The Purple Passport

Seasoned advice for British Travellers

uk travel

Backwoods Breaks For The Perfect Romantic Getaway

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If you are looking for the perfect romantic getaway for you and your partner then a countryside retreat may be just what the doctor ordered. Throughout the UK we have some of the most idyllic settings which are nestled into the landscape of this nation making for the perfect place for you to relax for a weekend away with your partner. The list of choices is endless so we have picked our favorite spots for a romantic break in the UK which we think will make for the ideal location, let’s take a look.

The Cotswolds

The Cotswolds is made up of 6 counties which come together to form this quintessentially English setting. Throughout this region you’ll find rolling green valleys, rich forest lands, quaint villages and natural scenery which has inspired artists and poets for centuries. Whether you and your partner are looking at talking romantic walks through the woods, discovering small towns or simply closing yourselves in for a little while, the Cotswolds is a great place to do it all.

The Lake District 

The Lake District is without question the jewel in the crown of the English countryside, a huge region filled with mountains, rivers, lakes, forests, ravines, valleys and meadows which offers up plenty for the romantic couple. Dotted throughout this region is many cottage hideaways and boutique hotels which make for the perfect spot for those in love. Spend your days hiking, biking and gazing upon the incredible natural splendor of the Lake District.

Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye sits on the northern tip of Scotland and if you are looking for somewhere to completely get away from it all then this could be the solution you’ve been looking for. This small and quiet region has outstanding natural beauty – hence why it is often used as a cinema location – it also offers a quiet and slow pace of life. Enjoy taking the train through the crags and valleys on the West Highland Railway, discover the harbor town of Portree and sample a fusion of Scottish and Nordic cuisine before lighting a fire and relaxing in your accommodation with your loved one.

Snowdonia National Park

Legend has it that King Arthur’s famous sword Excalibur is nestled somewhere in this region of Wales, true or not there is a real magic about Snowdonia National Park which has been the source of folklore like this for generations. For you and your partner there are fewer places which are more relaxing and peaceful than this national park in northern Wales and it is a great option for a romantic getaway. Nature lovers can bask in waterfalls and rugged rock formations, adventure lovers will enjoy the wide range of activities on offer and all couples will love the range of accommodation options here from ancient castles to small cottage retreats.

Getting away from the daily grind with your loved one and reconnecting with nature is something which is absolutely necessary from time to time, and these are the best places to do exactly that.

Tips for Helping an American Friend Visit the UK for the First Time

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It’s always fun when your friends come to visit you. You get to show them around, have fun, and generally help them out by taking a huge budget factor out of the equation. If your friend is from America, however, then even with an offer of a couch while they were here isn’t enough to offset the high costs of travel. What you can do, however, is help them plan out everything that they need to make their first visit to the UK a great one:

What They Need to Travel to the UK

Everyone needs a few things when they travel to the UK, and although Americans do not need a visa to enter the UK border, they do need:

1. A Valid Passport

Valid passports are necessary for travel, and in most cases just remembering to bring it with you is all you need to do. If your passport is about to expire, is expired, or you do not have one, however, then you need to plan in advance. This includes saving up for and paying the passport fee and ensuring you do this with enough time to get your passport back to you before your flight. As soon as you two start to plan their visit, you will want to learn more about the process and what they need to do.

2. A Return Plane Ticket

Though not absolutely necessary, it will make things a lot easier at customs if they have a designated time for when they intend to leave the country. This could either be a return plane ticket or a ticket via the Eurostar to see a bit of France before they had back home.

3. Accommodation

On the landing card, you need to state what your contact address will be in the UK when you are visiting. As they are likely staying with you, you will need to give them your address to write down.

How to Help Them Minimize Costs

To help them minimize costs, there are few strategies to play:

Set Up Alerts for Transportation Deals

It will always be easier for you to find out about, say, train ticket sales. Simply keep an eye out for these sales or set up a specific alert so that when you know, you can let your friend know. Doing this means they can easily hop on over to Paris for £30 each way, improving the quality of the trip and making the flight worth it.

Exchange Currencies

If you plan on traveling to the United States soon, then you two can easily work out a deal where they give you money in American dollars, and you give them the equivalent back in British Pounds. This way you don’t have to waste money on transfer fees or in the exchange rate. If this isn’t an option, then help them find the best way to convert their currency.

Order Them a Pay-As-You-Go SIM

Though Pay-As-You-Go SIM cards can be as easy as heading to the local shop to get, they often aren’t the best deals. By ordering them a SIM card in advance, you can help them stay connected for a very affordable monthly rate.

Traveling overseas is a big deal, so help encourage your friend to come over and help them spend less while doing it by following these steps.