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United Kingdom

Travel Advisory July 26, 2023

United kingdom - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution in the United Kingdom due to terrorism.

Country Summary:  Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in the United Kingdom. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.

There is also a risk of isolated violence by dissident groups in Northern Ireland, focused primarily on police and military targets.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to the United Kingdom.

If you decide to travel to the United Kingdom:

• Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues.
• Follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and Twitter.com/Travelgov
• Review the  Country Security Report  for the United Kingdom.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel and return to the United States.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Must be valid for the duration of your stay in the United Kingdom   (If you have onward travel to countries outside the United Kingdom, you should check the passport validity requirements for each additional country on their respective information pages.)

Must have at least one page

Not required for stays less than six months.

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy london.

33 Nine Elms Lane London, SW11 7US United Kingdom Telephone: +(44)(20) 7499-9000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(44)(20) 7499-9000 Fax: +(44) (20) 7891-3845 Email:   [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Edinburgh, Scotland 3 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BW Scotland Telephone: 013-1556-8315 / from the United States: 011 (44)(13) 1556-8315 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  020-7499-9000 / from the United States: 011 (44)(20) 7499-9000 Fax: 0131-557-6023 /from the United States: 011 (44) 131-557-6023 Email:   [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Belfast, Northern Ireland Danesfort House, 223 Stranmillis Road, Belfast BT9 5GR Northern Ireland, United Kingdom Telephone: 028-9038-6100 / from the United States: 011 (44)(28) 9038-6100 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: 01253-501106 / from the United States: 011 (44) 1253-501106 Fax: 028-9068-1301 / from the United States: 011 (44)(28) 9068-1301 Email: [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

• To enter the United Kingdom, your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your planned stay.
• Starting June 2019, U.S. passport holders will be able to use the ePassport Gates upon arrival in the United Kingdom. U.S. citizens who had previously registered for the UK’s Registered Traveller Service (RTS) should now also use the ePassport Gates on arrival in the UK.
• If you are planning onward travel after departing the UK, note that many other countries require at least six months’ remaining validity on your passport to enter. If you are bound for Continental Europe, please see our  U.S. travelers in Europe page for additional details.
• Visas for specific categories of visitors must be obtained prior to travel. Visit the  UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website to determine if you need a visa to enter the United Kingdom. We cannot intervene on your behalf when you apply for a UK visa, nor can we advocate for your admission into the UK if you are denied entry.
• Students and prospective students should visit the  UKVI website  to determine if they need a visa.
• For some U.S. travelers, especially students, an entry stamp is required.  Please consult this website  for more information.
• Unpaid and paid workers, interns, volunteers, charity workers, and temporary workers can find information about obtaining a visa on the  UKVI website .
• Visitors traveling to the United Kingdom to get married, even if they do not plan to reside there, must obtain a visa in advance. See the  UKVI website  for visa information.
• Surcharges apply to certain categories of visas, generally those involving work, study, or residency for more than six months. More information is available on the  UKVI website  and in our Health section below.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of the United Kingdom.

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction  and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

Terrorist groups continue plotting possible near-term attacks in Europe. The UK Security Service publishes specific reasons for any changes in the threat level and recommended actions for the public via its  UK threat levels website .

There is the potential for  isolated violence  related to the political situation in Northern Ireland. The Police Service of Northern Ireland assesses there is a continued threat of violence from dissident groups in Northern Ireland, focused primarily on police and military targets, and may involve the use of  firearms  and  explosives . Tensions may be heightened during the summer marching season (April to August), particularly on and around the July 12 public holiday.

Avoid areas of demonstrations  if possible, and be careful within the vicinity of demonstrations. Demonstrations occur frequently in and around city centers and areas where tourists frequent. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate to violence.

The phone number for  police/fire/ambulance emergency services  is  999  in the United Kingdom and  112  in Gibraltar. You should also use these numbers to report security threats or suspicious packages. Also see information for  contacting police from abroad .

• Be cautious and aware of your surroundings.
• Be vigilant, as  pickpocketing ,  mugging,  and “snatch and grab” theft of mobile phones, watches and jewelry can occur.
• Do not leave bags unattended in restaurants, pubs, hotel lobbies, and parked cars.
• Be alert to other criminal schemes, such as  impostors  posing as undercover police officers and “fining” tourists for bogus minor offenses. A legitimate Metropolitan Police Services officer will never demand an immediate cash payment.
• Use only licensed Black Cabs or pre-ordered car services (minicabs) . Unlicensed taxis or private cars posing as taxis may offer low fares, but in some instances, travelers have been  robbed  or  sexually assaulted  while using these cars. See Transport for London for additional information on cabs and car services .
• Avoid using ATMs that look temporary in structure or location  or are located in isolated areas – they may not be legitimate. Use ATMs located inside a bank branch.

Scams : Before sending any money to individuals you have never met in person, visit the  Embassy London website  for more information about  internet financial scams  and how to protect yourself.

See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information on scams.

Victims of Crime : Report crimes to the local police at 999 (United Kingdom) or 112 (Gibraltar) and contact the U.S. Embassy at +(44) (20) 7499-9000.

• Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• help you find appropriate medical care
• assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• provide a list of local attorneys
• provide our information on  victim compensation programs in the United States
• The Victim Support website  is maintained by an independent UK charity to help people cope with the effects of crime
• A Northern Ireland-based independent charity maintains a similar  victim support website
• In Scotland, victims of crime should contact  Victim Support Scotland
• provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support if you are destitute
• help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance . 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. 

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

• You will be arrested if you bring pocket knives, blades, mace or pepper spray canisters, or any part of a gun into the United Kingdom . Please refer to the UK government publication  Travelling to the UK , which details the items visitors are prohibited from bringing into the United Kingdom.
• Penalties against  alcohol-related  and other  in-flight  crimes committed aboard aircraft to and from the United Kingdom are stiff and are enforced with  prison sentences . Please also see  our information on U.S. customs regulations  covering your return to the United States.
• Controlled Substances: UK law prohibits possession and trafficking of controlled substances and narcotics, including some substances that may be legal to possess under the law of certain U.S. states. More information on controlled substances is available here . Individuals who violate UK drug laws may face penalties including fines or prison sentences.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained in the United Kingdom, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

Special Circumstances:

• The legal drinking age in the United Kingdom is 18. Parents and organizers of school trips should read our  Students Abroad website  to help plan a safe and enjoyable experience.
• Scotland’s “drink drive limit” law was amended to a lower level (roughly .05 BAC) and is stricter than the rest of the United Kingdom (roughly .08 BAC). This means that  driving after even one drink  can result in a charge of driving under the influence.
• The United Kingdom has very strict gun control laws, and importing firearms is extremely complicated.  Information on applying for a firearm and/or shotgun certificate can be found on the  London Metropolitan Police Firearms licensing webpage .  Licenses from England or Wales may not be valid in Scotland; please check with the appropriate authorities.  For firearms certificates for Scotland, please check with  Police Scotland .

Faith-Based Travelers:  See our following webpages for details:

• International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports
• Human Rights Report  – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTI Travelers:  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in the United Kingdom.

See our  LGBTI Travel Information  page and section 6 of our  Human Rights report  for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance:

• UK law requires that all public service providers (except in the transportation sector) make “reasonable adjustments” to ensure their services are available to persons with disabilities.  Nevertheless, code exemptions permit many older buildings to have steps up from the street.
• Getting around in cities may be difficult at times because sidewalks can be narrow and uneven.
• Most London Underground and UK National Rail System stations are not readily accessible for people with disabilities.  Many stations do not have elevators, and have stairways and long corridors for changing trains or exiting to the street. Many UK buses are equipped with lowering platforms for limited-mobility or sight- or hearing-disabled travelers.
• Many taxis have swivel-entry seats or retractable ramps to ease entry.
• Disabled parking permits (known as “blue badges”) are issued by local government councils throughout the country. Visit the  UK government website  for contact information. Some councils may not offer permits to temporary visitors.

The  Transport for London  and  National Rail  websites provide information for passengers with disabilities.

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for  women travelers .

While medical services are widely available,  free medical care  under the National Health System (NHS) is allowed only for UK residents, certain EU nationals, and some visa holders.

An NHS surcharge is assessed on certain visa applicants at the time of application.  Tourists and short-term visitors will not be assessed the surcharge, but will be charged 150 percent of the cost of any medical treatment they receive from the NHS. Unpaid balances of £1,000 or more can result in being barred from return to the United Kingdom.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills, and U.S. Medicare is not valid overseas.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides  coverage overseas . Most care providers overseas only accept  cash payments . See our webpage for more information on insurance coverage overseas.

• We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation.

Carry  prescription medication  in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Traveling with sufficient supplies to last the duration of your trip is recommended. Mailing prescriptions is prohibitive and may be delayed or rejected by British customs.

Certain prescriptions available in the United States are classified as a "controlled drug"  in the United Kingdom and cannot be brought into the country without applying for and obtaining a prior license. This includes prescriptions for medical marijuana or products containing CBD and THC.  Please visit the https://www.gov.uk/travelling-controlled-drugs for additional information. 

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended for international travel by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Road conditions in the United Kingdom can differ significantly from those in the United States.

• In contrast to the United States, UK traffic drives on the left.  Read the  Highway Code  before driving.
• Emergency call boxes  (orange telephone booths with “SOS” printed on them) are found at half-mile intervals along motorways. White and blue poles point in the direction of the nearest call box. Call boxes dial directly to a motorway center. Use these phones rather than a personal cell phone, because motorway center personnel will immediately know your exact location.
• Generally,  pedestrians do not have the right of way  and should not expect vehicles to stop for them.

Many U.S. citizen pedestrians are injured, some fatally, every year in the United Kingdom, because they forget that oncoming  traffic approaches from the opposite direction  than in the United States.  Exercise extra care when crossing streets; remain alert and look both ways before stepping into the street.

Traffic Laws: 

• UK penalties for driving under the influence of  alcohol  or  drugs  are strict and often  result in prison sentences .
• Using a  hand-held cell phone  or similar device while driving is  illegal  in the United Kingdom. Only hands-free phones may be used. You will be  fined , or in the case of an accident,  arrested  and serve time in  prison .
• The speed limit on highways/motorways in the United Kingdom is 70 mph, or lower when posted.
• You will be  detained  and  arrested  if you cannot provide a UK address to receive a subpoena or are about to depart the United Kingdom and have to be brought to court quickly for a motoring offense.
• In Central London, a congestion charge is levied on all drivers who pass through the congestion zone. You will be  fined  or  arrested  if you do not pay the charge. See  Transport for London  for more information about driving in London.

Public Transportation:  Public transport in the United Kingdom is extensive.

• Information on disruptions to London transportation services can be found on the  Transport for London  website.
• Information about the status of National Rail Services can be found on the  National Rail Enquiries  website.
• Bus and train service information in Northern Ireland can be found on the  Translink  website.
• Bus and train service information in Scotland can be found on the  Traveline Scotland  website.

See our  Road Safety page  for more information. For specific information concerning UK driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, and mandatory insurance, refer to the  UK Department for Transport  website or the  Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency  website.

Aviation Safety Oversight:  The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of the United Kingdom’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of United Kingdom’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to the United Kingdom should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts at  www.marad.dot.gov/msci . Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website and the NGA broadcast warnings website (select “broadcast warnings”).

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in the United Kingdom . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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Redemption of American Express ® Travelers Cheques

Travelers Cheques have been a timeless addition to the world traveler’s carry-on for over 130 years. While new Travelers Cheques are no longer issued, your Cheques remain backed by American Express and have no expiration date.

REDEEM WITH AMEX ANYTIME

NO EXPIRATION DATE

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HOW TO REDEEM

Travelers Cheques can no longer be purchased but can be redeemed in several convenient ways. Here’s how:

REDEEM WITH AMERICAN EXPRESS TRAVEL RELATED SERVICES COMPANY, INC.

REDEEM ONLINE

Quickly and securely redeem your Travelers Cheques online .

Call American Express Customer Service at 0800-587-6023 or find additional contact numbers based on your location to redeem over the phone.

DEPOSIT WITH YOUR BANK

Confirm whether your bank allows account holders to deposit Travelers Cheques. Fees may apply.

EXCHANGE FOR LOCAL CURRENCY

Travelers Cheques can be exchanged worldwide. Find exchange locations . Fees may apply.

TRAVELERS CHEQUES EXCHANGE LOCATOR

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Here are some common scenarios and what to do.

UNDERSTANDING TRAVELERS CHEQUES

Keep your Cheques secure until you’re ready to redeem.

Protect yourself in case of loss or theft by signing on the upper signature line.

Record the serial numbers and keep them in a safe place when you travel.

Keep your Cheques tucked away and hidden like you would cash.

When the time comes, sign your Cheque on the lower signature line in sight of the person accepting it.

Find documents you may need in case of claiming inherited Cheques, lost or stolen Cheques, and more.

