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Question for traveling to England - 6/9/2008 10:50:08 PM
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Raptorman
Posts: 104
Joined: 9/21/2005
From: Colorado
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Hello, again, brothers and sisters!
I had a question for you, especially for those who live in the UK, or at least travel there. You see, I'm planning to visit England for 2-3 weeks sometime in the next year or so (assuming I can accumulate just enough funds for this little endeavor), and wondered about legal means to defend yourself. Obviously, tourists cannot take guns with them, but if I did happen to run into some unpleasant characters in the wrong part of London, for instance, I wanted to see if I could at least pack a knife for defensive purposes. It would likely be a hunting knife, maybe with a blade about 10-12 centimeters (4-5 inches). Just wondering if that is legal, or if I should look to other means of protection, like tasers or pepper spray.
Thank you for your time.
-Raptorman
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RE: Question for traveling to England - 6/11/2008 2:46:01 PM
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uncabeeil
Posts: 5785
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: Joisey. Got a problem wit dat?
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{font="comic sans ms"]If I remember correctly, you can't even get on the plane with a knife, even if it's in your suitcase.
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RE: Question for traveling to England - 6/15/2008 8:24:55 PM
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colliefan
Posts: 2593
Joined: 4/12/2005
From: Raleigh, NC
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quote:
Obviously, tourists cannot take guns with them, but if I did happen to run into some unpleasant characters in the wrong part of London
Been to London twice and is my favorite city in Europe. Your greatest danger comes from having your pocket picked than any physical threat. As a tourist you, probably won't wind up in the "wrong" places of London.
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RE: Question for traveling to England - 6/16/2008 11:32:23 AM
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baabaasheep2006
Posts: 78
Joined: 5/7/2005
From: uk
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Raptorman
Hello, again, brothers and sisters!
I had a question for you, especially for those who live in the UK, or at least travel there. You see, I'm planning to visit England for 2-3 weeks sometime in the next year or so (assuming I can accumulate just enough funds for this little endeavor), and wondered about legal means to defend yourself. Obviously, tourists cannot take guns with them, but if I did happen to run into some unpleasant characters in the wrong part of London, for instance, I wanted to see if I could at least pack a knife for defensive purposes. It would likely be a hunting knife, maybe with a blade about 10-12 centimeters (4-5 inches). Just wondering if that is legal, or if I should look to other means of protection, like tasers or pepper spray.
Thank you for your time.
-Raptorman
It is illegal to carry any kind of weapon around in England esp knifes. Taser guns are also illegal.
Am not quite sure what you have heard about London but it's a pretty civilised place. If you are at all worried why not buy a really good guide book (try amazon) to read up about the place you want to go to. Went to London last weekend for the day and it was good but very packed.
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RE: Question for traveling to England - 6/21/2008 3:01:59 PM
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FaithFirstFitness
Posts: 7
Joined: 6/20/2008
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: baabaasheep2006
quote:
ORIGINAL: Raptorman
Hello, again, brothers and sisters!
I had a question for you, especially for those who live in the UK, or at least travel there. You see, I'm planning to visit England for 2-3 weeks sometime in the next year or so (assuming I can accumulate just enough funds for this little endeavor), and wondered about legal means to defend yourself. Obviously, tourists cannot take guns with them, but if I did happen to run into some unpleasant characters in the wrong part of London, for instance, I wanted to see if I could at least pack a knife for defensive purposes. It would likely be a hunting knife, maybe with a blade about 10-12 centimeters (4-5 inches). Just wondering if that is legal, or if I should look to other means of protection, like tasers or pepper spray.
Thank you for your time.
-Raptorman
It is illegal to carry any kind of weapon around in England esp knifes. Taser guns are also illegal.
Am not quite sure what you have heard about London but it's a pretty civilised place. If you are at all worried why not buy a really good guide book (try amazon) to read up about the place you want to go to. Went to London last weekend for the day and it was good but very packed.
Raptorman is right on the money. If you are caught with a knife longer than three inches (about the length of a credit card) and/or it can lock open you will go directly to jail--like in the sense of do not pass go, do not collet $200. Crime isn't what it is in the states. It's quite a bid safer in the UK.
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RE: Question for traveling to England - 6/21/2008 3:16:46 PM
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humbleinspirit
Posts: 16923
Joined: 4/13/2005
From: Just Outside of Boston
Status: online
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quote:
ORIGINAL: colliefan
quote:
Obviously, tourists cannot take guns with them, but if I did happen to run into some unpleasant characters in the wrong part of London
Been to London twice and is my favorite city in Europe. Your greatest danger comes from having your pocket picked than any physical threat. As a tourist you, probably won't wind up in the "wrong" places of London.
