Happy tax day
In good news, bad news, we are both self-employed so no tax withholding leads to big tax bills. I use my Amex Bus Plat to get 1.5x (and a little on DH's Business Blue Pref to get 2x), but I've now had my guest privileges extended to 2025.
I second CyndiLouWho--we have a time share in London so we visit frequently (4-5 times a year). You will get the best rate for the day automatically by just using your credit card to tap in and out. As Cyndi said, just give each person their own card and have them use that for the trip. You will see a temporary charge amount and then around midnight it will update to the daily. It used to make sense for us to get a one-week travel pass when we got there, but we don't do that anymore. It used to be a really good value, but the last time I looked it was just slightly cheaper. I'm not sure they even offer it anymore.
It kind of depends on what you will be doing. I've been all over Ireland, Scotland and England in my Dubarry's for walking in the countryside (they are country boots), but I go frequently so I can justify the price
If it's rainy season when you go, Wellies are another option but they aren't my thing. In the cities (London, Dublin, Edinburgh), I typically just wear regular tennis shoes when it's raining or waterproof crossover shoes (hiking/running). Something like these although not a great color:
https://www.adidas.com/us/terrex-voyager-21-canvas-travel-shoes/GX8688.htmlFor serious hiking, I've been through numerous hiking boots, but by far the best for my feet are Salomon Quests (just wore them to do the West Highland Way last May and Everest Base Camp in November). I highly recomment going to a place like REI to get fitted though. Moab's didn't work for me at all.
https://www.switchbacktravel.com/best-hiking-boots If you are walking through water, I personally despise water sandals, and I need them for an upcoming trip. I'm looking at these
https://www.salomon.com/en-us/shop/product/techamphibian-5-li3108.html#color=77560rather than the recommended Teva or Chaco brands.
Oops. Edited to say that the adidas above are wrong. I have these in a much older version:
https://www.amazon.com/adidas-outdoor-Terrex-Solid-Purple/dp/B0893MBHGQ/ref=is_sr_s_dp_2?crid=1V9XNVZ83QRVB&keywords=adidas+shoes+women+cross+trainer+waterproof&qid=1681836587&sprefix=adidas+shoes+women+crosstrainer+waterproof,aps,153&sr=8-10