1. Dress Warm - If you check on a globe, London is further north than Montreal! The northern tip of Scotland is closer to the arctic circle than it is to Paris. Add to this the dampness from the surrounding water and you have a climate that can feel cold at any time of the year, especially when the sea breezes are blowing.

2. Hotel Phones - I learned long ago that the hotels make an extraordinary amount of money from people who don't have phone cards. If you have to make phone calls, especially international calls, keep them short or be prepared to pay large sums of money when you check out.

3. Beer - Pubs & beer are plentiful in England with a wide selection to choose from. However, the alcohol content in beer tends to vary to a greater extent than in the US. If you get a strong one (i.e.: Stella Artois) you will find it affecting you much quicker than your regular beer from the US.

4. Money - Try to use travelers checks (cheques in Britain) and exchange money at banks or with American Express if you hold that card. (Institutions will automatically give you worse exchange rates for money than travelers checks because they have to physically handle the bills.) Airport money changers, travel agencies that change money, and any money changing facilities based in tourist areas usually offer bad deals. On large sums of money, you'd be surprised at the difference a bad deal can make.

5. Don't Say:

• Things are "Quaint"

• "We do it this way back home" 

• "Things are bigger back home" 

A British friend once told me that Americans were the world's best hosts and worst guests.  I believe he was referring to comments such as these.

6. Black Pudding - A traditional breakfast "fry up" is one of the best parts about any trip to Britain. However, if you aren't overly adventuresome, stay clear of the Black Pudding, the ingredients of fried fat and blood don't sit well with people who have weak stomachs.

7. Swimming & Beaches - The seaside areas are lovely and can be very scenic. However, with the weather being so cold, I wouldn't recommend anyone accustomed to Florida or Southern California beaches to try the water. It will be freezing by US standards.

8. Indian Food - England has a large Asian population and hence a large number of Indian restaurants. It has become so popular that Indian food is now mainstream. But don't think that because you eat hot tacos or spicy Mexican food you can handle a Vindaloo. It is a different type of spice and can be extremely hot.

9. Fashion - The inside joke in Britain is how the "yanks" dress. The main target is nylon sweat suits (shell suits to the British) and funky golf pants. If you insist on wearing these clothes, you will add to a national perception of Americans being hopeless when it comes to fashion.

10. Baseball - Don't call the "World Series" the "World Series" unless you are prepared to be locked in an un-ending debate as to why it is called the "World" Series when the rest of the world doesn't participate. (They will point out that the World Cup includes all nations and therefore justifies its' name)

11. War - Don't insinuate that the US won the war (either WWI or II). The British suffered great hardships during the war and insist that the "Yanks" waited to see who would win before entering the war.

12. Look Right - Every year tourists are badly injured or killed because of looking the wrong way when crossing the street, especially in London. Everyone enjoys touring London on the big double decker buses, but probably wouldn't enjoy it as much as a hood ornament.

13. Different Meanings - There are a number of words that have a different meaning in Britain than they do in the US. Here are a few to pay particular attention to:

• Fanny - In Britain a fanny is not your bum, but a very personal and private part of the female anatomy. Use of this word is considered vulgar and may be met with a slap if used in mixed company.

• Shag - Shagging is not a dance done in the southern states, but an activity for two that may result in pregnancy.

14. Driving - Spend a few days getting accustomed to driving on the left side of the road before getting in a car and doing it yourself. The biggest problem for people learning to drive in Britain are round-abouts. Remember that vehicles already in the round-about to the right have the right of way. You should always be prepared to stop when approaching a round-about.

15. Cuppa - When you want a great cuppa tea anywhere in Britain make sure you ask for Typhoo.