Preparing parents for their visit to Britain

Having to pay 20p to use the toilet in London, not getting free refills, not going to drive throughs every lunchtime, page 3 girls... it's all part of the Britain we're used to and mostly love, but how do you get parents who are coming, probably for the only time ever, who are completely clueless about life here, prepared?

I have a friend whose stepmother ended up in hospital, courtesy of an NHS ambulance, because she drank her warm coke too fast and ended up with chest pains. That's what I'm trying to avoid. 

I could go the route of trying to introduce them to the British personality, but really my concerns are more around the level of getting them to have a good time without being too shocked at waitresses who don't bow and scrape, only having five tv channels, etc.

So what do you guys do to prepare your completely unprepared friends and relatives? What do you wish you'd told them? What sort of unexpected reactions have you seen?

This is a great topic...I'll be watching for responses!

My parents and grandparents are talking about coming over next summer and, while I'd love for them to visit and see how I live, I'm also terrified of how they'll react to some of the things you've already mentioned AND how they'll deal with public transport.  Hopefully everything will seem novel and exciting and they won't be too critical!   

Well, I have about 15 friends and family traveling here for my wedding in October. Some more seasoned travelers than others. Since the DF and I aren't going on a honeymoon right away, we expect to spend a good bit of time with folks just experiencing British life. I am preparing a little 'Balmerhon's guide to Britain'.. It will be  mostly lighthearted and informative (and as short as possible given my other commitments these days). I hope to balance the so-called negatives with lots of positives - and then recognize that I can't make everyone appreciate things the way I do.

When my parents came over last year, I pointed them towards www.effingpot.com so that they could be familiar with the slang and avoid the obvious (ie-fannypack).

In my mother's case, I had my sister help her pack so as to ensure that certain items that my mother normally packs for holidays........she doesn't! [ie-yellow windbreaker w/ patches from her travels]. Figured she'd look like a tourist enough without the added embellishments

I'd be interested to see your 'guide', Balmorhon, when you are finished

Crossing the road is a big one!  Make sure you tell them which way to look.     I would suggest in this tone of voice 'LOOK LEFT'    And also advise very strongly against starting to cross the road between traffic- cars will NOT stop for them. 

Didn't have that problem, really.  My mother is a former stewardess (no, not *flight attendant* - it was the 60s!) and so is used to not expecting things to be "the same" as in the US all across the world.

I've had lots of visitors over the years and most of them really enjoyed it, splitting their time doing the sights of London, then heading up here to Warwickshire to stay with us.

I was particularly concerned when my dad and family came about five years ago.  It was really a big deal because at the time, he was on dialysis and we had to make all of the arrangements for his medical supplies to be delivered to the house.  He needed to do exchanges every day.  If anybody ever is in this situation, I can say that Baxter was so, incredibly helpful and everything arrived on time.

My family loved the history and sites.  The biggest thing that was of concern, besides the supplies, was my stepmom wondering what clothes to pack for the weather.  Although they came in August, I explained that the weather is unpredictable and to prepare for layers, so that you could add or remove accordingly.  This turned out to be good advice because it was a changeable week; showers mixed with sun.

Another thing that I warn people is about eating out, for several reasons:  There aren't lots of places to go for breakfast, a lot of the food that is available when "on the go" tends to be heavy pub-type food and finally, that people tend to eat dinner later than in the US. 

Another thing I give people a heads up on is those who may want to rent a car here.  I tend to advise them to request an automatic transmission.  My feeling has been that if they're brave enough to give driving here a go, they don't need the added stress of having to shift with their left hand.  It's something that they might not think about when arranging a car.

On the whole, most people who have visited me have been pretty opened minded.  They are coming here to see another country and culture so expect things to be different.  And don't forget, they're coming to see you, which is the best part of all!  Enjoy your visit!

Kellie

and finally, that people tend to eat dinner later than in the US. 

That's actually been a big one for me that I hadn't even thought about until I'd had a few houseguests. If you don't prepare to eat later, low blood sugar can definitely lead to cranky visitors!  Now I always warn people to eat lunch a bit late or to eat a bit heavier, especially if we're going for the traditional pints and THEN a curry!!! 

Honestly, the only thing I prepared my parents with was "Don't expect it to be America, just with a funny accent. Expect it to be different." Everything else - well, I just figured they'd figure it out and learn as they went along, it was only for a visit not a long-term thing, you know? I agree with Mindy though - I made a point to mention looking LEFT on the streets.

My mom has never been to England, but she keeps giving me advice about how things are 'over there', (which for me is here) so when my parents come, I think I'll just sit back with a smug smile and watch it all unfold.

I love Balmerhon's idea about the personal guide to England, that would be fun to put together, and then your guests will have something fun and familiar to focus on.

And, at the risk of being TOTALLY wrong, isn't it 'look right' on the streets?

And, at the risk of being TOTALLY wrong, isn't it 'look right' on the streets?

Sometimes, and sometimes it's 'look left' and most times it's look both ways.   

Ugh... my mom just visited back in May.  It was horrible.  I thought I'd prepared her.. but my God she found a complaint with EVERYTHING.  I wouldn't do it again.  This isn't really a helpful response, but just sharing my own experience.   

Terinth, i hear you.
My passport-less parents will never visit me, but if they DID,  im sure it would be one endless complaint after another, because it's different from their happy little world.

Yes, you are totally right - it's "right, left, then right again".

Unless you are me and then its "Right, Left, Right, Left, Straight, Right, Left, MAD-dash-across-the-street-to-avoid-impending-death."

Unless you are me and then its "Right, Left, Right, Left, Straight, Right, Left, MAD-dash-across-the-street-to-avoid-impending-death." 
Posted on: Yesterday at 06:46:08am

  that's exactly how I cross the street, too!!  and then I look around and wonder if any one can tell I am from somewhere else...hee hee