Now does this mean that you need to pay extra close attention to your wallet than in other cities such as that in the USA?
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RE: Question for traveling to England - 6/21/2008 4:20:37 PM
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thorkraki
Posts: 102
Joined: 6/17/2008
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As a European (I'm Danish) who often travels to London as well as many other major cities in Europe, I can say that there is very little chance that an American tourist will ever end up in a part of London in a situation where you will have to defend yourself. As others have said, the main crime for tourists to be aware of is pocket-picking.
Also, don't take taxis that are not official taxis! They will charge you much too much money, and may even wait until you get out of the car, then drive off with your luggage! You should never get out of any cab before the driver for this reason.
Thor
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RE: Question for traveling to England - 6/21/2008 4:24:31 PM
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humbleinspirit
Posts: 16923
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From: Just Outside of Boston
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Thanks Thor for the information. Now are there any type of precautions that one could take against pick-pocketers?
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RE: Question for traveling to England - 6/21/2008 4:52:56 PM
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thorkraki
Posts: 102
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Yes, don't keep you wallet in your back pants pocket or your jacket pocket.
I have a travel wallet, like a little pouch that closes with velcro, that is on a strap that I wear around my neck and under my shirt. You can get things like this at all sorts of travel stores, AAA, Eddie Bauer, etc. Or else I carry a small bag with the strap across my chest. Women should carry their purses this way too.
In Europe and large USA cities, men have been carrying bags like this for a long time. Some people call them "man purses!" It is convenient, and if you don't like the "purse" connotation, just call it your brief case.
Actually, though, the pouch I wear under my shirt is very convenient; my sons wear them too. At the least, you should carry your wallet in a front pants pocket, which most pickpockets won't even try.
Thor
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RE: Question for traveling to England - 6/21/2008 4:54:03 PM
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colliefan
Posts: 2593
Joined: 4/12/2005
From: Raleigh, NC
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quote:
Thanks Thor for the information. Now are there any type of precautions that one could take against pick-pocketers?
Use something that you can wear around your neck, A luggage store shoud have what you need. You can place your passport and travelers checks/money in it.
You could also find a wallet with a chain and hook it to a belt loop. Be aware of scams. some one will come up to distract you and his co-hort will pick your pocket while you are talking with him.
London is a great place but $$$$$$. Probably even more so with the weak dollar. Don't use the exchange places in the airport, they usually are one of the most expensive ones.
To get some of the "flavor" of the city, try one of the many pubs. Avoid such things as the Hard Rock Cafe. Try and go to evensong at Westminter Abby or a service at St, Paul's church. Take an evenings walk along the Thames at Tower Bridge.
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RE: Question for traveling to England - 6/21/2008 4:54:31 PM
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humbleinspirit
Posts: 16923
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From: Just Outside of Boston
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I always keep my wallet in my front pocket anyway. I just wanted to make sure that I wasn't at risk by having it there as well. Would you say that pick-pocketing is higher in London than in the USA?
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RE: Question for traveling to England - 6/21/2008 5:14:00 PM
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thorkraki
Posts: 102
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No, pick pocketing is about the same in London as the USA. At the risk of making generalizations, from living my life in Europe all over, I'd say that it is worse the further south you go. Watch out in Paris, more in Rome, lots in Naples and Barcelona!
London is expensive (more than New York), but cheaper than Copenhagen or Oslo. In Copenhagen you can pay the equivalent of eight dollars for a cup of coffee! In Oslo, I have paid the equivalent of 65 US dollars for a cheese pizza.
A good and inexpensive place to eat in London is the cafes in the museums. They have good food, often salads and curries, that are inexpensive. London is the opposite of Rome: the museums are free, and you pay to get in the churches! In Rome, the churches are free and you pay to get in the museums.
Thor
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RE: Question for traveling to England - 6/21/2008 5:23:36 PM
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humbleinspirit
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From: Just Outside of Boston
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I have bought a book on London, England. The US dollar is almost half that of the British Pound right now, so you end up paying double instead from here instead.
Do you know any good "cheap" hotels in London as well? Also, which section is the best place to stay at also?
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RE: Question for traveling to England - 6/21/2008 5:27:32 PM
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thorkraki
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Russell Square, near the British Museum, has lots of clean and comfortable but inexpensive hotels, and is well served by The Tube.
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RE: Question for traveling to England - 6/21/2008 5:29:07 PM
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humbleinspirit
Posts: 16923
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From: Just Outside of Boston
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Thank you Thor, I will keep that in mind! 
