What are /r/AmericanExpatsUK's favorite Products & Services?

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Yes this is what I did last year, but FYI you still need a cable to connect your laptop to your tv. I don't think YouTube live streams it, but don't kill me if I'm wrong.

Get something called "Smart DNS Proxy"

It's like a VPN but more user friendly and walks you through the steps.

Once you get that set up, then get a subscription to Peacock, the NBC streaming service. THEY will definitely, 100% be streaming it.

Again, it's not hard, but it takes a minute.

Bonus point for setting a reminder to unsubscribe a week from now.

I figured out the Macy's Parade! I used something called "Smart DNS Proxy". It's not *quite* a VPN, but you don't need a VPN for that. All you need is this Smart DNS Proxy thing and a subscription to Peacock. I streamed it via my laptop and plugged my laptop into the TV using a simple USB to HDMI cable. Worked a treat. And the time difference being what it is, the parade was on while we were cooking and setting the table.

Just a note, if you get a UK laptop, the keyboard will have a slightly different layout and your touch-typing might struggle a bit.

I actually do most of my computer work on a desktop, so when I first moved here, I needed a temporary solution (since I didn't bring my whole desktop with me) and I bought a new laptop from BestBuy in the States before I left.

Modern electronics for the most part all have transformers as part of their charging cable package (it's the big brick thing). That means you don't need to worry about the Hz or voltage difference from the sockets, all you need is the correct plug. For a laptop charger, the socket on the transformer is the universal laptop three-prong.

All you need to do is order one of these bad boys when you arrive in the UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/UK-plug-Laptop-power-lead/dp/B000XG4YB2/ref=psdc_428654031_t1_B00EHG1R46 and your laptop will charge normally.

I have flow my cat out of the UK and then back again. You can fly out of the UK in cabin. I use this carrier, once you take off you can pull it out and unzip the side or sides and they have plenty of room.. if your cat is really stress ask your vet about gabapentin for her. Its an anxiety medication vs a true sedative.

If your pet isn't leaving the airport on a connecting flight they don't have to meet that countries requirements, but I still would just go direct to the USA and connect from there.

My most recent move with cat involved driving with him from Texas to California, flying to Amsterdam, then taking an overnight ferry then another 8 hour drive in the UK. He was chill and happy for all of it.

Here is the carrier I used

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Petsfit-Comfortable-Expandable-Foldable-Carrier/dp/B018NC0FRE/ref=asc_df_B018NC0FRE/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=210374073338&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=11437647053769326605&hvpone=&hvptwo...

Then I had a portable litterbox for the layover https://www.amazon.co.uk/MOVKZACV-Foldable-Water-Proof-Leak-Proof-Lightweight/dp/B097H3ZNYF/ref=mp_s_a_1_15?crid=2Y574Y80TSMFM&keywords=foldable+litter+box&qid=1651387826&sprefix=foldable+litter+box%2Caps%2C210&sr=8-15

I buy unsweetened cranberry juice concentrate on Amazon. It's expensive but doesn't take much.

Dynamic Health 473ml 100 Percent Pure Cranberry Juice Concentrate https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000FGRZL6/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_BBGWY0GR7BXDGHF56M2H

Here's my advice. Pick a thing that you are most interested in (social history, history of warfare, open spaces, pre-history stone/iron age, industrial revolution era) and spend some of your time in the winter reading up on those things in the UK.

I picked up this paperback in London a few years ago:

https://www.amazon.com/London-Travel-Guide-Through-Time/dp/1405919140

It's a good choice if you're interested in the history of London. Read about what happened in those places and then walk through them and have a look. Find Tyburn (where they used to hang criminals) or see where the Elephant Man lived.

There is so much to see but you won't find it siting on your couch feeling bad for yourself. You owe it to yourself to explore what London has.

If history isn't your thing, try taking a weekend trip to Wales or the Cotswolds and see some beautiful countryside.

I'm absolutely in the same boat, low dose daily vitamin D has been a lifesaver for me. I also have a sunrise lamp that wakes me up gently and so that I start my day with light, and I can turn it on to give some extra light once the sun's gone down COULAX Wake Up Light

FYI, I've just learned that the whole of the UK is further north than the continental US. Madrid is on about the same latitude as NYC, so those of us coming from Florida or SoCal are probably struggling double extra bad, it's not just in your head!

I don’t know if they’re big enough for what you’re looking for, but I’m using this duffel from Amazon, that folds up into this tiny cube when you’re not using it (so great space saving). I’ve only used it once before, but no complaints, and I like how compact it is once it’s folded. I’m also moving over with two suitcases, though, plus the duffel so I’m not doing it all in duffels.