In episode 101 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy Collins is joined by special guest Alison Liscum to discuss essential packing tips for a trip to the UK.
They discuss the benefits of using carry-on luggage where possible to avoid lost items and weight issues and share practical advice, such as organising with packing cubes and choosing versatile clothing.
Alison recounts her own travel experiences, including navigating strict liquid checks and making room for souvenirs.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or planning your first trip, this episode offers valuable insights to make packing for your UK adventure stress-free and efficient.
Click the blue button below to listen:
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Alison’s key items
Episode 101 – Show Notes
Travel Smart: Mastering the Art of Packing Light with guest Alison Liscum
Topics covered in this episode include:
- Guest Introduction
- Introduction to Alison as the special guest.
- Alison’s itinerary: 4 days in London, other destinations, then another 4 days in London.
- Packing Philosophy
- Decision to use carry-on luggage.
- Carry-on to avoid loss or excess weight issues.
- Need for organization and efficiency due to frequent stops on the tour.
- Carry-on Luggage
- Weight limits discussion (Australia and Alison’s experience).
- Alison’s bulky carry-on being checked at the gate.
- Size restrictions variations between airports and countries.
- Liquid check differences at Heathrow vs. the U.S.
- TSA check of electronic devices like phones.
- Packing Essentials
- Alison’s luggage: 20-inch carry-on and a 15-inch under-seat bag.
- Small crossbody bag for essentials.
- Versatile and quick-drying clothing.
- Footwear: rain boots, tennis shoes, and another versatile pair.
- Tracy’s own footwear adaptation during travels.
- Clothing and Accessories
- Weather-based packing using a winter wardrobe capsule.
- Tracy’s travel wardrobe: Leggings and long-sleeved tops.
- Colour choice for flexibility (khaki, black, grey, white, green).
- Accessories: versatile silver earrings and a watch.
- Touring Outfits
- Attire recommendations for various UK activities.
- Simplicity and layering for tours and theatre visits.
- Experience touring destinations like Highclere Castle and Buckingham Palace.
- 7. Packing Organization
- Use of packing cubes for organization.
- Strategies for separating clean and dirty clothes.
- Compression tubes for maximizing space.
- Challenges of creased items.
- Laundry While Traveling
- Methods for doing laundry (detergent packs, bathroom sink washing).
- Hotel laundry policies and asking B&Bs for laundry help.
- Portable washing line for drying clothes.
- Practical Tips and Experiences
- Alison’s view on not overthinking packing.
- Practicality of buying toiletries and souvenirs in the UK.
- Room for souvenirs in luggage.
- Alison’s suggestion of packing less and buying what’s necessary on the trip.
- Conclusion and Wrap-up
- Tracy thanks Alison for the conversation.
- Encouragement for listener feedback.
- Signing off with well wishes for future travel planning.
Click here to download a PDF Transcript of Episode 101
Useful resources
- Episode #70 – How (and what) to pack for the UK
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