DOCUMENTATION

Additional documents may be required based on the claim type. Typical documents include:

• Valid Photo ID (Passport, Driver's License or Government Issued ID)
• Copy of the Voided Travelers Cheque(s)
• Refund Details

UPLOAD DOCUMENTS

Once you have gathered the required documents and filled out any required documents and forms, upload here. Clear images will help expedite processing.

UNABLE TO UPLOAD?

If you’re unable to upload your completed documents, you can send hard copies directly to American Express .

INHERITED CHEQUES

How to redeem your inherited Travelers Cheques if the original owner is deceased or incapacitated.

1. OPEN A CLAIM

Call American Express Customer Service at 0800-587-6023 or find additional contact numbers based on your location to begin a claim over the phone.

2. IDENTIFY & LOCATE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

List of required documents and forms can be found here . You’ll need these to submit your claim.

3. UPLOAD REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Be sure to upload clear images for faster processing.

4. IF YOU’RE UNABLE TO UPLOAD

As an alternative to submitting online, you can also mail hard copies of your documents to American Express .

*Travelers Cheque Encashment service is provided by American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

Can I buy Travelers Cheques?

Travelers Cheques are no longer issued and so cannot be purchased. 

Where can I redeem my Travelers Cheques?

There are thousands of foreign exchange partners in countries around the world where you can exchange your American Express ® Travelers Cheques for local currency. You can find places to redeem your Travelers Cheques using " Find Exchange Locations ". It may also be possible to redeem your Travelers Cheques directly for goods and services. Check first, though, with the merchant. American Express does not approve the use of its products, or any services related to its products, in the following territories: Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk Regions of Ukraine, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, Russia and Belarus.

Can I redeem my Travelers Cheques directly with American Express?

Yes, you can redeem your Travelers Cheques directly with American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. online . Alternatively, you can call American Express Customer Service at 0800-587-6023 to register a redemption claim. You can find additional contact numbers based on your location. We may have to contact you with questions regarding your claim or to request additional information.

How do I redeem my Travelers Cheques?

You can redeem your Travelers Cheques directly with American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. Please refer the “How to Redeem” section above. Alternatively, simply present the Cheque at an eligible foreign exchange partner or merchant location. Make sure the acceptor watches while you countersign the Cheque on the lower signature line. Photo identification may be required. We strongly recommend you retain and carry your original Cheque purchase receipt with you when you travel. Commission charges may apply and can vary by country or exchange partner. Exchange limits may apply due to local regulations and exchange policies.

What happens if I sign my Travelers Cheques in the wrong place, or if my signatures don't match?

Acceptance of Travelers Cheques is based on the acceptor watching the customer sign the Cheque on the lower signature line, and then comparing that signature with the original signature on the upper signature line. The acceptor must observe the customer signing the Cheque. If the signatures are a reasonable match, the Cheque should be accepted. Photo identification may be required at the discretion of the acceptor. As always, if the acceptor is unsure, they should call an American Express ® Travelers Cheque Customer Service Center .

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Commission charges may apply and can vary by country and/or exchange partner. Before you travel, we recommend that you find the most convenient Travelers Cheque exchange locations using the Find Exchange Locations .

What happens if my Cheques are lost or stolen?

Lost or stolen Travelers Cheques may be refunded.* Please call Customer Service at 0800-587-6023 or find the additional contact numbers for your current location. Have your recorder serial numbers on hand when you call.

* Terms & Conditions and restrictions apply. Identification and proof of purchase required.

Still Need Help?

Call American Express Customer Service 24/7 at  0800-587-6023 or find additional contact numbers based on your location.

American Express stopped issuing Travelers Cheques, so they’re no longer available for purchase. Support is available by phone and the American Express website for customers to redeem valid Travelers Cheques. Travelers Cheques remain backed by American Express and have no expiration date.

Visiting the UK? Start Here

Hi & welcome to uk travel planning.

Are you heading to the UK, and wondering what you need to know before you go?

This general guide will walk you through all you need to know before taking the trip of a lifetime to the UK.

Read on to discover:

• UK entry requirements
• Packing essentials
• Public transport and driving
• Planning your itinerary
• Accommodation options
• How to save money…  

…and a whole lot more!

Facebook Group

Why not join our free Facebook group to whet your appetite for your London trip? You can connect with us and other travellers, pick up tips, and even see other members’ photos!

Also, sign up for our newsletter , which is full of information and will keep you up to date with everything related to UK travel planning!

UK Travel Planning Podcasts

If you love to don a pair of headphones while running or relaxing, why not check out the UK Travel Planning podcast ? Episodes are packed with practical tips and advice to help you make the most of your trip.

Popular pages

This UK travel site also offers a wealth of information to make your UK trip go like a dream. Some of our most popular pages are:

• Get our help
• UK itineraries
• Top UK tours
• UK train travel
• Step-by-step trip planner

Passport or ID card

Your passport will be checked when you enter the UK. It should be valid for at least the entire duration of your stay. Alternatively, some people can use an Irish passport card or a national identity card to enter the UK, if this was issued by Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, or an EU country. Do check this carefully before travelling, as conditions apply.

Whether or not you need a visa depends on your nationality. If you do, this may be an electronic travel authorisation (ETA), Find out if you need a visa or ETA here .

No passenger locator forms or COVID-19 tests apply to those entering the UK, whether you’re vaccinated or not.

Conditions of entry

When entering the UK, you may be asked to show that:

• You’re visiting as a tourist
• You can fund your whole stay and onward journey
• You have accommodation arranged
• You plan to leave the UK

Greenwich Mean Time

The UK uses Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), as set for the whole world in London. This is also known as Western European Time, or UTC.

British Summer Time

Between spring and autumn, daylight saving is used. It’s known as British Summer Time (BST, or Western European Summer Time). BST is an hour ahead of GMT, and may be written as GMT+1.

Travel insurance

Never, ever travel without an insurance policy that covers your entire trip. Also make sure that it covers everything you want to do – such as any adventure activities. 

Emergency numbers

The number for ambulances, the fire service, and the police is 999. You can also use 112, which is the pan-European emergency number.

In life-threatening situations, hospital Accident and Emergency Departments are open 24 hours a day. Ask at your hotel – or a passer-by – to find the nearest. 

If you get sick but it isn’t an emergency, it’s best to call your travel insurance provider for advice on how to proceed.

Public Transport

The main public transport options for travelling between UK destinations are trains and coaches. Trains tend to be faster and more frequent. Coach tickets can be cheap, but journeys often take a lot longer. 

In addition to trains and buses, some major cities also have electric trams, or light rail systems. You can find these in Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham, Nottingham, Sheffield, and Newcastle, as well as London. The capital also offers Thames Uber boats.

Many towns and cities have bike and electric scooter hire schemes. 

Read more about train travel in the UK

Driving in the UK

We don’t recommend driving in London, due to a shortage of parking and the Congestion Charge.

 However, hiring a car elsewhere in the UK can be a good way to get around. Read our guide to car rental in the UK.

This gives you more flexibility and freedom than any other form of transport.

Check out our driving in the UK podcast to find out more.

UK Train Travel

Travelling around the UK by train is a fun, affordable, and stress-free way to see the country. 

We have a wealth of resources for those planning to travel by rail in the UK. These include one-on-one UK train travel consultations with our resident expert, Doug Collins.

Other useful info can be found in our intro to UK train travel podcast episode, lists of insider tips, two-week train itinerary, and guides to getting from London to other destinations by train.

Visit our UK train travel page to discover it all!

There are lots of helpful apps you can use before and during your trip to the UK.

These include transport apps, ticket and tour apps, food apps, accommodation apps, and even adventure apps.  Discover the top travel and practical apps in this list of the best UK apps .

Also, we have a dedicated list of the best London apps which you can find here .

You don’t need to carry your bags around all day once you’ve checked out of your accommodation. There are lots of luggage storage places in London, and elsewhere in the UK.

You can use luggage storage companies, and find lockers and other storage facilities at museums, attractions, airports and train stations.

Check out our guide to leaving luggage in London as a starting point.

The duration of your stay, the season, where you’re going, and what you’ll be doing will largely influence your UK packing list. However, there are some essential items you shouldn’t leave home without!

Make sure you include these items in your suitcase or backpack:

• Comfortable everyday shoes
• Packable waterproof jacket
• Cross-body, theft-proof bag
• Electrical socket adapter
• Portable power bank
• Compact umbrella
• Plenty of layers
• Phone lanyard
• Sunhat and sunglasses in summer…
• …or hat, scarf, and gloves for winter

Find out more in our ultimate all-seasons UK packing list .

The UK has never used the Euro or the US dollar. UK currency is pounds sterling, denoted by the £ symbol. 

One pound consists of 100 pence (or “p”, as it’s often called). Banknotes come in £5, £10, £20, or £50 denominations, and you can get 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1, and £2 coins. 

Bank of England notes are now made from polymer. Older paper ones can be swapped at some post offices and banks in the UK. The Bank of England on Threadneedle Street in London will always exchange outdated money. 

Scottish bank notes look a little different. Technically, English banknotes aren’t legal tender in Scotland, and vice versa. But most places will accept payments in either when you’re somewhere like Edinburgh, where both are commonly used. Both are in pounds sterling, so they’re worth the same amount. 

Credit and debit cards

Debit and credit card payments are accepted across the UK. Mastercard and Visa are the most common. American Express isn’t unusual and is also accepted in many places.

In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, more and more UK businesses only accept card payments, rather than cash. It’s therefore wise to ensure you have a debit or credit card with you when travelling. Tell your bank before you go, too, so they don’t suspect fraud and block your account. 

Charges often apply to foreign currency transactions. To avoid these, we can recommend the Wise debit card. We use this to save money on such fees. 

The chip and PIN system and contactless payments are used throughout the UK. The latter is generally accepted for transactions under £100. 

Carrying at least a small amount of cash for small purchases, tips, and technical failures is always a good idea. Occasionally, some very small businesses will only accept cash. 

The UK isn’t a cheap place to travel, particularly when it comes to public transport tickets and fuel prices. 

The good news, though, is that there are always deals to be had! 

Planning ahead can really help you budget and spend less in the UK. If you’re going to the capital, the London Pass and other London tourist passes can make activities and attractions much cheaper. 

There are lots of free places to visit in the UK. Spending time at places like parks, museums, galleries, and libraries costs nothing. Many UK galleries and museums charge no entry fees. 

Why not take a look at the recommended suppliers on our Travel Deals page , to see how you could save money? 

You can of course use your smartphone in the UK. Which is good news when you want to take pictures, keep in touch with family and friends, access apps, store tickets, and so on. 

You can use international roaming via the local network, or you could buy a SIM card for your UK trip. 

Phone networks make accessing international roaming very easy, and your phone is likely to connect to the local network as soon as you switch it on after landing in the UK. This can be a costly way to use your phone, though, so it’s best to check costs before you leave home. 

Purchasing a SIM card can therefore work out much cheaper. To discover more about this, read our complete guide to SIM cards and WiFi for UK travel .

You can use public transport, taxis, private transfers, or rental cars to get to and from UK airports. If you’re heading to London, we don’t recommend driving there. It’s very busy, there’s no parking, and the congestion charge is costly. 

Most international travellers to the UK arrive at London Heathrow. Here your options include the underground to central London, and the Heathrow Express. From Heathrow or other London airports to your accommodation, the simplest and most comfortable mode of transport is a private transfer. 

The cost per person is more affordable when several people are travelling. For all private London transfers, we thoroughly recommend Riz and XFA Cars. Take a look at our London airport transfers page to find out more. 

One of the real highlights of visiting the UK is your proximity to Europe. Flights to European cities are affordable, and available from airports all over the UK. 

You can also connect to the continent by Eurostar. Trains from France will then take you anywhere in Europe you’d like to go. Ferries also take cars from the UK to various European ports. 

If you’re thinking of venturing beyond the UK, it might be worth considering a Eurail Global Pass .

In London – and to a lesser extent other UK cities such as Edinburgh – our top tip is to book as central a hotel as you can afford. This will save you money on transport, as well as time. Being based centrally is really convenient, and means you don’t waste time travelling. 

Whether you’re heading to London, Bath, the Cotswolds, Devon and Cornwall, the Lake District, Liverpool, York, or elsewhere, take a look at our comprehensive England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland accommodation guide .

Where you want to go and what you want to do will be very personal to you. What you can actually fit in will also depend on your timeframe, and whether you have days, weeks, or months to spend in the UK.

 This site includes a number of suggested itineraries to help you on your way. These include UK itineraries by train or road, and destination-specific options covering places like Bath, Cornwall, Edinburgh, London, Liverpool, the Lake District, and more. Find our itineraries page here .

The UK is, in general, a safe place to be, though crime does of course exist. Big cities tend to be more risky than smaller places. Crowded areas like London of course have their fair share of opportunists such as pickpockets. 

