Lucie Aurore
As one of the most visited cities in the world London welcomes millions of holidaymakers each year. Here is a check-list of the must-pack items for a successful getaway in the British capital.
Renowned for its unpredictable and often damp weather conditions London is not a city where the general rules of packing light apply. Layering is the key to staying warm with the British capital's mood shifting weather patterns as travellers will be prepared for a variety of climate scenarios. Staying dry should also be a priority and a sturdy umbrella or raincoat is another must-have item for a trip to London. Sweaters and jackets with hood as well as scarves and caps also come in handy while a pair of walking shoes is also essential. A durable pair of rain boots will also come in handy when walking along rain drenched London streets.
Londoners are known for their fashionable appearance and are almost always well-dressed. A stylish overcoat, mix and match jackets and minimalistic accessories will be sufficient to create the right impression. Under dressing is a faux pas in the British capital and while one does not have to upgrade one's entire wardrobe to fit British standards one can opt for more layered and textured clothing items when packing for a trip in London.
As a city that is well-connected by the local public transportation network London is a breeze to explore via the tube. Securing an Oyster Card to use the London underground tube network is a must for all travellers as this is the premier travel card for short-stay and long stay visitors. Purchasing a London tube map will also be useful as the maps contain details on all stops along the underground station route. A comprehensive pocket size map of London will also save one time in trying to locate attractions, rest stops and restaurants. Street finders and London A to Z information booklets will also come in handy for those who are on a budget or have limited time to spend in the capital
As in all holiday excursions packing the necessities required to keep one's devices operational is paramount. This is especially important for non-European and stateside travellers as the plugs and adapters available in London hotels may not be compatible with non-European electronics. Chargers and power adapters as well as batteries must also be included in the luggage along with the electronics one hopes to use during the stay (laptop, eReader, and tablet)
As one of the most breathtaking cities in Europe, London is a photography enthusiast's dream come true. Littered with captivating sites such as the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace and the world's first Madame Taussad's Wax Museum documenting the cultural and touristic highlights in London in its entirety will be a challenge for even the most diligent shutterbug. Packing extra memory cards or portable hard drives is compulsory when packing for London for this very reason. Visitors based in Halkin by COMO London or any other luxury hotel central London counts among its centrally located rests will enjoy easy access to the famed sites as the venues are located in the heart of the city.
As a destination that is best explored on foot or on public transportation links visitors hoping tour London would be well advised to bring a carry-on backpack for everyday travel. From storing one's passport and wallet and guidebooks to stowing away souvenirs, travel guides and reading material to keeping one's valuables dry during inclement weather the uses for a backpack in London are countless.
