To be honest, after visiting the UK, I finally understand why no one floods their social feed
To be honest, after flying for over ten hours and landing in London, I got it. It’s not that people don’t love the UK, it’s just that this trip really drained both my wallet and energy.
✈️ The visa process is truly exhausting
Getting a UK visa feels like a mini financial audit—employment proof, bank statements, savings, everything is required, and it takes more than two weeks. Compared to US or Schengen visas, it’s neither convenient nor widely accepted. You have to go through the hassle just for the UK. Many people give up at this step.
💰 Prices are so high you’re calculating costs every day
Taking the London Tube makes your heart skip a beat—each ride easily costs 3 to 4 pounds. A decent simple meal starts at 10 pounds, and a bowl of Chinese noodles is nearly 15 pounds. Accommodation is even crazier—small rooms near train stations can easily cost over 1,000 RMB per night. Your hand is shaking every time you pay.
🌧 Weather or experience is always disappointing
I was excited to see the white cliffs, but strong winds and freezing rain soaked me through, making it impossible to take photos with hair in my face. Big Ben is under renovation, and the London Eye looks like a gray Ferris wheel on a cloudy day. The romantic vibe shattered, and all I wanted to do was sigh while looking at my phone.
💡 You can have a much better trip with the same budget
20,000 RMB for the UK might mean a tight budget backpacking trip, but in Spain, you can enjoy Michelin meals and sea view rooms. In Turkey, you can ride hot air balloons and stay in cave hotels. In Thailand, you can live like royalty. It’s not that the UK is bad, but its value just can’t compete.
Of course, if you still want to go, these classic spots are truly amazing—
📍 British Museum: free but remember to book in advance. Don’t miss the Rosetta Stone and the China gallery
📍 London Eye: go at dusk. The golden glow on the Thames is ten times more stunning than during the day
📍 White Cliffs: choose the Brighton route and go on a sunny day! It’s windy but the photos look like movie stills
📍 Edinburgh Castle: the whole city feels like a medieval filter. Watching the sunset from Calton Hill is free and breathtaking
🍽 What to eat to save your trip
Try fish and chips once, but the seafood paella and doughnuts at Borough Market are the real joy. Scotland’s haggis with whiskey sauce is surprisingly addictive. If you’re really struggling, head to Chinatown for a bowl of hot noodle soup to revive you.
⚠️ Survival tips
Bring an umbrella, bring an umbrella, bring an umbrella—there’s all four seasons in one day. Download offline maps before the Tube loses signal. Restaurants usually add a service charge, so don’t tip twice. Trains often stop running on weekends for maintenance, so check schedules before you go.
In short, the UK is quietly beautiful and expensive. It’s best for those who truly love its history. Avoid the crowds and you might find some unexpected surprises. ✌️