To safeguard your stuff, you can wear a theft-proof, cross-body bag, and lock up valuable or important items in your hotel safe. Exercise common sense, and never leave cash or expensive items in a parked car. Least of all where they can be seen by would-be thieves! 

Stay in busy, well-lit areas if you’re venturing out alone after dark. Very few visitors to the UK become victims of crime, so don’t let yourself be one of them!

As with all countries, you can’t bring whatever you want into the UK – restrictions apply. The following items must be declared upon arrival.

• Items you’re planning to sell on
• Tax-free goods that exceed your personal allowance
• More than EUR 10,000 in cash, unless you stay within the EU
• Banned or restricted goods – this includes food

We get asked about bringing food into the UK a lot in our Facebook group! Some foods are classed as banned and restricted goods.

Meat and dairy products from most non-EU countries are banned, and as such will be seized by customs when you arrive. Other food and plants are also restricted. Any plants or food you bring should only be grown within the EU, for your own use, and free from pesticides or disease.

Read more about what you can and can’t bring to the UK here .

Tipping practices in the UK differ from the US. While tipping is not expected here is a quick guide if you would like to tip:

• Restaurants : Many restaurants (particularly in London) add a 12.5% service charge to the bill*. If not leave a 10-15% tip for good service.
• Pubs : Do not tip when ordering from the bar. For table service add an optional 10% to the bill (if not already added)
• Taxis : Round up to the nearest pound or add 10-15%.
• Hotels : Tip porters £1- £2 per bag and housekeepers £1-£2 per night.
• Concierge : Tip £5-£10 for special services or arrangements.
• Tour Guides : Tip £5-£10 per person for a half-day tour, and £10-£20 per person for a full-day tour.

*Always check your bill to see if a service charge is included before tipping.

Though the UK has a reputation for wet weather, extreme weather events are very rare, and therefore not something to worry about. With rare exceptions, you can be comfortable outdoors in the UK all year round.

Occasionally it can get very hot during summer, and temperatures can dip below zero in winter. Usually, though, the weather will be somewhere between the two. Warm, or cold, but not too hot or too chilly. 

The UK has a maritime climate, though, which means the weather can change quickly. The bottom line is – never trust the weather forecast!

Temperatures tend to be mild all year round, though it can get very cold in locations like the far north of Scotland. 

UK visitor numbers may also determine when you decide to visit. There are more tourists in the UK in the summer months of July and August, and during the Christmas period in December.  Check out our When to Go page for general guidance on what to expect in the UK throughout the year.

If you’re wondering when you need to book your UK trip, check out our article on how far ahead to book for the UK .

This comprehensive guide covers flights, accommodation, car rental, train tickets, attractions, tours, and restaurants.

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• Holiday packing and pre-travel checklist

So, you’ve booked your flights, accommodation and activities. What next?

Let’s make sure you’re not leaving anything out – from what to book and arrange upfront to the essential items to pack when you go.

Posted: 24/1/2022 | By Amanda Duffy

We’ve put together checklists for travel in general and for specific types of holiday too, so you can tick things off easily, wherever you’re off to. With so much else to keep in mind when you’re getting set to travel, checklists can help you avoid forgetting something important.

Before you go

Packing list essentials.

• Checklists by holiday type

There are a few things you should do to get your house in order before you leave for your holidays.

Bills and utilities

• Let your credit/debit card company know you may be using it abroad – it will help avoid problems later
• Pay bills in advance that will be due while you’re away
• Turn off electrical wall sockets (except the fridge and the freezer) if your home is going to be empty
• Set timers for devices or appliances you still want to come on while you’re away, like lights (to put off would-be burglars) or your boiler
• Contact your mobile operator to see if roaming charges apply where you’re going – if they do, discuss your options

Practical tips

• Clear out the fridge of anything that’s going to go off while you’re away
• Find a place for your pets – ask a friend, family member or neighbour to look after them or book with recommended local kennels or catteries
• Let a neighbour know you’ll be away – give them spare keys and emergency contact details just in case
• Book airport parking – paying in advance could help you save money, especially if you book reputable services a bit further away and catch a shuttle bus to the airport

Protect what matters when you go with good travel insurance

Documents and travel insurance, check your passport.

How long is left on your passport? Check in good time for everyone who’s due to travel, in case any are about to expire. Some countries refuse entry to tourists whose passports are less than six months from expiry.

Applying for a new passport can take at least six weeks, while renewing a passport takes three weeks – so don’t leave it to the last minute. Passports can be renewed or replaced at any time. 

You should also check well in advance if you need a visa for your destination. The time it takes to apply and receive a visa can vary.

Get travel insurance

Good travel insurance for everyone in your family should be top of the holiday checklist. It can provide extra reassurance as it may cover you for cancellation before your trip, missed or delayed flights, or lost, stolen luggage and other belongings such as passports and cash. Most importantly, it may cover emergency medical costs if you need attention while away.

In EU countries, a Ghic or Ehic will give you free or low-cost emergency and state medical care, but they’re not a replacement for travel insurance . They won’t cover you being airlifted from a mountain or flown back to the UK, or extra accommodation or transport costs for a family member if you need a long stay in hospital. So, it’s best to have your travel insurance in place well before you go and take all documents with you.

It’s important to have some cash wherever you are going, even if you are visiting a largely cashless place. You never know what you might need it for. So local currency comes high on any holiday essentials list.

Don't pay over the odds for travel money at the airport. Get it sorted as soon as possible, ideally when the pound is strong against the foreign currency you need. Use a currency converter to check the exchange rate.

Make sure you have at least two different debit or credit cards – memorising both PIN numbers. Keep one in a safe place as an emergency backup. Note that some banks charge for cash withdrawals overseas. You can also load travel money onto prepaid travel money cards .

Travel apps are also available that help you keep track of your holiday spending and convert local prices into pounds easily when you’re away.

Your travel itinerary

Find out your flight times, including departure time and when to check in by, and add in plenty of extra time to get to the airport and for unexpected delays.

Check in online the night before if you can and print off your boarding passes, as some airlines charge you to issue a boarding pass at the airport. Print off an extra set and keep them separate, just in case.

Double-check your accommodation check in times. If you get there early, you may need to wait for them to get your room or whatever you’re staying in ready.

Find out if they’ll hang onto your luggage in the meantime – then you can explore without carrying your bags around with you. Just remember to take any valuables with you or ask to leave them in the reception safe.

In the following checklists, we cover off the absolute essentials you’ll need wherever you’re going, and whatever type of holiday you’re going on. And we answer the question “what documents do I need for my holiday?”

We haven’t listed clothing – just take what’s appropriate for the climate in your destination and any activities you’ll be doing. And remember to pack a pen and paper – they’ll be useful in all kinds of situations, especially if your electrical gear fails you.

When you’re packing, make sure you know the airline’s weight limits for hand luggage and checked bags. Weigh your luggage on the bathroom scales before you go. If your hand luggage is too big, you’ll have to check it in – and that usually means an extra charge.

Don't forget the essentials

Travel documents.

The travel documents you need in order to be able to travel are:

• Boarding passes
• Visas (if required – print and take with you)
• ESTA  (if you’re travelling to the USA – print and take with you)

Take a copy of your passport details in case it gets lost and you need to apply for an  emergency replacement . Other important documents for your travels might include:

• Travel insurance  documents
• Itinerary details – a list of addresses of where you’ll be visiting and when
• Home address details in the UK
• Contact details for your bank, particularly the overseas contact number
• Any onward travel (such as train) documentation
• Information about the British embassy in the country your visiting, or your nearest consulate
• Travel agency contact details if relevant
• Ghic or valid Ehic for EU trips (see ‘health and medication’ below)
• Driving licence  (as a form of ID whether you’ll be driving or not)
• International Driving Permit  (IDP)
• Hire car details
• Booked excursion details
• Licences for activities you need them for (e.g. PADI certificates for scuba diving)
• Contact details of next of kin
• GP contact details
• Prescriptions and lists of  personal medications  currently being taken
• A letter from your GP confirming you’re taking, and need to take, your medicines
• Inoculation and vaccination certificates
• Organ donor card (if you have one)
• Medical bracelet (if you wear one)
• Images and serial numbers of valuable items you’re taking with you
• ATOL certificate

You don’t need physical copies of all these things, but it’s a good idea to have digital copies. If you’re taking photos of them, they need to be accessible if you don’t have internet access, so you could store them on your phone’s memory or laptop hard drive (if you’re taking one). Just make sure you keep them charged.

It’s also wise to email all of these to someone at home so that there are emergency back-up versions available should you lose your phone or computer.

Toiletry items to pack could include:

• Conditioner
• Toothbrushes
• Moisturiser

With a few of you going away, your luggage may tip the airport scales with toiletries alone, so take smaller bottles of everything, including shampoo, conditioner and shower gel. Remember that you’ll be able to buy full bottles at your holiday resort if you run out.

As well as the basics, don’t forget things like glasses, contact lenses and any medicine. And remember that you can’t bring any  liquids over 100ml in your hand luggage  to avoid having to bin toiletries at the airport.

Entertainment and electronics

If you’ll have lots of time on your hands, such as on a beach holiday, taking enough reading material, devices and other items to keep you entertained for the full trip is a travel essential. That’s especially important if you need to keep little ones busy.

• Mobile phones
• Books/magazines
• Activity books and guides
• Tablets such as iPads
• Portable games consoles
• Music player if you don’t use your phone
• Fitness trackers / watches
• Pack of cards or selection of games (for family trips)
• Pillow and light cover for longer flights/journeys
• Chargers for all devices you’re taking

Bring mains plugs for chargers, don’t just rely on USB. Remember the right international plug adapter for your destination too. If you don’t have one, buying one before you get to the airport will save you paying over the odds there. Portable USB charging packs are a handy backup for phones and other devices when you’re on the move.

Wi-Fi in your destination may be slow, expensive or non-existent when you travel to your destination. Download all the music, books, games, guides, maps, films or TV box sets you’ll need to entertain the whole family, especially the children – or if you want to get a bit of relaxing time to yourself.

Health and medication

Medical care for Brits in the EU

Your travel necessities should include a  UK Global Health Insurance Card (Ghic)  or, if it’s still in date, your current  European Health Insurance Card (Ehic) . These give UK nationals access to free or reduced-cost medical care while in European Union countries. 

While a Ghic or Ehic is certainly a travel essential for any trip to EU countries, it’s still important to get  travel insurance  too. Neither Ghic nor Ehic will cover you for extras such as being airlifted from a mountain or flown back to the UK, known as repatriation. And an Ehic or Ghic won’t cover the costs to transport or accommodate a family member to stay nearby if you need a long stay in hospital. So, it’s best to have your travel cover in place well before you leave.

Make sure you also take full details of any medical conditions you have, including a record of any jabs and other medical documents that may help a local doctor should you fall ill. 

Prescription medication

If you or one of your family take regular  medication , pack enough in your hand luggage to last you more than the length of your holiday, including potential delays. Include a recent prescription and letter from your GP explaining what the condition is and what you’re taking for it. If you take  liquid medication  or need extra medical equipment such as syringes, you’ll be required to prove why you need them to travel at airport security.

First aid kits

A good first-aid kit is one of the most essential travel items to take with you. Besides your prescription medication, include a small amount of any of the following normally kept in your medicine cabinet at home:

• Painkillers (ibuprofen, paracetamol)
• Indigestion tablets
• Antihistamines (for insect bites and minor allergic reactions)
• Travel sickness tablets
• Plasters and bandages
• Cotton wool
• Antiseptic cream and wipes
• Infant or child's medication (if needed)
• Insect repellent
• Safety pins
• A pair of tweezers
• A pair of scissors

Remember, standard travel insurance policies typically provide only limited cover for gadgets, so if you’ll be taking more than your policy provides consider if you’ll need additional  gadget cover .

Travel checklists by holiday type

Where are you heading? To the beach or a camp site? On a cruise or perhaps a skiing trip or city break? here are a few extras you’ll need for specific trips depending on what you’ll be doing.

What should I pack for a beach holiday?

• High factor sun protectio
• Insect repellent 
• Antihistamines
• Painkillers
• Water sterilisers
• Flip flops/sandals
• Beach towels
• Portable safe (for keeping valuables safe outside of the hotel)
• Anti-theft bag
• Waterproof covering for electricals
• Light clothing
• Inflatables
• Beach activities (bucket and spade, beach tennis)
• Snorkelling kit
• Books and magazines
• Refillable water bottles

Sun, sea, sand – beach holidays are the gold standard in relaxation. As well as sunbathing and swimming, you’ll probably want to be eating and drinking your fill too.

It’s important that your travel insurance covers you for everything you’re doing. Activities that you might want to get involved in spontaneously may not be covered and you could be putting yourself at risk without making sure before you buy. You can also invalidate your policy by drinking excessively, so know your limits.

