Do and not do on a trip to England

England is a wonderful country to pay a visit. Tourists to England should keep their mind free of how they behave in their country and know about conventional manners, etiquettes, rules and regulation in England that they should follow when in England.

First of all, tourists to England must be polite in every engagement with the host nation. The British are a very friendly nation, but they are also much reserved as well. So tourist should keep in mind, at least, and be regularly conscious of their practice of etiquettes, and manners when they are on a trip to England.

For example, in the capital of London, England citizens avoid eye contact with other passengers in public transport services. Before trying to start conversations, outsiders must consider if it is necessary to talk with a local passenger.

Summer fills up every lodge in England. Therefore, tourists must book their lodgings well advanced. Reservations for accommodation must be made at least in December for the summer.

Bed and Breakfast (B&B) lodgings do not have sufficient service staff. Therefore, tourists must bear with them if they want to stay in such places. At most B&B places, only two people are available for service. They may be the owner of a couple of places. So rather than demanding, it is better to request and be patient with their delay in service.

In England, tourists cannot expect the first floor on the ground level, but the ground floor. So in the actual term, the first floor is the second one. On foot and by buses are the most convenient transport methods in London and most of the major cities in England. Tube is useful if a traveller needs to go a long distance towards the north of London

Tourists are expected to show their gratitude and politeness at every occasion. When they visit a church, they ought to donate a generous offer when leaving such places. In England, credit cards, debit cards, etc., are not accepted so easily, especially in the small business areas. It is better to carry travellers’ cheques in Sterling Pounds. Converting American dollars into Sterling Pounds will be somewhat costly in England.

Offering a tip to waiters in cafes and restaurants is customary in England. But if any place adds a service charge, giving a tip is unnecessary. At salons, in taxies, at hotel services such as carrying baggage, offering a tip to the relevant service attendant is an expected feature.

Drinking tea is traditional in England. When a host brings a teapot, a visitor to the place does not pour tea at once. It is customary to leave the teapot for a couple of minutes before pouring the tea. The visitor can add milk to tea before or after serving tea to him or her.

When eating, visitors ought not to ask for more unless the host asks to offer more. But offering more is customary in English households. Whenever a tourist has to face such an occasion they can say “yes please,’ ‘a little bit, please, or say ‘thank you, but I am full. When visiting houses, taking a gift for the host is also customary in England.

When in a queue, standing in order is a must in England. Pushing in and overtaking others when in a line is rude. When entering a place, taking your hats off is also expected in England. Wearing hats in sacred places like churches is extremely impolite. Saying ‘excuse me’ and ‘Thank you’ is also expected.

Covering your mouth with a hand when yawning and coughing is another expected practice in public places. Shaking the right hand is customary in England at a meeting. When driving, it is usual to drive on the left side of the road. Opening doors for others is also a polite concern. In England, greeting people with a kiss is not regarded as polite. Asking ladies their age is also impolite. Spitting, touching noses, burping in public are also impolite.