Disclaimer: I received the Gillet from Land’s End to feature in this post, as always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
If you plan on visiting London, there are a few factors you need to consider when packing your bags.
British weather is super unpredictable even in the Summer, you can’t guarantee you won’t need a coat or an umbrella, so travellers need to ensure that they pack for a range of weather conditions, regardless of what time of the year they are travelling.
It’s also important to choose the right luggage to fit all your belongings comfortably. Consider the length of your stay and the activities you plan on doing. For longer stays or if you plan to do a lot of shopping, you may want to opt for large suitcases. Having the right luggage can make your trip much more enjoyable and stress-free. It is always better to have extra room in your bags than not have enough room – you certainly don’t want to have to buy another bag just to travel home with.
You will also want to consider where you can store your luggage before check-in and after check-out, if you don’t plan on travelling home straight away.
Here is a list that will ensure you are ready for anything during your trip.
1. Don’t forget to pack chargers for your electronics
If you are travelling to London from outside of the UK, then you’ll need to ensure you have a travel adaptor or two for all your electronics, as we use the 220V three-pin plugs here. These adaptors can be purchased easily from airports, and station shops and you’ll be able to find them when you arrive if you do forget.
For those of us who don’t need travel adaptors, you may want to consider an extension plug of some sort, especially if you are a family with a few phones to charge, as hotel rooms are often limited on plug sockets available, and you’ll be surprised at how many of these aren’t next to your bed which really does annoy me in hotels.
2. Decent Clothing for all weather types
What you pack for your trip to London is dictated by the weather and the places you will be visiting. But, regardless of the above, you should always pack decent clothes that you can wear comfortably around town.
Bear in mind that London can get quite cold in the winter, so remember to pack warm clothes. Likewise, in the summer, the evenings can get chilly so bring a light jumper or jacket. This is especially the case if you plan on spending most of your trip outside moving around the town.
You will want layers which you can easily remove and put into your bag, especially if you plan to travel on the tube as it gets very overcrowded during rush hour and you will get very hot.
Here is the most important bit: do not forget to pack a rain jacket and an umbrella! It’d be a shame if you got caught out in the rain.
Layers such as cardigans, rain coats or even a Gillet are ideal as you can remove them when needed and carrying them around won’t be too much of a problem, then you can easily put them back on when needed.
This Gillet is super warm but also extremely lightweight making it ideal for travelling in and with. There is an interior chest pocket with popper fastenings and 2 side hip pockets with zips. It is water resistant and has a 2-way zip closer on the front. It is fleeced-lined and very comfortable to wear. Priced at £130 but currently on offer for £56 and is available in Black and Light Stone colours.
3. Shoes for moving around the city
Remember to pack shoes that are versatile.
This means that you can wear your shoes anywhere: to a formal occasion and to the park. If you are planning on spending a lot of time walking around town, get a pair of comfortable shoes that you can wear for a whole day without getting blisters. It is never a good idea to wear new shoes which you haven’t yet broken in as you can easily clock up the miles walking around the city.
In the event that it rains, a pair of waterproof shoes will certainly come in handy.
4. The right backpack/bag
Choose a long-lasting and high-quality backpack or bag that can accommodate all your items. A sizeable pack with comfortable straps is the best option, especially if you are walking around for long distances. In it, you can pack your camera, snacks, a change of clothes, your umbrella, and a map to help you find your way back to your hotel.
You will want to ensure there are secure zipped pockets for all your valuables, and if these are hidden away at the back of your backpack/securely inside your bag then even better as the pockets are hidden away from potential thieves. Sadly, pickpockets are everywhere and while you think you are being careful they take advantage of the busy hustle and bustle as with all large cities so you can never be too cautious.
5. Remember to pack toiletries/Medication
Packing your own toiletries from home will save you a few pounds as you won’t have to buy them in the city.
Remember to pack your makeup, toothbrush and a tube of toothpaste. Tissue and sanitary products are also important items to include in your suitcase, as are sunscreen and moisturiser if you are travelling in the summer. You don’t need full-sized ones, so you can save space by using travel-sized bottles.
Also, remember to pack any regular medication which you take daily – there is nothing worse than going away and finding you can’t get hold of a doctor for a prescription just because you’ve left your tablets etc at home.
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