TRAVEL TIPS

(DO & DO NOT)'s

DOs

DO NOTs

• As telephone rates can be high,  we recommend that these are checked and compared with BT charges. (Unless absolutely necessary, please do not request us to check rates prior or after the reservations)
• Check with reception/management, or other, if free tolls calls are acceptable.
• Check whether telephone cards are acceptable.
• If using laptop computers, for Aparthotels, check the hourly rate.
• Check and pay the final bill on departure.

Insurance and Medical:

• Ensure to have adequate travel insurance to cover all medical and personal belongings.

Weather:

• As the UK has such variable weather all the year round, for clothing, ensure to check the season forecast. Do have some warm clothes whatever time of year visiting the UK. Usually June - July - August are warm months but do not take our word for it.

Remember:

• UK cars drive on the left and not on the right side of the road. We have to be different to most of the rest of the world. Make sure all members of the family are aware of which side of the road/pavement from which they are to cross. If  you can, do some practice at home. (Look left, right and left again - listen to car noise and cross when absolutely safe- do not even attempt to cross the road from behind or from the front of parked cars - use pedestrian crossing whenever possible. - PLEASE)

Tipping:

• Taxis : 10 % (not compulsory)
• Restaurants : 10 - 15 % (not compulsory, unless stated)
• Bars / Pubs : 10 % (not compulsory)
• Doorman / Porters : Discretionary ; say One to Five Pounds

Unlike in the U.S.A., tipping is not appropriate in most circumstances unless the service was good and you want to show your appreciation. Do not feel pressurized.

Central London congestion charging:
http://www.cclondon.com/
The London scheme requires drivers to pay £5 per day if they wish to continue driving in central London during the scheme‘s hours of operation. You can pay the congestion charge either in advance or on the day of travel before, during or after their journey. The charge is £5 if you pay by 10.00pm on the day of travel. An additional £5 surcharge will apply if you pay from 10.00pm until midnight on the day of travel. This is to encourage early payment  At midnight, images of all of the vehicles that have been in the congestion charging zone are checked against the vehicle registration numbers of vehicles which have paid their congestion charge for that day. The computer keeps the registration numbers of vehicles that should have paid but not done so. A Penalty Charge Notice will be issued to the registered keeper of the vehicle This was the Mayor included proposals for a scheme to reduce congestion in his election manifesto, along with other key proposals for a properly integrated transport system for London. 

• Do not overstay after the the departure time as this may result in the management charging an extra night. If such instructions are not available at the apartment, check the time of when to vacate the accommodation. If you have to stay longer, please obtain the approval from reception or management.
• Do not leave the accommodation in a mess as this may result to extra cleaning charges.
• Do not expect the washing up to be done by the housekeeper.
• Do not exceed the number of persons allowed in the apartment/accommodation. This may be against fire regulations and may result in the management refusing you access or charging extra.

Expectations:

• Air conditioning is not necessary and found only in rare instances. Heating is a prerequisite, which can take many forms including gas central, electric central, gas fires, electric storage, coal and oil.

Transport:

• Unless you know or are aware that transport has been arranged, do not accept calls from unlicensed cab drivers. Take only black licensed cabs for any type of private transport. Such sinister persons are usually found in main line railway stations such as Victoria, Paddington, etc.
• If ordering a mini cab driver from your accommodation, prior to booking, you should ensure that the driver or the cab company is covered by insurance and must always check the fare.

Pick Pockets:

• Do Not carry wallets in back pockets. Avoid carrying a lot of cash. We recommend well sealed bags especially on public transport and in crowded places of interest.

Electricity - is different in the UK. Some electrical appliances require transformers to operate. Other some appliances fitted with a motor (e.g. clocks, blenders, record turntables) may still not operate correctly, even with a transformer

Weapons - You are strongly urged to leave your weapons behind. Some types are prohibited, and others are restricted. Ask your HHG counselor

Pets - Bringing animals to Britain can be costly and time consuming. Before arranging to ship your faithful, furry family friend, consider the hassles of bringing pets into the UK.

• British people are generally polite and reserved, and often not as willing to speak their minds as Americans. It may take time to get to know them.
• Britons speak British English. Words are often spelled differently, e.g., "color" becomes "colour", "tires" are "tyres".
• In the car, drive on the left. At roundabouts (traffic circles), give way to traffic approaching from the right. On motorways (highways), you must only overtake vehicles on their right hand side. Car use in downtown London can be nerve-racking at first as other motorists' driving can be somewhat aggressive.
• English food is diverse and regional. Dishes you may like to try include fish & chips, pie & mash, Cornish pasties, "toad in the hole" and roast beef. Drinks include hot tea with milk, cider, Scotch whisky and flat beer at room temperature (called bitter).
• The British are very fond of sports. The national game is football (soccer), but cricket, tennis, snooker, rugby and golf are also very popular.

We all at HSA thank you for using our services and wish you a safe journey and a very pleasant stay.