What is Needed For Traveling to London?

Since London is in the U.K., American citizens traveling there are required to present a valid passport when going through customs at the airport. Make sure your passport is up to date and renew it at least three months ahead of time if your expiration date is coming up.

The United Kingdom, like most of Europe, does not require any particular inoculations for visitors from America. That said, it is probably good to make sure with your doctor that you are up to date on all of your regular inoculations before doing any long-distance or long-term travel. Also, a flu shot may not be a bad idea, depending on your overall health or the time of year.

While it may be helpful to have a few pounds sterling in your pocket before you leave for Britain, you don't really need to exchange cash for British pounds at the bank ahead of time. Make sure to have your ATM card with you. Using a bank ATM to take money out of your own account tends to yield better exchange rates than the average hotel bureau de change or other methods.

If you are planning on, or hoping to play any of the top-end clubs around London, or even at any of the great British Open venues, such as Royal St. Georges in Sandwich, it's best to do a little research and call ahead for starting times. Unlike most of the top clubs in America, most British, Scottish and Irish clubs have times allotted for the public, and if you call or write ahead, you will likely have little trouble booking something. Some of the more private clubs prefer requests in writing, and it is better to know this ahead of time rather than to show up on their doorstep only to be disappointed. Pick up a U.K. golf guide before you leave.

While the total annual rainfall in England is not really all that different from the Northeastern U.S., you should be prepared for a variety of weather because England is an island and as such has island weather. Wind blows storms big and small over the country from west to east and south to north almost constantly changing the weather on any given day.

Because of the gulf stream in the Atlantic Ocean, England has a fairly moderate annual average temperature, but because of its placement in the North Atlantic, the average temperature tends to be a bit colder than most places in the U.S. Keeping a wool sweater handy is generally a good idea.

If you are not traveling with a full business suit, make sure you travel with a jacket or blazer. While most restaurants and clubs in America have abandoned mandatory dress codes, many restaurants and golf clubs in the U.K. hold tight to the older traditions.

You can rent clubs at most golf courses and clubs around London, but bring along some golf balls as prices tend to be substantially higher in the U.K. than in America. You should also pack your golf shoes and rain gear. Chances are you'll need at least your rain gear and possibly and extra pair of dry shoes.