A Complete Guide: What To Pack For London For First-Time Visitors


Posted by admin on 2018-06-01

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Photo credit: Stocksnap

Photo credit: Stocksnap

Traveling abroad can be an exciting prospect, but also a little stressful, especially for first-time visitors. Whether it is your first time abroad or just your first time visiting London, you’ll need expert guidance when it comes to packing – and we’re here to help!

Proper packing is important, especially when traveling abroad. While some items, like toiletries, are easy to replace, other items, like travel documents, aren’t quite as easy to live without.

Don’t get stuck in a bind! Enjoy this free and comprehensive London packing guide for first-time visitors that outlines everything you’ll need during your travels.

Essential Travel Documents

Whether you’re a meticulous travel planner or a spur-of-the-moment style adventurer, properly packing these specific travel documents is essential!

  • Wallet
  • Photo ID
  • Passport
  • Travel documents
  • Travel insurance
  • Visa documents
  • Medications
  • Any known allergies

We recommend making copies of your important documents and carrying them with you as well in a separate location. This will ensure you are still able to travel in the rare case that your documents are stolen or lost while you are abroad.

We also recommend having copies of any medications handy and being familiar with the generic names and the purpose, as names can vary internationally. Having a list of allergies on hand is also a best practice for staying safe in case of emergency.

Personal Items For London

Photo credit: Stocksnap

Photo credit: Stocksnap

There’s nothing worse than prepping for a good night’s sleep on your fabulous London getaway, only to realize that you forgot toothpaste. Whoops. Make sure you don’t forget any essentials with this comprehensive checklist.

  • Sunscreen
  • Makeup
  • Lip balm
  • Lotion
  • Baby wipes/face wipes
  • Contact lenses and solution
  • Tissues
  • Tweezers
  • Nail clippers
  • Deodorant
  • Toothpaste & toothbrush
  • Hair products
  • Travel sized shampoo, conditioner, soap
  • Razor/grooming kit

If you are trying to save room or if you forget an item, don’t worry. You can also easily purchase personal items when you arrive in London. Also, be sure to be mindful of TSA rules regarding liquids and prohibited items.

For liquids specifically, pack them in tightly sealed bottles and pack all bottles inside plastic bags. This will prevent other items from being ruined in the event of any spillage or breakage.

London Weather

Let’s talk weather. London isn’t exactly known for pristine weather conditions. Three words: dreary, damp, drizzle. But hey, what London lacks in paradise-like surroundings it makes up for in historic charm. Despite stereotypes about constant drab conditions, London weather can actually be quite unpredictable, which is why it is important to pack properly for the season!

The coldest month of the year is January, where temperatures can hover around freezing at night. Snow is rare, although a flurry or two can’t be ruled out in January and February. August is the hottest month of the year, where temperatures can soar above 90 degrees! Luckily, heat waves are rare, and summer temps average a balmy 70 degrees. Spring and fall in between temperature wise, with daytime highs in the 60’s and nighttime lows in the 40’s.

Rainfall is another animal entirely. Though each month varies, with March being the driest month and October being the wettest month, London sees about 15 rainy days per month. It is always best to travel with a rain jacket and/or an umbrella in case mother nature takes a turn.

London is a year-round destination, so popular attractions stay open throughout the year and are generally not impacted by seasonal weather. There is a plethora of both indoor and outdoor attractions and entertainment available, so you’ll find plenty to do in any weather.

London Clothing Checklist

Your clothing checklist will vary by season, so check the weather prior to packing to have a better idea of what to pack. Here are a few suggestions based on time of travel.

All Year

  • Waterproof coat
  • Comfortable, closed-toe shoes
  • Umbrella
  • Shirts
  • Pants
  • Undergarments
  • Socks
  • Sunglasses
  • Sleepwear

London – Warm Weather

  • Comfortable sandals
  • Light jacket, sweater, etc.
  • Capris or shorts

London – Cool Weather

  • Comfortable boots
  • Heavy jacket
  • Scarf
  • Gloves
  • Hat
  • Thermal gear

We recommend sticking to comfortable, functional pieces. Layering lighter items with a cardigan, jacket, or scarf will ensure that you’re prepared for any sudden changes. We also recommend packing materials that are wrinkle resistant, eliminating any stress about ironing.