Sunbathing and tanning are what lots of us go on beach holidays for, so it’s important to remain hydrated while you’re there. It’s not always easy to buy lots of bottles of water when you’re at the beach itself, so make sure that your shops include enough bottled water. You lose lots of moisture just sitting out in the sun, so you might need to drink more water than you think in order to stay properly hydrated. Failing to do so can contribute to things like sunstroke, which can be deeply unpleasant.

And it goes without saying that you should protect yourself against the sun with a combination of high-factor sun protection for sensitive areas and clothing.

Avoid taking your valuables to the beach. Keep them in a safe in your accommodation. Or see if nearby establishments have a secure locker service. Don’t leave valuables unattended or try burying them in the sand as they risk being lost or stolen.

What should I pack for a family holiday?

Packing for a family holiday will depend on the age range of its members. A toddler and baby holiday checklist is always going to be much longer than that for older children. But remember that they have their own luggage allowance. Here’s a suggested packing list for families – just tailor it to your trip.

• Changing mat
• Teething ring
• Milk / powdered milk
• Food and snacks
• Pram/stroller/bassinet
• Clothes (for you both)
• Rusks (if you need them)
• Nappy cream
• Moisturising cream
• Sheet for travel cot
• Baby cutlery
• Nasal aspirator
• High factor sun cream
• Sun hat and suits
• Umbrella or sun shield for pushchair

What should I pack for a city break?

On top of the general items we’ve listed for any type of trip, a suggested packing list for city breaks would include:

• Map software, downloaded to be used offline
• Translation app, again downloaded to be used offline
• Sensible shoes
• Evening clothes

You may end up needing to use your phone often in a new city. Having offline apps means you won’t need to rely on Wi-Fi or data roaming charges to get around or know what to say.

Sensible shoes don’t have to sacrifice style. But if you’re going to be walking all day, it’s important to do so in comfort. And evening clothes doesn’t mean formal evening wear; simply clothes that you feel good in to go out in the evening.

What should I pack for a skiing holiday?

A ski packing list could run into many pages, but some of the essentials – depending on what you’re taking or decide to hire when you arrive – include:

• Sun cream and sunblock
• Muscle pain relief (eg. Deep Heat)
• Normal winter gloves
• Snow resistant boots/shoes (for apres ski)
• Ski hire details
• Ski boots / snowboard boots
• Walking boots
• Skis / snowboard
• Multi-purpose tool kit
• Day pack / rucksack / backpack
• Hydration bladder
• GPS tracker

Don’t forget details about your resort, including your accommodation and the best places to hire equipment from, as well as the tickets and passes to get you up the mountain. You may need spare  passport pictures  for your lift pass.

Ski gear can be expensive, so unless you go frequently it might be sensible to see if there are items you can borrow from friends and family rather than buying new. Again, you may not need everything on this list. If you don’t have your own skis/snowboard, for example, then it’s more common to hire them at your venue.

Sunlight reflects off snow and intensifies in the process, meaning that on the mountain you are getting sun from above and below. This can cause severe sunburn, rapid dehydration, sunblindness and chapping. Wear high-factor sun cream on exposed skin and sunblock on your lips. Carry a full hydration bladder in your backpack. Always wear UV goggles or sunglasses if you’re proficient. Chapstick can be a lifesaver if your lips do become cracked by wind and sun.

It’s sensible for your ski clothing to be brightly coloured. This is to make you stand out if you become stranded, or need to stay close to your buddies during a white out. A GPS tracker can be extremely important for those going off-piste. Remember that, if you do go off-piste, your travel insurance policy may stipulate you must still stick to recognised routes and resort boundaries in order to remain covered.

Read our detailed guide to  packing for a skiing holiday .

What should I pack for a cruise?

The great thing about cruises is your comfort’s quite often in the hands of the crew, but there are a few additional items to remember, especially if you’ll be exploring the sites on shore along the way.

• Travel money  – for each of the countries you’ll be stopping off at
• Prescription medications – enough for the cruise duration plus a bit more
• Evening wear
• Warm coat – something for all weathers will be handy when it gets nippy out at sea
• Footwear that can grip when wet
• Sportswear if you need it
• Daypack – to carry your travel money and other items you’ll need on shore

If you’re going on a cruise holiday, be sure to check your travel insurance policy for what it covers. Some may require you to add on  additional cruise cover  to your standard policy.

What should I pack for a backpacking holiday?

This checklist seems a lot to take in a backpack, leaving little room for clothes. Many of these items can be bought where you are, but if you think it’s unlikely you’ll be able to get them where you’re going then pack them in advance.

• Large backpack
• Torch (perhaps head-mounted)
• Water sanitisers
• Sun cream, sunblock and after sun
• Laundry detergent for cold water
• Clothesline (length of nylon cord)
• Portable power block
• Waterproof wallet for travel documents
• Microfibre towel
• Dry shampoo
• First aid kit – see ‘health and medication’ section above – other items to consider include constipation and diarrhoea relief, plus electrolytes and rehydration sachets (such as Dioralyte)
• Waterproof cover for backpack
• Ear plugs and eye mask
• Drinking bladder
• Portable safe
• Pen and paper

If you take prescription medicines, take plenty, a copy of your prescription and a doctor’s note explaining why you need to take them. Check there aren’t restrictions on the medicines you’re carrying in any countries you’re visiting. You may be able to get an exemption via the country’s embassy. Some common, over-the-counter medicines in the UK are prohibited in other countries. Make sure that you are not carrying these.

Bin liners can be incredibly useful and take up little space until unrolled. They can provide as makeshift waterproofing, a receptacle for dirty laundry, as normal rubbish bags and many other things.

Some items, like a cagoule, are in case you end up in weather you hadn’t expected. You won’t want to take your large backpack everywhere you go so having a daypack helps you only take what you need on excursions.

Laundry detergent might not be something you want to carry around but, if you don’t have access to supermarkets, it might prove extremely useful.

A microfibre towel is a highly-absorbent, quick-drying, miniature towel that takes up nothing like as much space as a normal one. It can be an invaluable travel buddy.

A drinking bladder (or hydration bladder) is a ‘bladder’ you fill with water that is integrated into your backpack or daypack. This can save on carrying around water bottles and keep you hydrated.

What should I pack for a camping holiday?

The first item on any camping holiday checklist is, of course, the tent. Choose one as large as your budget will allow and take your time putting it up. There’s nothing worse than an unstable tent or a water leak when the weather is bad. Other items to take along include:

• Sleeping bags
• Portable stove
• Camping chairs
• Warm sleepwear, as it can get cold at night, no matter how warm it is in the day
• Waterproof clothing
• Water bottles
• Cooking utensils
• Washing up liquid
• Washing up bowl
• Lots and lots of wet wipes

What should I pack for a walking holiday?

Suggested items for your walking holiday travel checklist are:

• Walking boots – study and comfy, ideally with ankle support
• Breathable clothing – to keep you warm or cool as needed, but ventilated
• Daypack – to take out just what you need for the day
• Water bottle or hydration pack
• Snacks – such as energy bars, trail mix, sweets and chocolate
• First aid kit – see ‘health and medication’ section above
• High factor sun cream or block and lip balm
• Handheld and head torches, plus batteries and spares
• Camping gear if you need it (see camping checklist above)

Other common questions

What should i pack in my hand luggage.

It’s a good idea to pack a change of clothes and essential toiletries in your hand luggage in case you need to call on them during your travels. Just don’t pack any  liquids over 100ml , including toiletries or drinks.

Remember that, usually, once you’ve been through airport security you can buy drinks in the departure lounge to take onto the plane for your flight. It’s also worth taking some snacks, as doing so can avoid you paying sky-high prices in the air.

Another important but sometimes overlooked essential is a pen – useful for filling out immigration cards, for instance.

Have something warm to wear in your hand luggage, for use on the plane or in case it’s cold when you arrive in your destination or back home. A head pillow and eye mask, if not provided by the airline, can add extra comfort if you’ll be sleeping on the flight.

Entertainment and electronics wise, you can take mobile phones, laptops, tablets, MP3 players, electric shavers, hairdryers, straighteners and e-cigarettes in your hand luggage but must be able to switch them on if asked so make sure they’re charged. Don’t forget headphones too.

Essential medication is okay, even if it’s over 100ml, if you have a copy of your prescription or a doctor’s note saying why you take it and confirming that you need to.

You’ll find more about on hand luggage dos and don’ts on the  FCDO hand luggage page .

What is not allowed in carry on?

Whenever you board a plane in the UK, there are restrictions on what the hand luggage you take into the cabin can contain. Check the full  government guidance on hand luggage restrictions  before you pack your hold and hand luggage to make sure you’re taking only what’s allowed – and in the right bags.

Liquids cannot go through airport security in containers of any larger than 100ml, even if only partially full. The exceptions are for essential medial purposes (such as prescriptions), special dietary requirements or baby food and baby milk.

Sharp items aren’t allowed in hand luggage, but  personal items  like tweezers, nail clippers and small scissors with blades no longer than 6cm are fine. You can typically carry one lighter. Any more must go in your hold luggage.

On a practical point, remember to also check in advance with your airline the number, size and weight of hand luggage allowed for each passenger.

Is a handbag classed as hand luggage?

Some airlines allow you to take a small extra bag, such as a handbag, on board in addition to their hand luggage allowance per person. This isn’t the case for all carriers, though, so you should check with yours to be sure. Details will usually be available before, during or on confirmation of your booking, and when you go to check in online.

What is the 3-1-1 rule?

Each liquid you take in your hand luggage must be a container of no more than 3.4 ounces. You must place each container in one clear plastic bag that’s a quart in size. And only one of these bags is allowed per passenger. This is known as the 3-1-1 rule.

Is it better to fold or roll clothes?

There are different schools of thought but often, and depending on the items of clothing you’re taking, a combination of rolling and folding works best to keep them in good condition during transit.

Try rolling smaller items like shorts or dresses that could crease more easily if folded.

For bulkier items like jumpers and jeans, folding should be okay. Flat packing items can be even more effective and can help free up extra space too.

Read out guide to  how to pack a suitcase .

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Finding the Universe

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London Packing List: What to Pack for London and the UK at any time of year

Last updated: May 28, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 29 Comments

We’ve spent a great deal of time travelling throughout the UK, plus we’ve taken many trips to London, a city we love to visit. I even lived in London for a number of years.

There’s so much to see and do in London that we find ourselves returning time and again for new adventures – everything from seeking out Harry Potter sites to hitting the Winston Churchill trail .

Based on our experiences, we wanted to put together a guide to what to pack for London, to help you when planning what to bring.

This London packing list will also work for visiting other cities and parts of the UK and is designed for visiting London and the UK any time of year, with some items being more required in winter or summer, and noted as such.

The climate does not vary too greatly across the country, although it is usually a little cooler as you get further north, especially up into northern Scotland.

The key thing with travelling in the UK is to be prepared for anything. The weather in the UK is famous for being fickle, and weather forecasts are notoriously unreliable.

So even in summer you can expect cold, grey days, whilst winter can provide unexpected sunshine and even a little warmth!

Now we’re going to go through our packing list in some detail, after which you’ll find a checklist so you don’t forget anything!

London Packing List

1. clothing.

Generally, for cities in the UK you will find that folks will tend to be fairly well dressed, so you will likely want to pack your nicer looking clothes – although you don’t need to be super dressy for most occasions.

Just bear in mind that if your travel plans include fine dining, nice bars or trips to shows like the opera or the west end then you might want to bring some smarter clothes.

I normally pack a button-up shirt and a light cotton jacket whilst Jess will pack a smart dress.

Clothes for London in Winter

When we travel to London in winter, we usually wear jeans or pants and Jess will wear layers with a warm sweater  like this on top ,  while I will usually have a shirt and a fleece .

We will also both wear a warm winter coat . A warm scarf and good gloves are also essential winter items for London!

In terms of gloves, there are a number of options on the market. These are a good pair specifically designed for photography, with a warm merino wool lining and magnetic finger caps, and are the pair that I own.

However, you’ll find plenty of gloves to choose from if you don’t need a photography specific pair. Our main suggestion is to get a pair with touchscreen capability so you don’t need to take them off to use your phone when navigating or looking up information.

For scarves, we love our cashmere scarves as they are really warm and look great, you can get them for women here and for men here . We have a guide to travel scarves here if you need some more inspiration!

If you suffer from the cold, you will also likely want a warm hat .

Clothes for London in Summer

For visiting London in summer, Jess will usually bring along a pair of pants, capris, and have a light dress with a shoulder wrap to wear depending on the weather.

I usually wear jeans, although on the odd rare hot day I can find that jeans become uncomfortably hot to walk in sometimes, so I will also pack light pants or shorts. For bright days (they do happen, we promise!), you’ll also likely want a pair of sunglasses .

The key thing for either time of year is to bring a series of clothing you can layer so you can adjust to the climate accordingly.

As mentioned at the beginning of the post, if you are doing anything more formal such as a nice afternoon tea at a nice hotel, you should definitely check the dress code in advance so you are prepared.

