The #1 thing Americans visiting the UK need to know

I’m proudly from Wales, a small nation in the UK. I’ve often heard American tourists speak about Wales as if it were a part of England. The geography of the UK is quite complicated, and mistaking one British nation for another is easily done. 

But it’s important to realise that there are four nations in the UK that you could visit.

Don’t worry if you’re not yet familiar with the differences between Great Britain, England, the UK, and the regions within the UK. I will walk you through the essential knowledge for your trip to the UK, and share why it’s important to know this information.

Trust me, you’ll have a much better trip to the UK if you understand what the UK actually is.  

The UK is made up of four Nations: England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland

There is a stereotype that American tourists refer to the whole of the UK as ‘England’. This is an understandable mistake, but it won’t get you in the good books of the other three nations! 

The UK is a sovereign state, whose full name is The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland – the longest name of any country in the world! 

The UK is made up of four nations: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. There are also several small islands dotted around that are part of these nations. 

The nations of England, Wales and Scotland share an island called Great Britain. Across the Irish Sea is the nation of Northern Ireland. 

Northern Ireland is in the north of the island of Ireland. It neighbours the Republic of Ireland, a different country from the UK altogether. 

Each nation within the UK has distinct characteristics and identities.

All nations of the UK are worth exploring

Really, a visit to the UK is four-for-one, and it would be a shame not to see what each of these nations has to offer!

Each nation has a distinct history and culture, unique landscapes and traditional food. 

Nearly half of all visitor nights spent by American tourists in the UK are in London [source]. I love London and it is an incredible city, but it isn’t representative of the whole of the UK. You can’t say you’ve ‘done the UK’ if you’ve only been to London! 

There is so much more to see across the UK. You can experience Scottish culture and try world-famous haggis, or visit Wales to hear one of Europe’s oldest languages and visit one of over 600 castles! 

The important thing is to appreciate that there are four nations of the UK to explore. And if you don’t manage to visit every nation, just know that they are waiting for you on another trip! 

You can get travel inspiration for your trip with our United Kingdom guides written by me and other locals living in the UK.

You’ll have a better trip to the UK if you understand the country itself

Just like visiting any country, knowing a bit about the nation you’re visiting will help you get more out of your visit. 

Although the nations of the UK share so much, learning about the history and geography of the nation you visit is a great start.

For example, castles in Wales will be more impressive if you read about the history of bitter battles between English and Welsh princes. And you’ll enjoy the taste of Scotland if you choose from the menu wisely in a restaurant in Glasgow.

I recently saw a reel on Instagram of an American tourist in Wales who mispronounced every place name and said she saw a Loch Ness Monster on a sign in Wales. But it was not the famous Scottish creature, it was the Welsh dragon! 

No one wants to make this kind of embarrassing mistake as a tourist, so get clued up before you travel. 

Avoid offending locals by understanding the different nations

People in the UK have strong national identities. For example, I always say I am Welsh first, and British second. And people from all over the UK will often have strong regional identities. 

You’re less likely to make a comment that could be confusing or embarrassing, once you understand the geography of the UK and appreciate the differences between nations. 

For example, confusing Wales for England when talking to a local in a pub could be awkward! You don’t need to be an expert, but knowing the basics will go a long way. It’s a simple thing that can help you travel the UK like a local yourself.

Enjoy exploring the UK!

The UK is a wonderful travel destination with lots on offer. No matter which nation you visit, you’ll get to know places rich with history and culture, see interesting scenery and experience something new. You’re bound to enjoy exploring this diverse and exciting country!

***

Thinking of a trip to the UK? Put any questions you have in the comments below!

Looking for more? Read Sky’s article on the differences between Brits and Americans that she noticed while living in the UK.