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UK Travel Packing Essentials

Not sure what to pack for your UK travels? Use this article in conjunction with our UK packing list to ensure you have all your UK travel packing essentials.

To complement our UK travel packing list we have put together this ‘shop’ of UK travel essentials which has literally everything we think you may need when visiting the UK.

Obviously, there will be things on this list that you already own so we are not suggesting you go out and buy new items for your upcoming trip! We simply want to ensure you have every base covered! (It is helpful to remember that there are also lots of great shops in the UK so if you forget something don’t panic!)

UK travel packing suitcase and UK landmarks.

UK Travel Packing Essentials

UK Travel Planning Products – Add them to your packing list!

Itinerary Planners

Our itinerary planners are the perfect companion for 9 popular UK destinations and include everything you need to know to plan your visit – what to see (and how long to spend at each attraction), best experiences, best viewpoints and recommended places to eat and drink.

BEST OF BRITAIN ITINERARY PLANNERS BOOK COVER 1

⭐️ Click to buy

Guide to UK Train Travel

Are you are planning to travel the UK by train?If so our ebook is an essential purchase. Containing practical tips and advice to help you to plan your trip (including 12 done for you UK train itineraries) it has everything you need tp know to start planning your UK rail adventure.

UK train travel book cover

⭐️ Click to buy

Best travel luggage

Things to consider when choosing luggage for your UK trip –

  • Are you travelling to multiple destinations in the UK? If so what mode of transportation will you use?
  • I highly recommend that you travel light. Pack clothes than can be layered.
  • Leave room for all the souvenirs and presents you will be purchasing!
London Fog Newcastle 3 piece set
Orange case
Suitcase set
Coolife suitcases
Samsonite suitcase

Travel packing solutions

I cannot recommend packing cubes enough. I was a late convert but boy do I always use them now! These are the perfect solution if you are travelling around the UK. Pack entire outfits in a separate packing cube – it saves time as you can leave the rest of your case undisturbed and just lift out the cube you need.

I also have one packing cube which I use for clothes I have worn so they are kept separate. This also makes it easy to lift them out if you need to get some washing done.

BAGAIL 8 Set Packing Cubes
Packing Cubes, BAGSMART
Packing Cubes for Travel
Shacke Pak – 5 Set Packing Cubes – Travel Organizers with Laundry Bag

Travel organisers

Document organisers

Staying organised is essential and it is so easy when travelling to misplace things, lose things or simply end up with paperwork and travel documents all over the place.

We keep everything in an organiser. I do scan backups of our passport information, tickets and any other important information to my dropbox account but day to day we use an organiser to keep everything in one place and easily accessible.

There is nothing worse than arriving at your hotel after a long journey to then start scrabbling around looking for your passport or other necessary documentation.

Here are some great travel organisers to will keep all your important paperwork, itineraries and ID documents in one place.

Pink document organiser
Osprey Document Wallet
Vemingo Family Passport Holder
Travel wallet organiser

Tech organisers

So many leads to take and it is so easy for them to get tangled up. Using an organiser for all those leads and cords makes things so much easier!

Electronic Organizer Hard Shell Travel Gadget Case
Electronic Organizer
Pink case for tech
Case for tech
Tech organiser
Tech bag

Toiletry and make-up organisers

I recommend taking a few items in your hand luggage (travel size of course) and putting the rest in your luggage. I take a lipstick, a small bottle of moisturiser, a toothbrush and toothpaste in my carry-on and find that works for me.

Hanging toiletry bag
Unisex toiletry bag
Mens toiletry bag
Travel toiletry bag for women

Medication organisers

3 pack pill containers
Cute pill organiser
Round bill boxes
Pill organiser

Essentials for the plane journey

Travel bag for the plane

I pack my bag for the plane very carefully so I know where everything is. A great tip is to pack a smaller bag (I often use a packing cube for this) will all the essential things you will want on hand during the flight.

This means you can put your bag in the overhead locker and not need to get up and down to rummage through it when you need something.

I keep my iPad, Kindle, a pen, notepad, earphones, chewing gum/sweets, any medications, eye mask, eyedrops and my toiletries (I pack travel-size ones for on the plane) in this smaller bag. It makes life so much easier especially when you are in the window seat and you don’t have to disturb your travel companions to get those essential items.

Sunflowers bag
Flight bag spotty
Flight bag with mini bag
Flight bag

Travel pillows

I find sleeping on planes is easier for some people than for others. I tend to sleep for a few hours at a time but for me being as comfortable as possible means having my own pillow. There are lots of options to choose from (better than using a rolled-up jumper as I remember doing in the 1980s!)

Pillow for travel
Visenta Neck Pillow for Travel
BCOZZY Chin Supporting Travel Pillow
Twist Memory Foam Travel Pillow

Noise-cancelling headphones, earbuds & earplugs

Another essential item is to pack a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. Cut out the noise of the engines and your fellow passengers and get some sleep on that long-haul flight.

Noise cancelling ear plugs
Bose earbuds
Bose
Sony

Foot hammocks & inflatable foot rests

If you (like me) suffer from swollen feet and puffy ankles after a long flight I recommend purchasing one of these foot hammocks or inflatable footrests.