You are unlikely to need outdoor gear such as hiking pants or boots for your London trip, although if you are heading out to the countryside for a little while, (perhaps following one of our UK itineraries ), then a good pair of hiking pants will likely be a good addition to your UK packing list.

A decent pair of shoes can make or break a holiday. You’re going to be doing a fair bit of walking as you explore the UK and her cities, and the last thing you want is sore feet or blisters.

Recently, we’ve been loving travelling in our Allbirds shoes (see our detailed Allbirds review here ). For cool weather, we like the Allbirds Wool Runner Mizzles , and for warmer weather the Allbirds Tree Runners . The Tree Runners are the most comfortable travel shoes I’ve ever worn, even in very hot weather exploring hot European cities in summer.

Of course, sometimes you want something a little bit smarter. In that case, I have a pair of Timberland shoes that I love.

They are dressy enough for a night out or a nice meal, but also comfortable enough for walking in all day. They’re also 100% waterproof, which can be a real benefit, as rain showers can happen at any time in the UK!

For slightly more formal situations, Jess loves her versatile black Rockport shoes. Whatever shoes Jess wears though, she finds she suffers from arch pain, probably because of high arches. After a lot of research, we settled on these cool insoles , which have solved that problem.

For more shoe tips, check out our guide to the best travel shoes for men and the best travel shoes for women for tips on picking a great pair to travel in.

3. Toiletries / Make up

Naturally you’re going to want to bring your toiletries with you on your trip to London!

You don’t need much different for London and the UK than anywhere else, so just remember your essentials – toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, moisturizer, travel razor and any make-up or sanitary products that you might need.

Of course, all these things are easily available to buy in the UK as well, although as brands might differ slightly, if there is a product you love from home it is best to bring it with you to be sure. If you are on any medication, you should definitely bring this as well.

We’d also advise sunscreen for travel in the summer months, and a good Chapstick for travel in winter as the cold winter air can very quickly dry out your lips which isn’t fun.

4. Electronic Gear

The UK uses a 220v three pin system, so if you’re travelling from nearly anywhere else in the world you are going to need a travel adapter. We normally use an adapter like this  and then pair it with an extension setup like this , which gives us all the plugs and USB ports we need to charge our all devices.

Note that if you are travelling to England from the USA, which uses a 110v system, not all your equipment will work.

Most laptops, phones and cameras will be fine, but in our experience, many hair dryers, curling irons, and hair straighteners don’t support dual voltages. You can check on the plug or in the manual to find out.

Jess has a dual voltage hair dryer and a dual voltage hair straightener  for just this reason.

See more on travel adapters and how to choose one for your trip in our guide to the best travel adapters .

You will also of course want your smartphone. If you have an unlocked phone, the cheapest way to get online will be to pick up a SIM card on arrival, or if you want to be fully prepared you can order one in advance . SIM cards are easy to come by in the UK and data is cost effective.

See our advice on getting online when you travel for tips on the best options.

If you’re thinking of a new smartphone for your trip, check our guide to the best cameras for travel , which has a section on smartphones that are good for travel and taking photos.

We would also recommend you travel with an external powerpack to keep everything charged, and a set of decent noise cancelling headphones can be a life saver if you want to watch a movie or listen to a bit of music.

If you like to read, you may also want to travel with a table or e-reader like a Kindle . For most trips you probably won’t need a laptop, but of course if you find it easier to travel with a laptop or tablet then bring one by all means!

5. Photography Gear

London is a very photogenic city (see my guide to the best photography locations here for some ideas), so you’re definitely going to want to bring some kind of photography gear with you on your trip. Even if that’s just a smartphone!

Our photography setup is likely overkill for most, but if you want to get the best photos, then we advise investing in a dedicated camera and ideally a tripod. See our guide to why you need a tripod for suggestions on the best travel tripods.

We also travel with a selfie stick to get nice photos of the two of us together if we don’t want have time or space to set up the tripod.

Don’t forget when travelling with your camera to bring a few accessories. We’d advise spare batteries, spare memory cards, a UV filter for the lens, and a decent bag or case to keep it all safe. If you don’t get a dedicated camera bag, a camera insert  that goes inside your daypack or carry-on is a wise investment.

We also travel with a number of large Ziploc bags which can be really handy to put electronics and wet clothes in should the weather turn bad.

6. Luggage & Backpacks

Picking the right luggage for you is a big decision. The right bag should last you for many years of travel, and suit your particular style – be that carry-on only or checked luggage.

We travel with a fair amount of gear, so we invariably have one checked bag each, and then one piece of hand luggage which has our high value items in. One tip I learnt from my mum’s years of travel wisdom is to split our belongings across our two checked bags – that way if one of them doesn’t make it, we still both have clothes!

For my camera and electronic gear, I currently use a Vanguard Alta Sky 49 , which works well as both a carry-on and a day pack. Prior to that, I used an Osprey day pack with a camera insert, which was also super comfortable.

Jess loves her Eagle Creek bags , and has both a carry-on sized backpack and a larger wheeled backpack that we check-in. For a long time my main checked bag was an Osprey Sojourn 60 . This travelled with me from 2013 until 2021 through multiple countries and countless baggage handlers, and never let me down.

Currently though, we travel with two main checked bags. We have a Level8 trunk bag , and a Delsey Hardside bag . We picked luggage with four spinner wheels as it’s honestly so much easier to move around, and both these bags have survived the rigours of travel very well, including a five week African safari, which is tough on any bag!

If you’re in the market for a new bag, we have no hesitation recommending Eagle Creek , Osprey , Level8 , Delsey and Vanguard as great choices.

7. Reusable Water Bottle

We highly recommend bringing a reusable bottle for water with you so you can fill it in sinks and water fountains and not need to pay for drinks or purchase bottled water. Tap water across the UK is safe to drink, so there’s no need to spend money on water.

If you need to get a water bottle for your trip, we personally like the Klean Kanteen bottles like these .

We have a few different sizes and find the anti-leak lids and easy washability make them perfect for travel. You’ll be saving money and creating less plastic waste, which is always a good thing!

8. Miscellaneous

Obviously, there are a few items you need to bring with you when travelling to the UK, such as your passport. Depending on where you are coming from, you might also need proof of onward travel, a visa, and proof of funds for your time in the UK.

Check the UK government website here to get an idea of what documentation you might need.

We’d also advise having a note of your hotel address available in non-electronic format, as you may need this during immigration proceedings.

Beyond the documentation requirements, don’t forget all the cables for your electronic devices. You are unlikely to need a towel for travel in London and the UK unless you are staying in particularly budget accommodation like backpacker hostels or some of the more budget hotel options that charge for add-ons like towels.

We would recommend you bring a  travel umbrella  or a travel poncho – these can be very useful in London and the UK as rain can happen at pretty much any time! You can also buy these at many shops in London although the quality might not stand the test of time.

If you would like to keep track of your adventures, we also recommend bringing along a travel journal. We always journal our travels so we can remember what we have seen and done. See our guide to the best travel journals for some ideas.

For London, we can also recommend the Streetwise Map , which is handy for helping you get around. We also recommend a physical guidebook, either the latest Rick Steves London guide , or the Lonely Planet London guide .

London Packing Checklist

Here’s a full list for you to use as a reminder for your trip to London. You can also download this London packing list in PDF form to print off here .

• Shirts / t-shirts
• Sweater / fleece for layering
• Jeans / Pants
• Underwear / socks
• Shoes (bring a pair that is versatile so you can travel with just one or at most two pairs)
• Swimwear (if needed, such as hotel has pool for instance)
• More formal wear (if needed, such as planned fine dining or theatre experience)
• Warm winter Coat
• Additional Sweaters/ Fleece
• Short sleeve t-shirts / tank tops
• Spring/Summer skirts/dresses
• Capris / Shorts
• Light jacket / sweater
• Sunglasses / hat
• Reusable water bottle
• Toothpaste / toothbrush
• Deodorant/Fragrance
• Moisturiser
• Medications
• Hygiene Products
• Other __________________
• Tripod / selfie-stick
•  Memory cards
• Spare batteries
• Camera accessories
• Portable power pack
• Travel adaptor
• Extension lead
• Laptop / tablet / e-reader
• Checked bag
• Carry-on bag
• Visa / proof of onward travel etc (if required)
• Travel towel (backpackers only)
• Jewelry / watch
• Travel journal / reading materials
• Cards / games
• Travel umbrella or poncho
• Other ___________________

Further Reading for your Visit to London and the UK

We have written many guides that will help you plan and prepare for your trip to London, plus we have some other go-to resources we think you will find useful.

• To help you plan your time in London effectively, check out our itineraries for 1 Day in London , 2 Days in London , 3 Days in London and 6 Days in London
• If you’re flying into London, see our post on advice on getting to London from the airport,  which includes detailed information for all six of London’s airports
• Getting around can be a bit daunting on your first visit to London. See our guide to public transport options in London , as well as our overview of how to buy and use an Oyster card to help get prepared
• We have detailed guides to visiting the Tower of London and the London Eye which includes information on planning your visit and how to save money on these popular attractions
• If you’re a Harry Potter fan, you’re going to want to take a look at our guide to the best Harry Potter locations in London
• We have a complete guide to the best food tours in London , which also details all the food and drink you might consider trying when in the capital
• We have a complete guide to where to stay in London , with over 60 recommendations across all the main areas in London we recommend.
• Fans of Winston Churchill will want to see our detailed guide to seeing all London’s Winston Churchill sights
• Military history buffs will want to check out our guide to   London’s Best Military Museums and Memorials
• London has four UNESCO world heritage sites, we have a guide to visiting all of them here
• If you want to get the best photos during your time in London, see my guide to the best Photography Locations in London
• We have a full guide to some of the best walking tours in London , which is also worth reviewing if you are interested in a walking tour while you are in the city.
• Many of London’s attractions are quite expensive, so if you plan on doing a lot of sight-seeing, you can save money with a London Pass . See our full review of the London Pass here to see if it will save you money on your trip
• If your visit to London is part of a wider trip to the UK, check out our detailed 1 week and 2 week UK itinerary posts for inspiration
• For accommodation, we recommend Booking.com. See all their London listings here
• The Eyewitness Travel Guide to London , which has all sorts of information within, including more itineraries and ideas for your trip
• Rick Steve’s London  guide, the #1 bestseller on Amazon for UK travel guides, and always an excellent source of relevant information

And that’s it for our detailed packing guide for London, which hopefully covers everything you need to know for what to pack for London and the UK in general!

As always, we’re happy to take your questions and feedback – just leave us a comment below, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can. Safe travels!

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There are 29 comments on this post

Please scroll to the end to leave a comment

Prashuk says

12th September 2023 at 7:28 am

Your London packing list is incredibly helpful for travelers! Packing for varying UK weather can be a challenge, and your guide covers all the essentials. Thanks for making trip planning easier

Laurence Norah says

12th September 2023 at 9:29 am

It’s my pleasure Prashuk, have a safe trip to the UK and let me know if you have any questions!

23rd April 2022 at 3:09 pm

Thank you for your blog! We leave next week for 3 week driving tour in UK, & then 1 week in London (car-less) before returning to US. We are bringing iPad & iPhone, Roku streaming stick for evening Prime Video/Netflix/YouTubeTV in the airbnbs, & wired adapter(lightning to hdmi) to connect to bigger screens when they are available. What should we buy/bring to adapt those items for UK use? Thanks!

23rd April 2022 at 3:17 pm

So all you should need is some kind of adaptor to convert a US plug socket to a UK plug socket, also known as a travel adaptor. I have a guide to travel adaptors here , but most people opt for something simple like this .

I say should because in my experience most lower power electronics like iPads, iPhones and laptops are already capable of handling the voltage difference. As you probably know, the UK uses 220-240v power, whilst the US uses 110-120v. If you look on the plug or adaptor for the device, it should tell you what the input voltage if accepts is. If it’s in the range of 100v – 250v, or therabouts, it should be fine. However, if it’s fixed around 110 – 120v, it will not work and would in fact be dangerous to try plugging it in to a higher voltage output.

Other than the power adaptor so you can charge your devices, the rest should work fine. HDMI and USB ports are the same around the world, so that should all just work as expected.

Let me know if this makes sense or if I can help any more, and have a great trip to the UK!

Eddie Moricle says

21st April 2022 at 3:38 pm

Thanks for the Info. We are headed to London next month for 8 days!

21st April 2022 at 3:43 pm

My pleasure Eddie, have a great trip!

su Hal says

29th November 2021 at 1:47 pm

hello is it ok to bring cooked from in a container from India ie chicken curry on a flight.

29th November 2021 at 11:23 pm

This might be possible, but it will depend on the quantity of the food and also whether it is very liquid, in which case it may be classified as a liquid which has to then meet the airline requirements. If in doubt, it’s best to reach out to the airline. In addition, if you plan to bring it into the UK you will need to check the regulations in the UK as to what you are allowed to bring in.

