International Roaming Plan, SIM Card or Portable Wi-Fi Device?
To stay connected on my trip, I opted to rent a portable Wi-Fi internet device from Wifi Hire UK. It was cheaper than an international roaming plan, and instead of spending valuable time looking for a store that carried it, as with a SIM card, the device was delivered to the hotel I specified. I received it upon checking in. If you go with this option, you need to reserve a device online. There is also a refundable rental fee, as long as the device is returned undamaged. It is more secure than using the free internet access provided on the tour bus and at the hotels. Keep the Wi-fi device in your day bag and take it with you where ever you go. One device can be used for all your Wi-Fi enabled devices - smartphones, as well as, tablets. This option is for data only.
IMPORTANT: There is poor to no cellular signal in Bath. So, if people constantly need to stay in contact with you or worry about you a lot, you might want to warn them that you'll be unreachable for a few days. Aside from that, I encountered no other problems with internet service.
Maps Apps
If you are not already familiar with Maps (by Apple) or Google Maps, I strongly suggest practicing with one of those apps before your trip. They are extremely handy for navigation while walking in towns and cities. I found it difficult to get my bearings in most places on this tour. Many of the streets are curved or winding, with lots of little alleyways to get lost in. They do not form a grid-like pattern as is common in the United States. This is because some streets were once old drovers' roads, used to get sheep or other livestock to and from market. Learn how to enter the starting point and destination, and how to follow the arrow along the route indicated on the app. It's also quicker to navigate using landmarks instead of street names, especially since one street turns into another quite easily.
I found using a maps app was also the fastest, easiest way to find out what bus or Tube line(s) to take.
