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This page is the jumping off point for several sub-pages that help you prepare for your trip to the British Isles and Ireland.
We provide LINKS here to subpages as well as topics you can scroll down to find.
A. Scroll down for Frequently Asked Questions
B. CLICK HERE for info on booking your AIRLINES and TRIP INSURANCE
C. CLICK HERE for Suggested Reading and Viewing materials to help make this trip more meaningful
D. CLICK HERE for Brief Notes on British History
E. Get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to visit the UK
F. Scroll down for suggested Packing List
G. Scroll Down for info on Health & Well Being
H. Scroll Down for Travel Hacks
We provide LINKS here to subpages as well as topics you can scroll down to find.
A. Scroll down for Frequently Asked Questions
B. CLICK HERE for info on booking your AIRLINES and TRIP INSURANCE
C. CLICK HERE for Suggested Reading and Viewing materials to help make this trip more meaningful
D. CLICK HERE for Brief Notes on British History
E. Get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to visit the UK
F. Scroll down for suggested Packing List
G. Scroll Down for info on Health & Well Being
H. Scroll Down for Travel Hacks
1. Are visas required for England?
YES. As of this year, all visitors are required to have an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to visit the UK. This is required to even board the airline, so don't forget to get one.
- May take up to three working days to process.
- Costs £10 ($12.75).
- Is required for travelers of all ages.
- Is valid for two years or the remaining period of validity on a passport, whichever is shorter; and...
- Does not require travel details.
- The link is on this page above this question, or click HERE (www.gov.uk/eta)
2. Are there luggage limits on the buses?
We request that each person have no more than one checked bag and one carry-on bag in order to keep the loading and unloading process for buses from becoming too burdensome.
3. What meals are included in this tour?
All breakfasts are included. All other meals are on your own in order to keep tour costs down and meal times minimal. There will be restaurants and snack stops provided as needed to make this tour comfortable and enjoyable, but group meals are costly and time consuming and we find most people prefer to choose their own menus--especially in the UK.
4. Will I have a list of the hotels where we are staying?
We publish that list prior to the tour, but remember that most hotels don't have phones in the rooms. Families are encouraged to use WhatsApp to contact tour members or tour leaders in case of emergencies. We have emergency contact info available while we are traveling.
5. Will there be laundry facilities available on this tour?
These are not usually available in England. If laundry is to be done, plan to hand wash in your sink and dry overnight-- wise to bring clothing that is easy wash and wear. See our packing list for useful washing aids.
6. Will I need much cash on this trip?
England is mostly cashless, though there will be some vendors who prefer cash. You will be able to get currency from banks and ATMs/money machines.
7. What cell phone service do you recommend?
We use T-Mobile because of their good international coverage and free texting around the world. This is an individual choice. We ask everyone to have WhatsApp on your phone. We use it extensively before, during and after the tour to keep in touch with you and let you know the daily and hourly schedule as it changes regularly. Please make sure you have phone service that works internationally.
8. What should I expect when we arrive in London?
LONDON SCHEDULE AND OPTIONS
August 19 In the morning of we’ll tour Runnymede near Windsor and then tour Hampton Court Palace (probably THE most ornate Palace) with options for lunch. Then it’s on to London for a bus tour that includes the exteriors of Parliament, Westminster Cathedral, Buckingham Palace (side view only), St. Paul’s Cathedral, special cemetery walking tour, Fleet Street, Tower of London, Marble Arch, Hyde Park Speaker’s Corner, LDS Church on Exhibition Road and more.
Check into Hilton Double Tree Hotel by Hyde Park on Bayswater Road before 5 PM. Get a bit settled and then, as a group, Mark will take everyone less than a block away and catch the #94 and #148 bus that takes us past Marble Arch to Picadilly and Regent Streets to Picadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, to Westminster Clock Tower (Parliament) where we get off the bus. Besides getting you to this location, you’ll learn firsthand how to easily use their extensive bus service and Underground or Tube system. You just need your own credit card (couples must have different credit cards for this to work) that you’ll tap on to get into the Tube stop and tap off to leave whatever station you go to. No tickets to buy. Quick and easy.