Have a great trip to London!

vertoe says

14th November 2021 at 12:22 pm

Great blog! Thanks for sharing informative content with beautiful pictures.

14th November 2021 at 12:26 pm

My pleasure!

Elyonda Mckenzie says

30th May 2021 at 1:47 am

Hi, I’m going to London the last week of September and first week of October, how heavy of a coat should I take. I’ll be in Paris the first week of October. Thanks

31st May 2021 at 8:27 pm

Hi Elyonda! Great question. I’d say a medium size coat. At that time of year you’re looking at temperatures probably between 12C (53F) and 20C (68F). So it shouldn’t be too cold, however rain is always a possibility. So I’d recommend a waterproof coat but it shouldn’t need to be too thick 🙂

Have a great trip!

Renee Cundy says

5th December 2019 at 5:24 am

I booked a visit to London for end of summer 2020, this site is very helpful & informative, so thank you for that. I am a huge fan of the band Queen & plan to seek out any & every place associated with them that I can find while I’m there. Would love it if you could add a link among your other places of interest that would include “A guide to all things Queen related”. I don’t want to miss a thing on my once in a lifetime trip to London.

5th December 2019 at 10:35 am

Thanks very much for your comment 🙂 I do like the band Queen, but I am definitely not an expert! However, if you search for Queen locations in London, a number of helpful results come up which should help in your search 🙂

Kathy Draper says

29th June 2019 at 8:24 pm

Excellent and clear information (especially about how to handle cell phone decisions while in Britain). Thanks much!

29th June 2019 at 8:29 pm

Thanks very much Kathy – have a great trip to the UK, and do let us know if you have any questions!

Betsy Kerr says

27th March 2019 at 3:27 pm

FB Messaged you: First-time overseas travelers going to Scotland and England (Edinburgh area and London) in late July-August. Saw USA Today article regarding attire that said, “First, unless the sun shines and the temperature rises into the 80s, it’s fairly rare to find an Englishman in shorts. However, schoolboys under age 13 may wear long shorts with knee-high socks all year-round, typically as part of a school uniform.” Fine for Englishmen but what about male tourists? Or female tourists for that matter? Do they wear shorts? Thanks! Betsy Kerr

27th March 2019 at 5:18 pm

You’re welcome to wear shorts whenever you like! I’m not sure that USA Today article is exactly representative of reality today 😉 If it’s a warm day, we wear shorts over here too. It’s just not warm as often as we’d like, and shorts aren’t something you would see as business attire, but certainly, if you’re on holiday shorts are perfectly acceptable attire!

27th March 2019 at 5:22 pm

Thank you! Don’t want my hubby to stand out like a sore thumb! 🙂

Pam Heathcote says

11th January 2019 at 10:40 am

Off to London for the first time since primary school ( now in my 60s). Have found your website very helpful, not only for packing advice but also for the photography tips. Many thanks Pam

11th January 2019 at 10:57 am

Our pleasure Pam. Do let us know if you have any questions, and have a fantastic trip!

Ryan Jones says

5th January 2019 at 5:58 am

Just wondering about the travel adapter and extension. Coming from the US to the UK will I need a power converter to bring the power down from 220v to 120v or will a travel adapter and power strip work?

5th January 2019 at 10:52 am

So it really depends on your electronics. In our experience, most smaller electronics like laptops, camera chargers and so on are rated for both 110v and 220v, so all you would need is the adapter and power strip. However, you definitely need to check each device – the voltage it accepts will be written on the charger part somewhere.

Higher power devices usually are not dual voltage, in our experience this includes things like hair dryers and straightening irons. There are travel versions of these devices available which support two voltages, but it’s not a standard.

Usually a power convertor isn’t necessary, and in our experience they tend to be fairly bulky, so best avoided if possible – it’s best to get a travel version of the device instead in our opinion if one exists.

Hope this helps!

Timothy Aull says

6th November 2018 at 5:19 pm

I was fortunate enough to live in London for three months as a study abroad student while I was in college. I am now headed back to London for my honeymoon. Just wanted to say that I have found your website a great resource for planning my wife’s first trip to London. Thank you for such a wonderful source for those who love to travel and explore new things.

7th November 2018 at 4:02 pm

Hi Timothy!

What a lovely comment, thank you so much for taking the time to stop by and let us know. It’s always wonderful to hear from readers that we are able to help them, and we hope you and your wife have a wonderful trip to London (we’re actually in London as I type this, investigating all the latest attractions and ensuring our content is all up to date!)

Barbara says

17th June 2018 at 1:24 am

Thank you very much for this list – I’d forgotten ziploc bags – great item to pack!

17th June 2018 at 11:52 pm

Thanks Barbara – they are very useful for all sorts of things 😀

7th June 2018 at 1:38 pm

Thanks for taking the time to create this blog . . . headed to London next month and you have provided some information and tips!

8th June 2018 at 10:29 am

Our pleasure Peter – have a great trip!

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Infamous beach restaurant strikes again as tourists charged £690 for 2 DRINKS…but boss says ‘you should check the menu’

• Annabel Bate , Foreign News Reporter
• Published : 10:44, 3 Jul 2024
• Updated : 12:32, 3 Jul 2024
• Published : Invalid Date,

TOURISTS were left baffled after being charged a whopping £690 for two drinks as the infamous "tourist trap" DK Oyster strikes again.

The holidaymakers say they're now having to dispute the eye-watering transaction with their credit card company.

DK Oyster in Platys Gialos, Mykonos, has been consistently bombarded with negative reviews from furious diners due to their "inflated" prices.

But one reviewer wrote a lengthy paragraph titled 'AVOID AT ALL COST' about how they were deceived into sitting on the "free" beds - but on the condition they ordered food or drink.

The user said: "No problem...ordered 2 drinks which we afterwards saw were 51 euros (£43) each.

"If that wasn't crazy enough we returned to the states and had a $876 (£690) charge on our account. FOR 2 DRINKS!!!!!

read more travel

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"BEWARE and avoid this place!!"

But Dimitrios Kalamaras, DK Oyster's manager, defended their high prices.

He responded: "Our sunbeds come with minimum consumption, so we encourage all visitors to check the menus, before placing their orders.

I would like to note that our menus are displayed on blackboards near the entrance, showing the prices of our food and drinks to keep our guests informed."

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Despite some customers sharing very positive reviews about the beach bar, DK Oyster Bar has made headlines previously for their high prices.

In a similar tale, an American tourist was left  fuming after she was charged £450  for two cocktails and "disgusting" squid when she visited the party island.

Amber Pace was island hopping with the friend Aubrey when they decided to stop at the beach bar, unaware of the accusations.

Amber told The Sun: "I just saw the price £17 (€20) for the fried calamari I got and my friend got the king crab legs that said £28 (€32).

"We got our food and it was disgusting. Even before we knew the prices.

"My fried calamari was rubbery and had no flavour, and my friend's crab legs were super salty. 

"Our server gave us a paper receipt that said £85 (€98) for fried calamari and £160 (€185) for king crab legs. We nearly lost it."

The pair had been roped in to the beach bar in Platys Gialos with the offer of a free sunbed with the purchase of a drink.

Amber said: "We decided that was a great deal considering we planned on drinking anyway. 

"My friend ordered a Pina Colada and I ordered a Strawberry Daiquiri.

"We were not given a drink menu, the server was just naming out drinks without telling us the prices."

The two friends eventually received a sky-high bill of £450 (€520) for the two cocktails, two appetisers, and a 10 per cent service fee.

Furious, they decided to return to the venue the following day and speak to the manager.

But they were left disappointed, claiming the manager dismissed their complaint and blamed them for not paying attention to the menu.

The owner, Mr Kalamaras, has continued to defend his high prices.

In the past he has accused many of his reviewers on TripAdvisor of lying, and said following "dozens" of similar "false" claims, he had installed three blackboards at the entrance to the restaurant displaying his prices.

He said: "In DK Oyster, we have advertised in the ways we consider suitable for our restaurant and we will not succumb to the influencers who have been attracted to the beautiful island of Mykonos.

"We believe that the value of the offered experience is high and we have no intention to explain why we charge more than a supermarket or a traditional taverna, which can be quite wonderful but is surely a completely different concept than ours.

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He admitted that some "may find our prices beyond their budget," but said they "do not appreciate the value of our services, cuisine, concept and experience".

The Sun has reached out to DK Oyster Bar for comment.

Is it against the law to charge such high prices?

It might seem like daylight robbery, but it's not illegal to charge high prices for goods and services.

DK Oyster is back in the headlines for the exorbitant prices, and while it's not illegal to charge for services, it is illegal to not advertise the price.

According to EU regulations, when you buy goods or services in the EU, a customer must be clearly informed about the total price, including all taxes and additional charges.

Tourists in Greece are being targeted by a new campaign being run by Greece’s Independent Public Revenue Authority (AADE) that encourages them to demand a receipt before paying.

Under Greek law, all suppliers of goods and services are obliged to issue receipts to their customers. It goes on to say that the consumer is not obliged to pay if a receipt is not issued.

Companies in Greece can also be fined if they are found guilty of unfair commercial practices, such as misleading or aggressive marketing communications.

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Planning on traveling for the Fourth of July holiday? Here’s how to avoid the rush

FILE - Motorists head southbound in the local and express lanes on Interstates 90-94 in slow and thickening traffic as a CTA train enters a station on the first day of the Fourth of July holiday weekend, July 1, 2022, in Chicago. Millions of Americans are preparing to get out of town sometime in the coming Fourth of July holiday week, which will likely mean busy roads as well as packed airports and train stations. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, File)

FILE - Travelers walk with their luggage through Union Station in Washington ahead of the Fourth of July holiday, July 1, 2023. Millions of Americans are preparing to get out of town sometime in the coming Fourth of July holiday week, which will likely mean busy roads as well as packed airports and train stations. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough, File)

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NEW YORK (AP) — The Fourth of July is right around the corner, and the travel rush is already heating up.

Millions of Americans are preparing to get out of town sometime in the coming holiday week. That will likely mean busy roads, as well as packed airports and train stations.

Motor club AAA projects that some 70.9 million travelers will head 50 miles (80 kilometers) or more from their homes over a nine-day Independence Day travel period — surpassing pre-pandemic numbers for the U.S. holiday. And the Transportation Security Administration expects to screen over 32 million individuals in airports from this Thursday through July 8, up 5.4% from last year’s numbers.

Are you traveling for the Fourth? Here’s a rundown of what you need to know.

When is the best time to hit the road for July Fourth?

Smooth sailing for travel around any holiday is never a given. But avoiding the most hectic times, when others are rushing out of town, is a good way to start.

If you’re traveling by car for the Fourth of July, it’s best to hit the road in the morning, according to transportation data and insights provider INRIX. Peak traffic congestion varies by location, INRIX data published by AAA shows, but the worst times to drive on, or leading up to, the holiday are generally between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Either way, be prepared for the roads to be jammed.

“Road trips over the holiday week could take up to 67% longer than normal,” Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX, said in a prepared statement.

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July Fourth falls on a Thursday this year, and many travelers will likely take Friday July 5th off to extend their trip into a four-day weekend. Drivers in large metro areas can expect the biggest delays on Wednesday July 3 and Sunday July 7 — as travelers leave and return to town, Pishue added.

And if you’re renting a car ahead of July Fourth, the busiest pickup days will be Friday, Saturday and Wednesday before the holiday, AAA notes.

When will airports be busiest?

Airports will also likely be packed all week long — but the TSA expects most people will take to the skies on Friday.

It anticipates that it will screen more than 3 million individuals Friday. That would surpass the agency’s current record for most people screened on a single day, which reached just under 3 million last Sunday.

“We expect this summer to be our busiest ever,” TSA Administrator David Pekoske said, adding that travel typical peaks around Independence Day.

Last year, the busiest day for Fourth of July air travel was also the Friday ahead of the holiday, TSA data shows. If past trends hold, travel will likely be higher on the days before and after the Fourth — particularly closer to the weekend. In 2023, for example, more than 2 million people were screened on the Fourth, which landed on a Tuesday last year, down from 2.88 million the Friday before.

What should I do if my flight is delayed or canceled?

Flights can be delayed or canceled for an array of reasons — from plane-specific mechanical problems to major storms impacting popular travel paths.

If your flight is canceled, airlines are required to provide refunds for customers, even if the cancellation is due to weather . Delays are trickier, because they typically have to meet certain criteria for relief, such as refunds or compensation — but carriers will often give customers to chance to switch to alternative flights, if available, at no cost.

In April, the Biden administration issued final rules that include requiring airlines to provide automatic cash refunds within a few days for canceled flights and “significant” delays. Those rules are set to take effect over the next two years, but the Department of Transportation has a site that lets consumers see the commitments each airline has made for refunds and covering other expenses when flights are canceled or significantly delayed.

Always check your itinerary before leaving home

It’s better to be stuck at home than locked in hourslong traffic or stranded in an airport terminal. Before heading out the door this holiday week, do yourself a favor and check the status of your travel plans.

