To celebrate the Marriage of Taylor & Kyle, please arrive in the local area by 3:00 p.m. on June 5.
4:00 p.m. - 6: 00 p.m. A private tour of Tuffon Hall Winery will be available to guests. A casual evening dinner will be served in the Farm House or you may eat in the White Hart Restaurant at your convenience. (Hours 6:00 pm. - 9:30 pm).
Passports:
A passport with at least 6 months' expiration past your return date is required. Photocopy and keep it in a safe place or email it to yourself.
A (Visa) ETIAS authorization, will NOT be needed to travel to European countries in 2024. ETIAS was expected to go online in 2024, but it has now been pushed back to mid-2025 because its entry/exit database isn’t ready.
Covid:
There are no current COVID restrictions to enter the UK or to return to the US.
Money
The British pound denoted as £ is used in the UK. However, it is mostly a cashless economy. You will need to use a credit card with a tap feature to buy things. The exchange rate is approximately £1.25 pounds = $1.00. You will not need cash to travel.
Transportation from London:
London Heathrow is approximately 20 miles west of Central London. From Central London, you will need to take the Underground to Liverpool Street Station. You can use your American credit card to tap in and out of the tube system. (You do not need an Oyster card.).
Once you arrive at Liverpool Station for the overground train, You can buy your train ticket from a ticket machine at Liverpool Station (Greater Anglia Transportation). Trains run several times an hour and take approximately 40 minutes to Braintree or Witham.
Transportation from Braintree or Witham to Castle Hedingham (Tuffon Hall) or Great Yeldham (White Hart Hotel) can be arranged or you may take a taxi for the 30-minute ride.
Do I need cash/credit card?
England is almost cashless. You will need to have a credit card or a debit card (contactless card). Check that your CC does not charge foreign transaction fees each time you use it. You will need to tap in and out of the underground in London. If you want some cash, bring an ATM card. You can withdraw cash at the Airport - it will spit out pounds. When buying items always buy in the local currency (£) and not dollars. (You do not want the store to make the currency conversion, let your CC do this - it gives a much more favorable rate).
Luggage
Please bring a carry-on size case and a duffle bag. This is best as large luggage does not fit in European cars well and there must be room for other guests' luggage in a car/Taxi.
Electronics
The electrical current is 230 V in the UK.
Your iPhones, ipads, are dual voltage and will just need an adapter to get power.
UK - Type G is required.
Switzerland - Type J is required.
You can purchase from Amazon for about $15.00 each.
WARNING:
Straighteners/curling irons/Hair dryers MUST be DUAL voltage to work. (They will catch on fire if you try to use them with just an adapter). Most places with have a hair dryer.
Safety
London is pretty safe, but do take care to keep your passport and money safe.
Switzerland is one of the safest countries. A cross-body purse is fine - although I would perhaps keep my passport a little closer.
Do I need travel Insurance?
Yes, You may have been asked this question when you booked your flight. If you declined, then you can still purchase through the airline or you can do a separate policy through companies such as Travelguard
Allianz
Does my US health insurance cover me?
NO. Your health insurance does not work overseas. Health care is not the best in the UK and access is limited. (Don't get sick!)
Switzerland has a good health care system but will cost you. This is where travel insurance comes in.
Medications
Prescribed medication should be in its original container with its label. (you can put it in smaller containers but make sure you have a printout and enough extra to last a week or so past your return date.
Switzerland questions
Money: The Swiss Franc (CHF) is used it has about a 1:1 conversion, which makes it easy.
Credit Cards are widely used
Train tickets can be purchased at the Zurich airport.
Useful Apps to Download
Sbb.ch
City Mapper
Booking.com
Trainline
What to Wear?
The average temperature in England is about 68 - 70 F. in June but It can feel cool at night and it can be grey sky and rainy during the day, - You never know!
Switzerland can also be rainy in the mountains, so a good rain jacket is essential.
Jeans and athletic shoes are fine. Avoid shirts with large college and Sports teams on them. Layers are best for clothing.
Wedding Attire, long or tea-length dresses, floral or pastel dresses are great. Short sleeves or long sleeves are best. Avoid beach dresses. Pantsuits are fine.
English weddings are a little more tailored. For the men, dress pants, shirts, ties, and jackets if desired. No jeans for the wedding.
Phone plans?
1. get a phone plan through your carrier. Usually $10.00 a day. (Best and easiest to deal with).
2, Turn off cellular data and only use WiFi or a hotspot.
3. Buy a SIM card. Only available in an unlocked phone and it will change your number
4. Buy a cheap European phone/card and use it as a hotspot.
