Costs. Like many big cities, London and other metro areas will be fairly expensive in England, and the British Pound can sometimes generate a rough exchange rate for other currencies. However, there is cause for hope! Taking a temporary or part time gig while you are in the UK let’s you earn money in the local currency, and gappers are great at making savings through communal meals, living with roommates, and travelling using inexpensive means, like buses and trains. For more concrete numbers, check out the crowdfunded travel experiences that are scheduled to happen in the UK.

Accommodations. Hostels are a great option, as are homestays. Hostels allow you to share a dorm-style bunkroom with other travelers, and you might find more like-minded gappers while saving money on your lodging. Homestays, on the other hand, give you insight into the typical UK family, and often mean you can join in on family meal time rather than fending for yourself, which can be quite nice.

Visas. Make sure you have a valid passport, but the good news is that citizens of many countries can travel to the UK for up to 6 months on a tourist visa. If you will be staying longer, or are from a country where the tourist visa rules isn’t in effect, make sure to read up on the regulations and keep track of the GoAbroad embassy directory to make sure you know where your nearest consulate is located.

Safety. Like everywhere, it is beneficial to travel in groups, keep an eye out when you are travelling at night, and work to look up your routes through unfamiliar territory ahead of time. That being said, these common sense steps will help calm your mind in what is truly a quite safe country. Another good move for your safety is to get to know the locals. They will have insight as to whether there are areas that tourists are better off avoiding, but generally will just calm your fears and make sure you feel comfortable!