UK Travel Packing Essentials

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.

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!

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.

Medication organisers

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.

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!)

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.

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)

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

More practical UK travel planning tips and resources

• Plan your trip – Follow our 10 steps to plan the UK vacation of your dreams

• Packing – Packing list for UK in all seasons & London in winter packing list

• Transport – Guide to UK transportation & how to get around

• Driving – Guide to renting a car in the UK

• Using your phone in the UK – Guide to all the options

• Cash or card? – Our guide to bringing money to the UK