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London Packing Lists

Mind the Gap..I'm SO corny. - London
Mind the Gap..I'm SO corny.
by shutterlust
Tips on what to pack for a trip to London, posted by real travelers and London locals.
Local Time 6:54 pm Friday, May 9, 2008
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Popular Packing Lists | Miscellaneous Packing Lists Tips | All Tips (288)
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Rug Up!
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  • rugged up for a December walk - London
    rugged up for a December
    walk
    by sue_stone
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    Make sure your handbag does up at the top - don't want anyone trying to stick their hands into it while you are out and about.

    Don't forget to bring your scarf and gloves when you come to London (unless it is summer). I wear mine here for 8 months of the year! A hat is a good idea too - when that wind picks up your ears ache!

    You will takes loads of photos, so be prepared. Shame about the grey days - not the best for photography

    Carry an umbrella at all times - you can buy tiny ones that fit in your handbag.

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  • Website: http://www.upmystreet.com

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    Smart Packing for a More Pleasant Visit
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  • Small bag within your backpack or else you will have to check your backpack at most sites. When going out for the day to museums, only take the small bag, and that will save you lots of hassles.

    Broken-in walking shoes (broken in BEFORE you leave for the trip!), and make sure they do not look like tennis shoes. I always wear black leather running/walking shoes that serve day and evening attire.

    All prescriptions in their ORIGINAL containers. I also make a copy of them, and place that copy in another location.

    It's not photo equipment, but you should bring a passport-sized photo of yourself because you will need it if you plan to purchase a travel card for the "Tube".

    Bring a lightweight pair of binoculars to view the gargoyles, painted ceilings, and statues. I had an advantage as to what to wear in London because my daughter lived there and gave me tips. Pack "upscale" leisure clothes. If you dress with respect in London, you will be treated with more respect.

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    Things to Leave Behind ... And NOT!
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  • Pretending to Drive on the
    Pretending to Drive on the
    "Other" Side
    by Elena_007
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    Pack up your troubles and leave them behind. Your objective is ... to Have Fun! Whatever your idea of fun is, just do it! Leave enough space in your luggage to bring home treasures of your memorable experience. Before arriving at the airport, check on the baggage weight limit for your flight. By no means go overboard, it is a costly mistake. (Unless, of course, money doesn't matter to you). The 'penalty' charges are nearly out of this world!

    Depending on your length of stay, bring enough clean clothes to last the entire visit. Reminder, See above tip: Laundry is NOT fun! COMFORTABLE shoes are a must have! Note: Walking in London IS fun! Deciding what types of clothes to pack depends entirely on the time of year you are traveling ... Check the weather forecast before you leave home. After all, you ARE on the Internet! A tiny fold up umbrella (brolly) is always useful, and not much bother. Mine fits inside my purse, even! For your convenience, I have included a link to the 5 day forecast in London. There is an option to view in Fahrenheit degrees also, as many Americans do not know Celsius. London Weather http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/5day.shtml?world=0008

    If you are on medication, then surely you wouldn't leave home without it! If you fancy your own toiletries, then pack 'em. If you forget a few items, well, buy 'em. Please don't forget your toothbrush and toothpaste, at least, although these items are readily available in London.

    A digital camera would be ideal, (as you can see the shot and decide if you want to keep it or try again) but a camera is a must!!! Even if it is a disposable one, it is something you simply can not live without whilst in London. Trust me, you will be glad you did. Photo opportunities are endless!

    Well, if it is an outdoor adventure you are planning, then do bring the necessary gear along, or buy disposable items, if you prefer. Just don't start any forest fires trying to make a cup of coffee, if you are out in the English countryside camping.

    Be sure to bring enough money! (Or rather, access to your cash) ATM (cash machines) are everywhere, so only carry the amount you will need for a few days at a time. If using a credit card, be sure you set it up to require a PIN # for purchases, in case lost or stolen. Also, always carry some coins, because you may NEED them, as some toilets require an entry fee, but ... mostly to impress the shop attendants with your ability to count foreign currency. Don't forget to bring a prepaid phone card in case you need to use the telephone. (Hint for Americans: DO NOT say, "I have a calling card." It means something ENTIRELY different!) Most importantly, bring a smile along to brighten someone's day. Relax, and take time to enjoy yourself. Create some pleasant memories, that will last a lifetime, to take back home with you. One last thing to remember... If something doesn't go quite as planned, do not allow yourself to be upset. Instead ... Laugh at yourself, if only to amuse others. You are only human, after all.

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    Think, Think, Think
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  • Updated By CoAir13 on September 24, 2004
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  • If you are using public transportation to and from the aiport, make sure you can lift your bag. There will be many stairs to conquer!

    Comfortable walking shoes, a light windbreaker, and an umbrella.

    If you use a washcloth, bring your own. Hotels do not provide small face towels!

