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London Packing Lists

waiting here - London
waiting here
by benazer
Tips on what to pack for a trip to London, posted by real travelers and London locals.
Local Time 3:08 am Monday, May 12, 2008
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Popular Packing Lists | Miscellaneous Packing Lists Tips | All Tips (288)
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Bandaids, umbrellas, bags, etc.
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  • Bring a day pack. Something relatively small, preferably that goes over your head and one shoulder (not a purse...). I brought a smallish old navy messenger bag, and it's worked quite well.

    I was told (by an Englishman) to bring an umbrella... and although it has drizzled a bit, I haven't used it yet.....

    Bring lots and lots of bandaids. Even if you plan on using public transportation most of the time, your feet will go through some wear and tear, especially if you are not used to walking a lot.

    I brought my camera, and 17 rolls of film..... but my camera is now waterlogged, and I have no camera..... So, I suppose my best suggestion would be to bring a ziploc to carry your camera in (if you want something very light), but a small camera bag if you prefer.

    Ziploc Bags. Ziploc bags are wonderful. They are lightweight, and you can put a lot in them..... souvenir train tickets, brochures, etc. or toiletries. or makeup. or keep your soap in a ziploc, so you don't get soap on everything. Also, I suggest bringing wipies. The kind you can buy in a package of 80 at wal mart for about $1.20. That anti-germ gel stuff is probably a bit lighter to lug around, but wipies can double as napkins, and can clean bird poop off a bench, etc. And, you can put two or three wipies in a ziploc to take around with you in your smallish bag. Trust me.... after a ride on the tube holding onto a sticky hand rail, you are going to want a wipie.

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    Don't bring new shoes!
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  • There is nothing you can't buy in London, though it may be expensive.However, the one thing you should definitely bring from home are comfortable, well-worn shoes. During a trip with my mother I had packed a pedometer, because we wanted to know how much walking we were doing. Even though I didn't walk as much as I would have done on a trip on my own, in the evening the counter showed us 21 km.So, comfortable shoes are a must!

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    Unreliable weather
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  • Suitcases or backpack, it doesn't make a difference really. However, if you have to travel by tube with your luggage, make sure you have something you can carry up and down stairs without too much trouble.

    Remember that there is no guarantee whatsoever that the weather in London will be nice, whatever the time of the year. Make sure you have one or two warm jumpers, a raincoat and an umbrella. A good pair of shoes is also essential as the best way to visit London is to walk.

    The usual things you would take anywhere in Europe. If need be, you can find everything at stores like Boots.

    Take a wide angle lens for city perspectives and a telephoto for architectural details. A tripod or mini-tripod will enable you to take striking night shots of the city. In terms of film, good, fine-grained 100 ASA will give you the best results. Don't hesitate to pack a few fast films as well, such as 400 ASA in case the weather is overcast. Black and white film can produce dramatic pictures in the city. Make sure you keep your equipment in a bag that can stand rain and that you can carry in front of you as pick-pockets are quite common in the most popular spots.

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    Creature Comforts for North Americans
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  • Facecloths: They don't use facecloths in most places throughout the UK. So bring one if you can't go without. Do not decide it's a good idea to use the hand towel instead to vigorously scrub because you'll get bright red scuff marks all over your face right before the big VT meet where people take photos like crazy. Coffee Cream: Another thing they go without in the UK. Not even Starbucks has cream for the coffee here. After a week of nothing but milk in your coffee, you'll be dying for that creamy rich taste! Steal packets of Coffee Mate to bring with you. Better yet, bring a flask and fill it with cream from a corner store. Rootbeer: Ummm.... Better to just forget about trying to order a rootbeer anywhere. Have one before you go over.

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    Did you Pack your brelly... ??
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  • Dont forget to take your coat and brelly, you'll need it though i was surprised to see how many beautiful days there is in London,but still better have with you a warm clothes in the ewinter as it can be very cold especially during January and February !!! Other then that i assune you can buy whatever you'll need there. London is a place which you wont miss anything that you'll need.

