Planning Your First Trip to the United Kingdom - Ten Questions to Answer

To some degree, where you decide to stay on your first or your fiftieth visit to the UK will be a matter of price. But there are other things to consider when you are choosing the kind of accommodation you'll opt for in the UK. The way you travel - tour or stay put - the amount of do-it-for-yourself you're up for, the way you do or do not make friends on vacation are all factors. So what kind of digs will you choose?

• Hotels, if you are touring, staying one night here, one night there, a cheap chain hotel might be an adequate and reliable choice. On the other hand, if you are looking for a luxury or romantic experience, fine dining, bags of charm, a country house hotel might be a choice that provides indulgence for less than you might pay for similar luxury in a city.
• Vacation home rentals are great for independent travelers who like to cook their own meals, come and go as they please. They're also a good and money saving choice for families and groups.
• Like a friendly environment, a chance to meet lots of people? A hostel might be just the trick - they're a lot more comfortable, clean and convenient than you might think.
• Bed and Breakfasts, can offer great breakfasts, warm and friendly hosts, good locations and loads of charm without massive expense. But choose wisely. A grim B&B with an intrusive or unpleasant landlady can be dire. The AA - The UK Automobile Association - publishes an authoritative guide to the best B&Bs.
• House swap to live like a local for free. Several organizations have recently made house swapping safer and easier than ever before. And there are house swapping choices in all the cool places.
• Try camping There is both wild (tent) and caravan (RV) camping all over England. Many RV parks are open year round. If you like life under canvas, there's no shortage of camping opportunities in the UK.