Was your flight, train or bus ride delayed? Are there are traffic incidents set to disrupt your drive? And what about the weather? A quick look through your itinerary — such as trip updates on a carrier’s website — checking weather forecasts and monitoring traffic safety through services like the 511 hotline or your phone’s navigation apps can go a long way toward avoiding travel misery.

Here are a few more tips to keep in mind:

— Leave early: There are more people everywhere during a holiday week, so lines will be longer and roads will be busier. Give yourself more time to get to your destination or to make your way through airport security.

— Keep an eye on the weather — and not just for your destination: Look at the weather for your entire travel path. Even if it’s sunny skies both at home and the place you’re headed, it’s important to keep an eye out for any storms in between. You may need to do some rerouting.

— Be kind: A trip delay or cancellation can be really frustrating — but if you’re running into disruptions, chances are others are too. Customer service agents have a lot on their plate at this time of year, and it’s important to be patient and respectful as they try to help you.

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Changes to Pittsburgh International Airport checkpoint begin July 8

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – As airline passengers have begun to take to the skies for this summer travel period, the surge in passenger volume at Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) in the early hours of the morning has started to exceed the capacity of the security checkpoints, particularly during the hours of 4 to 7 a.m. Mondays through Fridays. The increase in passenger volume is a result of additional flights that have been added by airlines to accommodate traveler demand.

Travelers who are booked on early morning flights are advised to get into the airport terminal at least two to three hours prior to their scheduled departure time because the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint lanes are the most crowded between 4 and 7 a.m.

In an effort to best meet the increase in early morning travel volume, we are adjusting passenger flow to facilitate checkpoint efficiency and improve the customer experience,” said Karen Keys-Turner, TSA Federal Security Director for the airport. “Starting on July 8, between the hours of 4 and 7 a.m., Mondays through Fridays, the alternate security checkpoint will be dedicated exclusively to travelers enrolled in TSA PreCheck® who are ticketed to fly out of PIT. PreCheck lanes at the main checkpoint will not be open during this time.

The move will expedite the screening process, maximize space and minimize line wait times for all travelers at both checkpoints. TSA piloted this change for a few days last month to determine whether it would improve passenger flow and the agency has decided to move forward with the change in early July.

Travel volume has increased tremendously during the past several months and the change is an effort to improve checkpoint efficiency and streamline passenger flow into the checkpoint during the early morning peak travel period. TSA PreCheck® passengers should proceed directly to the alternate checkpoint on the departures level as opposed to going to the main checkpoint Monday through Friday from 4 a.m. to 7 a.m.

After 7 a.m., a TSA PreCheck lane will be available at the main checkpoint through 8 p.m. The alternate checkpoint may reopen during the day on an as-needed basis, dependent on passenger volume to serve both TSA PreCheck and non-TSA PreCheck travelers.

Signs will be posted in the terminal to inform travelers of this change as they arrive in the terminal and make their way to the TSA checkpoints. TSA PreCheck passengers arriving at the main checkpoint 4 to 7 a.m. will be redirected to the alternate checkpoint. Save time by proceeding directly to the alternate checkpoint.

CLEAR passengers should still proceed to the main checkpoint.

TSA is staffed to screen passengers nationwide, including at PIT, however there are a limited number of checkpoint lanes at Pittsburgh and during the early morning peak period, the number of travelers exceeds the capacity of the checkpoints. PIT’s new terminal, expected to open in 2025, will alleviate checkpoint capacity issues.

The high passenger volume is a nationwide trend. On Sunday, June 23, TSA screened 2.99 million travelers nationwide. It set a record for the most people screened in a single day in TSA’s 22-year history. In fact, seven of TSA’s top 10 busiest days in history have taken place since mid-May.

Nationwide, TSA expects to screen more than 32 million individuals from Thursday, June 27, through Monday, July 8, which is a 5.4% increase over 2023 Independence Day holiday travel volumes.

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How to holiday in the busiest year for travel: Join our event with Simon Calder for tips, advice and deals

The independent ’s travel team will be helping you make the best of your annual leave during an exclusive online event, article bookmarked.

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O bsessed with travel? You are not alone.

In 2024, many of us are hungrily seeking more experiences to make up for adventures lost to Covid and the surreal tangle of travel restrictions that accompanied the virus.

Travel industry leaders report no loss of appetite due to the cost of living crisis. “Our members are seeing huge opportunities and huge growth coming through,” says Julia Lo Bue-Said, chief executive of the Advantage Travel Partnership. “We're certainly seeing numbers virtually back to where they were pre-pandemic.”

And Paul Charles, chief executive of the PC Agency and former communications director for Virgin Atlantic and Eurostar, predicts: “It will be the busiest summer on record, without a doubt.”

In this Virtual Event, The Independent ’s award-winning travel correspondent Simon Calder and global travel editor Annabel Grossman will join deputy travel editor Ben Parker live from our studio, to help you navigate the best summer holiday deals amid this soaring demand and prices in 2024.

The trio will be on hand with the best tips, tricks and deals for jetting off this summer.

They will also tackle questions on how to best avoid being caught up in any travel chaos, following large-scale disruption at airports last summer, courtesy of air traffic control meltdowns and mass flight cancellations from leading airlines and industrial action.

As ever, no travel questions are off the cards - you can ask the team anything from how to get the best deals on flights and where to find summer sun to what makes a great last-minute deal.

The event will be hosted on Zoom and will last one hour. It will take place on Tuesday 16 April and will start at 6.30pm BST.

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

London Euston descends into chaos as trains grind to halt on hottest day of year

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Train passengers have been warned off severe disruption affecting London Euston station during peak rush hour.

Travel to and from London Euston train station has been hit by delays and cancellations on one of the hottest days of the year.

A points failure at Watford Junction has blocked the line used by trains between the Midlands and Manchester .

Trains through Euston may be cancelled, delayed by up to two hours or revised, National Rail warned.

Trains between London Euston and Wolverhampton, Crewe, Manchester Piccadilly and Edinburgh are affected, along with trains to between Birmingham New Street and Crewe.

Service between East Croydon and Watford Junction has also been hit.

Disruption is expected until the end of the day.

Frustrated passengers took to X (formerly Twitter) after their trains were affected.

Some passengers claimed their Avanti West Coast train has been ‘stranded’ at Coventry station for more than an hour, with one saying it is ‘very hot conditions on board.’

The passenger asked Avanti: ‘Could you not at least pass water to everyone on board the train.’

Avanti’s customer service responded on X, saying teams ‘are working very hard to get this issue resolved as quickly as possible.’

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To get the latest news from the capital visit Metro.co.uk's London news hub .

⚠️ Trains to/from Euston are disrupted this evening due to a fault with our signalling system in Watford 🦺 Our engineers are on site & working to fix the issue 📲 Please check https://t.co/m0S5uRmTGP for the latest journey info 🙏 We’re really sorry to passengers affected — London Euston (@NetworkRailEUS) June 26, 2024

Footage from Euston shows the station packed full of commuters on a day the temperatures in London are set to hit 30C again after the record on Tuesday .

It comes as Tube travel has also been affected across London today.

You could be entitled to delay repay, so it is worth keeping hold of your ticket and making a note of the times to make a claim with the train provider.

Affected Euston trains

These lines have been affected, with disruption expected into the evening.

Avanti West Coast

Avanti West Coast between London Euston and Wolverhampton / Crewe / Manchester Piccadilly / Edinburgh is affected.

Passengers can use tickets on the following services: Chiltern Railways between Birmingham Moor Street and London Marylebone, CrossCountry via any reasonable route, East Midlands Railway between London St Pancras International and Sheffield, Northern via any reasonable route, TransPennine Express via any reasonable route, West Midlands Railway via any reasonable route.

London Northwestern Railway

London Northwestern Railway between London Euston and Tring / Milton Keynes Central / Birmingham New Street / Crewe if affected.

You can use your ticket on the following trains:

• Birmingham Moor Street – Leamington Spa – Banbury – Bicester – Aylesbury – London Marylebone.
• Birmingham New Street – Leamington Spa – Banbury – Oxford – Reading (to connect with Great Western Railway services to London Paddington).
• Birmingham – Nuneaton – Leicester (to connect with East Midlands Railway services to London St Pancras International).
• Tamworth – Derby (to connect with East Midlands Railway services to London St Pancras International
• Birmingham – Wolverhampton – Stafford – Stoke-on-Trent.
• Crewe – Stoke on Trent – Derby.
• Derby – Leicester – Kettering – Wellingborough – Bedford – Luton – London St Pancras International.
• Bedford – Bletchley, to connect with services to London St Pancras International.
• St Albans Abbey – Watford Junction, to connect with services to London St Pancras International.
• Worcester and Birmingham New Street
• Nuneaton – Coventry – Leamington Spa.
• Bedford – Luton – Luton Airport Parkway – St Albans – London St Pancras International.
• Watford Junction – London (Kensington Olympia) (if they are not affected by this disruption)
• London Euston and Watford Junction (if they are not affected by this disruption).

Have you been affected by the disruption? Please email [email protected].

This is a developing news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates.

Got a story? Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected] . Or you can submit your videos and pictures here .

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• Aviation passenger experience

Air travel checklist for travel from the UK

Checklist of things you can do to make air travel quicker and easier.

Things you can do before travel, at the airport and on your return to the UK to speed up your journey.

Before arriving at the airport

Check your passport.

You must renew your passport before you can travel if either:

• your passport has expired
• you do not have enough time left on it

Renew or replace your adult passport .

It can take up to 10 weeks to renew your passport.

How much time you need on your passport depends on the country you’re visiting.

If you are traveling to an EU country (except Ireland), or Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino or Vatican City, you must follow the Schengen area passport requirements . Your passport must not be older than 10 years on the date you travel. It must be valid for at least 3 months from the date you intend to return home.

Foreign travel advice gives passport requirements for all countries .

Check your documents

Make sure you have the correct documents for your destination - for example a visa or an ESTA .

Check foreign travel advice for entry requirements .

Arrange any special assistance you may require

Special assistance is available to passengers who may need help to travel, including:

• the elderly
• people with a physical disability, such as wheelchair users
• people who have difficulty with social interaction and communication, such as people with autism or dementia

You should ask for assistance either when you book or at least 48 hours before travel.

Read more about travelling with a disability or reduced mobility on the CAA website .

Check when to arrive at the airport

Check with your airline.

Allow for longer check-in times as airlines may need to check COVID-19 related documents.

Don’t arrive earlier than the earliest time advised by your airline, as this can cause congestion and delays.

At the airport

At check in.

Have the following ready to show to staff when you reach the check-in desk:

• your ticket
• your passport

Check in online

If your airline allows online check in, this can save lots of time.

If you check in online, have your boarding pass and do not have a bag to drop off, you can go straight to airport security.

Get ready for airport security

Carefully pack your bags at home and carry only essential items in hand luggage.

Have your boarding pass ready for inspection – your passport is not required at security.

If you take liquids in your hand luggage, containers must hold no more than 100ml.

Put containers of liquids into a clear resealable plastic bag which holds no more than 1 litre and measures about 20cm x 20cm. Take the plastic bag out of your hand luggage while queueing, ready to put them in the security tray.

Remember that liquids may include items such as make-up, toiletries, hand sanitisers, etc.

Read separate guidance about hand luggage and liquids at airports .

Empty your pockets, take off your coat, watch and belt and remove other metal items when you near the front of the queue so you’re ready to put them in the trays.

You may be asked to remove your shoes, other items of clothing or jewellery before going through the security archway or scanner.

Electrical items such as mobile phones, tablets, laptops and hair straighteners should be removed from hand luggage to go through X-ray machines separately.

On your return to the UK

Using egates.

Passengers aged 10 and over with a biometric ePassport from the UK , EU and some other countries can use an eGate when entering the UK .

eGates eligibility and how to use the eGates

Remove your passport from its cover and have it open at the photo page.

Put mobile phones or tablets away before you reach the eGate. Take off hats, headphones, sunglasses and face coverings. Stand on the markings, hold the passport down firmly and keep looking at the camera until it finishes processing.

Check to see if you can use an eGate .

Travelling with children

Stay together when travelling as a family, particularly with children.

If you are not the child’s parent or may appear not to be the parent, it may help to carry evidence of your relationship with the child or the reason why you are travelling with the child. This could include:

• a birth or adoption certificate showing your relationship with the child
• divorce or marriage certificates if you are the parent but have a different surname to the child
• a letter from the child’s parent/s giving authority for the child to travel with you and providing contact details if you are not the parent

Read about travelling to the UK with children .

Further information on the CAA website

Read further advice about your journey and dealing with travel related problems such as delays and cancellations .

Updated age of eGate users from 12 to 10.

First published.

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Deal alert: Points and miles travel deals for July 2024

Editor's Note

From lucrative deals for bonus points on hotel stays to generous sales of airline miles , we're finding plenty of travel deals to help you earn and redeem your points and miles so you can book the vacation of your dreams.