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RE: Question for traveling to England - 6/21/2008 5:37:19 PM
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thorkraki
Posts: 102
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You can really see a lot in London without spending a great deal of money. Make sure you go to Westminster Abbey and The Tower, if no place else!
Also, as I said, most of the museums are free. The British Museum is one of the world's three greatest museums (along with the Louvre and the Vatican) and is wonderful. The Tate has lots of art, the Tate Modern if you like contemporary, and the National Gallery for paintings of the great figures of British history.
As others have said, you must go to a pub! Have fish and chips, and a pint of stout (if you drink alcohol).
The thing that is disconcerting to many people, including me, is the driving on the left. Nobody does it except Britain, Australia/New Zealand, and Japan. I never try to drive there; even riding in a cab or bus can be harrowing until you get used to it, because everything looks backwards!
London is a beautiful and historical city, and the people are generally very friendly. It has been very diverse for a long time, with people from all over the former British Empire living there. This makes it very interesting and fun to interact with.
One other thing: they use a different type of electrical plug than either the USA or most of continental Europe, so make sure you have one that works for the UK. In fact, take two or three, so you can charge your camera battery or phone or video or computer at the same time as you use your electric shaver or other appliance!
Thor
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RE: Question for traveling to England - 6/21/2008 5:51:07 PM
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humbleinspirit
Posts: 16923
Joined: 4/13/2005
From: Just Outside of Boston
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Yes, driving on the other side of the road seems much confusing too!
Good thing that the museums are free, thats a plus!
I knew about the currency being different there as well.
Fish and chips, Now is it really good?
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RE: Question for traveling to England - 6/21/2008 6:12:43 PM
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thorkraki
Posts: 102
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Yes fish and chips are good! Now I would not want them every day, but they are tasty, and you should have them at least once in London!
Also, many people think that English cooking is bad, but some of it is quite tasty. Roasts and steaks are good but ask for them medium at most or they will be burnt to a crisp!
If you like cheese, there are lots of excellent cheeses in England too!
I sell and export food for a living, so I tend to be rather passionate on the subject!
Thor
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RE: Question for traveling to England - 6/21/2008 6:14:17 PM
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humbleinspirit
Posts: 16923
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From: Just Outside of Boston
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Ahhhh, cool Thor! I will have to definitely have some Fish and Chips then! Now will they go good with Pepsi too?
Now they have special cheses varieties there too?
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RE: Question for traveling to England - 6/21/2008 6:33:26 PM
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thorkraki
Posts: 102
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Yes, but it might have to be Coca Cola rather than Pepsi which is hard to find in the UK and Europe.
England make many excellent cheeses! The original Cheddar, also Stilton, which is a noble blue cheese to equal France's Roquefort or Italy's gorganzolla. Each county and district has it own cheese. If you go to a restaurant, just ask for a sampling of cheeses and they will serve it to you with bread or crackers. You will be very happy you did so!
Another thing to do in London is to go in the London Eye. This is like a very gigantic ferris wheel ride, but it is huge, and you travel slowly in large glass chambers, and it affords you a fantastic view of the city. Sometimes on clear days (rare in Britain, but they happen sometimes!), you can see all the way to Windsor.
You will enjoy London a lot. It is one of my favorite cities, and the people there are ALMOST as polite as in my home town!
Thor
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RE: Question for traveling to England - 6/21/2008 6:43:38 PM
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humbleinspirit
Posts: 16923
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From: Just Outside of Boston
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It is definitely on my list to go to within the next year or so! And yes I have heard of the London Eye as well!
Now getting into the city from the Airport. I know that a lot of people use The Tube. Is there any advice that you may want to give on that as well?
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RE: Question for traveling to England - 6/21/2008 7:03:04 PM
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thorkraki
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The Tube to the city is the way to go, if you are staying near a Tube stop. The metro in London is not cheap, but it's not unbearably expensive either. A taxi from the airport into town will be more than 100 US dollars. I have a driver when I go to London because we stay with my wife's sister, and she married a Brit with a title (my wife's family had an Italian title before the monarchy was abolished after WW2).
The Tube in London is pretty convenient, and you can by 1,3 and 7 day passes for it.
Thor
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RE: Question for traveling to England - 6/21/2008 7:04:25 PM
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humbleinspirit
Posts: 16923
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From: Just Outside of Boston
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Sounds good Thor! Thank you again for all your recommendations and suggestions too!
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RE: Question for traveling to England - 6/21/2008 8:58:42 PM
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colliefan
Posts: 2593
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From: Raleigh, NC
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Another thing to consider is the weather in Lomdon can be cool and damp even in the Summer. Make sure you take some light sweaters or jackets. Rain boots are advisable also.
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