    Plenty of batteries for digital and film for regular cameras! Cameras and accessories are VERY expensive!!

    Most hotels offer an in room kettle for boiling water. To save money, we bought oatmeal packets and plastic spoons and ate out of the cups for breakfast.

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    Harden's "London For Free"
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  • This excellent little yellow book has oodles of info on things to see and do in London, Museums, city zoos, galleries, parks and with maps and websites etc etc. At only £5.99 (mine was £4.99 from a local bookshop) it's an invaluable resource for travelers on a budget! It's nice and slim too, so easy to carry in a pocket or rucksack.

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    Don't leave home without these!
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  • If you are going to be traveling around London you shouldn't leave home without one of these! An A-Z is vital if you are here for a couple of days or a couple of weeks or a couple of years! The Tube map is also an absolute necessity. You can pick one up free at any tube station. The A-Z is around £6 or £7 from any UK bookshop, garage or newsagents. Mine is a little dog-eared now but that's 'cos it's in almost constant use!

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  • Website: http://www.a-zmaps.co.uk/

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    Raindrops might well fall on your head!
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  • Excuse me Officer When will the rain stop? - London
    Excuse me Officer When will
    the rain stop?
    by scottishvisitor
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    An Umbrella might be needed, although depending on where you are when it rains, you might not be able to open it due to congested streets. Good walking shoes are essential if like me you prefer to walk & see different things walking London Streets.

    Make sure you have plenty of memory in your camera - the cost of disposable cameras near major attractions are sky high.

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    Bill Bryson - Notes from a small island
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  • Notes from a small island - London
    Notes from a small island
    by HORSCHECK
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    Notes from a small island by Bill Bryson tells the story of Bryson's last trip around Britain before moving back to the States after almost 20 years on the British island. The book is packed with interesting and funny stories about travelling as it really happens. By reading the book you get a nice insight into the life of the British people and their peculiarities. Some places Bryson visits on his trip are: Bradford, Edinburgh, Exeter, Glasgow, Llandudno, London, Porthmanog and Thurso. This book is definitely a must-read for everyone before or after a trip to Britain.

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  • Website: http://www.smallisland.co.uk/

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    Be prepared
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  • Obviously you don't want to be burdened by unnecessary bags. Bring only what you need and try and choose the luggage with the wheels to make things easier for you.

    The weather is quite unpredictable in London. If you go in the summer time, most of the time its quite nice out. Its usually sunny, but there's always a chance for rain. So bring a jacket incase it rains or incase it gets cold. Other than that, I say be yourself. People always say wear nice walking shoes, etc... but if you want to wear boots and it doesn't bother you after all that walking... great! Wear boots. I just say as long as your comfortable, you'll be okay.

    I always say you need to bring some kind of anti-diarrhea medicine. Its usually handy if you should eat something that upsets your stomach. Other than that, you can get all your toiletries at drug stores like Boots.

    Yes... bring them. So many opportunities for great photos. Or bring your camcorder to record your adventures through the city.

    Bring a converter if you are coming from another country. I'd recommend purchasing some kind of travelguide so that you get the most out of your trip if you are unfamiliar with London.. At least that way you can see if a particular attraction is worth it or not.

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    Mobile Phone / Cellphone
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  • Updated By film on September 27, 2005
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  • Mobile Cellphones are cheap in the UK. It is possible to pick up a phone for £30, insert a SIM card and keep it in credit on a Pay As You Go Basis. Depending on the SIM, there is a tarrif which distinguishes between calls on the same network, between networks, to landlines, international and so on. The basic Pay As You Go tarrifs can be very expensive because you often have to pay to recieve International calls. unlike most of the other call categories where you only pay to make calls.

    However, there are some SIMs which allow you to recieve International calls for free and make calls for modest amounts. However, if you are concerned how much people calling you pay., eg relatives, it may be better for you to call them. In the UK the market is divided into four large GSM mobile operators: 02, Vodaphone, T-Mobile and Orange. They all have about the same porportion of the market in a highly competative market. Each of them sell SIMs for around £5 which can be used in the UK and provide you with a UK telephone number. You can buy these before you arrive in the UK, so you know your new phone number. Top up vouchers are widely available from phone shops and many small stores. http://www.simcard.me.uk/uk_sim_card.htm

    These SIMs are expensive to use for foreign calls. However, International calls can be bought from other telecom operators. Either by buying a new SIM automatically linked to package of international call rates. (eg. 0044.co.uk sell these.) Alternatively, from any phone it is possible to use a 'call through operator'. Some of these are very easy to use. Call a special premium rate number to register your phone and top up your international account, then when you want to call an international number, dial a special access number first. There are lot of passthrough operators and their rates are the lowest in the business. Here is a list of them for calls to the US, some at 0p per minute. http://niftylist.co.uk/country_225_mobile.html Here is one of these operators:

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  • Website: http://www.topupnow.co.uk/index2.php

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