An absolutely fantastic idea which will not only make the journey more comfortable but the first few days after you arrive at your destination (trying to squeeze swollen feet into shoes and boots is not what you need when you have so many places to see)

foot rest
foot rest
Everlasting Comfort Airplane Footrest
Airplane Footrest

Theft-proof travel items

When travelling it is easy to become flustered and stressed especially in a new city or country. At these times our ability to focus can be impacted. This is why pickpockets often hang around train stations and airports.

Similarly in tourist areas where you may be distracted by the sights and therefore not prepared or unsure what to do when approached by organised groups who may be looking for vulnerable targets.

We have experienced this in France (pickpockets rifled through my backpack but because everything of value was in my pickpocket-proof crossbody bag didn’t get anything)and Italy (scammed by a cab driver who tricked us by swapping a 20 Euro note for a 5 Euro note) and the UK is certainly no different.

Therefore plan ahead – purchase theft-proof bags and accessories. Don’t carry large amounts of cash. Leave valuables and passports in your hotel room safe. And stay aware especially in train stations and around busy tourist areas when visiting London.

Theft proof bags

I NEVER travel without my theft-proof bags anywhere in the world and I highly recommend purchasing one or two for your trip.

It is better to be safe than sorry and using a theft-proof bag will give you some peace of mind (and protection) when travelling. Whilst I do not want to be alarmist it is important to understand that the UK is not free of crime. A theft proof bag is always on my London packing list.

Pickpockets and petty thieves are around and if you make yourself an easy target (an open purse/handbag or wallet in a back pocket) you may find yourself spending valuable holiday time replacing personal effects and credit cards plus dealing with insurance claims.

travelon bag
Travelon bag
theft proof bag
theft proof bag
Anti theft bag 2
Cross body bag 3
Cross body bag 2
Cross body bag

Theft proof clothing & accessories

There are some great theft-proof accessories and even items of clothing available. Consider purchasing a wallet or purse with RFID Blocking Pockets which can help prevent electronic identity theft. An essential on your packing list for London.

Travelon pouches
credit card blocker
Theft proof card holder
Bra bag
Travel pouch
Scarf
Theft proof scarf
Theft proof T shirt

Electronic items & accessories

Don’t forget an adaptor as this will be something you will definitely need unless you are coming from one of the few countries with the same plugs as the UK. In England the power plugs and sockets are of type G. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. Read more about UK voltage.

Take a charging battery to ensure you can keep your phone and electronics charged especially if you have a day of travel.

Other items worth considering are a Kindle (save on weight allowances) and I love this phone and iPad holder which is perfect for on a plane or train.

Battery charger
Travel adaptor
travel phone holder
Kindle

What to wear on your UK vacation – how to blend in and avoid looking like a tourist!

If you are wondering how to dress in the UK (with the UK weather in mind) and what to pack clothes-wise my suggestion is to think practically. Take clothes that can be layered (whatever the season – cold weather forecast or not!)

Don’t overpack – take a few pairs of jeans, T-shirts, long-sleeved tops, a winter jacket that will keep you warm (and dry!), comfortable walking shoes (a pair of waterproof boots, sneakers) and a couple of scarves. Also consider where you are visiting – smart London clothes will probably not work if you are hiking in the Lake District!

Think – casual and comfortable. Choose neutral colours – black, navy and add colour with your accessories and scarves.

Avoid wearing anything with a Union Jack on it, football shirts (soccer), anything of political nature or combat gear.

Note – if you plan to visit somewhere a little posh (the Ritz for afternoon tea for example) you will need to be dressed smartly (no jeans, sneakers) so pack one ‘dressier’ outfit if that is something you plan to do!

There are lots of ideas and packing tips in our UK packing guide so do check that out for London wardrobe, summer clothes and winter packing essentials but here are some accessory ideas!

Oscar De La Renta Scarf
Oscar De La Renta Scarf
Pashmina
Pashmina

Practical things you will need to add to your UK packing list!

In this section, I have added all the practical items that you will need. Don’t forget a reusable water bottle whatever time of year – it’s a year-round essential!

Washing sheets
Washing line
Washing bags
Washing bag
Premier umbrella
Travel Umbrella 3
Samsonite travel umbrella
Travel Umbrella
Water bottle
First Aid Kit
travel kit man
Travel kit women

Travel books

In addition to this website, you may wish to buy a travel guide book or two. We have lots of suggestions in our article about the best travel guides for UK travel too so do check that out.

Check out our selections of the best books about (or set in) Scotland or England too for some travel reading inspiration.

How to Speak Brit: The Quintessential Guide to the King’s English, Cockney Slang, and Other Flummoxing British Phrases
Understanding The British: A hilarious guide from Apologising to Wimbledon
Top 10 London
Lonely Planet Great Britain
RS London
RS Scotland
RS England

More practical UK travel planning tips and resources

UK TRAVEL TOOLKIT – AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE NOW!

The UK TRAVEL TOOLKIT is the perfect resource to organize and track your itinerary.

It includes pre-travel checklists, pages for essential destination information such as hotel reservations and bookings, a packing list, budget tracking sheets, important contact numbers and addresses, tour information, flight information, car hire, train travel planner, daily travel memories as well as at a glance pages for weekly and daily itineraries.

Available to download and print off or to use as an editable planner on your laptop or iPad this is the ideal tool to reduce stress and stay organised both before and during your trip.

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE AND PURCHASE YOUR COPY

UK Travel Planner Book Cover 6