United Kingdom

US passport holders can enter the UK visa-free for up to 6 months. From 2025, Americans also need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) — £10 online, approved in 72 hours, valid two years. Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay.

London alone justifies 5–7 days. Add 2–3 for Bath + the Cotswolds, 3–4 for Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands, 2–3 for York + the Lake District. A complete first trip (London + Scotland + one region) is 12–14 days minimum.

London is expensive — mid-range daily budget runs $200–290 per person. Scotland, Wales, and rural England are 30–40% cheaper. Outside London, $120–180/day is comfortable. Book trains (LNER, GWR) 12 weeks ahead via Trainline for the steepest discounts — walk-up fares are 3–5× advance prices.

Tipping is expected but moderate. Restaurants: 10–12.5% if service isn't included (check the bill). Taxis: round up. Pubs: no tip on bar drinks, but tipping the bartender a round ('one for yourself') is appreciated. Hotel porters £1–2 per bag. Never tip at takeaway counters or cafés.

Trains connect major cities in 2–5 hours and are the best option for London-Edinburgh or London-York. Rent a car for the Cotswolds, Scottish Highlands, or Wales — rural bus service is sparse. London itself is entirely walkable + Underground; skip the rental car in the city.

Yes — drinkable throughout England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. In London and the southeast, the water's hard (high mineral content); in Scotland it's exceptionally soft. Refill reusable bottles anywhere. Restaurants serve tap water free on request — ask for 'a jug of tap, please'.