Ok, here’s the boring post about what I’m taking to London for the five day trip. Once again, I’ve packed too much, because of that old “well there’s still lots of room” trap.
Instead of the carry-on suitcase I took to Sicily (see what I took to Sicily for a two-week holiday here), I’m taking a lightweight backpack which is also water resistant. There will be rain this weekend! I wouldn’t want to carry this on a long walking trip as the straps don’t provide much support, but for the train and underground trips it will be perfect.
The idea is that most things can be layered. The long sleeve green top goes under the colourful sleeveless top, the black tank top goes under everything, the cardigan goes over everything (except the cream long sleeve top which is a bit full), the long sleeve green top goes under the cream long sleeve and so on and so on …
And so on we go!
-
- Everything fits very easily (including the handbag) into this Exped lightweight backpack
-
- Bottoms 1: Will wear these most of the time because of the weather!
-
- Bottoms 2: Believe it or not this is a lovely skirt that fits perfectly. Nice for going to dinner perhaps? Unsure I should be taking this as the weather might mean it’s not so useful
-
- Top 1: Plain black merino wool tank
-
- Top 2: Colourful sleeveless top
-
- Top 3: The hacked dress from April which is now a top – I still haven’t hemmed the bottom but when it’s tucked in no one will know! Shhhh!
-
- Long sleeve 1: Thin green and white stripe cotton top
-
- Long sleeve 2: Cream long-sleeve lightweight top
-
- Jacket 1: Black dressy jacket
-
- Jacket 2: Black cropped cardigan. Can be worn for layering underneath the dressier one
-
- PJs 1: This pair of leggings will be worn around friend’s houses and as PJs
-
- PJs 2: A navy blue and white fine-striped t-shirt made of lovely, breathable, merino wool.
-
- Electronics 1 and 2: iPad mini in case with charger (not shown, which also works for my iPhone, Electronics 2, not shown)
-
- Accessories 1: Black handbag – would have preferred the small cream one I took to Sicily but it can’t fit an umbrella!!
-
- Accessories 2: Green and white spotted cap. I always travel with a hat!
-
- Accessories 3: Black belt
-
- Accessories 4: Black scarf
-
- Accessories 5: Purple scarf
-
- Accessories 6: My jewellery – one necklace, two pairs of ear rings (blue coloured studs not shown) and two rings
-
- Necessities 1: Umbrella!
-
- Necessities 2: Pouch with passport, Rescue Remedy drops (I don’t like flying), tissues, hand wipe, ear plugs, olloclip camera attachment for my iPhone, pen and plastic zip tie
-
- Undergarments: Two bras, two full-brief merino wool undies and two g-strings
-
- Shoes 1: Black sandals with tan straps. They weigh 340 grams as a pair. Hope I get to wear them!
-
- Shoes 2: Black sturdy walking shoes with three pairs of socks
My toiletries and make-up are pretty much what I took on the Camino and to Sicily, but this time instead of the blue travel case, I’ve just put everything into a medium-sized ziplock plastic bag, which you have to take out and show when you’re travelling with hand luggage only. So rather than have both bags, I’ve just packed one.
On the plane, I’ll be wearing the jeans, belt, black sturdy shoes and socks, black tank top, cream long sleeve top, black jacket, jewellery (with green earrings) and black and cream scarf. Everything else, except for the skirt which is a heavy jersey material, fits into a packing cube, including the hat!
Some people hate packing cubes, some love them. I’m in the love camp. Because my backpack has only one large cavity, it’s great to know I can put my hand in there and pull out the clothes bag, which has a handy handle at the top. Shame the black skirt doesn’t fit in, but hey …
All my clothes, except for the skirt, in the cube. You can see the spots of my hat
So in the bag will be the packing cube, a shoe bag with my sandals and two pairs of socks, my black skirt, the iPad, my toiletries ziplock bag and my handbag, which holds all the necessities, including the electronics charger. Oh yes and my wallet. Can’t forget that!
Leo is very kindly coming home to drop me off at Bern train station. Then it’s the train to Basel, flight to Gatwick, then train to central London for a very exciting and much appreciated long weekend with many friends! And a 20-year reunion! Time to get ready 🙂
Wishing you a wonderful day.
fitfor15in15 ... and further 
Have fun!
LikeLike
Thanks Freda, it was a blast! I could live in London again I think (although life here is also great!)
LikeLike
Have a great trip. You are certainly little Miss Organised when it comes to packing. I have never really worked out why traveling light is a virtue (except when you are backpacking) but you certainly have the mix and match thing going well. I need to take some lessons from you for the cruise trip packing – in terms of planning I mean – I am unlikely to travel light. Anyway enough of that – totally enjoy your great break. Lucky you
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was such a joy to be able to walk around during the day with my bag, going from place to place and friend’s house to friend’s house. I didn’t use my iPad much so that was weight I could have done without, but other than that everything was used. Being on the underground without a big bag is also a bonus. Being able to help a woman with many bags, carrying a sleeping five-year old, was also nice. Our flight to London was delayed by three hours, so we arrived way past his bed time and she was struggling.
LikeLiked by 1 person
[…] Originally, I’d planned to take a 22-litre backpack, but it would have been a bit snug, and maybe, just maybe, I might buy something new while I’m there 🙂 (Update: I bought three small bars of soap. That’s it! And if you’d like to see what I packed for a five-day trip to London, click here.) […]
LikeLike
[…] suitcase, which has one side empty, with enough for the week and more. See previous packing efforts here, here and here … I’ve taken the black and white heart dress; the black jacket; a (new) […]
LikeLike