For July, we found deals to book American Airlines round-trip flights for just 10,000 miles, earn up to 75,000 Air Canada Aeroplan points by donating to Miles4Migrants and fly nonstop to Mexico from multiple U.S. cities from $222. But that's not all.

We help our readers each week by rounding up ongoing monthly promotions so you don't have to scour the internet for the best reward redemptions and offers. From frequent flyer programs and hotel rewards programs to credit card offers that help maximize your spending , you can make the most of your points and miles redemptions with these lucrative offers.

Here's our list of some noteworthy new points and miles promotions for July.

Airline loyalty program promotions (July 2024)

Airline loyalty programs can offer trip discounts on certain dates, the chance to earn more miles for future travel and deals to rack up points toward elite status. Below are some of the offers we found for July.

Discounted Avianca LifeMiles redemptions on select routes

If you're ready to book a flight by July 4 and have some Avianca LifeMiles in your account, you could find value in the loyalty program's latest promo .

• Buy two tickets and get the miles back for one ticket on select routes . (This effectively gets you two tickets for the redemption rate of one.) You can get a second ticket refunded if you redeem miles for two or more tickets (in multiples of two), per the offer's landing page.
• Get 20% of your redeemed miles back when you book select routes to Europe with LifeMiles.
• You must redeem by July 4 to receive this offer.

Triple ANA miles for IHG stays

You could already earn 3 ANA miles per dollar spent on IHG stays, but once you register for the promotion, that rate will triple through August.

• Earn 9 miles per dollar spent on IHG stays (normally 3 miles per dollar). Earn 3 miles on Candlewood Suites, Staybridge Suites and the Venetian Resort Las Vegas (normally 1 mile per dollar).
• You have to register for the promotion and set ANA miles as your point-earning preference to redeem this offer.
• Register now for stays between July 1 and Aug. 31.

Flying Blue paid status match opportunity for US residents

We've included Air France-KLM Flying Blue's status match deal for residents of the U.K., Germany, Spain and various other countries for months. However, the airline loyalty program recently rolled out the ability for U.S. residents to apply for a Flying Blue status match as well.

• You can match your status across 18 loyalty programs to the corresponding Flying Blue tier. Find the full list here .
• This is a paid status match opportunity. Flying Blue members based in the U.S. can pay $99 or $299 to match to Silver or Gold status, respectively. U.S. residents cannot use this promo to match to Platinum status.
• Your status is valid for 12 months after you're matched. You have to requalify based on status requirements if you wish to extend your matched status after these 12 months are up.
• There is no publicly available end date for this promotion.

Related: Best airline credit cards

Hotel loyalty program promotions (July 2024)

Hotel loyalty programs occasionally offer discounted stays, ways to earn extra points and deals at various properties. We collected some of this month's active deals below.

Bonus Marriott Bonvoy points on select stays in the Middle East, Africa and participating European cities

If you register for this deal before your next Marriott Bonvoy stay in multiple worldwide properties, you could earn up to 10,000 bonus points.

• Stay at least two nights in a premium room at a participating hotel in London, Paris, Rome, Ireland, the Middle East or Africa to earn bonus points, up to 10,000. The bonus you earn is determined by the brand you select.
• Earn 1,000 bonus points per stay at Element, Residence Inn, Marriott Executive Apartments and Protea Hotels. This deal is valid for standard rooms.
• Earn 2,000 bonus points per stay at AC Hotels, Aloft Hotels, Courtyard Hotels, Four Points and Moxy Hotels. This deal is valid for standard rooms.
• Earn 5,000 bonus points per stay at Autograph Collection Hotels, Delta Hotels, Le Meridien, Marriott Hotels, Renaissance Hotels, Sheraton, Tribute Portfolio and Westin.
• Earn 10,000 bonus points per stay at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, The Luxury Collection, Edition, W Hotels and JW Marriott.
• Register using the deal's promotional code, MR5.
• Book by Aug. 22 for stays through Sept. 1.

Related: Best hotel credit cards

Credit card promotions (July 2024)

Credit card issuers sometimes offer deals and discounts for certain cardholders on everything from airfare to restaurant dining. We haven't found any new credit card offers for this week.

Ongoing travel deals

In addition to these new offers, there are many others from previous weeks that are still available:

• Enroll in a Sixt rental car status match with multiple airline and hotel program partners .
• Enroll in an Air France-KLM Flying Blue status match opportunity if you're a resident of an eligible country (including the U.K., Canada, Germany and Spain; others can be found here ). Successful enrollment in the status match is contingent upon submitting an application , proving equivalent elite status in one of 18 eligible airline loyalty programs and paying a fee determined by your status match level. There is no publicly available end date for this promotion.
• Earn bonus World of Hyatt points for attending a virtual timeshare presentation. You must reside in an eligible U.S. state and meet an annual income requirement, among other requirements . You must request information to learn more about this promotion. There is no publicly available end date for this offer.
• Earn triple United MileagePlus miles for stays at qualifying IHG Hotels & Resorts. Book by June 30 for stays completed by Aug. 31.
• Get a 20% bonus when you purchase World of Hyatt points through July 1.
• Buy Air India Flying Returns points with a 30% bonus through July 5.
• Earn bonus points for signing up for Air India Flying Returns by July 5 and completing your first Air India flight by Sept. 30.
• Buy Avianca LifeMiles with up to a 155% bonus through July 11.
• Buy Southwest Rapid Rewards points with up to a 50% discount through July 21.
• Buy Hilton Honors points with a 100% bonus through July 23.
• Earn bonus miles in the Lufthansa Miles & More program by registering for a Best Western deal and staying at participating properties in Europe. The deal expires July 31.
• Those who have a Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees ) can get 10% off a single hotel stay booked through the Citi travel portal . You must book your stay by July 31.
• Earn four times the reward points on your next Accor Live Limitless stay using this registration link . Book by Aug. 4 for a stay by Sept. 22.
• Earn bonus Hilton Honors points for each AutoCamp stay completed by Aug. 12.
• Earn bonus Marriott Bonvoy points when you stay at The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho, a Luxury Collection Hotel. Use "M11," the deal's promotional code , at checkout. Book and stay by Aug. 31.
• Receive a discount on an IHG One Rewards redemption when booking at a select new or renovated property this summer. Book and stay by Aug. 31.
• Earn bonus Wyndham Rewards points for staying with the brand. Your bonus is determined by how many consecutive nights you stay. Register for the deal by Aug. 31 for stays completed by Sept. 3.
• Earn bonus Best Western Rewards points when you register before your stay and book at least three nights (separate or consecutive). Complete your eligible nights by Sept. 2.
• Earn bonus Marriott Bonvoy points for stays in the Caribbean and Latin America. Register with "MRP," the deal's promotional code , and book by Sept. 3. Stay by Sept. 9.
• Earn bonus points for joining IHG One Rewards and staying at an IHG property within 21 days of joining. The promotion ends Sept. 13.
• Get a discount at participating Fairmont properties when you book directly with the brand . Book by Sept. 15. Stay by Dec. 30.
• Earn 250 miles in the Lufthansa Miles & More program by registering for the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program using this link . The offer expires Nov. 30.
• If you book hotels, car rentals and attractions through the Citi travel portal, as a Citi Double Cash cardmember, you will also earn an additional 3 bonus Citi ThankYou Rewards points per dollar spent. This gets you a total of 5 ThankYou Rewards points per dollar spent on eligible bookings through the Citi travel portal. The offer expires Dec. 31.
• If you aren't a member of Qatar Airways Privilege Club , you can earn bonus Avios if you join by Dec. 31. Register with "PCAMER24," the deal's promo code , and book a flight by June 30, 2025, to earn bonus Avios.
• Earn bonus Spirit Airlines Free Spirit points for completing an eligible round-trip flight at any time in 2024. Register with your Free Spirit number to redeem this offer. Travel must be completed by Dec. 31.
• If you haven't set up a Free Spirit account yet, you can get bonus points by registering as a new member through this promotional link . You must register by Dec. 31.
• Those who hold Citi rewards credit cards , including the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card (see rates and fees ), the Citi Rewards+® Card (see rates and fees ) and the Citi Double Cash, can earn both Citi ThankYou Rewards points and Select Guest points through Omni's loyalty program if you book a stay at one of 50 Omni Hotels & Resorts through the Citi travel portal. This offer is also available to those with the Citi Simplicity® Card and the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card (see rates and fees ).

The information for the Citi Simplicity has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Additionally, there are many stand-alone Amex Offers and Chase Offers still available across a variety of credit cards.

Targeted Amex Offers

• Earn cash back as a one-time statement credit on purchases at Preferred Hotels & Resorts properties across Africa, the Asia-Pacific region, the Caribbean, Europe and North America. The offer expires June 30.
• Earn cash back as a one-time statement credit on purchases at Grand Hyatt properties in the U.S. and internationally. The offer expires June 30.
• Earn a one-time statement credit on charges at participating Secrets Resorts & Spas and Impression by Secrets resorts. Book at the Hyatt Inclusive Collection website by July 14.
• Earn cash back when you spend with Frontier Airlines. The offer expires July 15.
• Earn cash back as a one-time statement credit on purchases with select WorldHotels properties in the U.S. and internationally. The offer expires July 19.
• Earn cash back as a one-time statement credit on purchases at The Global Ambassador hotel in Phoenix. The offer expires July 29.
• Earn cash back on a stay at a participating Hilton hotel in Nevada. The offer expires July 31.
• Earn cash back on stays with Minor Hotels Group. The offer expires July 31.
• Earn bonus Membership Rewards points for opening a business checking account. If you're targeted, you must apply by July 31 to receive the offer.
• Earn cash back in the form of a statement credit on transactions with Carnival Cruise Line . The offer expires Aug. 1.
• Earn bonus Membership Rewards points on a stay at a Canyon Ranch resort. The offer expires Aug. 12.
• Earn a one-time statement credit when you spend at Equinox Hotel at Hudson Yards. The offer expires Aug. 16.
• Earn bonus Membership Rewards points after purchasing Delta Air Lines gift cards. The offer expires Aug. 25.
• Get a one-time statement credit on purchases across multiple Boyne Golf resorts in Michigan. The offer expires Sept. 1.
• Earn 5 Membership Rewards points (up to 50,000) for each dollar spent on purchases made directly with AmaWaterways. The deal expires Sept. 1.
• Get a one-time statement credit when you use your enrolled eligible card on purchases with Avis Car Rental. The offer expires Sept. 9.
• Earn cash back or extra Membership Rewards points on purchases at U.S. supermarkets, gas stations and spa and personal care centers. These deals expire Sept. 13.
• Earn a one-time statement credit when you spend at The Unbound Collection by Hyatt. The offer expires Sept. 15.
• Earn a one-time statement credit on Hilton all-inclusive resorts and vacation hotels in the Caribbean and Latin America. The offer expires Sept. 30.
• Earn a one-time statement credit on stays with Omni Hotels & Resorts in the U.S. and Canada. The offer expires Sept. 30.
• Earn cash back as a one-time statement credit on a stay at select Opal Collection properties, PGA National Resort or Margaritaville Beach House Key West. These offers expire Sept. 30.
• Earn cash back on online purchases with ResortPass. The offer expires Sept. 30.
• Earn cash back as a one-time statement credit on stays at Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. The offer expires Oct. 4.
• Earn cash back as a one-time statement credit on a stay at Lotte Hotel Seattle. The offer expires Oct. 29.
• Earn a one-time statement credit when you use your card to spend with Micato Safaris. The offer expires Nov. 15.
• Earn a one-time statement credit when you use your card to pay for a stay at Lotte New York Palace. The offer expires Nov. 22.

Targeted Chase Offers

• Earn cash back for purchases made with Alaska Airlines. The offer expires June 30.
• Earn cash back when you stay at select brands in the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio (Element Hotels, TownePlace Suites by Marriott, Renaissance Hotels, SpringHill Suites by Marriott and Four Points by Sheraton). The offer expires June 30.
• Earn bonus IHG One Rewards points after activating the offer and meeting a spending threshold. You qualify for this offer if you hold an eligible IHG One Rewards cobranded card and are targeted for the offer. You must activate the offer by June 30.
• Earn cash back on your first payment of a new Zipcar membership. The offer expires July 1.
• Earn cash back when you spend with Turo, a car-sharing marketplace. The offer expires July 30.
• Earn cash back on purchases at Great Wolf Lodge. The offer expires July 31.
• Earn cash back when you stay at Hyatt House or Hyatt Place properties. Both offers expire July 31.

Remember that these are targeted, and you must activate the offers before making eligible purchases to enjoy the cash back or bonus points.

Related reading:

• Best travel credit cards
• The best time to book flights for the cheapest airfare
• 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
• Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
• The best credit cards to reach elite status
• What are points and miles worth? TPG's current monthly valuations