The temptation to adopt a British accent is strong. Some can't help but put on a cockney accent based on what they've heard on TV or in the movies. But many Britons don't take it lightly when someone makes fun of the way they speak.
ADVERTISEMENT
Graham Dean / Flickr
Even if your Harry Potter accent is perfect, people in the UK don't find it funny when you make fun of the locals' way of speaking. Be realistic and stop pretending you have a British accent.
ADVERTISEMENT
Not many know that there are actually four countries within the UK. In fact, many people mistakenly assume that England and the UK are the same thing. The United Kingdom actually comprises Scotland, England, Northern Ireland, and Wales.
ADVERTISEMENT
Graham Dean / Flickr
Knowing these details is important if you are in the UK. The worst thing that can happen is to refer to the UK as if it were all England. This couldn't be further from the truth. Therefore, make sure you know the geographical data well!
ADVERTISEMENT
Tourists come to the UK with varying degrees of familiarity with English royalty. The Queen and her family are world cultural figures. But many outside the UK believe that all Britons must have at least known the Queen personally. Of course, commoners do not personally know the Queen and her family.
ADVERTISEMENT
Max Mumby / Indigo / Getty Images
Therefore, asking a local if he is a friend of his royal highness is a big mistake. Doing so will only make you look ignorant, so avoid this mistake at all costs.
ADVERTISEMENT
UK tourists need a long time to get used to driving on the wrong side of the road. But the British believe that they have always driven on the right side of the road.
ADVERTISEMENT
Chris Mansfield / Getty Images
The position of the steering wheel is equally "wrong", according to the Americans. Of course, the British believe that the Americans are the ones driving on the wrong side of the road. Which country is right? In our opinion, everything is relative.
ADVERTISEMENT
Many details of the American and British way of life can be confusing. As for food, both countries usually have two different names for the same type of food. If, for example, you feel the need to dip a spongy meal into the juices left on the plate, never make the mistake of ordering a biscuit in the UK.
ADVERTISEMENT
HBO
If you do, expect to get something Cookie Monster usually eats, because you'll be handed what Americans consider a cookie. If you want a biscuit, the closest thing in the UK is a scone, but the locals never dip these delicacies in gravy. Find out what you eat. Your stomach will thank you.
ADVERTISEMENT
It is always better to pack your clothes according to the weather. Contrary to popular belief, it is not always rainy or cloudy in the UK. Don't expect to always have an umbrella with you (but make sure you have one handy).
ADVERTISEMENT
Fran Taylor / Flickr
Be sure to pack for different types of weather, because England has five different air masses. At one point, the weather can be tropical. The next minute, it can freeze. Have your clothes ready for different situations.
ADVERTISEMENT
The English are famous for being polite and having many rules of etiquette. They are rarely rude to others (and usually only after several pints of beer). The culture of politeness is so widespread that the locals themselves joke with it. Many don't have the courage to complain to a manager.
ADVERTISEMENT
Mark Large - Pool / Getty Images
Therefore, tourists are expected to behave in the same way. If you're feeling grumpy, be sure to respond positively if asked how your day was.
ADVERTISEMENT
Try not to let your hunger make you hungry, especially if you are in the UK. British dining etiquette dictates that waving or snapping your fingers to summon the waiter is prohibited.
ADVERTISEMENT
WikiHow
Although the gesture might be fine in other European countries, the British consider this type of behavior rude. If you don't want to end up with something unmentionable in your food, avoid making this gesture as if your life depended on it. Instead, practice patience.
ADVERTISEMENT
Actually, the British are used to both the imperial and metric systems. He tries not to be intimidated when he sees "miles" when he drives. Most pubs also use pints. In fact, this measurement system was created in the United Kingdom.
ADVERTISEMENT
better than bullets
The problem for Americans is that the country also uses the metric system. So get ready for the liters, meters and kilometers. Also, keep in mind that if you look at their "imperial pint" measurement, it's much larger than the pints served in the United States.
ADVERTISEMENT
Americans - especially those who live in big cities like New York - take it to heart when they're told not to talk to strangers. This applies especially when traveling on public transport, such as buses or the subway.
ADVERTISEMENT
Pau Casals / Unsplash
The same is true when traveling in the UK. The normal thing in Britain is to avoid talking to people you don't know. It's not about being rude, it's just not practiced and is actually considered taboo.
