Musts and Must Nots of Packing for London

After the camera, jeans, toothbrush and NG city guides (of course!) are carefully packed in your suitcase, here are a few tips from a local for keeping it simple and comfortable while exploring London:

Necessary items:

• layers, layers, layers – this is a nautical climate, one minute it’s warm & sunny, the next it’s breezy & cloudy
• a scarf – yes, in every season; stylish please
• a light rain jacket – London’s reputation preceeds itself
• a small, very small umbrella – it actually rains less than that reputation mentioned above, but it does drizzle frequently; a hood on that rain jacket above may be better than a brolly
• comfy walking shoes – this is a walking city &  your tootsies are going to rebel if you’re teetering about in heels
• your inside voice – locals like to keep conversations to themselves and do not want to hear yours

Totally unnecessary items:

• baseball hats – way too casual for England, screams TOURIST
• fanny packs – see previous blog for explanation
• trainers/sneakers/tennis shoes – again, too casual … unless you are planning on jogging
• London Fog trench coat contraption – over the top
• Bulky backpacks – keep it simple, you’ll want to be hands free yet not taking out fellow travellers each time you turn around

Things to keep in your bag while in London:

• Maps, maps & more maps –  This city is a puzzle and side streets may save serious time, try A-Z map of London or  the semi-discreet popoutmap,  but you’ll also need a Tube map
• wet wipes – our lovely city is quite a dirty one & wait until you see your hands after a Tube journey
• sunglasses – surprise, surprise!  It honestly is often sunny here too
• hangover remedy – (paracetamol in the UK/acetaminophen in the US), damn pub crawls
• Oyster card – public transport card, piece a cake