Have a British experience without the pound

Hankering for a nice afternoon tea, but don’t fancy converting a lot of Washingtons into far fewer Elizabeths on a British holiday? Here’s where you can go to get that British spirit without succumbing to the weight of the pound.

• Victoria: Named after Queen Victoria, this town on Vancouver Island in Canada’s British Columbia is an Anglophile-in-exile’s dream. Well-preserved heritage buildings and tall ships testify to its colonial history, and you’ll find imported British goods in many shops. Tourism Victoria has suggestions for a British-themed tour that includes a double-decker bus ride and a visit to Oak Bay, known as Victoria’s most British neighborhood thanks to its Tudor-style buildings, tea rooms, and gardens.
• Niagara-on-the-Lake: Niagara-on-the-Lake’s colonial street plan and pristine British Classical buildings will transport you to England. Wander the streets of this small Canadian town and you’ll find dozens of British shops and tea rooms. Visit Victoria Gallery and Teas to find a wide variety of English tea blends. Stop at the Prince of Wales Hotel for afternoon tea in an elegant Victorian setting. Or, join a King Henry VIII dinner with jesters, wenches, and a king at the Buttery Restaurant.
• Bermuda: This British Overseas Territory is the place to see a judge in a powdered wig, catch a cricket match, or stop at a pub for a pint. And, unlike in Britain, you can leave the winter coat at home and hit the beach before returning to town for afternoon tea.

Have a great travel tip you’d like to share? Send your insider travel strategies to editor@smartertravel.com.