Travelling or Moving to Mainland Europe

Europe is physically defined by jagged coastlines, peninsulas, islands, mountains and rivers. Since prehistoric days, people have been challenged by rugged barriers and have taken advantage of natural waterways and highways.

The present road network developed through the centuries, with rail systems expanding rapidly in the 19th century and air travel in the 20th.

Over the past 30 years, Europe built most of its present modern airports, the impressive web of modern highways and a new high-speed rail system. That work goes on today, with vast investments from the European Union.

Important goals for the 21st century are to further reduce travel times between major cities, and to significantly increase the number of people and tons of freight that move by rail. The intention is to slow the growth of both air and highway travel on the busiest routes.

Toward these ends, remarkable projects have been undertaken, including the Euro Channel Tunnel, between the UK and France, Scandinavia’s Store Bælt and Øresund crossings, the Main-Danube canal, the current Greek highway and rail program, the new Swiss rail tunnels through the Alps, and the Strait of Messina bridge, which Italy is determined to finally build to Sicily.

Prior to moving or re-locating to Europe you might well be considering travelling to Europe, perhaps on vacation or to check out areas before your move. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Planning

Advance planning will save time and money; make a short list of places you want to see and activities you hope to undertake. It might sound obvious but do a little research about the country you are planning to travel to. There are many useful websites of individual countries.

Apply for a passport if you don’t have one. The process is not difficult. Details are readily available.

Determine how much—or how little—you want to spend. Many Americans are surprised how affordable Europe is today. Remember that the dollar has been buying 25 to 35 percent more in euro-zone counties this year than when the euro was inaugurated in 1999.

When you know where you want to go, how much time you have and how much you can spend, consult with an experienced travel agent, especially if it’s your first international trip. He or she can speed your planning, give you good ideas, and even book your entire trip.

Consider buying travel packages for ease of purchase and to save money. These range from basic
air-car-hotel packages for independent travelers to group tours and cruises.

Don’t worry about language. English is widely spoken far beyond Britain and Ireland. On much of the Continent it is the most widely spoken second language; most people working in tourism will speak English.

Moving to the United Kingdom

If moving to the UK, of course language will not be a problem. As long as you remember, English men wear their pants inside their trousers. Here are a few useful facts you should know about Great Britain.

The United Kingdom was the dominant industrial and maritime power of the 19th century, played a leading role in developing parliamentary democracy and in advancing literature and science. At its zenith, the British Empire stretched over one-fourth of the earth's surface. The first half of the 20th century saw the UK's strength seriously depleted in two World Wars.

The second half witnessed the dismantling of the Empire and the UK rebuilding itself into a modern and prosperous European nation. As one of five permanent members of the UN Security Council, a founding member of NATO, and of the Commonwealth, the UK pursues a global approach to foreign policy; it currently is weighing the degree of its integration with continental Europe. A member of the EU, it chose to remain outside the European Monetary Union for the time being. Constitutional reform is also a significant issue in the UK. The Scottish Parliament, the National Assembly for Wales, and the Northern Ireland Assembly were established in 1999.

When moving to Mainland Europe or the United Kingdom consider using UPaKWeShip

Some information about moving with UPaKWeShip

UPakWeShip are not your usual moving company! We realize there is no shortage of companies that can move you overseas. Let us explain how we are different. UPakWeShip has a variety of services to meet every need. We offer full shipping containers, baggage moves, and everything in between.

Click here for a full list of our services

Moving companies make the profits from packing large shipments. Because of this most moving companies have no interest in small shipments or do not offer discounts if you pack your boxes yourself.

Some moving companies will even tell you that your shipment will be seized by customs overseas if it is not professionally packed

We are not a moving company, we are an international SHIPPING company, and we will work WITH you.
We specialize in small shipments and we welcome your self-packed boxes. The truth is that customs DOES NOT require that boxes be professionally packed, as long a detailed list of the contents of the box is provided. We also believe that YOU will do a more careful and thorough job packing your items than will the employee of a moving company.

We are also different because we publish our all-inclusive rates on our Website; we do not like surprises anymore than you do. If you do not find the rate you need just ask; we are usually able to answer your request the same day. We pride ourselves on our prompt responses to your questions and our ability to find the SHIPPING solution that works best for you.

Click here to view our baggage and international shipping rates

Our Website is full of information and remember you can always feel free to call or email us with your questions.

Click here to visit the UPakWeShip website: www.upakweship.com

UPakWeShip, shipping to the United Kingdom, Mainland Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Worldwide

UPaKWeShip Moving Tips

The international calling access code is 011 For directory inquires call 192. The voltage is 240 volts Video tapes run on a PAL 1 system.

Upon arrival and settling in you will need to get a driving license although you may be Ok on an international driving permit for a period of time. Make sure you register with a doctor and dentist as soon as possible. We can advise on pets, car imports, voltage transformers and all your relocation needs.

Don’t forget to drive on the left in the UK and on the right in mainland Europe

Please don't forget the E.C time differences in the UK and across Europe

If moving to the United Kingdom you might find these telephone numbers useful.

Click here for a list of useful telephone numbers

Send mail to move@upakweship.com with questions or comments about this moving to Europe information page.

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