    Obviously you can find whatever you need in London but be aware of the high prices !!! i was once stuck with my camera and i wasin the most tourist area... i had to pay double price for buying it...

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    Pack for the way you want to travel
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  • As you can see in the photo, I opted for an ugly green suitcase. This may appear to be a bad call initially until you get to Changi, LAX or Heathrow and see squillions of black or dark blue suitcases. Mine was always easy to pick out and saved me quite a bit of time.

    I take only one pair of shoes so I make sure that they are multi purpose. In addition I have some sport-sandals (optimistic in the UK I know) which can come in handy. Being the UK I always carry an umbrella and a lightweight jacket. I also pack a thin polyprop long sleeve top in case it gets a bit chilly (I'm wearing my own one under my tee shirt in my site photo).

    Anything you forget you can easily buy at Boots. I like to have sample size items so I can travel light. Some of these items are picked up from hotels (shampoo etc) so I don't bother packing anything in advance. In NZ there is a great place called Lush selling really handy travel sized multi-use soaps etc incl one that's shampoo & conditioner. They last for a very long time &, given the current restrictions on liquids in your carry on luggage, don't get questioned by over zealous guards.

    For me the smaller the better. Currently it is an Optio 5i and it took every photo in my 2005 trip.

    I like multi use items so I usually carry convertable pants so I have both longs & shorts in one unit. Remember that power sockets may differ to your home country so investigate an adaptor plug before you go.

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    This is gonna be an expensive trip !!!
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  • Well!@!#$ here's another view - London
    Well!@!#$ here's another view
    by alycat
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    Backpacks and luggage with wheels is really helpful and convenient as there is ease in carrying and the footpaths and the underground support it aswell.

    If u are gonna be here in winter get as much warm clothing as possible, something that keeps your head n ears covered. Summer's are just so pleasant. Sports trainers are fine if you are not frequenting any jazzy clubs where a dress code is strictly followed.

    Get your own set of handy medications, face creams and jellys not to let your body get dry.

    Get film rolls from wherever ur coming, its costly in UK. If u prefer, u will get any roll, any make, any category in UK. If you are here in winter try n get 400 or preferably 800 category rolls for better results, as the weather tends to be cloudy and gloomy most of the time. Just a tip I picked up from fellow travellers!!!

    Forget it!!!

    Stay connected, get a GSM mobile fone when in UK, u get prepaid fone cards worth 5, 10 and 20 pounds which will be handy for a short durtion of stay. Also get your own stock of fags as they are very costly in UK. I think each passenger entering UK is allowed about 800 cigarettes, so lap it up.

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    Walk much?
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  • Really good walking shoes and a collapsible umbrella.

    You can get whatever you need there. Bring your own meds though.

    Weather is generally not too hot in summer or too cold in winter. You can get hot and humid in summer and rare occasions of snow in winter. Spring and Fall are quite comfortable times to travel.

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    Don't forget your camera(s) and equipment
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  • A digital camera will give you the opportunity to experiment and take pictures at no extra costs, but nothing (yet) is as good as my old reflex. Not just because it still takes wonderful pics but at least I can put my zoom on it and make yet even more wonderful pics :)) I took this picture from the Towerbridge and it begged to be taken with a zoom!

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    When snowing...
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  • London snow - February 2005 - London
    London snow - February 2005
    by Jenniflower
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    Even in snowy and cold weather, layer your clothing. Wear thermal underwear (these are easily bought at the local clothing shops), with warm leggings and a top under a toasty jacket. I have my trusty grey duffle coat, plus a white snow jacket for this type of weather, and they are a godsend! Wear flat shoes, that have a good grip, as when it is snowing, and afterwards, when it is sludge, it's really difficult to walk and keep your balance! So take care and be wise as to what you wear, especially on your feet!

    Always being your camera - you are sure to get some great snow pics!!! :)

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