, so bring an umbrella wherever you go and prepare for a sudden light shower at any given point.

4. Explore rural regions of the country as well as the metropolitan ones. As a tourist, it’s easy to get caught into the trap of only seeing the great cities of London, Glasgow or Birmingham while neglecting the serenity of the British countryside. Rent a car and explore some of the smaller towns, which can offer an incredibly more unique and enriching experience.

5. If you’re planning to stay in London for a few days, consider getting an Oyster card. It acts as a smartcard with preloaded credits in it. Not only is there the fare cheaper than regular tickets, but it also saves you time and peace of mind for all your public transportation around London!