What to pack for London - londontravelpack.com

London Travel Pack - Because we really do love London

Friday, 15 May 2009 13:29

London's climate can be unpredictable. Expect rain in August, as well as sun. Be prepared for snow in winter, and more rain!

There are a few things you can do to prepare yourself before you set out for the capital of the UK.
There are the usual clothing requirements - as we say, be prepared.

A small umbrella
(sold inexpensively throughout the Capital - though usually costing more at train stations and airports). Or a light raincoat which you can roll up and pack into a pocket or bag, both are essential items for the day to day London weather.
Overcoat or Jacket
Like anywhere in the World it gets cold here too.
Jumper or Sweater. A light cotton or wool jumper or sweater is a great accessory for London anytime of the year, but very handy in summer after the sun has set keeping away any chills.
Comfy walking shoes are a must, London is a massive City. Oxford Street the main and busiest shopping street with over 300 shops, is two and a half kilometres long, and that’s about six kilometres of walking just shopping on one street.
Second pair of shoes. It rains sometimes, and if you are unlucky enough to get caught in a down pour of rain and your feet become sodden you will be so happy you brought a back up pair, whist your comfy shoes dry back at the hotel.
Travel electric converter/adapter. UK electricity voltage is different than that of Europe and the USA, any electrical devices you bring with you will not work or charge without one. Adapters can be purchased throughout the City and cost very little, shop around for the best price.
Hat. Be it a sun hat, rain hat, base-ball cap or ladies bonnet, at some stage in your holiday you will require a hat.
Travel bag. For carrying all the bits that you want to take with you for sight-seeing, day tripping or for picnicking in one of the many free Royal Parks or Gardens within London.
Swimwear. London local councils have indoor swimming pools across the Capital, you don’t have to be a member to use them, just pay a small fee. Hampstead Heath has Men’s & Women’s outside bathing ponds, a fantastic free day out in the summer.
Medication. If you are on any form of medication bring it with you in the prescribed containers. This will save on problems at customs, and should you need to purchase further medication from a chemist shop, you have the manufacture’s name as well as the brand name. Your medication may be made under a different brand name in the UK, bringing it in the prescribed containers will save confusion.

Of course you will have to back the basics of clothes, guide book, your London Travel Pack, camera etc.

Set out all the items that you think you need (on top of the bed is a good place), and then decide which third is going on holiday with you. You will have to be hard, ruthless to a point, but also clever in packing so you get the best combination of outfits from the least amount of clothes.

Your packed items have to last the duration of you visit, so be smart with your packing, all-purpose, multi-purpose, or purpose such as a smart jacket or suit, required to eat in London’s top Hotels and restaurants. Pick clothes that are lightweight and complement each other, that can be used in many combinations with each other.(the lighter your clothes the more that fits in to your case, under your baggage allowance and no excess)

Don’t forget to put your name, hotel address where you are staying, home address and contact number on the INSIDE of you suit cases. Airlines will sometimes lose luggage, if they lose yours, your details are kept private, but your bag can be returned to you quickly.

Check your travel insurance, passports, driver licence and other relevant documents are up to date and are valid for your entire stay and return home. If you're planning on hiring a car, you may wish to consider car hire insurance so you can be sure you won't get any nasty bills.

Do some research before you come to London. Check the weather forecast on line before you pack www.bbc.co.uk/weather

Don't forget that by pre-booking attractions, theatre productions, live performances, and concerts on-line in advance of your visit you can save money! Booking in advance ensures that you get to see what you want to see during you time in London, without standing in booking lines for half of you stay. On-line prices include any discounts and are at matched at the best price available in London from our partners Superbreak.com, encore tickets and attractiontix.

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