After we disembark the bus, we walk two blocks to the pier where we have tickets for a river cruise from Parliament to the London Eye, the docks, the many sites until we arrive at the Tower of London and Tower Bridge (incorrectly called London Bridge which is now in Lake Havasu, Arizona). We will take the Underground or Tube to the hotel so you can be acquainted with the Tube system. This is key for your adventures during the next two days.
AUGUST 20 AND 21: Either Steven or Peter Fagg will be at the hotel to help you plan your adventures. Steven will organize walking tours of various types that you are free to join. We will provide his tour details on What’sApp sometime in June.
To go to the evening plays on the West End (very close), you may take the tube, or bus and also consider using Uber.
We recommend buying now the most popular sites including the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and the plays. Go directly to their sites online rather than buying through Viator and other vendors in order to get the best pricing.
More Questions?
Text us at 801.669.1777 or 801. 440.3272 & we'll be happy to answer and post your questions here .
SUGGESTED CLOTHING PACKING LIST (this is just a suggestion-- not to be taken as the law)
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Liz's packing list
3 long pants - 1 jeans, 2 slacks 2 shorts 2 dresses or skirt (1 for church) 3 t-shirts 4 tops 1 pr. PJ's 2 sweaters 1 rain jacket 2 hats 7 pair garments 2 pair walking sandals 1 pair walking shoes For those who want wash clothes, bring your own because most hotels no longer stock them. |
Mark's Packing List
1 dress slacks 1 track pants or soft pants 1 jeans 3 shorts 4 casual polos 1 long sleeve polo 1 jacket 1 dress shirt (white) & 1 tie 7 pair garments 2 hats (baseball & brim) 2 pair walking shoes a few pair of socks Roll up rain poncho just in case. |
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From Liz: I've added some links to Amazon products because some have asked me for suggestions, but these are not required in any way and are just here to give you ideas. You should use your own judgement and experience.
1. Tide sticks -,we swear by these https://a.co/d/f6XCvDS 2. Clothes line -- for doing laundry in your room (underwear especially) a.co/d/6spXv0E 3. Laundry soap -- I use these all the time at home and on trips a.co/d/5jEcwOx 4. Wrinkle Release Spray (sorry it won't help our faces) a.co/d/2PAgeGO 5. Mini Portable Chargers for phone https://a.co/d/5xAHuZJ 6. UK, Ireland, Scotland plug adaptor (Type G) https://a.co/d/2k43TOs 7. Power Converter-- needed for electrical appliances other than computers & phones https://a.co/d/dOTcBU7 8. Flashlight -- this one is rechargeable and can charge your phone a.co/d/2Ya68vO 9. Medicines & vitamin supplements -- with pill bags to organize them compactly a.co/d/iWkVhss 10. Nasal Spray or swabs for plane to avoid getting sick in crowded areas 11. Melatonin & sleep aids --we recommend Costco Sleep Aid -- to sleep on the plane and to sleep through the nights when jet lag wakes us at 3:00 AM (see photo on right)
12. Face masks -- in case of illness https://a.co/d/5xSidzxa.co/d/5xSidzx 13. Hand sanitizer https://a.co/d/5zSOLBua.co/d/5zSOLBu 14. Disinfectant wipes for plane (get at the supermarket travel section) 15. Eye mask & ear plugs for sleeping In May and August the sun goes down after 9 PM and is up about 5 AM https://a.co/d/cKPdQRua.co/d/cKPdQRu 16. Ziplock bags -- you'll be surprised how much these are used 17. Snacks -- nuts, jerky, protein bars, etc. 18. Reading material -- Here is a GREAT way to prep yourself for the British Isles from our LDS Tour Guide, Peter Fagg: At long last here is volume one of my LDS Britain series: Standing on the Shoulders of Giants: LDS Preston. Here is the ebook link: To order from the USA this is the link to www.amazon.com Standing on the Shoulders of Giants: Book 1: LDS Preston a.co "In the meantime…I hope you enjoy LDS Preston through a fresh perspective, and please do share with ANYONE you think would have an interest. "Hope you had a great Easter and Conference weekend. "Best regards," Peter Fagg 19. Book of Mormon to give away 20. Pictures of your family -- on your phone and/0r hard copy to show 21. Heating pad if you get cold at night or just need it for aches and pains-- I find mine really helps me on long trips.
