Moving To The UK vs Holidaying In The UK
The UK is a great place with many benefits, whether you choose to move there or simply holiday in the UK. In this article, we’re going to provide the advantages and disadvantages of moving to the UK vs. just holidaying in the UK.
Some countries are the perfect place to move to; they offer affordable accommodation, welcoming people, good job prospects, and more. Alternatively, some places are just where your head to for a few weeks of holiday. The question is, is the UK the sort of place to move to, or simply to head to for a couple of weeks of vacation?
The UK is proven to be a popular spot for immigrants. If you decide holidaying in the UK isn’t enough and make the decision to move there, choosing an experienced conveyancing lawyer is a must, making your transition far easier. Buying a house on top of moving abroad is expected to be stressful and time consuming, so you’ll need all the help you can get.
Moving is a huge commitment, so is it for you? To learn more about whether you should move or holiday in the UK, we’ve come up with a list of advantages and disadvantages of each. Keep reading to find out more…
Should You Holiday in the UK?
What are the advantages of holidaying in the UK?
Traditional British Pubs
Nothing says Britain like a good old pub. You can be rest assured that no matter where you find yourself, there will be a pub around the corner, most likely filled with locals and a variety of alcoholic and soft drinks. Of course, we cannot forget the best types of bar snacks, from salted peanuts to pork scratchings.
Delicious Food and Drink
No matter where you choose to visit in the UK, you can expect to find cafes and restaurants with top quality food, including the English classics. With afternoon tea, fish & chips, full English breakfasts, Sunday roasts, Cornish pasties, pies and other dishes found up and down the country, there’s plenty to choose from.
Here you can see a list of the top 50 UK restaurants for 2020.
Unbelievable Coastline
If cities aren’t for you, or you’re looking at spending a couple of days in a city and a couple of days being at one with nature, then the UK is the place to be, especially for its incredible coastline. Up and down the UK, you’ll have the pleasure of seeing some of the most beautiful sights, especially during sunrise and sunset. Some of our favourites include the Jurassic Coast, with the fascinating natural Durdle Door arch.
The History
Whilst the UK is small, it is certainly mighty, particularly with the vast history it clutches. Up and down the country you can find old towns, castles, and so much more.
There are also many museums to visit, such as the National History Museum with dinosaur skeletons and the blue whale model, the Imperial War Museum, and the Science Museum. There are also many art museums up and down the country, with beautiful historical art pieces.
If your trip is taking you to London, see Visit London for a list of 50 museums worth visiting.
What are the disadvantages of holidaying in the UK?
Expensive
The pound is a strong currency meaning that, depending on which country you are travelling from, your money may be worth considerably less in the UK. GBP currently ranks 5th in the world, above the Euro and US Dollar. Some experts believe that it is also the oldest currency to still exist in the world.
Weather
Don’t expect to be laying on the beach in the sun in the UK, unless you’re travelling during the height of summer as, for the most part, you will see clouds and rain. Whilst we do say this, when the UK has its summer, the weather can be glorious. But, unlike other countries where it is almost always guaranteed, this isn’t the same for the UK.
Should You Move to the UK?
What are the advantages of moving to the UK?
Affordable healthcare
An important benefit for anyone making the decision of whether or not to move to the UK is the free healthcare that the National Healthcare Service (NHS) provides. British citizens, and those living, working, or studying in the UK on a VISA or permit, are welcome to free healthcare at the point of request.
Easy access to Europe
Whether you’re from a European country or you enjoy frequent travel, the UK is perfectly located for easy access. With many flights from airports across the country to destinations in Europe at fairly low costs, it hits the sweet spot.
Labour Laws and Employee Benefits
Joining a workforce in the UK couldn’t be better, with the many laws that are there to protect employees and, in addition, the benefits most employers offer their employees. A couple of examples of this include a minimum of 20 days holiday for full-time employees, as well as sick leave and parental leave.
What are the disadvantages of moving to the UK?
Expensive
Despite the positives of moving to the UK, it is an expensive country to live in, especially in 2022 following the COVID-19 pandemic and BREXIT. This has caused inflation rates to rise the quickest in 30 years, meaning food, clothes, gas, and electricity will go up in price.
Long NHS Waiting Lists
Whilst free healthcare is a definite advantage of the UK, there are considerable waiting lists. So, if you want quicker service, you likely need to use private healthcare, which can be costly without insurance.
Unpredictable Weather
This likely isn’t the first you’ve heard of the UK’s unpredictable weather, and we’re here to confirm it. One downfall to moving to the UK is the plenty of grey skies and rain you are going to suffer. The UK saw rainfall of 1mm or more 170.5 days in 2020.
Should You Move to the UK or Just Holiday Here?
Whilst we can’t make the final decision for you, we hope our insight into the UK helps make your choice considerably easier.
As with all countries, there are both many advantages and disadvantages, but for you to choose whether you want to holiday or live in the UK, you have to weigh up your options compared to your own personal circumstances. Write a pro and cons list, and always trust your gut.
Moving to a new country is a significant change to your life, and depending on where you currently reside, it can be a big culture shock. It might be worth visiting the UK a couple of times prior to making a decision or commitment.
Have you made the decision to move to the UK? If so, please leave a comment below about your own personal experience.
