As Dave has posted, some things go a bit haywire around the holidays as far as international travel goes, even when no one sets fire to his own trousers on board a plane. The lines at airports are longer, there are more tourists in places that are home to some of us, and things are generally more busy and less patient. So that there are no surprises, here are some things to keep in mind if you are thinking of joining us this side of the Atlantic next Christmas.
First, travel destinations and experiences fill up early, so book early. Unless you’re planning on spending your Christmas in a remote village (and I totally recommend it, the North is full of under-appreciated places!), the chances that you’ll find a place to stay that suits you dwindle the closer you get to the big day. I know that applies to most holidays, but as Dave posted in Christmas in England: an Expat Returned Home’s View, it is quite popular to travel for the holidays here rather than enjoying a holiday at home.
Speaking of the big day, the second thing I’d like to remind visitors is that Christmas Day and the day after (Boxing Day) are national holidays, so things you may want to do while you’re here may not be open. Further, if Boxing Day occurs on a Saturday the following Monday will be a holiday as well. Many places open on Bank Holidays, but some don’t so it’s always a good idea to book in advance and call ahead to check opening times.
While you’re booking things, if you’d like to see more of the country than the place where you’re staying for Christmas, you’ll need to rent a car or carry extra dosh for taxis. Train service across the UK starts to wind down on Christmas Eve at 8pm, with no trains running at all after 10pm. With the exception of specialty trains like the Keighley Worth Valley Railroad, which operates its “Mince Pie Service” starting on Boxing Day and running through 3 January, there are no trains on Christmas Day or Boxing Day. Service resumes on 27 December, but it is always a good idea to check out how the trains are running before you head to the station.
The same advice applies to bus travel. Of course, services available will vary from place to place. Here in West Yorkshire, there were buses running until about 6pm on a regular schedule on Christmas Eve, then stopping service between 8-10pm depending on route. There were no buses making long haul trips at all, and only some volunteers running abbreviated routes (on antique buses here in Keighley, free of charge) on Christmas Day, and on Boxing Day there were buses making limited half-hourly trips from cities such as Wakefield and Shipley to Leeds and Halifax to accommodate Boxing Day Sale shoppers. Nothing else. So if you’re feeling adventurous and have a valid driving license in your home country, you might look into hiring a car. If you have a White Christmas like we did this year, a drive through the Dales in Yorkshire or out from London to Canterbury or Salisbury might provide some breathtaking vistas that just can’t be experienced anywhere else.
Finally, if you’re a sucker for a sale, retail stores in the UK start making ready for the Boxing Day sales on Christmas eve after closing. It’s like Black Friday after Thanksgiving in America here, with people rising early to make their way to their favourite stores in the hopes of snagging a bargain. You can find everything from clothes to furniture and everything in between on offer at huge discounts.
So to recap, book in advance, check on that booking close to travel time, hire a car, and come join us in some holiday cheer! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to spend some Christmas vouchers. Ho Ho Ho!
Next Year, in Britain? Some Reminders for Christmas Travel in the UK
As Dave has posted, some things go a bit haywire around the holidays as far as international travel goes, even when no one sets fire to his own trousers on board a plane. The lines at airports are longer, there are more tourists in places that are home to some of us, and things are generally more busy and less patient. So that there are no surprises, here are some things to keep in mind if you are thinking of joining us this side of the Atlantic next Christmas.
First, travel destinations and experiences fill up early, so book early. Unless you’re planning on spending your Christmas in a remote village (and I totally recommend it, the North is full of under-appreciated places!), the chances that you’ll find a place to stay that suits you dwindle the closer you get to the big day. I know that applies to most holidays, but as Dave posted in Christmas in England: an Expat Returned Home’s View, it is quite popular to travel for the holidays here rather than enjoying a holiday at home.
Speaking of the big day, the second thing I’d like to remind visitors is that Christmas Day and the day after (Boxing Day) are national holidays, so things you may want to do while you’re here may not be open. Further, if Boxing Day occurs on a Saturday the following Monday will be a holiday as well. Many places open on Bank Holidays, but some don’t so it’s always a good idea to book in advance and call ahead to check opening times.
While you’re booking things, if you’d like to see more of the country than the place where you’re staying for Christmas, you’ll need to rent a car or carry extra dosh for taxis. Train service across the UK starts to wind down on Christmas Eve at 8pm, with no trains running at all after 10pm. With the exception of specialty trains like the Keighley Worth Valley Railroad, which operates its “Mince Pie Service” starting on Boxing Day and running through 3 January, there are no trains on Christmas Day or Boxing Day. Service resumes on 27 December, but it is always a good idea to check out how the trains are running before you head to the station.
The same advice applies to bus travel. Of course, services available will vary from place to place. Here in West Yorkshire, there were buses running until about 6pm on a regular schedule on Christmas Eve, then stopping service between 8-10pm depending on route. There were no buses making long haul trips at all, and only some volunteers running abbreviated routes (on antique buses here in Keighley, free of charge) on Christmas Day, and on Boxing Day there were buses making limited half-hourly trips from cities such as Wakefield and Shipley to Leeds and Halifax to accommodate Boxing Day Sale shoppers. Nothing else. So if you’re feeling adventurous and have a valid driving license in your home country, you might look into hiring a car. If you have a White Christmas like we did this year, a drive through the Dales in Yorkshire or out from London to Canterbury or Salisbury might provide some breathtaking vistas that just can’t be experienced anywhere else.
Finally, if you’re a sucker for a sale, retail stores in the UK start making ready for the Boxing Day sales on Christmas eve after closing. It’s like Black Friday after Thanksgiving in America here, with people rising early to make their way to their favourite stores in the hopes of snagging a bargain. You can find everything from clothes to furniture and everything in between on offer at huge discounts.
So to recap, book in advance, check on that booking close to travel time, hire a car, and come join us in some holiday cheer! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to spend some Christmas vouchers. Ho Ho Ho!