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1. Tide sticks
5. Mini chargers
9. Pill bags for organizing supplements
2. Clothes line
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These are links to videos we've found that can be helpful in planning for international travel. There are many more online -- when you finish one you may find more by the same person that are good updates on travel.
1. What to do about current flight disruptions If you're worried about an upcoming flight cancellation or delay, here’s a quick way to stay ahead of airline communications:
Enter your flight number on FlightAware, then click “Where Is My Plane Now?”
You’ll immediately see if the aircraft assigned to your flight has departed, where it’s coming from, and when it’s expected to land.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve watched my flight get delayed without any airline announcement yet. But checking the inbound aircraft usually gives you the most accurate estimate.
As a rule of thumb: boarding starts about 45–60 minutes after the plane lands (but sometimes earlier if they’re trying to make up for a delay).
I use this trick before every flight - cancellation worries or not.
Today's Quick Travel Tip:
3 small things to permanently keep in your travel bag (ideally to have on you on the plane):
2. Travel Tips for Bringing Medicine Through Airport Security
youtu.be/PBwmUX3PpGk?si=DMcERkVzas759rOV
3. 5 Airport Secrets They Don't Want Us to Know
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BR1N4JLcp-4&t=313s
4. What to wear (and not) when flying
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xwf2GAZWdgg&t=300s
5. 3-1-1 Rule -- Airline guides for carrying liquids
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-Ga-v5kCSc
6. Airline Rules
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sz0oDYs1mNk&t=181s
7. Cell Phone Security
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=heeaS7vgLvY
8. 5 Packing Tips for Your Next Trip
youtu.be/GS5FFxl8e2I?si=3QI_o2r3OUB9YKpF
9. Travel updates for 2025
https://youtu.be/Dj-GASJCeaQ?si=JVWdbh3rr_jwnJG7
1. What to do about current flight disruptions If you're worried about an upcoming flight cancellation or delay, here’s a quick way to stay ahead of airline communications:
Enter your flight number on FlightAware, then click “Where Is My Plane Now?”
You’ll immediately see if the aircraft assigned to your flight has departed, where it’s coming from, and when it’s expected to land.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve watched my flight get delayed without any airline announcement yet. But checking the inbound aircraft usually gives you the most accurate estimate.
As a rule of thumb: boarding starts about 45–60 minutes after the plane lands (but sometimes earlier if they’re trying to make up for a delay).
I use this trick before every flight - cancellation worries or not.
Today's Quick Travel Tip:
3 small things to permanently keep in your travel bag (ideally to have on you on the plane):
- Ginger chews - if your stomach feels off (and for motion sickness)
- Alcohol wipes - to alleviate nausea (smell it)
- Pimple patches to relieve bug bites
2. Travel Tips for Bringing Medicine Through Airport Security
youtu.be/PBwmUX3PpGk?si=DMcERkVzas759rOV
3. 5 Airport Secrets They Don't Want Us to Know
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BR1N4JLcp-4&t=313s
4. What to wear (and not) when flying
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xwf2GAZWdgg&t=300s
5. 3-1-1 Rule -- Airline guides for carrying liquids
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-Ga-v5kCSc
6. Airline Rules
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sz0oDYs1mNk&t=181s
7. Cell Phone Security
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=heeaS7vgLvY
8. 5 Packing Tips for Your Next Trip
youtu.be/GS5FFxl8e2I?si=3QI_o2r3OUB9YKpF
9. Travel updates for 2025
https://youtu.be/Dj-GASJCeaQ?si=JVWdbh3rr_jwnJG7