If you want to dress like a local, consider packing stylish neutrals. UK folks tend to dress slightly more formal and conservatively than Americans. Makeup and accessories are also generally more toned down, so keep your look natural, classic, and fresh.

And, though this might sound silly, remember that what you wear will be in pictures from your trip, so make sure you’re sporting looks that you don’t mind showing off while documenting your adventures.

Other Travel Essentials

 

Unless you are a UK local, your trek to London will likely take several hours and involve several flights and/or train rides. Settle in for the long haul and make your accommodations as comfortable as possible with these last travel essentials:

  • Travel pillow
  • Headphones
  • Earplugs
  • Sleep mask
  • Umbrella (worth mentioning twice!)
  • Gum or mints
  • Sunglasses
  • First-aid kit
  • Chargers/converters (Check for compatibility)
  • External chargers
  • Safe travel backpack or purse
  • Books/Kindle/etc.
  • Headlamp
  • Chargers for electronics

You’ll be spending lots of time in airports, in cars, and on trains, so dress comfortably! Be sure to also dress for security; wear shoes that are easy to remove, avoid jewelry or items that can set off scanners, etc. – you don’t want to spend any more time than necessary getting through TSA!

Travel Packing Pro-Tips

Photo credit: Stocksnap

Photo credit: Stocksnap

A quick note on travel adapters. The United Kingdom uses a 220v three pin system, so you will likely need an adapter to ensure your electronics work. You can easily find affordable travel adapters online and pair it with a travel power strip for maximum efficiency.

For storage during city escapades, we recommend a travel-approved backpack or over-the-shoulder bag. Though London is a very safe city, it’s always best to prepare for the worst and make it difficult for pickpockets or thieves to get their hands on your personal items.

When it comes to spending money, you’ll want to alert your bank and any credit card companies of your travel plans. This way, they are aware and prepared for any transactions that might otherwise look suspicious. Keep in mind there might be fees for out of country transactions. An alternative is to invest in a travel-specific credit card to avoid costly fees. Additionally, stay up to date on current exchange rates and make plans to exchange currency in advance.

Getting around London is a breeze, with public transportation readily available. Travel cards can easily be snagged on the fly, though they are also easy to purchase in advance. “Oyster Cards” are used for the London ‘Tube’ system and other public transit lines. The cards are pre-loaded with money and are considered the easiest and most affordable way to pay for travel throughout the city. Consider purchasing and packing a card in advance to make travel throughout London effortless.

Unfortunately, you’ll need to make a few adjustments before you snap and Instagram your travels. Consider purchasing an international phone plan to mitigate roaming charges. You’ll want to check with your current phone provider to see exactly what is and isn’t included in your current plan and make any necessary adjustment in advance. Be sure to pack a travel converter as mentioned above so that you can charge your phone as needed and be sure to turn off your data usage if you do not have an unlimited plan. You can also look into free messaging platforms, like WhatsApp and Skype to keep communication with friends and family affordable.

While preparing for the worst isn’t glamorous, it is an important part of planning! Travel insurance is an affordable way to ensure you’ll be covered in case of theft, medical issues, an emergency trip home, or catastrophe. Check with your current insurance carriers to see if they offer any discounts for bundling with your existing services.

For those that aren’t as tech-savvy, a virtual private network (or VPN) is an added layer of internet protection. Investing in a VPN is a surefire way to protect your personal online data while traveling via an additional layer of encryption. Using a VPN will make it virtually impossible for hackers or online users with malicious intent to steal your private information.

There’s always a small risk with travel. Items can easily get misplaced, lost, or stolen. Keep that in mind while packing! If there is an item that you cannot live without, leave it at home. This might include jewelry, designer items, or anything with a certain sentimental value.

If you are traveling with a friend or spouse, consider mixing your luggage contents. That way, if one of you experiences lost luggage, you won’t be complete without clothing and other important items.

Travel packing pros recommend rolling your clothing items versus folding them to save space and squeeze the most into your travel packs.

And last but certainly not least, don’t forget your umbrella!


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