Visiting the UK? 10 Absolute Don'ts for Tourists

Do your homework before setting off, so that you're not a fish out of the water. 

Greetings, globetrotters! Welcome to the land of tea, rainy days, and British humour - the United Kingdom! As you embark on your wee British adventure, it's essential to avoid some absolute don'ts to navigate the cultural waters like a seasoned local. Hold on to your brollies, and let's dive into some of our tips!

1. Is the UK an island? Well, use your words wisely.
One topic that might stir up a hot debate between you and a local is referring to the UK as just an "island." While it's technically correct, the British take great pride in their individual countries – England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland – and their rich histories. So, avoid referring to the UK as a mere island, hence acknowledging the distinct identities and diverse tapestry of the United Kingdom.

2. Mind the Queue!
Ah, the British queue - a sacred ritual! Avoid skipping lines or cutting in front of patient queuers. Respect the order, and you'll earn the admiration of the British queuing gods.

3. Watch Your Volume:
Avoid being the 'loud tourist' stereotype by keeping your voice down. Loud conversations might raise eyebrows and disturb the peace of the Brits as they're going about their day. 

4. Tea Time Traditions:
When invited for tea, remember: it's not just about the beverage.  Making and drinking tea is more of a tradition and an everyday ritual whose etiquette should be respected. Make sure that you educate yourself about the tea etiquette. 

Here are some examples: 

• Don't slurp or blow on your tea: It's best to sip your tea silently without any excessive noise. Avoid slurping or blowing on the surface of the tea to cool it down. Patience is a virtue!
• Don't dunk your entire biscuit: While dunking biscuits in tea can be a delightful (and yummy) experience, avoid dunking the entire biscuit. Only dip a portion of it to prevent any mishaps of it falling into your tea. 
• Don't add milk first: In the UK, the traditional practice is to pour tea into the cup first and then add milk if desired. Pouring milk before the tea is considered a breach of tea etiquette. Remember, tea first, milk second. 

5. 'Chips' vs. 'Crisps':
Beware of the great chip confusion! In the UK, 'chips' are what you call 'French fries' in American English, and 'crisps' are the kind of crispy 'potato chips' that can accompany a bowl of popcorn on a movie night.  

6. Personal Space Matters:
When engaging in small talk, a little space goes a long way. British politeness treasures personal boundaries, so avoid hugging or standing too close to new acquaintances.

7. Keep Left and Carry On:
Navigating escalators can be an adventure! Stand on the right, walk on the left. You'll blend in like a pro as you zip past others in a queue (on the left, of course).

8. The "V" Sign with the Palm Facing Inward:
While the "V" sign with the palm facing outward (the peace sign) is generally harmless, doing it with the palm facing inward is offensive in the UK. It's best to stick to the more universally recognized peace sign when expressing positivity.

To satisfy your curiosity, the origins of this offensive gesture trace back to medieval times, where archers during the Hundred Years' War taunted the French with this gesture, showing they still had their fingers intact and could draw their bows. Over the years, the meaning evolved into a more offensive gesture used to express contempt or defiance towards others.

9. Pardon, Not 'What?'
Should you miss something someone says, avoid responding with a loud "WHAT?" Instead, opt for the classic "Pardon?" or "Sorry, could you repeat that, please?" - a simple way to stay polite and refined.

10. Minimize "Cheerio" Usage:
While "cheerio" sounds charming in movies, it's not a phrase commonly used in everyday conversation. Save it for special occasions and go for "cheers" or "ta" (meaning "thank you") instead to blend in seamlessly.
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At our online English language school, we encourage you to embrace cultural awareness and learn the language like a boss.

So, pack your bags, open your mind, and get ready for a jolly good time in the enchanting world of the United Kingdom!

Happy travels everyone!

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Have you ever visited the UK? Can you share a couple of additional handy tips for our readers?

Or have you got any questions regarding travelling to the United Kingdom? Leave a comment down below.